Not that anyone is likely to care, but I thought the two numbers from Kiss Me, Kate were very endearing. "Wunderbar" began with a touch of humor, and was sung "enchantingly" by Marin and BSM. It was something I could put on repeat and listen to a half dozen times. (Love waltzes generally). And I would put her "So In Love" up there with anyone's.
She was active in that two or three episode PBS series My Favorite Broadway hosted by Julie Andrews. I wish they could bring it, or something like it, back. Full of interesting performances, some not so good for me but worth it for the happy surprises.
Karen Ziemba and Bebe Neuwirth began with "Nowadays" and "Hot Honey Rag," which is a fine way to start any show. At the New York Pops gala Bebe was still doing Chicago: "All That Jazz."
We had Marin singing BB&B. Is there any decent female vocalist who doesn't sing/record this. Ella in her Rodgers and Hart songbook was the first I heard it with extended lyrics. When Marin finished the Intro and launched into the chorus the audience applauded like they hadn't know what song was coming from the intro.
One of those surprises occurs when Linda Eder came out and slays "Man of La Mancha." Isn't that due for a revival. I was always unhappy that there were so many pop versions of "Impossible Dream" and few got to hear Richard Kiley.
Another surprise and highlight was young Anna Kendricks who appeared with the Cabaret Kit Kat Girls at their sleaziest to sing "Life Upon the Wicked Stage" from Showboat. Broad fun with Kendricks pretty amazing at that age.
Also Karen Ziemba with a playful rendition of "I Wanna Be a Rockette" with the real Rockettes.
Audra was highlighted twice. Solo she sang "Down with Love," the Harold Arlen song not surprisingly a favorite of Judy Garland. Once the performance was underway, Audra shifted into overdrive, going quickly into and out of snatches of other songs, including "Mr Snow," at breakneck speed. One you would want to see.
But to me the vocal highlight was provided in part by Lloyd Webber. If anyone is still here, Audra, Marin, and Judy Kuhn came out in succession and sang "Love Changes Everything," "Unexpected Song," and "I Don't Know How to Love Him." I have to say that Audra was just the most regal out there with "Love Changes Everything." Listening to that, I could understand (well, almost) why she has six Tonys while Kelli and Kristin split two. All three of them came back on the stage following Judy and kicked around all three songs in every different combination of singers and songs, but ending all together on "love will never, never let you be the same."
Oh, and for the hard core anti-Webbers, Elaine Stritch closes with a certain song from Company.
