It's March so it's Women's History Month!
The month is created to observe the extraordinary legacy of women in American history according to the celebratory month's website.
Here at BroadwayBox, we are thrilled to celebrate the dynamic, exceptional and talented women who have graced the stages on Broadway. This month, we will be looking back at decades worth of musicals and the singular performances by the year that stopped us in our tracks.
Next up in this series is the 1980's!
1980 - "42nd Street" performed by Wanda Richert (from 42nd Street)
The Peggy Sawyer of it all! Wanda is the bright eyed, triple threat ingenue leading the title tune from this enormous Gower Champion helmed Broadway musical.
1981 - "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" performed by Jennifer Holliday (from Dreamgirls
Where do we even begin!? Every nuance, every acting beat - perfection and Broadway musical history. Jennifer - thank you for this absolute gift.
1982 - "Memory" performed by Betty Buckley (from Cats)
Broadway. Royalty. Ms. Buckley wowed audiences throughout the 1980's and this is one of THREE numbers in this article we cannot live without. That last "Touch me, it's so easy to leave me" - speechless.
1983 - "The Story Goes On" performed by Liz Callaway (from Baby)
Liz Callaway's lovely interpretation of this signature Maltby and Shire tune was delightful. We love this song and Liz's honest, endearing performance.
1984 - "Chief Cook and Bottle Washer" (at 1:43) performed by Chita Rivera (from The Rink)
If we could, we would have included all of Chita's songs from this show because this Kander & Ebb score is A+. This tune though is tops in our book.
1985 - "The Writing On The Wall" performed by Betty Buckley (from The Mystery of Edwin Drood)
Though there aren't any official videos of Betty performing this song, have a listen to Seth Rudetsky deconstructing our favorite song from the score. That high E, the storytelling, the vibrato - Betty's performance is an entire musical theatre masterclass.
1986 - "I'm A Brass Band" performed by Debbie Allen (from Sweet Charity)
This clip is only a sliver of the Debbie's dynamic performance as Charity Hope Valentine in the Bob Fosse directed revival of his 1966 musical starring Gwen Verdon. Those kicks!
1987 - "On My Own" performed by Frances Ruffelle (from Les Miserables)
You don't get more Les Miz'y and peak Broadway 1987 than Eponine in the newsboy cap, trenchcoat in the rain belting this song through France. It's an entire moment.
1988 - "And Eve Was Weak" performed by Betty Buckley (from Carrie)
This musical, for all of its history, did have some incredible musical theatre moments and this particular number was goosebump worthy. Betty's intensity and fire as Margaret White is simply phenomenal.
1989 - "You Can Always Count On Me" performed by Randy Graff (from City Of Angels)
Graff won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress for her charming performance. Randy's voice is killer and so is this number!
