It’s the 50th anniversary of Carol King’s legendary album, “Tapestry.” And you will love this 1993 concert. Lee Roy Reams is a “tomato” favorite and you will see why in his interview, and his amazing performance from the Hollywood Bowl. And think back to the glamorous Regan White House and watch this Broadway Tribute at the White House.

Carol King in Concert

The first is a 1971 concert filmed by the BBC with just Carol playing the piano and singing. Then following that concert is her singing with James Taylor. That is followed by 1993– Carole King in Concert which is is pure joy… This musical legend is a national treasure whose songs have stood the test of time… and so has she!  A treat for Tomatoes of all ages.

White House Salute to Broadway – 1988

From 1988, the always wonderful “In Performance At The White House:Showstoppers:A Musical Salute to Broadway…(hosted by the Reagans) starring: Jerry Orbach, Larry Kert, Pamela Myers, Judy Kuhn, Larry Kert, Pearl Bailey and Jerry Herman. Marvin Hamlisch musical directs and is master of ceremonies… A delicious respite from watching the news, this nostalgic turn features the performers singing their showstopping songs. 

Sidebar: 2 years later, Marvin returned to the Camp Geneva campgrounds in the Poconos for our 1990 Summer Camp Reunion where he was the music counsellor and composer of the camp’s weekly shows in the 1960’s. He sat down at the old upright piano and played camp songs…when I asked him to perform some of his hits, he responded: “No, I’m only playing what I’ve been asked to play!” It was as though he was transported back in time to his teenage years, when he was an employee of the camp’s owners.He was truly humbled going back to his roots..

A Chat with Lee Roy Reams

Jim Morgan, Producing Artistic Director of the York Theatre in conversation with legendary Broadway song and dance man, Tony Award nominated Lee Roy Reams, should be called “Dishing with Lee Roy”! Lee Roy is one of the best raconteurs in show business and has the greatest sense of humor, as you’ll see.  The event is basically a look back on Lee Roy’s decades long career and life in the “biz”…. I advise you to pee before watching!

I love Jim and his decades long passion with the York Theatre, especially when they’re up and running, and have supported them for many years. When I was special events director for the Drama Desk, we gave them a special award for their “vital contributions to theater by developing and producing new musicals”. 

Sidebar:  Lee Roy is a close friend who adds sizzle (and sometimes shock!) to my monthly “Randie’s Roundtables” where he’s a “regular”…. The Roundtable is a spinoff of the legendary “Algonquin Roundtable”, but without the snobbery and elitism..In addition, whenever I’ve asked Lee Roy to perform at one of my events, he’s quick to say, “What time do you need me?” ….He has to be one of the most generous people in show business. I’m so lucky to have him as my pal on and off the stage.

Jerry Herman’s Broadway at the Hollywood Bowl (from 1993)

A totally uplifting and joyful tribute concert.. Lee Roy Reams, who was adored by Jerry, opens the show and truly stops the show with songs and his impersonations of all of Broadway’s Dollys…. Leslie Uggams follows impersonating and spoofing a Jewish Dolly!…… also included: Lorna Luft, Bea Arthur, Rita Moreno, Carol Channing, with a fabulous finale with Jerry at the piano…. this video is not the entire show, but omg, I was totally goose flesh from start to finish and hopefully, you will be too…. I’d kill to get ahold of the entire video… In the meantime, enjoy what was “The Best of Times”!