This is my 400th post! And I can hardly believe that....A little over two years ago I didn't even know what a "post" was....! Now, 400 later, well, it has been quite a ride, so far. So, I decided for this momentous post I would write about one of the younger fantastic bright 'stars' of Broadway, Films, Television, and The Concert Stage.....So here she is. The stunningly talented, utterly sublime, Audra McDonald....singing two songs by the musical genius of our time, Stephen Sondheim....Many if you know Audra McDonald from the new Doctor/Hospital show that is a spin off of Grays Anatomy, "Private Practice", I believe is the correct name....Well, she is so much more than the character of "naomi". (btw: this is the first time in my memory that there has been a character on television in prime time with my name...it is weird to hear it spoken....)
I first became aware of this fantastic 'artist' in 1994 when she was in the amazingly beautiful Nicholas Hytner-Bob Crowley production of "Carousal" at Lincoln Center. Casting Audra McDonald was what is called non-traditional casting. The powers that be were not wrong to do this on any count, but mostly because they cast an exceptionally talented woman who won the first of, I believe, four(4) well deserved Tony Awards. The clip above is pretty amazing because it shows her complete professionalism and her glorious voice and acting ability, too...
Below, here is another clip that I think is quite astounding. It is "My Man's Gone Now" from the George Gershwins masterpiece, "Porgy & Bess"...this was sung in a concert situation with Michael Tilson Thomas conducting...and it will send chills down your spine!
This young woman is a great great "Artist" who has more than proven that she has 'the chops' and will continue to have a very long and distinguished career in whatever area of show business she appears...."Master Class", was her 2nd Tony Award winning performance, which I was lucky enough to see, and then came "Ragtime", Tony #3, (I saw that, too....Beautiful Beautiful show....) and most recently "A Raisin In The Sun", her fourth Tony, plus, two other Tony Nominations....I feel so extremely lucky because I have also seen Audra McDonald in a very small venue---a 600 seat theatre and that was thrilling.....
Why she wants to do the TV show she is on now, I have no clue. She certainly won't get the chance to sing, or...who knows, maybe she will....You never know with these shows....stranger things could happen I guess...but meanwhile, through the magic of YouTube the glory of some of Audra McDonald's performances can be savored like a fine vintage wine. Enjoy!
So on this 400th post, here is one more magnificent clip: Two Diva's for the price of one. Patti Lupone and Audra, singing the famous Judy Garland-Barbara Streisand duet of "Get Happy and "Happy Days"...I actually saw these two fabulous talents do this in a concert where they appeared together in The Hollywood Bowl in 2000. THRILLING, THRILLING, THRILLING, beyond words. Enjoy, Enjoy!
More To Come........
- had this to say:
Encore, encore! What a wonderful voice adn a fabulous talent as you say. Every now and again, someone comes along who shines like a gem amongst their peers and this artist is obviously one of them.
On a different note, congratulations on your 400th post. What a wonderful milestone for you! Here's to the next 400, and the 400 after that and... :)
BTW - the comedians name on my blog is David Armand.- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 8:57:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Thanks for the introduction to such a talent! I don't know her at all.
And congratulations on 400 wonderful posts...all good. I hope many more are to come.
I will do an interview with the kids and see why Hannah is so popular. Sad thing is they don't get that money. Computer scalpers bought up those tickets and sell them to parents because most will pay for them. It was a really upsetting thing and she and her dad were very apologetic. People should not be allowed to buy blocks and then eBay the tickets. What happened to the laws on scalping?- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 9:28:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
wow. one doesnt expect that voice out of a beauty like that. we get used to popstar drivel. i was very impressed! (i hadnt heard her before)
i think that i have been along with you for many of the 400... i am so glad that i was, as you have enriched my life immeasurably. here's to 400 more!- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 9:49:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I first saw Audra McDonald on TV during a Tony Awards broadcast in the 90s. Loved her ever since. I hope she hasn't left musical theatre for good. She has that hard to find quality combining a great voice with great acting. She draws you viscerally into each performance.
Loved the Patti Lupone clip, too. IMO she's the definitive Evita.
-- Congratulations on your 400th!- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 10:12:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Oh, she is wonderful!!! and so are you, my dear. Congrats on those 400 posts and many, many more!!
- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 11:53:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Congrats on your 400th post! I hope to read many, many more!
- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 12:21:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Congrats for your 400th post. All I can say is WOW!!
Ms. Audra McDonald does have a wonderful voice and I am glad you put here for me to hear.
Hello from Michele (and from Nor Cal)- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 12:24:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Congrats on your 400th post! Keep them coming, at least 400 more is wanted :-)
Care for some Dom Perignon and mouth watering dishes? Welcome over to the Lifecruiser New Ship Launch Party :-P- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 12:35:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Lord, what a magnificent voice she has! I knew she was a good actress, but I had NO idea about how well she can sing. Thanks, Naomi!
Congratulations on your 400th post; that is quite an achievement, considering how much energy you put into each and every post. We hope you will be around for many, many more!
Michele sent me this time, but you know I would have gotten here on my own sooner or later.- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 1:48:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
great videos Naomi! And 400 posts!! way to go! Amazing isn't it?!! Who'd have thought we'd be blogging .. and for so long already?!!!
- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 2:06:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi!
Bravo! Your 400th especially you didn't know what a post was when you first started. Thank you so much for your interesting blog and I'm glad I stumbled on yours. Thank you for sharing and your friendship. Looking forward to more...
Also thank you for introducing Audra McDonald. Know something...the stars in America are so talented in many areas of life! You're one too.
Take care and have a jolly good weekend.- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 2:15:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Beautiful. I don't get to hear this kind of music too often. What a delight!
Michele sent me! HI!- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 3:17:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Congratulations on the 400th post!
Audra McDonald truly has a glorious voice. And I adore Patti LuPone. That is not an easy duet to sing and they did it beautifully!- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 3:25:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Great 400th post!!..I also had no idea this actress could sing like that. I LOVE the new show, Private Practice...so nice to see something else that she has done. Give us a far better understanding of what real talent there us under just one character played. Thanks so much!!
- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 4:37:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Michele sent me back, Naomi. I just posted something I think you'll like.
- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 4:41:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
I love Audra McDonald, too, and assume she is only doing the less-than-stellar "Private Practice" for the moolah. I may be wrong but I'm guessing she may earn more for one week on that TV show than she does for an entire run on Broadway. I'm sure she'll be back on stage but being on a series for a while must make a theatre actress feel a lot more financially secure! Maybe they'll find some excuse for her character to sing--they often do when a singer is in the lead. Remember how they gave Patti LuPone's character on "Life Goes On" a twin cousin or something so she could be the Diva for a few episodes?
Kendall and I are going to see Patti LuPone in concert on Monday at UCLA. Can't wait! We're also going to Betty's show this Saturday and so wish you could come.- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 5:06:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Isn't she wonderful!!
She's from Fresno so those of us in the valley pay close attention to her.
Beautiful and talented. Thanks for these - I hadn't heard them before.- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 5:39:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Naomi!
That's exactly the songs/arrangement she did at Sondheim's 75th at The Bowl; the one I said I have of Billy Porter doing on a Sondheim tribute as well. I love it! Great post. And yes, she's won 4 Tony's (so far).
~S- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 6:13:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
First off, congratulations on number 400!
I had no idea Audra has such a wonderful voice! I have watched her show a couple of times, but had no clue. Thanks for the treat of Patti Lupone. I just adore her. Also, you have clued me into YouTube. I did not know I could pull up performances of these wonderful artists. Guess what I will be doing tomorrow night? HA! Take care.
Michelle sends her greetings...- Friday, November 9, 2007 at 10:03:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I think she almost has more of an operatic voice than a ballad voice - but it IS a lovely voice. I just noticed I'm not on your blogroll. And I helped you with your little stove info (sniff sniff) :) Just being silly here. Have a great weekend!
- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 12:56:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Hi honey,
Michele sent me here this morning to say Happy 400!! And here's to many many more informative and entertaining posts in the Hills.
What an excellent talent, and what a beautiful person.
[hugs from Britain]
cq- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 2:06:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Thank you for that Naomi and congrats on 400th post. It's not the quantity but the quality which is so wonderful about your posts and long may they continue.
What a truly thrilling voice Audra has. I love the way she - almost imperceptibly - glides from major to minor and she can get every emotion into her voice. A fabulous talent. I listened to one of my favourites also- 'Someone to watch over me.' Oh to be able to sing like that -just once.- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 2:12:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
hmmm, i don't see any videos.
congrats on 400. i just may have to go back and read them all!
you're a wonderful writer and source of theatrical knowledge. this is better than some college courses!
mck.- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 6:09:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Congratulations on 400!!!
Wooooooooohooooooooo!!!
Fabulous post on Audra.
Amazing talent!
Have a wonderful weekend!
*^_^
(=':'=) huggles
(")_ (")Š from
the Cool Raggedy one- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 6:40:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I fixed the color on the text...
I was wondering what the problem was.
Thank you for bringing it to my attention!
Huggles and Love,
Raggedy- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 8:27:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Congratulations on 400th wonderful posts, Naomi! Love your "Here in The Hills"! You have been a delight since the moment I found you. I'm looking forward to many more posts to come!
And thanks for sharing these beautiful videos, too!
HUGS and have a great day celebrating!- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 8:58:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Congratulations on your 400th post. A lot of people can say they have 400 posts, but only a very small handful can honestly say that all their posts are interesting. You can certainly claim that! I love reading everything you've written!
- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 9:28:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Congratulations on your 400th post! :)
It's always a pleasure to read about your experiences, thoughts etc.
Here's looking forward to the next 400 posts!- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 9:36:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
congrats on the 400
michele sent me.- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 11:42:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Happy 400th!
Heh, I remember when you were learning to put photos up and look at you now!- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 12:59:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I love Audra McDonald--I'm glad you showcased her! I like her on "Private Practice", but yeah, I think she's wasting her considerable talent! Congrats on #400. :)
Michele sent me!- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 1:34:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Wow what a voice. She nailed the song from Porky and Bess. I bet she would sound just a good singing "Summertime". What a beautiful lady.
Happy 400th post.- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 2:37:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I'm always amazed by people who have a great voice like that because singing is definitely not my forte. Thanks for introducing me to another great artist Naomi. Michele sent me this time, but you know I would have come anyway! :-)
- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 5:40:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Oh yeah, and happy 400th!
- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 5:41:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
400! Fantastic!
I have loved Audra MacDonald for a long time. Thanks for sharing those clips. She's wonderful, isn't she?
Sorry I don't make it over here much. Luckily tonight, Michele sent me! ((hugs))- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 10:31:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Maybe this young, talented woman is wanting to make her way into becoming a movie star. She's young enough to try new things and see what happens with her life & her amazing talents.
400 posts. WOWZER!!!!!!
Way to go!!!!
Keep on postin' & we'll keep on readin'.
Okay then.
It's a deal.
:-)- Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 10:45:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Congratulations for the 400th post!
I don't her at all so it was a pleasure to read about her.
Glad Michele sent me here today!- Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 12:54:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Michele sent me back to congratulate you again on reaching 400 posts! I know how important b logging is to you so I am sure we'll see many more and I look forward to reading them all :)
- Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 1:08:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Congrats on 400!
- Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 6:41:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
What a super talent! And I hadn't even heard of her. You are expanding my horizons, Naomi. Thanks.
- Monday, November 12, 2007 at 7:56:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Wow. I'm going to pause here for a few minutes, because as so often happens, your post has left me speechless. ...... Okay, wow, again. What a voice! What other t.v. credits does she have? I ask because I don't get to see much of Broadway, and I don't watch the drama she's currently on, but I definitely recognize her from somewhere.
- Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 5:11:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Thanks for all the entertainment you send our way! Yes - they are thrilling and it's wonderful to know that young great voices are still around for us to enjoy!
Congrats on hitting the 400 mark! WOW --- Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 8:12:00 PM PST
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