PARDO'S TURN

The delightful Jenn Gambatese rediscovers the role of Annie Oakley, which she performed at Goodspeed in 2010 with "I Got Lost In His Arms." As a scholar and a music geek, she combed through the analysis with me for this episode, discussing the melodic contour, and the function of a few key chords. She also discusses her new organization, Broadway Heals.

My amazing wife steps away from behind the camera to perform and discuss one of our favorite songs, "Maybe" from Annie. In my analysis, I discuss the smart marriage of music and lyrics, the key mapping of the bridge, and the overall under-appreciation of ANNIE as a musical. Chrissy's conversation is mostly about how ANNIE inspires countless young girls to start singing, and how the song "Maybe" still has resonance for adults, especially those who may have been adopted at an early age.

Elizabeth Stanley sings the gorgeous Blitzstein aria "I Wish It So" from JUNO, which she discovered by listening to the solo album by Dawn Upshaw of the same title. We talk about its operetta-type style, her classical roots, and the diverse career she has built for herself on the stage, from On the Town to Jagged Little Pill.

In this special edition, I answer questions from my listeners, about the Golden Age of Broadway, audition etiquette, and more!

In this episode, my old friend Tim McDevitt and I talk about Leonard Bernstein, in celebration of his centennial, and perform "Lucky To Be Me" from ON THE TOWN. Tim discusses the many opportunities he's had because of Bernstein's legacy: multiple concert productions of both West Side Story and his Mass, the latter of which he recorded for Deutsche Grammophon. We also talk about our trips to Japan, and how the international audience has embraced this important composer of both classical music and musical theatre.

My hometown hero, Danny Gardner, sings and dances one of the most iconic movie scenes of all time, the title sequence of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. We have a great discussion about the film, the role, and his long history with it. Did you know that Gene Kelly danced in character shoes and dubbed in the taps later? I didn't!

NYC vocal ensemble Marquee Five continues the celebration of Leonard Bernstein with their arrangement of "Something's Comin'." I have been playing with M5 for the past few years, since we all did a production of CITY OF ANGELS together at the Goodspeed Opera House. Members are Sierra Rein, Lynsey Buckelew, Vanessa Parvin, Mick Bleyer, and Adam West Hemming, who is also their arranger/MD.

Susan Haefner performs and discusses Harlold Arlen's classic "It's Only a Paper Moon," which she performed in the original musical TENDERLY, the story of Rosemary Clooney. We discuss how this standard of the American Songbook can be stretched in a number of different directions, and try out two renditions: an uptempo, and a ballad. Susan also talks about transitioning from New York as a Broadway actor to the quiet hills of Vermont, where she teaches, and works steadily at three regional theaters in the surrounding area. Also, forgive the somewhat random insertion of the theme to "The Third Man." I had some technical difficulties in the web series version of the episode, and was scrolling a disclaimer at that point. (It didn't really translate to the podcast)

During my regular interview with Susan Haefner, we got on a long tangent about one of our favorite shows, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA. It was too off-topic to include, but too good not to share!

In the inaugural episode of Pardo's Turn, Broadway legend Chuck Cooper, best known for his Tony Award-winning performance in THE LIFE sings the iconic "Ol' Man River" from the groundbreaking 1927 musical SHOW BOAT. The analysis centers on the use of the pentatonic scale, and some clever reharmonizations. Chuck and I discuss the historical significance of the song, and his personal journey with it, especially in relation to the Paul Robeson lyrics, which he sang for its rendition in PRINCE OF BROADWAY.