Broadway Babe: Fiddler, Steve & Eydie, Boston Pops and More
Randie Levine-Miller, our Broadway Babe has found some fascinating entertainment videos to share, including: The creative team of Fiddler on the Roof sharing stories, songs and anecdotes about the show’s creation; Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme performing with the Boston Pops; an Ed Sullivan special starring some of the greats of yesteryear; and a documentary about the Shubert Theatre of New Haven, which was a launchpad for many Broadway musicals.
From 1973: Ed Sullivan’s Broadway
This was a truly special Special which was presented on CBS-TV. It was a retrospective of Broadway musicals and Ed’s experiences as a reporter and TV host. It includes some fantastic vintage videos with the legends of yesteryear. This is a must watch for musical theater lovers, especially baby boomers. It is truly entertainment at its finest and includes performances by: Ethel Merman, Michele Lee, Marilyn Michaels, Jack Cassidy, Lou Jacobi, Cyril Richard, Gwen Verdon, Hattie Winston; as well as interviews with Earl Wilson, Joseph Papp and Harold Prince.
“The Shubert of New Haven”
This is an incredible documentary about the legendary theater that was used for out of town tryouts prior to Broadway runs and features performances and some great clips. The theater opened in 1914 and it is still a functioning theater. It has hosted over 600 out-of-town tryouts, including more than 300 world premieres and more than 50 American premieres. This is truly fascinating viewing with several clips of performances.
“Evening at Pops with John Williams”
It doesn’t get much better than this special that aired on PBS TV in 1984. The late, great Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme perform a tribute to Irving Berlin, singing some of Berlin’s greatest hits, as only they could do. (Irving Berlin was 95 at the time.) Steve and Eydie were truly a dynamic duo, both as individual artists, as well as together. They don’t make them like that anymore!
“Broadway I Love You: Bock and Harnick”
This is a true find, This video looks like it was a segment from the American Musical Theater TV show that aired on WCBS TV in the 1960s. Guests: Composer Jerry Bock (at the piano) and Lyricist Sheldon Harnick explore the background of their creating “Fiddler on the Roof” (with book by Joe Stein). They perform songs that made it into the show, as well as songs they tossed, including some songs that changed lyrics In the development process, before becoming the classics that they became. Basically, this is a primer on the making of a hit musical! Sheldon was a master storyteller on and off the stage. It, and they, are totally delicious!
Randie Levine Miller is Director of Special Events for The Three Tomatoes, and co-produces and hosts the annual Tomatoes Got Talent show. Known around NYC as a modern day “hostess with the mostess, she has performed in and hosted benefits for the Actors Fund, the Actors Temple, Multiple Sclerosis, and Prostate Cancer Research. Randie’s performance venues have included: The Triad, The Metropolitan Room, the Laurie Beechman Theater, and the Friars Club. For many years, she was special events director for the Drama Desk Awards. Randie also had a successful 30-year career as a public relations consultant and handled several major health and medical technology clients.
Memories!! My 1st Broadway show was Fiddler!! I was hooked. I have seen usually 2 shows a year since, 1966, Thanks for all the memories!