Thanks, Wayman. For the most part, kudos and many thanks to the folks who put this together, including those who made the lottery available.
As you may have seen on the Broadwayworld video, nothing was better than Nathan Lane. While I've always admired his varied talents, I've never been a big fan until last year, when he completed some his very best work on television (The Good Wife and Modern Family). That being said, nothing, but nothing prepared me for his eloquent, articulate, hilarious, and warm tribute to Ms. Stritch. As good as many of those were who followed, their memories and words paled by comparison.
Following Prince and Peters was Betty Buckley, who also waxed philosophic, and went on to perform I Never Know When to Say When from Goldilocks. Liz Smith offered another set of great stories, followed by the shimmering Christine Ebersole performing a lovely rendition of Just Him.
Alec Baldwin's and Cherry Jones' comments were on the video screen, followed by a great singing performance of 50 Percent by Michael Feinstein. Then he and Laura Benanti did a duet of Just in Love from Call Me Madam. Next up was Stritch's attorney (oy!) followed by wonderful stories by Holland Taylor, (who I haven't seen on a stage since Moose Murders!!!!). especially on Stritch's obsession on carrying a color coordinated designer shopping bag, and demanding the retailers supply her with those for free. Lena Hall performed Broadway Baby, and then we had very long remembrances by Hunter Ryan Herdlicka and Julie Keyes, the latter who shared great stories of recovery with Elaine in Sag Harbor. Keyes credited Stritch with saving her life. What should have ended, went on interminably with speeches by her nephew Chris, and her wonderful musical director, Rob Bowman, who provided the best accompaniment to all who performed.
Finally, the show closed with a video of Stritch's rendition of Ladies Who Lunch as she appeared on the 1970 TV show, The Great American Dream Machine. The clip did not include the super that I recall from the original broadcast: Introducing (close to fade) Elaine Stritch. I guess they felt they needed to do that as most audiences had no idea who Stritch was. Her performance was magnificent. Lights up.
Though about 45 minutes too long, what a way to spend a rainy afternoon in New York. Glad I live here.
The only disappointment was a no-show for Patti LuPone. I thought she might close the show with her on rendition of Ladies.
fred
|