*This post is about another Nellie, but isn't this a GREAT picture!
I'm in a production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein review "A Grand Night for Singing" opening tomorrow night, so I've been listening to a lot of their music.
So for today's post, I would like to present bits from 4 of the actresses who have played "Nellie Forbush" in the Pulitzer Prize winning "SOUTH PACIFIC"
NELLIE #4 - First here is the wonderful Kellie O'Hara singing "Wonderful Guy" from the current revival.
Kelli released a great solo album last year called "Wonder In The World" featuring collaborations with Harry Connick Jr. (who is a BIG fan after co-starring with her in the revival of "Pajama Game."
Here's a great jazz cover of "There Once Was A Man" from "Pajama Game."
This version was only available as a bonus track on the Barnes and Noble version of the "Pajama Game" revival recording packaged as "Harry On Broadway." It's not available but you should be able to find it at used shops or possibly on ebay. Most stores carried "Harry On Broadway," but only B&N had this bonus track along with a cover of "Steam Heat." Let me know if you have trouble finding it. (crooner4fr@gmail.com)
NELLIE #3- Country great Reba McEntire played "Nellie" in a concert version of "South Pacific" at Carnegie Hall. Yes, that's Alec Baldwin as Billis! This is available on DVD and CD.
NELLIE #2 - Mitzi Gaynor beat out Audrey Hepburn, Doris Day, Elizabeth Taylor and Susan Hayward to play Nellie in the movie version. For Christmas I received a recent dvd documentary about her television specials in the 60's called "Mitzi Gaynor: Razzle Dazzle! The Special Years." They are "Special" in every sense of the word. Check out this promo. Favorite part is at the 2:14 mark... FAB-U-LOUS cover of "I Can Cook Too" from "ON THE TOWN."
Finally there is the original Nellie Forbush...
NELLIE #1 - Broadway legend Mary Martin (mother of Larry Hagman who played JR Ewing on "DALLAS.")
Here is a delightful album of her's with all Disney Covers.... really wonderful stuff.
1 comment:
Dont forget Nellie # 2.5 Glenn Close played Nellie in the 2001 TV movie. I still haven't seen it yet.
I think Kelli O'Hara should have gotten the Tony for "South Pacific". I might be in the minority there, but who cares.
And I love Reba and would have loved to seen what she could have done with the role if she was younger. I hear she was amazing in "Annie Get Your Gun". I wish she would do more theatre.
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