After starring in the West End productions of Cats, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Chess, Piaf, Anything Goes, Grease, Sweeney Todd and The King and I, Elaine Paige has earned herself the title First Lady of the British Musical. But the rainbow tour is coming to an end and ScreenLive is streaming Paige’s farewell concert I’m Still Here on the big screen in the US on May 12, Canada on May 20 & Australia and New Zealand on May 27.
Not to worry, The First Lady is still going to act and perform but her touring days end with this not-to-be-missed concert event filmed at Royal Albert Hall. In honor of Elaine’s final broadcast, BroadwayBox put together the YouTube spiral you need to get you through the end of the day basking in the glow of EP's days in the sun.
Kicking it off with a legendary Elaine Paige Royal Albert Hall performance from 30 years ago.
There are so many showy moments in Evita (“Buenos Aires” or “Rainbow High”) but there’s no avoiding a great “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”, especially when the original Eva brings the Olivier Awards to a halt.
The First Lady of the British Musical serving her Reno Sweeney for the Queen Mum’s bday.
The ACTING (yes all caps) in this number is everything. Norma would be proud. From 2:59- 3:40 is pure magic.
Think about this as you watch “Getting to Know You”: what’s bigger the dress or the voice? Slay queen!
One of the great partnerships of West End musical theatre was Andrew Lloyd Webber and Paige, so what a treat to hear her sing one of the few ALW roles didn’t play, Mary Magdalene.
Eat your heart out Marion Cotillard.
God bless German TV, God bless the ‘80s and God bless Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson.
So many amazing “Memory” performances to choose from so let’s go with the one in full costume.
How can you resist the chance to hear Elaine performing “Be a Lion” from The Wiz?
How about Elaine Paige taking on that Bette Midler classic “The Rose”?
And in that same concert, she goes all out in “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
Gotta include just a glimpse of her Mrs. Lovett.
OK, one bootleg—and only because it’s her Carlotta and there’s no full video in existence.
Book-ending with another “Nobody’s Side” and that's fine because this live performance is so legit.
In conclusion my fellow Americans, clear the calendar for Elaine Paige Day on May 12.
