It's time for male singers!!

Those of you who've been following my blog probably have realized I have a thing for excellent female singers - usually divas, but really anyone who can sing. Well, I decided I need to try and present some male options as well in an attempt to not seem so sexist. So, for attempt number one - I chose my absolute favorite male Broadway singer, Norm Lewis. Norm has been in plenty of things on stage, including the revival of Les Miserables where he played Javert. He also got to sing this role on the 25th anniversary concert in London. He knocks "Stars" out of the park. Even more recently, he was in a Sondheim revue called Sondheim on Sondheim where they used video clips of a Stephen Sondheim interview to help tell the story. The cast also included Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams and Tom Wopat. It was directed by Sondheim collaborator James Lapine. Anyway, Norm sang "Being Alive" from Company (my favorite Sondheim musical!) and it is pretty stellar. Here is a video of him singing the song on Seth Rudetsky's Sirius XM show. Sorry for the not-so-great video quality!

Don't Rain on My Parade

This ultimate diva song from Funny Girl is one of musical theatre's best. The role was originated by Barbara Streisand and made popular again on Glee with Lea Michele singing the great role. I've decided to post three versions of it and let me know which is your favorite! I'm choosing the original - Barbara's live television performance from 1975, a 2002 Broadway Cares, Equity Fights AIDS concert with Lillias White (from the How to Succeed 1995 revival and from Once on this Island), and finally the live Lea Michelle performance at the 2010 Tony's... no auto-tuning here! :)

Go about a minute and a half in to where the song starts!

Glitter and be Kristin

Kristin Chenoweth sings one of my favorite songs from Candide (an operetta by Leonard Bernstein). She is, of course, AMAZING!!!!! There is a nice cameo by the queen diva, Patti LuPone here at the beginning. Background on her character: she is being held captive and shared between two men. She knows this is wrong and horrible, but they keep treating her to all of these nice jewels. Candide is a ridiculous farce that is tons of fun. This entire version is available from Netflix and is well worth your time. Not only is it hilariously entertaining, it is also incredibly well sung. The man playing Candide has a voice to melt anyone's cold, hard heart! :)

Amazing, no?!?!

TED Conference

Two summers ago, I randomly watched this documentary on Netflix streaming about the TED conference. It is basically a high profile meeting of the minds, where everyone presents their ideas/creations/projects/discoveries and networks with one another. This year, I was on Hulu and stumbled across this clip. I think it is a fascinating concept and something I think I've believed in and practiced on some level for awhile - now I feel I have full permission to go with this. Thoughts?

Another Anything Goes Clip

I found another (legal) clip online of Anything Goes. This number is the opening of Act II and is the second "show-stopper" in the production. Sutton, again, is amazing. I love her vocal riffs at the end - and all while mastering the intense movement!! Again, two Wichita people are in the chorus of the show....

Digital Short - Andy Samberg - SNL - A Great Day

This is one of the funniest SNL videos of all time. Don't do drugs, kids.

Audra McDonald is legit!

I first heard Audra McDonald on the recording of the revival of Carousel. Her song, Mister Snow, was enchanting to listen to and I loved hearing her voice. The quality, her nuance - both are insane. Anyway, later, I realized she was kind of a big deal on Broadway having been in tons of shows (Dreamgirls, 110 in the Shade, Ragtime, etc.) She also has several CD's out and performs solo at venues like Lincoln Center. You know, no big deal...

Show Boat is a musical with a fantastic score - one of the best in all of musical theatre. Audra rocks out one of the numbers - Bill. Enjoy her voice and her funny Bill Cosby story! :)