Broadway Babe’s Picks: Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Sullivan and More
Our Broadway Babe, Randie Levine-Miller has posted some fun nostalgic finds including: A historical Oprah Winfrey show with the entire original cast of the Mary Tyler Moore show; a fabulous compendium of musical theater show stoppers with the original performers appearing on the Ed Sullivan show; a Lerner and Loewe special that aired on NBC TV over 60 years ago; as well as a PBS documentary about Cole Porter whose birthday would’ve been June 9.
“We’re gonna make it, after all!”
From 2008, a historical reunion with the cast of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” with Oprah in conversation with this legendary cast: Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, Gavin McLeod, Ted Knight, Betty White, Georgia Engel, and of course, Mary Tyler Moore. For those of you too young to remember, this was a major breakthrough show that first aired in 1970, about a single woman in her thirties, wanting and getting a career behind the scenes in a TV newsroom and all of the obstacles she must overcome — with her colleagues at work and with her friends in her personal life. Mary’s character was modern, independent and career driven. Don’t miss this legendary TV event!
The Cole Porter Story
From 1990, this show aired on PBS-TV’s “American Masters”. He was one of the most sophisticated and brilliant songwriters to ever grace this planet, a creative genius, writing both music and lyrics. His songs are timeless and remain very relevant. He was the “tops”! This program includes clips of his many hits, as well as interviews with some of the performers who sang his songs, including Porter himself. His songs were clever and naughty, but also heart-felt, emotional and poignant. A wonderful and informative documentary about this legendary cultural figure!
“The Broadway of Lerner and Loewe”
This stars Julie Andrews, Richard Burton, Robert Goulet, Stanley Holloway, Charles Nelson Reilly, and hosted by Maurice Chevalier, aired as an NBC-TV Special (“in living color”) on February 11, 1962. Besides these Broadway stars, the behind-the-scenes team was equally filled with theater greats, including Carol Haney who choreographed the program, Norman Rosemont who produced and Franz Allers who musical directed. Songs from the fruitful 30-year musical partnership of Lerner and Loewe, include performances from “My Fair Lady”, “Camelot”, “Paint Your Wagon”, “Brigadoon”, and “Gigi”. You’ll hear Burton sing “Gigi” like you’ve never heard it before. This was truly a magical special.
Ed Sullivan’s Best of Broadway Musicals
This is one of my all-time favorite videos — ” the best theatrical compendium of Broadway showstopping performances, with the original stars who performed on the Sullivan show. Hosted by John Raitt, the show features performances by Ethel Merman, Julie Andrews, Richard Burton, Anthony Newley singing “Who Can I Turn To”, Gwen Verdon’s showstopper from “Sweet Charity”, “The Impossible Dream” sung by Richard Kiley, Celeste Holm singing “I Can’t Say No” and Carol Channing singing, “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”. Enjoy this trip down theatrical memory lane!
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.
OMG!! Thanks so much wonderful afternoon of memories. The best talents to today!!
Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!