The Lion King dancers and Hugh Jackman’s juggernaut fundraising skills proved a potent combination once again at the 26th annual Gypsy of the Year Competition, which raised an all-time record-breaking $5.2 million for the charity Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Their Favorite Things asks members of the theatre community to share the Broadway performances that most affected them as part of the audience.

This week we spotlight the choices of Hands on a Hardbody's Amanda Green, the lyricist and co-composer (with Trey Anastasio) of that new Broadway musical, which is currently playing the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

Their Favorite Things asks members of the theatre community to share the Broadway performances that most affected them as part of the audience.

This week we spotlight the choices of Hands on a Hardbody's Amanda Green, the lyricist and co-composer (with Trey Anastasio) of that new Broadway musical, which is currently playing the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

A week in the life of actor, writer and music director Seth Rudetsky.

A week in the life of actor, writer and music director Seth Rudetsky.

News, views and reviews about the multi-talented women of the musical theatre and the concert/cabaret stage.

News, views and reviews about the multi-talented women of the musical theatre and the concert/cabaret stage.

PATTI LuPONE
There are probably four, maybe five, artists whose recordings I eagerly await, and in that small but stellar group is the Tony and Olivier Award winning actress and singer Patti LuPone. From the moment I heard LuPone wrap her golden vocal chords around Andrew Lloyd Webber's score to Evita, I knew this was one of the unique voices of our time -- a voice with a huge belting range, capable of soaring to the rafters of any theatre as well as tugging at your heartstrings with softer, shaded tones. But what really separates LuPone from many singers is the actress that takes over when she interprets a lyric, whether it's a signature tune like "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" or "Meadowlark" or a gorgeous pairing of pop tunes like "Calling You" or "Get Here." So, it is a bit surprising that LuPone did not release a solo album until 1993, "Patti LuPone Live," a recording of her thrilling Los Angeles concert, which she repeated on Broadway to rave reviews. Fans (this one included) had to content themselves with her wonderful work on such show recordings as The Baker's Wife, Evita, Anything Goes, Les Miserables and Sunset Boulevard, which was released the same year as the aforementioned "Patti LuPone Live."

PATTI LuPONE
There are probably four, maybe five, artists whose recordings I eagerly await, and in that small but stellar group is the Tony and Olivier Award winning actress and singer Patti LuPone. From the moment I heard LuPone wrap her golden vocal chords around Andrew Lloyd Webber's score to Evita, I knew this was one of the unique voices of our time -- a voice with a huge belting range, capable of soaring to the rafters of any theatre as well as tugging at your heartstrings with softer, shaded tones. But what really separates LuPone from many singers is the actress that takes over when she interprets a lyric, whether it's a signature tune like "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" or "Meadowlark" or a gorgeous pairing of pop tunes like "Calling You" or "Get Here." So, it is a bit surprising that LuPone did not release a solo album until 1993, "Patti LuPone Live," a recording of her thrilling Los Angeles concert, which she repeated on Broadway to rave reviews. Fans (this one included) had to content themselves with her wonderful work on such show recordings as The Baker's Wife, Evita, Anything Goes, Les Misérables and Sunset Boulevard, which was released the same year as the aforementioned "Patti LuPone Live."

The Irving Berlin musical will play limited engagements in Chicago and Boston this December.

The limited holiday tour continues through the beginning of 2017.

Follies in Concert is being given two performances only April 28 at London's Royal Albert Hall, with a cast that includes Ruthie Henshall as Sally Durant Plumer, Christine Baranski as Phyllis Rogers Stone, Betty Buckley as Carlotta Campion and Lorna Luft as Hattie Walker.

Final casting has been confirmed for previously announced Follies in Concert performance, to be held April 28 for two performances only at London's Royal Albert Hall.

Many distinguished actresses have played the role of Grizabella the Glamour Cat during the 15 years of Cats' Broadway run. Among the "Memory" singers have been (clockwise from top left) Betty Buckley (who originated the role on Broadway), Liz Callaway, Laurie Beechman, Loni Ackerman and Lillias White.

My doubts have been confirmed about Natasha Richardson and Alan Cumming filming a "Cabaret" movie. Last month, I speculated that the talks would result in nothing more than a return to the Broadway production and possibly a taping for television, and that appears to be exactly what will happen. Along the way, Richardson also had to drop out of the planned Roundabout revival of Strindberg’s Miss Julie with Philip Seymour Hoffman. The production is apparently still on: Having lost Our Town and the new Spring Awakening musical in the space of about a month, the Roundabout can ill afford to drop its starriest revival of the season and is looking frantically for a new Julie. The most likely candidate appears to be Rachel Weisz, whose last stage role — in Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things — involved sexual manipulation as well. Weisz repeated her role for the "Shape of Things" film, which is scheduled to open in either February or March of 2003.

My doubts have been confirmed about Natasha Richardson and Alan Cumming filming a "Cabaret" movie. Last month, I speculated that the talks would result in nothing more than a return to the Broadway production and possibly a taping for television, and that appears to be exactly what will happen. Along the way, Richardson also had to drop out of the planned Roundabout revival of Strindberg’s Miss Julie with Philip Seymour Hoffman. The production is apparently still on: Having lost Our Town and the new Spring Awakening musical in the space of about a month, the Roundabout can ill afford to drop its starriest revival of the season and is looking frantically for a new Julie. The most likely candidate appears to be Rachel Weisz, whose last stage role — in Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things — involved sexual manipulation as well. Weisz repeated her role for the "Shape of Things" film, which is scheduled to open in either February or March of 2003.

This week in the life of Seth Rudetsky, Sean Hayes and Sarah Silverman see Seth’s new show, stories from Hello, Dolly! on the road, and Jason Danieley’s new undertaking.