Our Broadway babe, Randie Levine-Miller has come up with some musical theater finds, Including: The Actors Fund benefit performance of a concert of the musical within the musical, “Smash” about Marilyn Monroe; Found some old clips of the original stars of “On a Clear Day, You Can See Forever” performing; video following the delightful Kristen Chenoweth, as she performs and interacts with friends and colleagues; as well as leading opera stars in concert performing songs from Broadway musicals

“Bombshell” the Musical

This was a one night only Broadway benefit concert for The Actors Fund in 2015. It was the fictional show from “Smash” that musicalizes the life story of Marilyn Monroe. It was written by Tony Award-winning songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman. I remember that it was the hottest ticket in town and sold out the day tickets went on sale. This concert version starred Christian Borle, Megan Hilty, Will Chase, Catherine McPhee and Debra Messing. More than $800,000 was raised that night for The Actors Fund!

“A Celebration of the American Musical Part 2”

Performed at Avery Fisher Hall in 1997, aired on Great Performances on PBS-TV with opera stars performing Broadway favorites: Frederica Von Stade, Marilyn Horne, Jerry Hadley, Renee Fleming, Samuel Ramey, Dwayne Croft, Elisabeth Futral. An incredible find and omg. those voices! The American Theater Orchestra is conducted by Broadway veteran musical director, Paul Gemignani. A must-see for musical theater lovers!

This was sent to me by dear friend, Josh Ellis who says: “Not politically correct by 2024 standards and some of the singing is a bit over-refined, but it’s still vastly enjoyable and occasionally amusing.  The finale, “Make Our Garden Grow,” is spine-tinging!  And there’s a musical treat after that.  Don’t stop watching too soon.”

Kristin Chenoweth-A Day in the Life of

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Tony Award-winning Broadway star, concert artist, and popular movie actress, Kristen Chenoweth. This video was obviously shot with love and was produced by Emmy award-winning photojournalist, Barry Levy. Kristin has to be one of the sweetest, kindest, most talented, authentic gals in show business. This video, “Kristin Chenoweth-A Day in the Life of” proves my point. It shows her in performance, as well as in rehearsal, interacting with friends and colleagues. With her enormous vocal range, she could easily have been an opera star, but she got hooked on Broadway and concerts. and audiences got hooked on the delicious Kristen Chenoweth!

“On a Clear Day…”

I remember as if this were yesterday— here are some incredible musical video clips from the original “On A Clear Day, You Can See Forever” by Alan J. Lerner and Burton Lane from 1966, starring a young John Cullum, and a brilliant young talent, who all but disappeared after becoming a huge star,  Barbara Harris, and their showstopping performances in the show. These 14 magical minutes are introduced by legendary actor, Cyril Richard, on a TV program, that’s not identified.  My parents took me to see this on a Sunday night at the old Mark Hellinger Theater which was an Actors Fund benefit and I remember being mesmerized by the show and the performances. What I just unearthed is really worth seeing,even though the video is not great, but you certainly can hear and get a feel for this marvelous musical of yesteryear!