Songs of the Resistance

Musical numbers aren't always violets and silverbells: here are moments from the musical stage where the truth is spoken to power. Songs from Les Misérables, Suffs, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Cradle Will Rock (of course), and more.

America's great poet and essayist was also a songwriter. One perfect rose of a program with songs by and inspired by Mrs. Parker's career; performers include Doris Day, Christine Baranski, Anika Larsen, Ann Harada, Jackie Hoffman and Veanne Cox.

A look at the enduring legacy of the songs of Rodgers and Hart, interpreted through the decades by Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, Tony Bennett, the Supremes, Lady Gaga and more. 

As a complement to the current film bio of Lorenz Hart, BLUE MOON, we present a two-part episode, focusing on the songs and events mentioned in the movie. The first has performances by Peggy Lee, Bobby Short, James Cagney, Lena Horne and more. 

Truer than the red, hot, and blue...for Valentine's Day, some of the greatest show tunes with "love" in them: sung by John Raitt, Audra McDonald, Jack Cassidy, Cynthia Erivo, and more.

Our crystal has a ball with this "Improbable Musical Comedy"--coming back to Encores! next week. Original cast (Bea Lillie, Tammy Grimes) and London recordings--plus Mel Tormé, Petula Clark, and the Master, Noël Coward, himself.

Nothing but class--an hour with one of the smoothest singers of the 1960s:  Matt Monro as he does Broadway tunes from My Fair Lady, Golden Boy, Cats, and many more.

Cole Porter and George S. Kaufman teamed up to bring Billy Wilder's "Ninotchka" to the musical stage in 1955; here's a cornucopia of songs, featuring Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Don Ameche, Bobby Short, and more.

It's the beginning of our 15th year on the air, so let's share it with some of the performers who always make me happy: Idina Menzel, Barbara Harris, Eddie Cantor, Alfred Drake, Pearl Bailey, André De Shields and so many more.

Consider this a round of Bromo-Seltzers to bring you back to real life after a busy set of holidays; songs about drinks and their aftermath from Tammy Grimes, Jackie Gleason, Patti LuPone, and more.