Welcome to a new Musical Theatre Monday! I thought it would be appropriate to bump our monthly musical entry to the first week instead of the third, for it’s only fitting to celebrate July 4th, American Independence Day, with some Of Thee I Sing (1931) festivities.

We covered this Pulitzer Prize-winning Gershwin piece back in October 2014, but at the time, I only offered up one rarity for subscribers — a live recording of the 2006 Encores! concert (which is still available, by the way). Today, I have some additional treats to offer, including an (untracked) audio of the 1998 Opera North production that aired on BBC radio (it’s better than the Encores! audio, to be perfectly frank). Subscribers who are interested in a copy should kindly comment below! Here’s an excerpt from that audio — ’tis the title tune.

And I also have a video of the 1972 TV production that starred Carroll O’Connor, Cloris Leachman, Jack Gilford, and Michele Lee. It’s a real TV affair, with appearances from Jim Backus, David Doyle, Herb Edelman, Jeannine Riley, Jesse White, and Ted Knight. I’ve shared the soundtrack, but never the special! (Subscribers, please comment below if interested!)

Below is an excerpt of the starry duo with “Mine,” originally from Let ‘Em Eat Cake (1933).

Come back tomorrow for more Dream On! And tune in on the third Monday in August for more Musical Theatre rarities!