Now Streaming: Sammy Davis, Jr., Marilyn Maye
Our Broadway Babe has more wonderful YouTube finds. They include a fabulous concert that Sammy Davis, Jr. did in 1988 with the Boston Pops. And everyone loves the indomitable Marilyn Maye, who gets better with age. Watch her 2020 New Year’s Eve show from her hometown of Kanas City. And there’s more.
Sammy Davis, Jr. with the Boston Pops
Sammy Davis Jr., in my opinion, was one of the greatest and most versatile entertainers to ever grace this planet.. He was a true original.
This is wonderful wonderful half hour of Sammy with the Boston Pops from 1988. A true treat.
Marilyn Maye, New Year’s Eve 2020
Marilyn Maye fans will absolutely adore her recent 2020 New Year’s Eve concert, Live from 18th and Vine at the American Jazz Walk of Fame in Kansas City, which was streamed live… with super-star musical director Billy Stritch conducting.. she’s absolutely unbelievable, giving as much to her virtual audience as she does in her in person concerts… She is the consummate professional and at 92, “she’s still here”!! Better than ever!
Sidebar: Marilyn and I befriended each other when she “came back” to New York after decades of not performing here… she’s seen more fame in her senior years than when she was younger… she has attracted all generations to her shows because she is a phenomenon…Marilyn Maye is the gift that keeps on giving… Enjoy this concert, sister Tomatoes!
The Sound of Music at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl was alive with “The Sound of Music”, in 2006, in concert, starring the extraordinary Tony nominated singer-actress, Melissa Errico (one of the nicest and most talented gals in the theater), John Schneider, a very young Ben Platt, as well as the legendary Marni Nixon, and the always incredible Rachel York. A stellar event with John Mauceri conducting the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
Sidebar: In the 1960s, I played a nun in “The Sound of Music” at the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, Long Island, when I was a teenager…. it was the best summer of my life..it was the 1960s and was so eye opening in terms of seeing and hearing so much for the first time including: homosexuality, infidelity, and even stories of incest.
Sidebar two: That summer the sign to the Gateway Playhouse had a few lights missing at the entrance..So audience members attending saw “Gaeway Layhouse” , as they entered!
Gregory Hines: Tap Dance in America
The late, great Gregory Hines shows us how it’s done, in 1989, when he created “Gregory Hines’ Tap Dance In America” which he hosted on this “Great Performances” PBS event…He talks, dances and shows us the art of tap dancing along with several other greats,as you’ll see. Gregory was a shining light and a most versatile entertainer, whose light went too soon.
Sidebar: I remember seeing Gregory many times, in person, singing and dancing (from the time he was a little boy) with his brother, Maurice and his dad…The act, many of you Tomatoes will remember, was Hines, Hines and Dad. Beyond great talents, they were a lovely family… I’d see them perform in the Catskills as well as on TV, including “The Ed Sullivan Show”..Gregory went on to become a Tony Award Winning Musical Theater actor, winning for his performance in “Jelly’s Last Jam”
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.
