My Favourite Broadway: The Leading Ladies
| My Favourite Broadway: The Leading Ladies | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Live album by Various artists | ||||
| Released | 1999 | |||
| Recorded | 28 September 1998 | |||
| Genre | Show tune, pop | |||
| Label | TVT Soundtrax | |||
| Julie Andrews chronology | ||||
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My Favourite Broadway: The Leading Ladies is a cast live album recorded at Carnegie Hall on September 28, 1998, as part of PBS's Great Performances series. The concert, also filmed for television broadcast, featured sixteen female performers—many associated with Broadway musicals—presenting a collection of show tunes either from roles they originated, revived, or interpreted anew.[1] Hosted by Julie Andrews, who did not sing in the concert, the event was staged on a Monday night, traditionally a dark night for theaters, allowing for the participation of numerous stars.[2] The show was also released in video (VHS/DVD) by Image Entertainment.[3]
Among the featured performers were Karen Ziemba, Bebe Neuwirth, Lea DeLaria, Faith Prince, Priscilla Lopez, Andrea McArdle, Debra Monk, Nell Carter, Dorothy Loudon, Jennifer Holliday, Elaine Stritch, Linda Eder, Audra McDonald, Marin Mazzie, Judy Kuhn, Patti LuPone, and Betty Buckley. Though some of these artists had not originated roles or were not typically billed as leading ladies, the program still showcased a range of musical theater talent.[2][4] According to the liner notes, Paul Gemignani conducted the American Theater Orchestra for the performance.[1] The live show raised $50,000 for two AIDS charities.[5]
The repertoire included iconic numbers such as "Adelaide's Lament" (Faith Prince), "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" (Jennifer Holliday), "Tomorrow" (Andrea McArdle), "Everybody's Girl" (Debra Monk), "Fifty Percent" (Dorothy Loudon), and "The Ladies Who Lunch" (Elaine Stritch). Other selections included "Nothing" (Priscilla Lopez), "I Can Cook Too" (Lea DeLaria), and a medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hits—"Love Changes Everything” (Audra McDonald), "Unexpected Song" (Mazzie), and "I Don't Know How to Love Him" (Judy Kuhn).[1][4]
Julie Andrews's introduction emphasized her admiration for legendary Broadway figures such as Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, Gertrude Lawrence, Judy Holliday, and Gwen Verdon. However, critics noted that the album did not include appearances by several of Broadway's historically definitive female performers like Gwen Verdon or Angela Lansbury. Additionally, some songs and performances were described as unexpected or unusual entries for a compilation focused on musical comedy’s "leading ladies".[1]
Critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [2] |
| Back Stage | Mixed[6] |
| Billboard | Favorable[4] |
| Playbill | Mixed[1] |
According to Billboard, the album is "a bold, genre-defying project that showcases the artists' vocal prowess and emotional depth." The review highlights the strength of the performances and commends the album's ability to cross musical boundaries. Billboard emphasizes the emotional impact of the interpretations and the commanding stage presence captured in the recording. The critic praises the overall production, noting its polish and expressive force, with particular attention to the collaboration of Broadway legends. The review does not mention significant drawbacks, focusing instead on the standout nature of the project and its contribution to musical theater recordings.[4]
In contrast, William Ruhlmann from AllMusic describes the album as "a surprisingly dark and moody album", and comments that it is "hard to imagine anyone from either the pop or classical world embracing this project". The review notes the theatrical nature of the performances and suggests a limited appeal outside dedicated Broadway audiences.[2] Steven Suskin Playbill states that "this album might find a niche market in fans of vocal experimentation or avant-garde music", but also remarks that "mainstream listeners will likely find it inaccessible". The review highlights the uniqueness of the arrangements and vocal interpretations, while acknowledging that the material may challenge general audiences.[1] Back Stage writes that "though the album’s concept is intriguing, the execution may leave some listeners cold," pointing to an ambitious vision that may not fully resonate with everyone. These reviews emphasize various aspects of the album, including its atmosphere, stylistic choices, and the reactions it may provoke in different listeners.[6]
Commercial performance
[edit]The album did not appear on any Billboard charts. As of September 2000, it had sold 20,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan. An additional 70,000 units were sold through PBS and other outlets not tracked by SoundScan.[7]
Track listing
[edit]Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from the liner notes of My Favourite Broadway: The Leading Ladies.[8]
- Concepted and produced by Allen Newman, Jeff Rowland, Tony Adams
- Directed by Paul Gemignani
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Suskin, Steven (14 November 1999). "On the record: It Seems I've Heard That Song Before | Playbill". Playbill. Archived from the original on 16 January 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ a b c d Ruhlmann, William. "My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies - Var... | AllMusic". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 22 June 2012. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ Bessman, Jim (29 January 2000). "DVD revives longform music videos". Billboard. Vol. 112, no. 15. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. pp. 77, 79. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ a b c d Paoletta, Michael (19 December 1999). "My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 51. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 36. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ Holden, Stephen (30 September 1998). "Music Review; All Stars, All Ladies, All Glitter, All Night". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 27 May 2015. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ a b Rosenberg, David A (9 December 1999). "Ladies who lead". Back Stage. Vol. 40, no. 49. New York. p. 19. ISSN 0005-3635. ProQuest 221103120.
- ^ Newman, Melinda (16 September 2000). "Garth's 100 mil. in sales earns a party; favorite Broadway love songs in concert". Billboard. Vol. 112, no. 38. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 18. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
- ^ Various artists (1999). My Favourite Broadway: The Leading Ladies (liner notes). TVT Soundtrax. TVT 2010-2.