This week Hybrid Recordings released a new must-have CD for any musical theatre enthusiast's collection. "My Favorite Broadway: The Love Songs" was recorded live at City Center in October, at an event which showcased the great love songs from American musical theatre, sung by best voices working on stage today.
The lineup of talents is astonishing: Julie Andrews gives the Introduction, and later works the crowd into hysterics during her "Rain in Spain" duet with Michael Crawford. Robert Goulet sings "If Ever I Would Leave You," from Camelot. Bebe Neuwirth sings "I'm a Brass Band" from Sweet Charity, and Chita Rivera sings on "How Lucky Can You Get?" from Funny Lady.
In addition to these stage legends, today's hottest performers are also featured on the disc. Heather Headley sings "He Touched Me" from Drat the Cat, Linda Eder sings "Love Song Medley I," and Adam Pascal sings "Seasons of Love" from the show that made him a star, Rent.
Add in the campy charm of Barry Manilow, Tom Wopat, and Peter Gallagher, and you've got a CD that runs the gamut of what musical theater love songs have to offer.
The album was recorded live at the star-studded charity gala. A portion of the proceeds from the event and CD sales are donated to Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, an organization that funds the social service work of The Actors' Fund and awards grants twice a year to AIDS service organizations nationwide.
The evening will forever go down in Broadway history. Andrews said retrospectively of her impromptu performance, that the many talented performers at the event moved her to sing.
Musical Theatre has been lacking in great works for last few years. The event at City Center was a welcome reminder of the magic and wonder that classic composers and performers brought to the medium. Listening to the CD gives us a similar remembrance.