The Last Smash Hit Operetta
By Peter Filichia — It was recorded in June of 1959, but stayed in print for only three years. And yet, most musical theater enthusiasts covet the recording of Song of Norway by the Jones Beach Marine Theatre’s revival cast. They feel that the score has been well served in both performance and sound on […]
Nightclubbin’ on Broadway
By Peter Filichia — Nightclubs are expensive and crowded and offer not-so-hot food. They were even worse when they were smoke-filled. Nevertheless, the musical theater greatly appreciates that such places exist, for they’ve played host to some of our best songs. Musicals set in the good ol’ U.S. of A. have taken us to nightclubs […]
The Highs and Lows of Highlights Albums
By Peter Filichia — The choice is yours: You can get a single disc that will give you a good deal of music from Ain’t Misbehavin’, Allegro, Children of Eden, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Most Happy Fella, Ragtime, Sweeney Todd and The Who’s Tommy. Or you can get a much more complete two-disc set of […]
Guest Blog: Reflections of Theatre Going
By Ruth DeSarno The 35th anniversary of Chicago has given me an opportunity to think back and reflect on a wealth of memories. I saw Chicago at least three times over the years. The first time was at the 46th Street Theater (Playbill, yes) although I’m not sure of the exact date (ticket stub, no). […]
Say Yes to Optimism
By Peter Filichia “But perhaps the most American part of this truly American art form is its optimism. Broadway music calls us to see the best in ourselves and in the world around us.” So said President Obama last Monday night from the East Room during “The White House Music Series Event Saluting Broadway.” And […]
