25 Great TV and Film Musical Moments

Doesn't it seem that over the last few seasons we've had a proliferation of TV specials dealing with a "Best of" or "Greatest of" moments in music, TV, celebrity weddings, etc.?

I do enjoy watching these specials every now and then, if only for the moment when the #1 whatever is revealed. Although I'm usually left wondering WHY the producers thought the #1 whatever was truly so wonderful. Maybe because most of them have the maturity of the average 13-year-old.

In tribute to these thought-provoking television guilty pleasures, I have compiled my own top 25 greatest musical moments in TV and movie. Not all of these come from musicals, but they never fail to provoke my hitting the REWIND button on my DVR or DVD player so I can watch them again.

NOTES: This list is entirely my opinion based on my countless hours of TV and movie watching. Nothing scientific, informed or high-brow implied. If you have other favorites you'd like to share, add them to the Guestbook. Also, you may have to hit the REFRESH button on your browser to get some of the graphics or video clips to appear (some type of Squidoo bug, I'm guessing).

Without further ado, here's the countdown, starting with No. 25...

25 - THE LADIES WHO LUNCH

from the film "CAMP" (2003)

This film about a performing arts summer camp naturally lent itself to performances of several well-known showtunes throughout. A particular standout is the aforementioned Stephen Sondheim (who has a cameo appearance) classic capably belted by young Tony Award nominee Anna Kendrick ("High Society").

Camp

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Release Date: 02/24/2004

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Camp

Camp Soundtrack

Release Date: 07/22/2003

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Camp

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Release Date: 08/12/2009

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Camp- Music From The Motion Picture (Piano, Vocal, Chords)

by: Camp

Vocal Selections Sheet Music

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24 - LIFE AIN'T WORTH LIVING (WHEN YOU'RE DEAD)

from the film SING (1989)

A B-grade "Fame" rip-off about a singing competition between students at a crumbling inner city high school. Fast forward through the entire film and stop when you get to this snappy Dean Pitchford ditty sung by Cyndi Lauper-esque Rachel Sweet which takes place in a graveyard and ends in a human pyramid that accidentally collapses. Trust me on this one. (NOTE: As far as I know, this film is not out on DVD. Only available on VHS.)

Sing [VHS]

Release Date: 06/02/1998

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SING (Songs from movie of the same title)

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23. - THE PRODUCERS FINALE

from the HBO series CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (2002)

I was never a huge "Seinfeld" follower so imagine my surprise at actually becoming hooked on "Seinfeld" creator Larry David's HBO series. Even if this type of comedy is not your cup of laughs, I urge you to rent or buy Season Four where Larry is approached by Mel Brooks to take over the role of Max Bialystock in the Broadway run of THE PRODUCERS (with FRIENDS star David Schwimmer as Leo and PRODUCERS star Cady Huffman and director Susan Stroman playing themselves). As Larry can't really sing or dance, he is naturally reluctant to do it but eventually accepts. Throughout the season, the PRODUCERS gig becomes the running gag culminating in the season finale where we finally see David and Schwimmer shtick their way through several PRODUCERS' tunes. The real genius of this episode is that is essentially a spoof of the plot of THE PRODUCERS. We realize toward the end that Mel only cast Larry because he is sick of all the PRODUCERS hoopla and was sure that Larry would bomb and force the show to close! However, in true PRODUCERS fashion, the audience warms to Larry's off-beat antics and gives him a standing ovation.

Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Fourth Season

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Frolic (Theme From Curb Your Enthusiasm)

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22 - IF MY FRIENDS COULD SEE ME NOW

from the TV series CAROLINE IN THE CITY (1999)

In one of the final episodes of the series, cartoonist Caroline (Lea Thompson) is stricken with writer's block when trying to come with an idea for her 2000th comic strip leading her to fantasize what she would do if she wasn't a cartoonist. One of the choices - a Broadway singer/dancer! Castmates Malcolm Gets (Richard), Amy Pietz (Annie) and Eric Lutes (Del) join her in a nicely-staged version of this "Sweet Charity" showstopper. (NOTE: Only the first season of "Caroline" is currently available on DVD. It doesn't include the musical episode featured in this article.)

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" Caroline in the City "

by: Fred Barron, Marco Pennette, Dotti Dartland

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21 - PROTOCOLIGORICALLY CORRECT

from the film THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE (1976)

I tend to refer to this movie as "the other Cinderella musical." While well-acted and featuring several lovely tunes by MARY POPPINS composers Richard and Robert Sherman, it suffers from a lack of a really good script. One of the bright spots is a musical lesson in political diplomacy and etiquette performed with aplomb by British actors Michael Hordern (The King) and Kenneth More (Lord Chamberlain).

The Slipper and the Rose

Release Date: 08/21/2007

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The Slipper and the Rose (1976 Film Soundtrack)

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Slipper And The Rose: The Story of Cinderella: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

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20 - I LOVE TO BOOGIE

from the film BILLY ELLIOT (2000)

Most of us who perform can remember a moment when our talents were so validated that it gave us permission to finally let go and truly be ourselves onstage. That what I enjoyed the most about this particular segment in "Billy Elliot." We finally get to see the actual joy this young man gets from his love of dance. His talent may be uncertain, but his dedication is not.

Billy Elliot

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Jamie Bell, Celebrity Photograph, 10x8

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Billy Elliot. I will dance.

by: Melvin Burgess

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Billy Elliot

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19 - BALL OF CONFUSION

from the film SISTER ACT (1993)

Having been in several horrendous productions of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, I always had an aversion of singing nuns. This campy number by Whoopi Goldberg and company (coupled with the NUNSENSE musicals) changed my mind completely. Don't let the penguin suit fool you - nuns can be fun!

Sister Act

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Sister Act 2 [VHS]

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Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit - Songs From The Motion Picture Soundtrack

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Sister Act - Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook

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18 - NOW AND FOREVER

from the film A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (1992)

While most people preferred Madonna's "This Used To Be My Playground" during the closing credits, I was all over this wonderfully mellow, upbeat song written and performed by one of my favorite singer/composers, Carole King, during the opening credits.

A League of Their Own (Special Edition)

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17 - THE SUN AIN'T GONNA SHINE ANYMORE

from the film TRULY MADLY DEEPLY (1991)

One of my all-time most-watched British films is this intensely emotional drama of Nina (Juliet Stevenson), a translator who can't seem to let go of her grief for her dead musician lover Jamie (Alan Rickman) until his ghost appears and helps her find love again among the living. In one of the film's lighter moments, Nina and Jamie reminisce about their relationship and burst into one of their favorite songs.

Truly Madly Deeply

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Truly, Madly, Deeply

by: Anthony Minghella

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16 - THERE ARE THOSE

from the film THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE (1967)

This Disney musical, released a few years after MARY POPPINS and the final live-action project personally supervised by Walt Disney, is a charming early 20th -Century tale based a real-life character, eccentric Philadelphia millionaire Anthony Drexel Biddle (played by "My Three Sons" star Fred McMurray). Like THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE, the Sherman Brothers provided a snappy score. I loved nearly every tune in this film, but my diva self was particularly drawn to the catty, witty THERE ARE THOSE performed by two snobbish society grand dames - the nouveau riche Mrs. Duke (Geraldine Page) and "old money" matron Mrs. Drexel (Gladys George).

The Happiest Millionaire

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The Happiest Millionaire (Walt Disney's)

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THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE: A Movie Souvenir Book

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15 - MIAMI (YOU'VE GOT STYLE)

from the TV series THE GOLDEN GIRLS (1986)

In this episode from the show's second season, Dorothy (Bea Arthur) and Rose (Betty White) collaborate on a song about Miami to win $10,000 songwriting competition. All you "Golden Girls" fanatics out there, SING IT WITH ME NOW: "Miami, Miami you've got style. / Blue skies, sunshine, white sand by the mile. / When you live in this town, each day is sublime. / The coldest of winters, are warm and divine." Okay, so it's not exactly Rodgers & Hammerstein, but I like it. (NOTE: The Miami song is featured in the episode entitled "Big Daddy's Little Girl.")

The Golden Girls - The Complete Second Season

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Thank You for Being a Friend: A Golden Girls Trivia Book

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The Q Guide to The Golden Girls (Pop Culture Out There Guide)

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14 - PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ

from the film YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974)

I dare you not to absolutely enchanted by the wacky charm of Peter Boyle and Gene Wilder performing an Irving Berlin classic as it had never been performed before or since. (Although Roger Bart and Shuler Hensley in the recent Broadway version come pretty close.)

Young Frankenstein

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Young Frankenstein: Dialogue & Music From Original Soundtrack

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Young Frankenstein: The New Mel Brooks Musical

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Young Frankenstein - Mel Brooks - New Movie Poster - 27x39 Movie Poster

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Young Frankenstein Piano Vocal Selections

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13 - THE RAINBOW CONNECTION

from the film THE MUPPET MOVIE (1979)

Next to "Hello My Baby" sung by the Looney Tunes cartoon frog, this is best song ever warbled by a man-made amphibian. Come to think of it, I believe it's the ONLY Oscar-nominated song every warbled by a man-made amphibian. Quite an accomplishment.

The Muppet Movie

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Muppet Movie, The 11"x17" Framed Poster

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1979 The Muppet Movie Soundtrack

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12 - OVER YOU

from the film TENDER MERCIES (1983)

Robert Duvall won an Oscar for his remarkable portrayal of a self-destructive former country singer redeemed by the love of a good woman (Tess Harper). But the highlight for me was Broadway diva Betty Buckley (playing Duvall's volatile superstar ex-wife) displaying her signature belt in this absolutely gorgeous country-pop ballad during a concert segment.

Tender Mercies

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11 - WE'RE HAVING A BABY

from the TV series I LOVE LUCY (1953)

In one of the sitcom's most touching episodes, Lucy finds out she's pregnant and keeps getting constantly interrupted when she tries to break the news to Ricky. She devises a unique way to tell him - she shows up at the club and has one of the waiters slip Ricky a note that one of the ladies in the audience is having a baby and would like Ricky to sing "We're Having a Baby" as a way to give her husband the news. Ricky complies and goes to each table to try and find out who made the request. He reaches the table where Lucy is sitting alone and she indicates that she sent the note. The moment is made all the more real by the fact that Lucy was actually pregnant with son Desi Arnaz Jr. at the time. Desi Jr.'s birth several weeks later happened on the same day Lucy Ricardo gave birth to "Little Ricky" on television.

I Love Lucy - The Complete Second Season

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I Love Lucy: The Complete Picture History of the Most Popular TV Show Ever, Authorized by the Lucille Ball Estate

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Barbie as Lucy From "I Love Lucy": Sales Resistance Episode 45

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10 - THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT

from the film PETER'S FRIENDS (1992)

HIV-positive Peter (Stephen Fry) reunites his former college pals (Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, Imelda Staunton and Alphonsia Emmanuel) for a New Year's weekend at his family's country estate. With equal parts drama and comedy, we learn that all of them have gone on to lead rather complicated, somewhat unhappy lives. Determined to forget their troubles for a short time, they converge around the parlor piano for an impromptu, rather lovely, rendition of this Jerome Kern/Dorothy Fields classic.

Peter's Friends

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Peter's Friends

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9 - I SAY A LITTLE PRAYER FOR YOU

from the film MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING (1997)

I wish Julia Roberts did more screwball comedies like this one. She certainly has a talent for them. But her co-star, Rupert Everett, absolutely ran away with the scene in which he gets an entire seafood restaurant (complete with lobster-bib clad diners) to launch into one of Bacharach & David best-loved pop hits during a rehearsal dinner. Honorable mention: Cameron Diaz's "so-bad-but-so-adorable-we-have-to-forgive-her" karaoke crooning of another Bacharach/David tune, "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself."

My Best Friend's Wedding (Special Edition)

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My Best Friend's Wedding: Music From The Motion Picture

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MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING MOVIE SCRIPT SCREENPLAY

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8 - THEME FROM "IT'S GARRY SHANDLING'S SHOW"

from the Showtime TV series IT'S GARRY SHANDLING'S SHOW (1986-90)

A few years ago, I saw a special on TV Land that counted down the top TV theme songs of all time. This one was mentioned, but I don't think it made the top ten. Big mistake in my humble opinion. This ditty is #1 and holding on my personal TV theme hit parade. Basically a theme song about writing a theme song, its slightly self-indulgent overtone is the perfect introduction to a series about the equally self-indulgent imaginary life of comedian Shandling. Sheer brilliance. (NOTE: Not available on video, but can heard on the following YouTube clip from the series pilot.)

curated content from YouTube

7 - I AM THE VERY MODEL OF A MODERN MAJOR GENERAL

from the TV series MAD ABOUT YOU (1997)

I don't get hooked on reruns on many TV shows, but if I happen to catch an episode of "Mad About You" while channel-surfing, the remote goes no further. While wife Jamie (Helen Hunt) battles severe post-partum depression, Paul (Paul Reiser) is roped into directing a charity performance of, in his words, "the world's oldest cast of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE" including his dad Bert (Louis Zorich) as the Major General and mom Sylvia (the fabulous Cynthia Harris) as one of the General's daughters. To Paul's frustration, Bert can barely get through his big solo number during rehearsal and Paul agonizes that his dad will be humiliated on opening night. Though Bert does indeed forget his lyrics he nevertheless manages to bring down the house by substituting the words with fatherly, but somewhat embarrassing, anecdotes from his son's childhood.

The Mad About You Collection

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Mad About You - The Final Frontier

by: Andrew Gold, Anita Baker, Paul Reiser & Helen Hunt, The Young Rascals, Etta James, Sarah McLachlan, Eric Martin, Elvis Costello, Marc Cohn, John Lennon, Faith Hill, Lyle Lovett, Julia Fordham

"The Final Frontier" ("Mad About You" theme song) and tunes inspired by the series

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6 - HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN/GET HAPPY

from the TV series THE JUDY GARLAND SHOW (1963)

Truly a "Battle of the Belters" pairing established superstar Garland with future superstar Barbra Streisand in a medley of one of each performer's signature songs. I have to give Streisand special kudos for her remarkable restraint during the more powerhouse vocal moments. She could have easily blown Garland out of the water, but wisely chose not to drown out and upstage the veteran performer. Babs, you got class.

The Judy Garland Show, Vol. 05 (Shows 7 & 9)

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The Judy Garland Show Collection, Vol. 2

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That Old Feeling: Classic Ballads from The Judy Garland Show

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5 - YOU MAKE ME FEEL (LIKE A NATURAL WOMAN)

from the TV series MURPHY BROWN (1992)

I grieved when "Murphy Brown" went off the air in 1998. How was I going to get by without my favorite TV reporter/bitch goddess/role model? But I survived. Highest on my Murphy memory list is the episode of the birth of Murphy's son, Avery (played in the final years of the show by SIXTH SENSE child star Haley Joel Osment). Murphy navigated through unplanned single motherhood kicking and screaming. However, as happens with many new moms, all her insecurities lessened the moment she held her son in her arms for the first time. As colleague Frank captures the entire scene on video, she softly croons a few bars of one of her favorite Aretha Franklin songs to her baby. (NOTE: This episode is not yet available on DVD. You must watch the following YouTube clip in its entirety to hear the song.)

curated content from YouTube

4 - SEND IN THE CLOWNS

from the British TV series THE PEBBLE MILL SHOW (1995)

All Sondheim addicts argue endless about which of his works is the best. For me, the ultimate Sondheim masterpiece is "A Little Night Music." Between live and recorded performances I've had the opportunity to listen to approximately eight different ladies tackle the role of Desiree. In my opinion, the only one who managed to successfully explore this complex character's many layers is Dame Judi Dench. With infinite skill and grace, Dench in "Clowns" manages to subtly convey Desiree's inner turmoil at being rejected by the love of the life while putting on her best "actor's face" for his benefit. The British TV chat show "Pebble Mill" devoted an entire program to the '95 National Theatre production of "Night Music" starring Dench and Lawrence Guittard including "Clowns" and other selections by cast members Sian Phillips and Joanne Riding. Not available on video, fortunately, it has been posted on YouTube - enjoy!

Judi Dench - Send In the Clowns, 1996

Her Olivier Award winning performance from "A Little Night Music", given here on a British talkshow as a promo spot done during the run on London's West End in 1996.

curated content from YouTube

3 - HE'S A TRAMP

from the film LADY & THE TRAMP (1955)

Certainly one of the hippest, jazziest tunes ever written for a Disney film, "He's A Tramp" is wonderfully sung by vampish pooch Peg (voiced by the tune's co-writer, the late great Peggy Lee) as she educates naive cocker spaniel Lady about the rascal she's mixed up with. I can't help but smile each time I hear Peg shout out "What a DOG!"

Lady and the Tramp (50th Anniversary Edition)

Release Date: 02/28/2006

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Walt Disney's Lady And The Tramp: Classic Soundtrack Series

Release Date: 09/16/1997

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Disney's Lady and the Tramp: Classic Storybook

by: Jamie Simons

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Lady and The Tramp Walt Disney Limited Edition Animation Cel, Framed

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Disney Lady & the Tramp Travel Buddy Lady Pillow Plush

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2 - FINALE

from the TV special THE FORD'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW (1953)

If you're a superstitious chanteuse type like myself, you tend to have a good luck charm that you carry with you from gig to gig. For years, my personal talisman was a publicity photo of the sublime Ethel Merman and the equally divine Mary Martin taken during the Ford 50th Anniversary Show. I was sure that with Ethel and Mary close by, my performance was in the bag (and I was often right). So naturally when the DVD was released in '04, I snatched it up right away. The special ends with an astonishing 13-minute "dueling divas" medley as each lady belts out her greatest hits. Wonderful portrait of two extremely talented legends at the top of their game.

Mary Martin and Ethel Merman - Their Legendary Appearance on the Ford 50th Anniversary Show

Release Date: 07/27/2004

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The Ford 50th Anniversary Show

Release Date: 08/31/2004

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The Ethel Merman Collection

Release Date: 07/15/1997

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Mary Martin Sings, Richard Rodgers Plays

Release Date: 01/01/1993

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1 - FIFTY PERCENT

from the PBS special MY FAVORITE BROADWAY - THE LEADING LADIES (1999)

A little background on why this is on the top of my list. Anyone who knows me well has seen me perform FIFTY PERCENT from the flop musical BALLROOM at least twice. It's my favorite audition piece and has gotten me more callbacks than any other piece in my audition repertoire. I don't think I do this number all that well, but, for some strange reason, folks seem to like my version of it. So who am I to argue with a paying audience? But I digress. In 1998, I was privileged to be in the audience at Carnegie Hall for the PBS TV taping of "My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies." Imagine my delight when I looked at my program and discovered that not only was FIFTY PERCENT on the bill, but it would be performed by the original star - Dorothy Loudon! I broke into tears the moment Dorothy opened her mouth and didn't stop until she left the stage. I knew that I would probably never get another chance to see her perform this number live again. And I was right. But I can pop the DVD into my player and relive the magic any time I want. It doesn't get much better than that.

My Favorite Broadway - The Leading Ladies

Release Date: 12/14/1999

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My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies

Release Date: 11/16/1999

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Broadway Baby

Release Date: 05/21/1996

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Saloon

Release Date: 06/30/1992

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Ligia's Other Sites & Squidoo Pages

Mostly for musical theatre addicts like myself....

Please give my Squidoo pages some love. Bookmark 'em, rank 'em - whatever moves you. My personal websites have lots of great features that I hope you enjoy.

Broadway Cafe Society.com: My main website. Celebrity interviews, musical theatre quiz, monthly columns and more.
Broadway Cafe Society on MySpace: Broadway Cafe Society's MySpace page
Broadway Cafe Society Video Showcase (Squidoo): This special Squidoo page features Broadway musical-themed videos from YouTube's vast library. Lots of fun and rare stuff. Updated every couple of weeks.
Small World Isn't It (Blog): The official Broadway Cafe Society.com blog. Updated when we have something that needs to be said. In other words, not often!
Broadway Cafe Society Radio: Showtune internet radio station on the Live365 Radio Network.
Broadway Cafe Society Radio at Squidoo: Broadway Cafe Society Radio's Squidoo page.
Showtune Nation Gift Shop: Musical theatre-themed t-shirts and gifts for men, women and children. Original designs created especially for Showtune Nation (no Broadway show logo shirts or gifts).
Showtune Nation at Squidoo: Showtune Nation's Squidoo page.
Artsy Footsies: Women's Casual Shoes & Gifts: KEDS brand sneakers and slip-on for women with my own whimsical custom made graphics. Each shoe design has a coordinating t-shirt, hat, tote bag, mug and keychain. If you love over-the-top fashion statements, check out ARTSY-FOOTSIES SHOES today!
Artsy-Footsies at Squidoo: Artsy-Footsies Shoes' Squidoo page.

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MarcoG MarcoG Sep 15, 2008 @ 6:11 pm

Great lens - I just started a group for all things theatrical, come and have a look: http://www.squidoo.com/groups/theatricality :)

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debnet debnet Jul 14, 2008 @ 3:08 pm

great lens! Well done 5*

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25 Great TV and Film Musical Moments