Welcome to a new Musical Theatre Monday! This month, we’re paying tribute to Irving Berlin, who was born 135 years ago — on May 11, 1888! One of the most prolific contributors to the Great American Songbook, the mighty Berlin provided Broadway with some of its finest scores, including the classic Annie Get Your Gun (1946), written for the towering Ethel Merman.
Thanks to cast recordings and TV performances, we’ve all been able to hear the “Queen of Broadway” sing the terrific songs that Berlin wrote especially for her as Annie Oakley. But one of the finest depicters of this iconic sharpshooter — who stepped into the role as a replacement during the 1999 Broadway revival and thus didn’t get to record an album (only two singles) — is Reba McEntire, the “Queen of Country.” McEntire’s powerful twang and way around a comic line made her a natural for the part, and she earned glowing reviews. In fact, it’s a shame that no formal memento was issued of her performance… well, at least not officially. That is, for subscribers who comment below to alert me of their private, non-commercial interest, I’m offering access to a live 2001 audio of Reba McEntire as Annie Oakley, doing justice to Irving Berlin’s beautiful score. Here’s a sample — “Moonshine Lullaby.” Enjoy!
Come back next month for another musical treat! And stay tuned tomorrow for more Ellen!
I love Reba so it would be great to hear her in this show. Thanks so much for offering this gem.
Hi, Kim! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your stokesvideo address.
I loved Reba in this. Imho she was better than Bernadette.
Hi, David! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your gmail address.
I’d love to hear the Reba audio. My interest is purely private and non-commercial.
Hi, Jeffrey! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your AOL address.
I saw Reba on Broadway as Annie Oakley. And boy, she was sensational. It seemed as though Berlin was prescient in writing with her in mind. I’d love to have a recording of her performance as Annie O.
Hi, Greg! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your gmail address.
Yes, would like to hear her as Annie. Many thanks.
Hi, Mat! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your richter-fr address.
wOULD LOVE TO HEAR THIS SHOW
Hi, Bob! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your gmail address.
I’m interested in hearing more Reba as Annie Oakley.
Hi, Eric! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your roadrunner address.
I feel so lucky to have seen this. She was born to sing this role. Would love the audio. Thank you
Hi, Martin! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your hotmail address.
Hello Jackson – I have a strong, private, and entirely non-commercial interest in the opportunity to hear Reba sing this score. Thank you!
Hi, Mark! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your workingpositive address.
I would love to have this recording!
Hi, Isaac! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your westigers address.
I grew up with that 1966 Merman recording and am pretty partisan towards it, but every time I’ve heard something of Reba singing these songs, she sure breathes new life into them. They fit her like a glove. I’d love to hear whatever you have to share, Jackson.
Hi, Greg! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your earthlink address.
Hi Jackson
Love to hear Reba doing “Annie Get Your Gun”.
Donna
Hi, Donna! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your CS address.