First-time Tony Award nominee Jennifer Simard gets major laughs in the disco musical Disaster!
as recovering gambling addict Sister Mary. Her big number "Never Can Say Goodbye" is pure musical comedy gold.
As Disaster! enters its final weekend of performances at Broadway's Nederlander Theatre, BroadwayBox asked Simard to kick off this year’s Ultimate Tony Awards Numbers Series with her 10 favorite clips.
10. Dorothy Loudon & Co, "Easy Street" from Annie,1977
I'm obsessed with Dorothy and her guttural, full throttle, in-the-round echo "easy-easy street" towards the end of the number. The execution of the angular, pedestrian choreography and human desire for more is, in her hands, so passionately base and is perfection.
9. Betty Buckley, "Memory" from Cats, 1983
Her voice is like a crystal glass. A freakin' crystal bell. DING. DING. DING. I still get goosebumps.
8. George Hearn & Co, "We Are What We Are/I Am What I Am" from La Cage Aux Folles, 1984
I distinctly remember watching this with my mom and the two of us applauding the inclusiveness of Broadway and the message it sent to America on national television. Boom, America. Boom.
7. Bea Arthur & Angela Lansbury, "Bosom Buddies" from Mame, 1987
Ahhhh—character actress HEAVEN.
6. Jerry Orbach & Co, "Lullaby of Broadway" from 42nd Street, 1981
I love the complete lack of cynicism and pure love for the institution of Broadway. Made me want to be here.
5. Bernadette Peters/Mandy Patinkin & Co, "Sunday" from Sunday In The Park With George, 1984
Art meets art with two of my favorites, Bernadette Peters & Mandy Patinkin, created by two of my favorites, James Lapine & Stephen Sondheim. I got tears watching this, a thing of beauty.
4. Patti LuPone & Co, "Anything Goes" from Anything Goes, 1988
I distinctly remember thinking, 1) Goddamn, Patti LuPone can dance! and 2) That voice. It is singular, original and unparalleled in its uniqueness, and she is unquestionably and 100% a commanding STAR!
3. Jennifer Holliday, "And I'm Telling You" from Dreamgirls, 1982
The Pathos. The pain. You see it physically in her body, like dance. Her use of that BREATH before the last note, purposefully audible to convey the raw emotion. Yes. Thank you.
2. Neil Patrick Harris & Co, "It's Bigger" opening number, 2013
Stop it. The single greatest opening number ever. Brava. Bravo. You win. Stop it.
1. Michael Jeter & Co, "Take a Glass Together" from Grand Hotel, 1990
Truly my favorite. A Tony Award-winning performance from a unique and groundbreaking talent: Michael Jeter is flying. Ladies & Gentlemen. He. Is. Flying.
Get over to the Nederlander Theatre by Sunday, May 8 to see Jennifer Simard's Tony-nominated Sister Mary in 'Disaster!'
