Mary Testa

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:15am

Let's just have a thread devoted to one of the most brilliant performers of our time.

It's hard to argue how atonishing this woman really is.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:19am

Wow. Nothing like Mary Testa.

So many great recordings...In Trousers, Ziegfield Follies, Infinite Joy...and she is great in her track on "Broadway Unplugged".

Where is her solo cd?!?! She is on the top of my list of stars in need of a solo album.

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:20am

Ah, I love her on the Lucky Stiff cast recording. Her performance as Rita, even on a studio recording, is absolutely perfect.

ETA: Just editing to change my idiotic type of soundtrack to cast recording. I feel dirty.
Updated On: 10/31/05 at 10:20 AM

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:25am

Cough, cast recording, cough.

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:26am

Oh my GOD! I can't believe I just effing did that. I have never done that before and I am usually the first pissy person to jump all over that.

Running to edit.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:28am

Lol, I was going to say...of all people Patronus.

I'm glad we didn't get into the "a soundtrack and cast recording are the same thing" argument. Hehe.

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:32am

There is no excuse. Perhaps I did it because I am multitasking this morning, but I am going to write:

Musical theatre productions on CD are Cast Recordings NOT Soundtracks.

500 times on the chalk board. :)

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:34am

"Now I've gotta go to Monte Carlo! I've got ta find this man."

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:34am

Lol. I'm gonna have Mary Testa come over and belt real high in your ear.

Though, you may enjoy that...

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:38am

I actually would enjoy that.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:42am

Me too. I was in the front row for "First Lady Suite" and she was practically belting in my ear. It was pure heaven.

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:44am

I am giving serious thought to selling my SWIWS tickets in NY because I'd really love to see the OBC of Spelling Bee and I just don't enough spots open.

My ONLY hesitation is missing out on one woman...and it isn't Indiana Metzelbaum.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:45am

Her numbers in SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE are heartstopping.

Greatest story ever:

I sent a little note backstage before SEE saying how I've been a fan following her work for quite some time and how I'd seen the show the week before and blahblahblah. Well, after the show, she came out (which supposedly she doesn't often do) holding the note and said, "Where's Steven?!". So, I spoke up. And we spoke for a while, got a picture and she was just... totally sweet.

Great times!

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:46am

Testa is by all reports, amazing in SWIWS. A friend told me she brought him to tears with her solo in the 2nd Act. I cannot wait for the cast recording.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 10:48am

She is a big sweetheart. I met her briefly once, and she was nothing but kind. Very nice, and very serious about her art and creating vibrant new work. What's not to love?

[BrookArtsCenter]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 11:14am

Mary is a treasure. Back in the early 80's, she and I were cast in "Trixie True, Teen Detective" at the Forum Theatre in NJ, she was Madame Olga, I was Wilhelm. She and I sang and danced a duet, "A Katzenjammer Kinda Song". She was a joy to work with.

I still stay in touch with her and we get together every few years (recently, at the opening of LEND ME A TENOR at George Street). Last year, Annie Golden (another sweetheart) did a fundraiser for us and Mary gave her a message for me. Now, there are two talents I'd love to get on a stage (especially my stage) together -- Mary Testa and Annie Golden. Two great ladies, both with pipes to die for.

But, I digress. To sum up, Mary is the best.

[Demitri2]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 11:16am

I love Mary Testa! Saw her twice in "42nd Street" and once in "On The Town". She is a musical comedy treasure and I only hope she remains in the theater and we don't lose her to sitcoms someday. Greedy of me...yes but she's just too wonderful to not see on the stage every season.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 11:16am

Annie Golden is the best!

[AuditioningWaitress]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 3:30pm

Mary Testa is a goddess! She is so funny! I love Annie Golden too!

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 3:46pm

Her 2nd act showstopper - "There Will Be a Miracle" - in SWIWS is DEFINATELY a tearjerker.

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 3:52pm

I'm sad I missed her Mama Morton this past Spring.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 4:10pm

God, I love Mary Testa. She's simply astonishing in every respect. I've seen her in over a dozen shows in the past 20 years, and she NEVER dissapoints.

[Jwaa]

Posted: 11/1/05 at 3:35pm

I would kill to see her live!!

i really need to get up to date on my mary testa stuff....

she is ultimately one of my favourite vocalists, but it appears she has recorded more than i thought...

love her in In Trousers and Lucky Stiff

X

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 11/1/05 at 3:37pm

Mary Testa is basically the poster girl for my favorite composer - her, Audra, and Marc.

[Songsstresss]

Posted: 11/1/05 at 6:38pm

I saw SWIWS this past Saturday and honestly, hadn't really heard of Mary Testa too much before going in to the show... My boyfriend and I both agreed she stole that show. Her vocals and acting were just BEYOND amazing. She made everyone else look like an amature. Her experience and expertise shines on that stage and I am so glad I was exposed to her talent.