NEW CD
"A Long and
Winding Road "

on
PS Classics

ORDER YOURS TODAY
at
www.amazon.com
or
www.maureenmcgovern.com



May 2009
 

The Times
May 21, 2009
London, England


Maureen McGovern /... Pizza on the Park, SW1 / Bellamy's, W1

Clive Davis

Readers old enough to have endured the golden age of disaster movies may recall that Maureen McGovern had a No 1 hit with The Morning After, from The Poseidon Adventure and sang the Oscar-winning theme to The Towering Inferno. She also played the guitar-toting nun in that magnificent parody Airplane! before becoming a sleek cabaret performer who was sometimes a little too eager to display her multi-octave talents.

After a long absence, she has returned to London with a show -- part of the American Songbook season -- in which she courts listeners with controlled displays of emotion rather than grandstanding high notes. It is a feast for baby-boomers, McGovern celebrating the era of Simon & Garfunkel, Lennon & McCartney and Joni Mitchell. Now approaching her 60th birthday, the singer has aged gracefully. Her voice is warmer and darker, and she weaves songs into a gently self-mocking study of her generation's hopes and dreams.

Her musical director Jeff Harris supplies subtle accompaniment. McGovern's enunciation is so pure that you sometimes catch phrases that are indistinct on the original recordings. She is at her most vulnerable on Carole King's Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?, while her anguished treatment of Jimmy Webb's The Moon's a Harsh Mistress is a tour de force. John Lennon's Imagine was too obvious and sentimental a choice, but McGovern had great fun revisiting her Catholic schooling with the help of Tom Lehrer's Vatican Rag.

The Stage Reviews
21 May 2009
London, England

Maureen McGovern - A Long and Winding Road Review

by Mark Shenton

"There's got to be a morning after," Maureen McGovern once sang in the 1973 Oscar--winning theme tune to The Poseidon Adventure. And more than 35 years later, the one-time 'disaster theme queen', as she was dubbed, is back again, radiant and resplendent under a canopy of flame-coloured hair, still holding on through the night.

And what a night. She may have taken, as the title song of her new album and cabaret set has it, a long and winding road to bring her back to Pizza on the Park for the first time in more than 15 years, but it has been one both well travelled and worth a detour to visit yourself. Just as vintage wine improves with age, so McGovern - always possessed of one of the most technically proficient and lovely voices in cabaret - has matured with a new darker, mellower quality to her sound that resonates more beautifully than ever.

The last time she was here in the early nineties, her programme centred around Gershwin and her magnificent 1990 album Naughty Baby. Now there's not a showtune in sight, as she visits a repertoire of classic pop songs by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Lennon and McCartney, Jimmy Webb and Carole King, amongst others.

That both expands the reach of the American Songbook (under whose umbrella this season is presented) and also allows her to find different emotional colours to paint with. There's a liltingly haunting version of Mitchell's The Circle Game that finds her "captive on a carousel of time", and could sum up the place where she finds herself and we now find her: "We can't return/we can only look behind from where we came/and go round and round and round on the circle again."

Now cheerfully admitting to 59, she is entering a new phase of life that sees her at the height of her vocal powers - she doesn't just sound beautiful, but she is connecting to the lyrics as never before. There's a similarly wistful spirit of enquiry to her wondrous version of King's Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? Yes, and for years to come, I hope.

As accompanied by Jeff Harris, who also provides the gorgeous, movingly effective arrangements, this is the classiest cabaret London has seen for some time. It was also, incidentally, one of the poorest attended I've been to -- on the second night, there were just 19 of us there when the show started. But if there's any justice, it should be full for the rest of the run.

Maureen McGovern in London

March 2009
 

The Arena Stage Blog
I'll Give You Something to Cry ...
March 23 , 2009

Where Were You When...?

by David Dower

I'm back in DC after the final presentation of Maureen McGovern's Long and Winding Road workshop at the Huntington in Boston. The performance on Saturday night was a surprising finish to a great three weeks of development. As I've written here, the show has an alchemical capacity to sneak up on you, particularly if you are of the Baby Boomer generation as I am. About half an hour in, the show directs our attention to Martin Luther King (Carry It On) and then to John F. Kennedy---- two indelible moments of tragedy in our lifespan (we Boomers and our parents, that is) which are so seared we remember exactly where we were when we first heard.

She then makes a surprising personal connection to another tragedy which followed closely but has receded behind so many others of that era. As she asks, "How could we possibly know what was to come?", a photo of a high school classmate appears. And then she gently reminds us why this person is familiar. I won't tease---- it is a photo of Sandy Scheuer.(Sorry, you'll have to look that one up yourself, or just come see the show!) There have been, at every public presentation of the piece so far, gasps of recognition but on Saturday, the gasps were followed by a period of weeping that swept the theater as Maureen sang Let It Be. I couldn't tell from my seat, but I think it got Maureen as well. And it kept going 'round the audience as song after song triggered deep emotional memories of this generation. See this show with someone you shared this era with.

The evening has an equal share of comic high points as well. She's got a gift for self--deprecating humor that connects us. On Friday night she began her "Nantucket" story, which starts with "In my mid--forties I was on Nantucket, nursing a broken heart..." and a woman in the front row said, gently "Weren't we all, honey. Weren't we all." The audience and Maureen cracked up as one. Of course, this was Boston. Is there a DC equivalent to the Nantucket cure?

 


Maureen McGovern premieres A Long and Winding Road at D.C.'s Arena Stage

Cabaret singers are extraordinary artists who bring a depth of interpretation and emotion to love songs, Broadway show tunes and "personal" songs, those intimate tunes that break our heart or bring us to the edge of tears. Maureen McGovern is among that rarified group of artists, though her choice of music is unabashedly American. Washington's Arena Stage has collaborated with Boston's Huntington Theatre Company on this production, the latter having recently sponsored a workshop of this show last month. This evening promises to be something quite original ---- an evening with the other American songbook.

A Long and Winding Road is an entertaining and introspective look at the songs that inspired Maureen McGovern before her Academy Award--winning hit song "The Morning After." A nostalgic tribute to Maureen's roots as a folk singer, this theatrically infused concert celebrates her love affair with the early works of James Taylor, Jimmy Webb, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman and other groundbreaking singer--songwriters from her youth. The repertoire includes an eclectic selection of iconoclastic singer--songwriter material including "The Circle Game,""Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress," "Imagine," "Fire and Rain" and many others.

Co--conceived and written by McGovern and director Philip Himberg, with musical direction by Jeffrey D. Harris and production design by Clifton Taylor, A Long and Winding Road runs March 27 ---- April 12, 2009 at Arena Stage in Crystal City.

"At this time in my life, looking back, what interested me most were those introspective singer/songwriters who influenced my musical coming of age on the way to 'The Morning After,'" says McGovern. "I started out as a folk singer in the late '60s, so it was an emotional journey for me to go back and explore this particular section of my musical influences. The concert takes us on a vivid journey back to a time when everything was possible and people set out to change the world."

Arena's Artistic Director Molly Smith observes, "Maureen McGovern has the kind of voice you never forget. In this intimate show, she shares her personal perspective on her years growing up and into her talent. These songs and stories take us back to a time many will remember dearly, and it's a true pleasure to share an evening with her."

Tickets may be purchased online, by phone at (202) 488--3300 or at the Arena Stage Sales Office at 1800 S. Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202.

 

 
Tuesday, March 10, 2009.
Air America Media
By Lionel
 

Maureen McGovern joins us. The Stradivarius Voice.
Her career spans over 37 years, including recordings, concerts, the Broadway stage, film, television, radio and compositions, all with a voice that defies categorization. Her newly released CD, A Long and Winding Road is now available on PS Classics, and garnering rave reviews. The New York Times has praised the collection as "[a] captivating musical scrapbook from the 1960's to the early 70's. Ms. McGovern is blessed with a vocal technique second to none." Grammy nominated for Best New Artist (1973) and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance (1998), she received a Grammy for Best Musical Recording for Children (2005) for her participation in the CD/DVD Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Mister Rogers. She won the coveted Tokyo Music Festival Grand Prize Award (1975) for her performance of Paul Williams' "Even BetterThan I Know Myself."

During the week of March 7 -- 13, tune in to the syndicated program "Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli" [one of the main national radio outlets to hear classic American pop and jazz] and listen to John's interview with Maureen. They discuss Maureen's new CD "A Long and Winding Road, her new one--woman show of the same name and her career highlights. The program will air the week of March 7--13 on more than 70 stations around the country, and available for download here.

Click here to watch your Diva in her role as National Chairperson for the Shamrocks for Dystrophy.

"Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, participating businesses and sponsors nationwide, the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program continues to offer help and hope to families served by MDA," said McGovern, whose niece is affected by one of the muscle--wasting disorders covered by the Association. "We're creating a future of hope, and we're doing it one Shamrock at a time. Shamrocks Against Dystrophy is the perfect way for people to share the green, and show their generosity and compassion for 'Jerry's kids.' Americans in every community can support MDA's quest for cures and contribute to colorful displays of Shamrocks at local businesses." MDA's Shamrocks program is in its 26th year.

Arena Stage Presents Maureen McGovern in A Long and Winding Road

BroadwayWorld

 
Maureen McGovern
 
(Deborah Feingold)

As part of the Arena Presents series, Maureen McGovern comes to Arena Stage with A Long and Winding Road, an entertaining and introspective theatrical concert based on her recent album of the same name. Co--conceived and written by McGovern and director Philip Himberg, with musical direction by Jeffrey D. Harris and production design by Clifton Taylor, A Long and Winding Road is a tribute to the early works of Jimmy Webb, Carole King, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Paul McCartney and other ground--breaking singer/songwriters from the 1960s and '70s.

Produced in cooperation with Huntington Theatre Company, this powerful performance features the songs "The Times They Are A--Changin'," "The Circle Game," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?," "Imagine," "Fire and Rain" and many more. A Long and Winding Road runs March 27--April 12, 2009 at Arena Stage in Crystal City. The press opening is Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m.

"At this time in my life, looking back, what interested me most were those introspective singer/songwriters who influenced my musical coming of age on the way to 'The Morning After,'" says McGovern. "I started out as a folk singer in the late '60s, so it was an emotional journey for me to go back and explore this particular section of my musical influences. The concert takes us on a vivid journey back to a time when everything was possible and people set out to change the world."

Artistic Director Molly Smith observes, "Maureen McGovern has the kind of voice you never forget. In this intimate show, she shares her personal perspective on her years growing up and into her talent. These songs and stories take us back to a time many will remember dearly, and it's a true pleasure to share an evening with her."

These songs have become "the second half of the Great American Songbook," notes The New York Times, which praises A Long and Winding Road as "a captivating musical scrapbook from the 1960s to the early '70s. Ms. McGovern is blessed with a vocal technique second to none."

Maureen McGovern's 37--year career includes Grammy nominations for "Best New Artist" and "Best Traditional Pop Vocal," Grammy Award for "Best Musical Recording for Children," Oscar--winning Gold Records "The Morning After" (Billboard #1) and "We May Never Love Like This Again." In addition to the current PS Classics release A Long and Winding Road, other critically acclaimed musical tributes include her Gershwin, Arlen, Rodgers, Marilyn and Alan Bergman CDs. Broadway credits include: Little Women, The Musical (2005 Drama Desk Award nomination as Marmee), The Pirates of Penzance, Nine, 3 Penny Opera and the recent first national tours of Little Women, The Musical and The King and I. Off--Broadway: Brownstone (originated the role of Mary). Regional: Elegies, Dear World, Letters From 'Nam (originated the role of Eleanor Bridges), The Lion in Winter, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Of Thee I Sing, Let 'Em Eat Cake, The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Guys & Dolls, I Do! I Do! and The Bengal Tiger's Ball (composed the music, co--created and starred). Features: Airplane! (guitar strumming nun) and The Towering Inferno. Video: DreamWorks animated Joseph: King of Dreams.


February 2009
 

This Sunday, February 15 you will have two opportunities to listen to Maureen discuss her new CD "A Long And Winding Road" on live radio interviews.

At 12:30 PM EST, you can hear Maureen talk to Thomas Henry of WHUS 91.7 FM, based out of the University of Connecticut, and covers New London and Hartford, and also heard in parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. To listen online, visit www.whus.org.

Then at 9:30 PM Central / 10:30 PM Eastern she will be interviewed by Al Becker on "Voices In The Dark" on KDHX 88.1 FM, one of the major stations in the greater St. Louis area. To listen online, visit www.kdhx.org. 


January 2009
 

The Arena Stage Blog
January 26, 2009

Inside the Development Process:
Maureen McGovern's A Long and Winding Road
by David Dower

I often say I have the best job in the world. This is one of those times I remember why.

I'm at White Oak in Florida with director Philip Himberg, musical director Jeff Harris, and the wonderful Maureen McGovern. People of a certain age will have priceless, silly memories of belting out her "disaster hits" Can You Read My Mind and A Morning After back in the 1970's. She's got one of the great voices of a generation. If you don't believe me, take a listen to the samples from A Long and Winding Road on Amazon.com. (The album was just named one of the Top Ten Vocal Albums of 2008 by TalkinBroadway.com)

So we're here at this eccentric and beautiful retreat, a mix of animal sanctuary (there are Rhinos on the road in and Antelope outside my bedroom window) and artists' retreat (this is where Baryishnikov launched his White Oak Dance Project). Philip is the Artistic Director of the Sundance Theater Lab, which also uses this place for developing ensemble and musical projects. The Women of Brewster Place had a residency here two years ago.

And what I'm doing is listening to Maureen sing. ...

See:Arena Stage Banter for full article    and    See:Arena Stage and ticket information.


McGovern album salutes Boomer tunes

by Randy Cordova -- Jan. 25, 2009 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Maureen McGovern knows something about great songwriters. After all, she has recorded discs filled with material by the likes of the Gershwins, Harold Arlen and Cole Porter.

Her latest album is also devoted to great songwriters, but of a different sort: A Long and Winding Road features a collection of material from the '60s written by Jimmy Webb, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Laura Nyro and the Beatles,among others.

"Songs like this are evocative of a whole generation," McGovern says, calling from New York City. "But the thing is keeping them relevant today."

That is one of the intentions of both the album and the show that McGovern is touring around the country. The songs are not presented as dusty museum pieces surrounded with a whiff of incense. Instead, within a delicate cabaret framework, McGovern delves into the material, finding the immediacy and honesty.

For instance, the singer offers an intensely moving MacArthur Park that rescues the tune from Vegas purgatory. One listen, and you'll forget every cheese--filled lounge rendition you've ever heard.

"I was listening to a whole series of CDs to research the album," McGovern says. "I came upon this one CD with Richard Harris and MacArthur Park. I sat there, knowing that the song has been done a million times, almost to the point of being a cliche. But you listen to how adventurous it is. By the time I got to the middle adagio section, I just burst into tears. I knew I had to do it."

Other songs take on different meanings. Nyro's And When I Die is much more poignant coming from someone who has lived for several decades. When McGovern sings Webb's By the Time I Get to Phoenix, you get the sense that the sad couple in the lyrics has a long history together.

McGovern says approaching this type of material isn't any different from handling the classic American songbook.

"I try to find the simple, truthful way of telling the story," she says. "I look for songs that have a beginning, middle and end. Maybe you're changed by the end, maybe you're not. But something has happened."

McGovern turns 60 this year -- "Thank you for bringing it up," she deadpans with a laugh. Like most Baby Boomers, she came of age with this music.

"It's an immense section of your life," she says. "It's freedom, and a time in your life when all things are possible. There's a longing and sadness and restlessness in all these songs from the '60s, but they're filled with hope.

"When you fast--forward to today, and we're all worried about 401(k)s and our retirement, the music is so hopeful to me."

Hope is something for which McGovern is known. Before establishing herself as a hugely successful star on the New York cabaret circuit in the '80s, her big claim to fame was The Morning After, the Oscar--winning theme tune from The Poseidon Adventure. Her recording of the song reached No. 1 on the charts in 1973, and it still brings the house down in concert.

"I am always grateful to the song, and to this day I am glad to sing it," she says. "When I recorded it, my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. I was going through a divorce. I had a lawsuit with my first manager. Basically, my life was tanking and, here I am, singing the ultimate 'hope' song. I think there was a desperate need for myself to believe in the lyrics."

Just as that song still resonates with listeners today, McGovern is finding the same truth with the material on A Long and Winding Road. Her stirring interpretation of Bob Dylan's The Times They Are a--Changin' is perhaps the most notable example.

"It could have been written this morning," she says. "It's so interesting to sing it today. I used to play guitar and sing it against the war in the '60s. Now, in the advent of the Obama administration, it's gone from a cautionary tale to being such a hopeful anthem. It's taken on a whole new life of its own."


Top 10 Vocal Recordings of 2008
McGovern: "A Long and Winding Road"

Not content to just climb aboard the nostalgia train to make the trip down A Long and Winding Road a sentimental, feel--good, warm and fuzzy Memory Lane, Maureen McGovern goes deeper. She invests the songs from the 1960s and '70s with the long view from today. But we sense the affection and deeper understanding of the been--there/ remember that/ got--that--in--my--bones revisit to the past as she fully embraces and enriches landmark numbers from the pens of the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Webb and others. There's a wisdom running through the messages and mantras with a life--affirming throb in her singing, whether it be "Let It Be" or the call to arms (or the call to ban them) of Bob Dylan's declaration "The Times They Are A--Changing."

Part earth mother, part deja vu prophet, part motivator, Maureen McGovern lights a fire under this material ---- but often a slow--burning one whose embers simmer and glow and continues to warm the heart. And that glorious instrument that is her voice, of course, makes it all a richer, more satisfying listening experience. An outstanding album in any year, with high quality production and arrangements, it's dignified yet vital, and makes us listen to many of these songs with new ears and new perspective.

Click here for entire article.


Maureen McGovern -- Interview Cafe


Click Photo to see interview


December 2008
 



PLAYBILL CELEBRATES THE 'BESTS' OF 2008

By Andrew Gans
26 Dec 2008

Maureen McGovern
photo by Gideon Lewin
MAUREEN McGOVERN
What's most enjoyable about watching an artist perform throughout the years is that rare occasion when one is surprised by a performance and thrilled anew at that artist's talent. Such was the case this past season when Maureen McGovern made her Metropolitan Room debut with her newest concert act, The Long and Winding Road, which was subsequently released on the PS Classics label. Directed by Philip Himberg with musical direction by Jeff Harris, the evening featured an eclectic mix of tunes from such celebrated sixties singer--songwriters as Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Webb, Paul Simon, Carole King, James Taylor, Randy Newman, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Laura Nyro. McGovern seemed to connect with this material on all levels, and she was more at ease with her audience than I had ever seen her. She was funny, charming and that rangy, clear--as--a--bell voice seemed as powerful, if not more so, than ever. I particularly enjoyed her a cappella rendition of "Where the Boys Are," her simple, slowed--down and touching version of "The Circle Game," her terrific, comical take on "Rocky Raccoon" and a thrilling "And When I Die. Click here to read entire article.


November 2008
 

Maureen was invited by Brian Daher, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Labor's Job Corps program, to be a guest performer at the November 25th dedication and unveiling of the bust of Harvey Milk, and the naming of the Harvey Milk Memorial Administration Building at the Treasure Island Job Corps Center in San Francisco, CA. She performed "The Times, They Are A Changin'" and "The Morning After."

Guest speakers were The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives; The Honorable Barbara Lee, U.S. House of Representatives; The Honorable Willie Brown, former Mayor, City and County of San Franscisco; the Honorable Bevan Duffy, Board of Supervisors, City and County of San Francisco; Jonah Hendrickson, Sculptor; Stuart Milk, Vice President of ResCare, Inc, and nephew of Harvey Milk; and Benjie Williams, Center Director, Treasure Island Job Corps Center.


September 2008
 

On September 4, 2008, Maureen was honored with the FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN FOUNDATION FOUNDERS AWARD presented annually by Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, Founder and Executive Director of Festival of Children Foundation. The award is given to an individual who is dedicated to broadening and enriching the lives of children, raises the public's awareness of the needs of children and promotes collaboration between charities, corporations, organizations and individuals.

 

August 2008
 

2008 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Las Vegas
Aug 31--Sept 1

YOU CAN CATCH MAUREEN'S PERFORMANCE
LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, between 8:00--9:00 P.M. PST,
opening night, Sunday, August 31. Hour [3]
She will be singing: THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN'
from her current PS Classics CD

A LONG AND WINDING ROAD.

 

The broadcast will originate from the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas beginning at 9 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 31, and ending twenty--one and a half hours later at 6:30 p.m. EDT, Sept. 1.

The show will be broadcast to nearly 40 million viewers in the United States and Canada by some 180 television stations comprising MDA's "Love Network." Millions more worldwide will be able to see the Telethon on the Internet via RealNetworks at mda.org. Check local listings for times and stations.

A new feature of this year's broadcast is the Jerry Lewis Telethon Online Auction. Hundreds of items are up for bid in such categories as travel, unique experiences, electronics, golf, excursions, sports memorabilia and more. One section carries items from Harley--Davidson's 105th anniversary celebration. The auction ends Sept. 4.

Please click: www.mda.org/auctions to bid on the item Maureen has donated as part of the auction.

Click here to make a donation.


Dewynters Theatre Programmes London's West End
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Maureen McGovern, far from a one--hit wonder

Lou Harry
IBJ staff

August 16, 2008

Maureen McGovern is not a household name. But if you are of a certain age and you hear the first few bars of "The Morning After" ("The Poseidon Adventure" theme) you might be hit with a pang of nostalgia.

Far from a one--hit wonder, though, McGovern evolved from 1970s pop singer to world--class cabaret vocalist, debuting at Carnegie Hall in 1989 and becoming a staple in New York clubs and concert halls.

Her appearance Aug. 8 as part of the IU Summer Music Festival could easily have been just another visiting artist concert, no different than a performance given in St. Louis or St. Petersburg. But it proved to be much more than that, thanks to the involvement of IU faculty and students. The show opened with four numbers by the Festival Big Band. The first two were most exciting, serving as a coming--out party for new--tothe--faculty Corey Christiansen, a guitarist who should be on any music lover's radar.

McGovern then joined for a big--band set, led by IU prof Steve Houghton, who has worked with the her for 15 years. That connection----and McGovern's obvious respect for expert musicianship, lent a joyful quality to the scat--heavy set. Post--intermission, IU's Studio Orchestra joined to fill out the stage and the sound. Here, McGovern soared, with take--your--breath--away readings of standards, including Harold Arlen's "The Man That Got Away" and Kurt Weill's "My Ship." And by easing into music of another era with the likes of "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" and "When I Die," she and her players made a convincing case that great songwriting didn't end in the 1950s.


Dorian Devins from "The Speakeasy" on WFMU 91.1 FM interviewed Maureen on Aug. 4. WFMU 91.1 FM is based in Jersey City. It's the longest running freeform radio station in the United States and has been called "the best radio station in the country" by Rolling Stone Magazine, The Village Voice, CMJ and the New York Press.

You will find the interview here:
August 11, 2008: Essayist and former American Scholar Editor Anne Fadiman. Then singer Maureen McGovern.
Select the player of your choice. Maureen's interview is in the second half.


From Life & Arts:
Theatre Review: One Red Flower
Inspired by Letters From Vietnam Vets
Beverly Cohn, Editor--at--Large
Santa Monica Mirror

 

One Red Flower, produced and created by Emmy--award winning director Paris Barclay, was presented as a staged reading at the Brentwood Theatre last weekend only as a special benefit supporting New Directions and Rubicon Theatre's Innovation Fund.

A musical play adapted for the stage from the book, Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam, the production was skillfully directed by Ken Sawyer in a evening that had the audience smiling with a lump in its throat. One Red Flower is an intense peek into the lives of six young soldiers in a unit under the leadership of First Lieutenant Kenny Rutherford played by a most talented Dwayne Barnes (C.S.I., E.R., Without a Trace). Most of the action takes place from April 15 1969 to April 13, 1970 as this young band of soldiers prepare to be shipped back home.

The original upbeat music and lyrics written by Barclay took on the feel of a rock opera much in the same genre as The Who's Tommy. The score captures the pure essence of the poetry of the source material and perfectly underscores the prose portion of the script as well. The exceptionally talented ensemble, with the backing of the outstanding music director and arranger David O, performed masterfully and could very easily have been standing on a Broadway stage, a familiar arena for several cast members including Drew Tyler Bell (Mike) who appeared in the Broadway production of Spring Awakening and David Burnham (Marion) who just completed a stint in Wicked and was in the original cast of The Light in the Piazza.

Maureen McGovern gave a heart--wrenching performance as Eleanor Bridges in her letter exchanges with her son Billy played with great innocence by Josh Henderson, (Desperate Housewives) who was killed just a week before he was scheduled to be shipped home. Whether spoken as prose, sung as a solo, or part of this sterling ensemble, McGovern's musical performance was outstanding. Her rendition of (There Will Still Be) Christmas and Time Heals, as well as the song in the epilogue set in 1984 at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., where upon seeing her son's name she says: "Next to the name on this black wall is your mother's heart," are executed with deep emotion giving insight into what it must mean to lose a child to war.

A number of the songs, with music ranging from blues, to rock to country, include I Don't Understand This War, Mud & Blood & Water, The Kid Is Coming Home and the very compassionate Mrs. Rutherford which is sung to the mother of First Lieutenant Kenny Rutherford after he is killed. With such lines as "I do what I gotta' do to get through the mud and water" or "It's harder than you think," the ensemble created an upside down world that shattered most of audience's traditional beliefs. The toll of this war hits home when the young soldiers writes: "I've aged...I'm not happy--go--lucky anymore," or "I often wonder if what we're fighting for is worth a human life," or when Private First Class Alan Chisholm, tenderly played by Hunter Parrish, (Weeds) writes his wife telling her that "we might never see each other again and that you should consider marrying someone else." Eventually, he is captured by the VC and commits suicide after his release. The rest of this outstanding cast included Levi Kreis, (The Apprentice, Days of Our Lives) who offered some comic relief as the delightful redneck sergeant George McDuffy.

The title song One Red Flower is a song of hope about a single flower growing in the middle of the jungle, in sharp contrast to the ugliness of war and perhaps a symbolic reminder by the most gifted Paris Barclay who notes that, "Tonight, listen to these voices from the past ---- embrace them, and know that they represent the best in us, even when battered and bruised by the reckless choices other people may have made." And, the beat goes on...

July 2008
 
CABARET SCENES CD REVIEWS
Maureen McGovern ---- A Long and Winding Road

(PS Classics)

By John Hoglund

July/August 2008

As she opens with a gentle, "I am on a lonely road, looking for something...what can it be?"----the opening teaser to Joni Mitchell's languid lament, "All I Want," which quickly fuses into Paul Simon's "America," one is acutely aware that, unlike many pop--jazz sopranos, Maureen McGovern is unafraid to pigeon--hole herself in one genre of music. For that matter, she's not afraid to take chances in any milieu. This is particularly in evidence with her latest CD release, A Long And Winding Road on PS Classics which is worthy of a Grammy award. It's that good.

The album says a lot about history. It says more about vision. It also says a lot about this songbird with the flawless vocal technique who, after three decades of singing on recordings, Broadway, soundtracks and in cabaret, classical, folk, jazz and concert venues, remains at the top of her game, in demand, and with few peers. She was deservedly honored this year by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs (MAC) with their Lifetime Achievement Award to be added to her list of staggering career accolades.

Singing songs that had a life between 1960 and 1971, McGovern reinvents instantly recognizable, vaguely familiar and newly unearthed gems from a variety of composers eclipsed from that volatile Vietnam--Aquarius age that was filled with anti--war protest anthems, cries for help and wrenching love ditties. She breathes new life into the works of iconic composers like Bob Dylan ("The Times They Are A Changing"), Carol King ("Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?"), John Lennon ("Imagine"----also teamed with Paul McCartney), Joni Mitchell (who is represented on a trilogy here), Laura Nyro ("And When I Die"), Paul Simon ("America), Billy Edd Wheeler ("The Coming of the Roads") and Jimmy Webb (also on three stunning cuts.)

Under the deft musical direction of Jeff Harris, other musicians include Jay Leonhart on bass and a skilled band supporting her every nuance. Each song reveals a new layer of McGovern's legendary artistry with her trademark clarion tones and incomparable enunciation. Each cut is a winner that is moving and alive with revelatory layers of beauty. This is her first studio release in awhile and the wait was worth it. And, aren't we all glad there really was a morning after that landmark hit recording from a forgettable camp flick from 1972? Just savor "The Moon's A Harsh Mistress" and "Cowboy." It doesn't get much better.

Cabaret Scenes
June 2008
 

from Broadway World News Desk
'One Red Flower' to Have Reading with McGovern in LA

Thursday, June 5, 2008
by BWW News Desk

ONE RED FLOWER, a new musical production starring Maureen McGovern, Elijah Kelley (Hairspray) and Hunter Parrish (Weeds), produced and created by Emmy Award--winning director Paris Barclay, is presented in a staged reading format on Tues., June 24 & Tues., July 1 as part of the Fashion Forms™ 'Plays--in--Progress' series at Rubicon Theatre in Ventura. Inspired by Vietnam veterans' letters, ONE RED FLOWER, will have two additional readings benefiting New Directions and Rubicon Theatre's Innovation Fund on Fri. & Sat., July 11 & 12 at the Brentwood Theater, sponsored by HBO, Showtime, ASCAP, the Richard and Harriet Orkand Foundation and Paradigm.

With original music by Barclay and directed by Ken Sawyer, ONE RED FLOWERr's book and lyrics were adapted for the stage by Barclay from the book Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam, edited by Bernard Edelman for the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission. Actual letters written by Vietnam War soldiers and their loved ones featured in Dear America, serve as the source material for the play. Evoking a particular time and place in the American landscape and psyche, One Red Flower is an interpretive presentation of the soldiers' real feelings and experiences. The musical play poignantly expresses and conveys the raw emotions and the human toll of war, in effect, speaking directly to a contemporary America at war today.

Serving on the Benefit Committee for this special presentation are Oscar winners Helen Mirren, Taylor Hackford, Bruce Cohen and Stephen Schwartz (whose ASCAP Workshop originally helped to develop the work). Other notables lending their support include actors Anthony Edwards,Neil Patrick Harris, Katey Sagal, Jerry O'Connell, Rebecca Romijn and Blair Underwood; directors Michael Apted, Walter Hill, and Rodrigo Garcia; and producers Gil Cates,Thomas Schumacher, and Bonnie Curtis. Rich Willis serves as Honorary Chair.

The July 11 & 12 ONE RED FLOWER performances benefit New Directions (www.NewDirectionsInc.org), an organization whose mission is to empower veterans and facilitate their successful return to families and society; and The Rubicon Innovation Fund which underwrites special projects and initiatives for the development and creation of bold new works, and the productions of existing works in reconceived, re--imagined and reinvigorated forms.

"We've been entrusted with the words of many loved ones lost to war," Barclay says, "and we've chosen to honor them with a play that brings us back to the war, but shows the hope and humanity that many soldiers found in it."

A director, playwright and composer, the multi--talented Paris Barclay garnered two Emmys for Outstanding Directing as well as a DGA Award for his work on NYPD Blue and was Emmy nominated for directing an episode of The West Wing. Barclay was also the recipient of an NAACP Image Award for Best Drama Series (City of Angels) as well an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Direction (Cold Case).

Barclay's latest TV project is the new HBO series In Treatment, for which he also serves as co--executive producer and principal director. Among the many television series directed by Barclay include Lost, CSI, Law & Order, Monk, The Shield and Weeds, to name a few. Barclay has written 16 musicals, such as Order My Steps which he co--wrote and directed for The Cornerstone Theatre Company and has contributed original songs to shows including Romper Room, Clueless and his own TNT pilot The Big Time.

With a career spanning over 35 years, Maureen McGovern is best known for her chart topping hit songs featured on the soundtracks of major films such as "The Morning After" (The Poseidon Adventure), "Can You Read My Mind" (Superman) and "We May Never Love Like This Again" (The Towering Inferno).

On Broadway, McGovern starred in Nine with the late Raul Julia and 3 Penny Opera opposite pop superstar Sting. In addition, she appeared in Little Women, The Musical and The Pirates of Penzance on Broadway as well as the recent national tour of The King & I. In One Red Flower, she reprises the role of "Eleanor" which she created in the play's 2001 World Premiere (then titled Letters from Nam). "A Long and Winding Road," McGovern's latest CD release, has received critical praise from The New York Times.

Elijah Kelley starred as "Seaweed" in the film version of last year's box office hit Hairspray, stealing scenes from a star--studded cast including Queen Latifah,John Travolta, Amanda Bynes and Michelle Pfieffer. Among Kelly's film credits are roles in the recently released Take the Lead in addition to 28 Days, Heaven's Fall, Rome and Jewel and Fled.

Hunter Parrish currently stars on the 4th season of the critically acclaimed, Emmy nominated Showtime series Weeds, with Mary Louise Parker and Kevin Nealon. He'll soon be seen on the big screen, starring in the upcoming Warner Bros feature film 17 Again with Zac Efron and Matthew Perry. Freedom Writers, RV and Down in the Valley are among some of Parrish's film credits. He's also guest starred on TV series including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, CSI and Close to Home.

Award--winning director Ken Sawyer earned five Ovation Awards, four Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards and was the recipient of the LA Times' "Critics Choice," all for his work on the Los Angeles premiere of The Woman in Black. This past winter he directed an adaptation of Crime and Punishment at The Actor's Co--op and he is currently at work on an original new production, Lovelace: A Rock Opera which recently had workshop presentations at The Hayworth Theater.

One Red Flower was developed through the ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theater Workshop; In The Works, a joint venture of The Kennedy Center and The ASCAP Foundation; and with the Rubicon Theatre Company's New Works program, headed by Michael Jackowitz. The show was first presented at Boston's North Shore Music Theater (2001), with subsequent productions at Seattle's Village theatre (2002), at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University (2003) and Arlington, Virginia's Signature Theater (2004). One Red Flower is a participant in the Festival of New American Musicals.


THEATER NEWS
Kelley, McGovern, Parrish Set for One Red Flower Readings

By: Brian Scott Lipton-- Jun 5, 2008-- Los Angeles

  
Maureen McGovern
(Deborah Finegold)

Elijah Kelley, Maureen McGovern, and Hunter Parrish will star in staged readings of Paris Barclay's musical One Red Flower, to take place on June 24 and July 1 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura, California, and July 11--12 at the Brentwood Theatre in Los Angeles. The readings will be directed by Ken Sawyer.
The show is adapted from the book Dear America: Letters From Home from Vietnam, which features actual letters from soldiers in the Vietnam war and their loved ones. Barclay has written 16 previous musicals. He has won two Emmy Awards for directing episodes of NYPD Blue and has directed episodes of such series as The West Wing, City of Angels, Cold Case, and In Treatment.

Kelley is best known for his role as Seaweed in the hit film version of Hairspray. McGovern has starred on Broadway in Nine, Little Women, The Pirates of Penzance, and 3 Penny Opera. She has been a top--selling recording artist and concert and cabaret performer for over 30 years, and recently released her newest CD, A Long and Winding Road. Parish currently co--stars as Silas Botwin on the award--winning series Weeds.

For tickets and information, call 805--667--2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.


Sunday June 1, 9 -- 11PM: Everything Old is New Again

Featuring the music of Maureen McGovern. Some of the songs from her career that we will hear: "Let's Fall In Love", Allan Freed's "Sincerely", "Something I Thought I'd Never Do", of course, "The Morning After" and "Imagine" from her new CD A Long And Winding Road released through PS Classics Records (PS--861). And More!

THE NEW CD "PICK OF THE WEEK" IS: MAUREEN Mc GOVERN -- A LONG AND WINDING ROAD released thru PS Classics Records.

For more info and to listen via the internet click: WBAI.ORG

or listen to 99.5FM in New York City

May 2008
 
Maureen McGovern -- The New Standards?

PLAYBOY
The Playboy Blog
May 29, 2008


Copy Editor Joseph Westerfield is a listener of a certain age -- one who can still hear after years of rocking out. Here he appreciates some old wine in new bottles.

Covering a song can be risky business in the pop music world -- especially when a singer--songwriter is involved. Come too close to the original and you risk being imitative like Leonard Nimoy singing "Proud Mary"; depart too much and you risk sounding like William Shatner singing "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." But sometimes unlikely musical pairings can yield sublime results.

On her new CD A Long and Winding Road, Maureen McGovern, who has been doing standards for years and is probably best remembered for "The Morning After" covers several brand--name singer--songwriters from the 1960s and 1970s, some of whom are unlikely choices and achieves some entertaining results.

While McGovern never actually sings duets with the singer--composers who make up the bulk of the offerings here, the combination of her voice and their music makes for some interesting alchemy. In fact throughout the CD her voice shows a nice range and richness. Without sounding imitative she can also evoke 1960s icons Judy Collins and Carole King.

McGovern is at her best here when she sings "The Circle Game," by Joni Mitchell. And she has an affinity for Paul Simon, capturing the wistfulness of "America" and the whimsy of "59th Bridge Song" (Feelin' Groovy)".

With "The Times They Are a--Changin' " she successfully mixes her voice with Dylan's words and seems to channel 1960s Native American folk singer Buffy Sainte--Marie. Special mention goes to "MacArthur Park" which gets an unusual treatment --- that of being sung by a singer. I'm not sure that has been done before.

Her Lennon and McCartney songs deliver uneven results. "Rocky Raccoon" was never one of my favorite songs. To me, it's a novelty song, and there is little McGovern can do with it. More successful are "Let It Be" and "Imagine," which are treated in a more straightforward (and successful) manner.

McGovern closes with "Long and Winding Road," which with its wall-of-sound effects was always more of a Phil Spector song than Lennon-McCartney song. She goes 180 degrees in the opposite direction, and her very minimalist rendition is a welcome surprise and a pleasant way to end the album.


Playboy Blog




Maureen McGovern CD Review for Edge Publications:
"A triumphant musical tour-de-force"

by Kareem Tabsch,
EDGE Contributor
May 26, 2008


It is impossible for some singers to escape the life-long association with their hit song, and though it has been 35 years since she recorded it Maureen McGovern will inevitably be linked to her ballad "The Morning After" from the movie, "The Poseidon Adventure" which won the Academy Award for Best Film Song. However, since recording that song in 1972 McGovern's career continued to flourish into a highly successful life of work as a recording artist, actress, and broadway diva, seen most recently as Marmee in the national tour and Broadway version of "Little Women."

In her newest CD, A Long and Winding Road, McGovern returns to what has often been called "the second half of the Great American Songbook", the sound of McGovern's own youth and the words of the singer-songwriters who inspired her.

Though long associated with standards, ballads, and jazz; the tracks in this triumphant CD are more in line with McGovern's folk beginnings, and stem from a show the singer created for New York's Metropolitan Room.

"A Long and Winding Road," manages to be an homage and reinvention of the music it contains. Choosing music from this era is a tumultuous task, because their are so many timeless pieces by brilliant musicians, that avoiding a glaring omission would be difficult; still McGovern and musical director Jeff Harris deserve kudos for their song choices.

In Bob Dylan's generational anthem, "The Times They Are a Changin'", McGovern lends her crisp and clear delivery with an invigorating energy that even the seasoned Dylan fan may be surprised to find a new appreciation for the tune.

Perhaps the albums greatest track is Billy Edd Wheeler's "The Coming of the Roads," a heartbreaking song of love loss and our changing world. McGovern's voice is at home here, pulling the sentimentality out of every lyric and chord and wowing with her impressive vocal instrument, yet though this may be the most stand out performance in a group os standout re-interpretations, I would be remiss if not noting her fun and jazzy rendition of the Lennon/McCartney song, "Rocky Racoon" or beautiful take on Jimmy Webb's "By the time I get to Phoenix." Indeed, it is Webb, Joni Mitchell and Lennon/McCartney who are most represented on the album with 3 songs each.

Maureen McGovern's soulful, honest voice complements her musical choices as she breathes new life into many pieces, forgotten by all but those who relish the era.

Though, 'The Long and Winding Road' is a triumphant musical tour-de-force there are moments that are just satisfactory. The brilliance of Lennon and McCartneys songwriting is mostly an undisputed fact, but as wonderful as these numbers are, do we really need a new rendition off "Let it Be" or Lennon's "Imagine?"

Still for those of you who want to visit with an old friend, this CD is just that as the smooth, sultry-sounding McGovern recalls an era when music was rolling high.


Versatile singer at home on stage
May 16, 2008
BY MARGARET QUAMME
For the Columbus Dispatch


Some singers are ethereal; others are earthy. Maureen McGovern may be one of the few who are both.
At tonight's concert with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra at the Southern Theatre, McGovern moved effortlessly from down-home to celestial, sometimes in the space of a single song, reveling in scat one minute and revealing a clear soprano the next.

Completely at ease and without any pretense, she turned the theatre into a cabaret in which anything was possible and made herself thoroughly at home, to the point where she climbed out of her shoes and comfortably restarted songs if they weren't going well. ("Let's start again, the diva screwed up,"she said.)

Though her portion of the evening lasted little more than an hour, she swung as easily through decades of musical variety as she did from the highest of notes to the lowest.

Much of the evening was devoted to the American songbook, and especially to Gershwin, where she hit on both the familiar and the less so: Her Summertime was languid and sensual, but she also had giddy fun with the playful Little Jazz Bird, ably supported by Kris Keith on flute, and glided through a too-brief vocal version of Rhapsody in Blue.

McGovern, who joked that she was "clinging to the last two months of her 58th year,"also put new spins on some surprising choices from the sixties and seventies: She found the jazz roots in Simon and Garfunkel's Feelin'Groovy and the rueful melancholy in Jimmy Webb's By the Time I Get to Phoenix.

She also put together what might be the ultimate medley of recognizable nonsense passages from mid-20th-century top-40 songs, and demonstrated the operatic version of Where the Boys Are that drove her parents crazy back in Youngstown.

Unlike many other singers, McGovern never hid behind the orchestra. Her a cappella, unmiked version of Over the Rainbow was pure, uncomplicated and moving. Several of her songs were accompanied only by spare piano or bass. When she did use the orchestra -- for example, in Laura Nyro's And When I Die -- it was to good effect, and she clearly felt at ease with the improvisation of jazz.

Credit should also go to her musical director, Jeff Harris, for his deft use of the orchestra to both show off their strengths and complement McGovern's.

The evening opened with a nicely varied and approachable set by the CJO, featuring a crisp Don't Fence Me In, a sophisticated 'S Wonderful, and a playful version of the theme to I Love Lucy.

A mellow I Thought About You and a dreamy Skylark displayed the CJO at its best: Not only did pianist Bobby Floyd get to dominate the former, but director Byron Stripling allowed him to do a reprise afterwards, giving the audience a chance to appreciate what might have gone by too fast. Skylark permitted company member Jim Powell to come forward and shine, showcasing a smooth, romantic side of the trumpet.

Highlights of the show included a performance of Night Train by Northland High School junior Robert Dove, winner of this year's Hank Marr High School Jazz Award. Playing alto sax, Dove gave a bright and breezy take on the number, holding his own with the orchestra, enjoying their support and giving back a new generation's energy.

DIVA TALK:
By Andrew Gans
Playbill
09 May 2008

FOR THE RECORD: Maureen McGovern's
"A Long and Winding Road"

Maureen McGovern, the award-winning artist last on Broadway in the musical version of Little Women, boasts a voice that is perfectly suited to the recording studio. That singular voice is equally well-suited to the cabaret and concert arena as well as the Broadway stage. Simply put, Maureen McGovern possesses a beautiful voice: In fact, some of her rich tones are so beautiful that the sound alone can move a listener to tears.

In the past decade or two, McGovern has mostly steered clear of her pop roots -- she was a 1973 Grammy nominee for Best New Artist for "The Morning After"-- to focus on the songs of the Great American Songbook, and she has done so thrillingly. Whether interpreting the works of the Gershwins or Rodgers and Hart or Stephen Sondheim, McGovern has applied her skills as a superior vocalist and a dedicated actress to a mix of standards and rarely-heard gems from the composers whose roots lie in Tin Pan Alley and/or the Broadway stage.

McGovern now returns to more mainstream fare on her latest solo recording, the superb "A Long and Winding Road" -- based on her acclaimed concert act of the same name which is currently available on the PS Classics label. The singing actress lends her voice to a mix of tunes penned by the singer-songwriters of the sixties and seventies -- Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Jimmy Webb, Laura Nyro, the Beatles and more -- whose words inspired a changing nation and world. And, once again McGovern proves a versatile artist, equally at home with these pop composers as she is with the likes of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin. It should come as no surprise, since McGovern, who possesses exquisite vocal control, has always added highly enjoyable pop twists in her singing a gentle -- riff here, a jazzy slide there (just listen to the vocal flair she brings to Lennon's "Let it Be" or the hauntingly pure sounds she creates on "The Coming of the Roads").

McGovern begins her recital with just a touch of Joni Mitchell's "All I Want" that blends seamlessly into Paul Simon's "America." She delivers a forceful "The Times They Are a-Changin'" that brims with urgency. And, her slowed-down, thoughtful rendition of Joni Mitchell's "The Circle Game" is flawless she completely brings to vivid life this tale of a young girl's inevitable ascent to womanhood and what is gained and lost in the process.

Other highlights include a gorgeous, full-voiced reading of Carole King and Gerry Goffin's "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?"; a moving version of James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" that mines the song for all its emotional depth; a wonderful pairing of Taylor's "Shed a Little Light" and Gil Turner's "Carry It On"; three Jimmy Webb tunes,"By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "MacArthur Park" and "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress" -- that explore the pain of lost love; and an excitingly belty version of Laura Nyro's "And When I Die."

McGovern also has fun with Lennon and McCartney's story-song, "Rocky Raccoon," and she leaves the listener "Feelin' Groovy" after her rendition of Paul Simon's "The 59th Street Bridge Song."

Musical director Jeff Harris penned the disc's terrific arrangements, and McGovern is accompanied by a host of musicians, including Harris on piano and Jay Leonhart on bass.

"A Long and Winding Road," which concludes with that John Lennon/Paul McCartney ballad, is one of the great vocal recordings of the year.


Featured in
QUEST Magazine
May - June 2008
Issue

Maureen McGovern
A Golden Voice
Inspires Hope

 


The 22nd Annual Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs (MAC) presented its annual awards show honoring excellence in New York City cabaret, comedy and jazz.

Maureen McGovern, who just released her new CD, Long and Winding Road, was honored with the MAC Lifetime Achievement Award.

MAUREEN McGOVERN A LONG AND WINDING ROAD
(PS Classics)

"A Triumph"

SOUND ADVICE by Rob Lester
talkinbroadway.com

Maureen McGovern's Lifetime Achievement Award from MAC comes just a week after a truly outstanding achievement in her lifetime comes into the marketplace: her CD, A Long and Winding Road. Always a polished and dynamic vocalist, an increasing depth and wisdom have radiated through her work in recent years. Masterful Maureen brings an adult elegance and grace to the songs from writers and artists who made them famous when they (and seemingly the world) were quite young. Generous in spirit as well as time (18 tracks; just under an hour), this is a rich and moving experience that is very emotional without ever feeling calculated or dependent on just memory-tugging. Call it nostalgia with a brain.

Maureen's own long and winding road seems to have been a circular one - her career began when she sang folk and pop songs in the late 1960s, and here she is back where she began, with music mostly from that period: the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, etc. Though many of the songs are monster hits, part of the fabric of American music and milestones of an era - hit records burned into the brains of many listeners - these renditions are not redundant or sentimentalized. Maureen and arranger/pianist Jeff Harris treat the songs with tremendous care and affection - and something called perspective. It's quite remarkable how the performances are so emotionally present and involved, line by line, while at the same time they feel imbued with a fondness for the material in its original era. And she certainly sounds very much at home. The one non-Harris arrangement is the work of Jay Leonhart, playing bass and joining in vocally on "Feelin' Groovy" (AKA "The 59th Street Bridge Song"), which, like the Beatles' quirky "Rocky Raccoon," is a rare light moment.

Interestingly, the point of view and vocal finesse brought to a particular song sometimes gives it a new flavor - the warmth and tenderness lavished on "Let It Be," "Imagine" and "Fire and Rain" make them feel both soothing and inspiring, while subtly sophisticated arrangements and fresh phrasing allow them to escape being trapped in melodic repetition. A trio of Jim Webb songs ("By the Time I Get to Phoenix," a part of "MacArthur Park," "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress") feels like a wistful look back at love with a growing sense of self-awareness and lessons learned. Sung totally a capella, "The Fiddle and the Drum" (Joni Mitchell) is arresting and moving. Bob Dylan's landmark "The Times They Are A-Changing" is stirring -- richly sung, it may be the album's strongest achievement as it is the least likely candidate for being yanked from its 1964 page in history. Rather than relying on anger or a storm clouds-gathering foreboding for its propulsion, it has in its warning cry a determination and even hope with even a tinge of expected triumph. Indeed, the word "triumph" could describe this whole album.

April 2008
 

Maureen McGovern at Lincoln Triangle Barnes and Noble May 5

The month kicks off with an in-store appearance by Grammy Award winner Maureen McGovern. The Broadway actress and heralded cabaret chanteuse will perform selections from "A Long and Winding Road." The album, recorded by PS Classics, is based upon McGovern's recent Metropolitan Room cabaret act. The signing and performance will take place May 5 at 5:30 PM.

The Barnes and Noble at Lincoln Triangle is located at 1972 Broadway at 66th Street in Manhattan.
For further information call (212) 595-6859 or visit www.bn.com.

Maureen McGovern: A Long and Winding Road

By David Finkle
Backstage

Maybe it's the scores of performances she did as the staunch and comforting Marmee in the Broadway musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women that has hastened the enormous change in Maureen McGovern. There was a time when it was hard to know her well, to paraphrase Jimmy Webb's "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress," one of the songs she sings. There were certain things that could be known, of course, chief among them that she was the one-in-a-million owner of a zillion-octave range she controlled as if she were guiding a cruise missile.

With her current show, A Long and Winding Road, that's all changed. Warm as the spring sun throughout, she's come up with her best and most important show. Singing songs mostly culled from the folk-rock period experienced up close and personal by the Baby Boom Generation, she not only tells her own story but by inference the story of most of her audience.

In addition to opening herself up to the audience as something other than a nearly disembodied voice, and beyond reminding the patrons of a formative period of their own lives, she has programmed the material -- with director and co-writer Philip Himberg's help -- not only to underline the sometimes-lighthearted expressions of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Gerry Goffin, James Taylor, Laura Nyro, and Webb, but also to include reminders of the often-rootless, unsettled America that came to light in the 1960s and has only worsened in the years since. In doing that much, she has subliminally made the significant point that the songs written during the time she was coming into her own have the power and the durability of the songs from the more revered earlier chapters in the Great American Songbook.

While somewhat following that traditional cabaret formula -- a singer's autobiography illustrated in songs and patter -- McGovern isn't simply singing one disconnected song after another in that voice like a banner waving in the air seeking attention for the person waving it. She's also compiling a persuasive argument for herself as a performer who, at "58 and a half," has finally come of convincing age. She does it with bassist Jay Leonhart, who arranged the "Feelin' Groovy" duet on which he doo-doo-doos, and Jeff Harris, nimble as an aerialist at the keyboard.

One way to emphasize McGovern's contribution to the longevity of the songs she's chosen is to say that whereas many of the original recording artists simply sang the material handed them, she interprets it. For instance, without putting exemplary studio singer Glen Campbell down, it's necessary to note that McGovern's version of "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" contains the heartbreak of resignation not only in Webb's unadorned words but in the singer's manner. She lends the same hopeful pathos to "Let It Be" (Paul McCartney-John Lennon) and Lennon's "Imagine," which she sings as a beg-off.

There are laughs galore, too, in McGovern's presentation, which when she chats does sometimes wander dangerously close to the line between amusing and just the least bit cutesy-poo. Recalling her Catholic-school upbringing, McGovern sings Tom Lehrer's "Vatican Rag" with figurative tongue in figurative cheek. She even does a little dancing to it, but then again, the entire program is McGovern's dance to an irresistible new tune.

Before the morning after

Robert Sokol,
The San Francisco Examiner
2008-04-14

SAN FRANCISCO - It's been a long and winding road for Maureen McGovern.

From aspiring folk singer to pop queen of movie themes, the Broadway star, cabaret darling and Grammy-nominated recording artist has been a-changing with the times.

The Youngstown, Ohio, native came of age musically in the era of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins and other singer-songwriters who showed a generation how the power of music could change the world.

In her latest CD release and her act at The Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko, McGovern reinterprets the musical messages of that era. The San Francisco engagement is an abridged version of a show she will tour later this year.

It is not, McGovern says, "a museum piece. We want to explore why these songs are timeless and how they are relevant for us today.

"People have been asking me for years to do a 'baby boomer' show, which really didn't interest me, but looking at the songs that changed our generation and gave us hope for a better world did. And God knows, we need some hope in the world today. I got together with Phillip Himberg, a dear friend who directed me in several productions at Sundance, and we made a list of a couple of hundred songs that reminded us of that highly charged, formative time the '60s which, for any baby boomer, is fascinating for all its lunacy, political activism, frivolousness and for the profound changes that happened in the world."

What surfaced was the spine of a show that is partly autobiographical, taking a musical arc from the early '60s to the point where McGovern joined the continuum with her breakthrough hit, the Oscar-winning "The Morning After" from "The Poseidon Adventure."

Researching the material has been a journey in itself, full of resonance and remembrance for the self-described "58-and-a-half" year-old singer.

"I was reading the lyrics for Bob Dylan's 'The Times They Are A-Changin' and just burst into tears" she remembers.

"My father, who was my idol all my life, was a D-Day vet and by the time I was a sophomore in high school, we were having daily battles over the Vietnam War. He died a few years ago and I remember that he was so opposed to this [Iraq] war and felt that we had lost our way. So it was very interesting to come full circle with him in sharing a belief; 1968 and 2008 are such mirrors. That was a time when everything was so fresh and new and we had such potential, such idealism and such hope. I think we're in a time in history where we need to pull in the reins and focus on making change. Society cannot progress without hope."

Review:
Maureen McGovern's long and winding road takes you back

By Pat Craig
Contra Costa Times
04/11/2008

Before subprime mortgages and variable interest rates, before SUVs and minivans, before lifestyle coaches and overmanaged children, the baby boomers had some good ideas.

They were expressed musically by Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Carole King, John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

At about the same time, there was a guitar-toting girl singer named Maureen McGovern, whose musical sensibilities were inspired by these same artists whose work she sang on the way to breaking out into her own pop career with "The Morning After."

And now this 58-year-old boomer, one of the hottest cabaret acts going, brings the soundtrack of an uneasy generation to the land of low lights and little round tables, places like San Francisco's Rrazz Room, where she opened on Tuesday night.

"For years, people have said, 'Oh, do a baby boomer album.' But I didn't want to do a museum piece," said McGovern during a chat the morning before her Rrazz Room opening. "I wanted to do something with the songs that are still relevant today. And you know, 1968 and 2008 mirror each other, I'm sad to say in some very strong ways." There's the war, of course, but there's also a new generation of Americans who are inspired by the possibility of a female or black president, she pointed out, and a real sense that there can be change out of these exciting times.

"Our generation had a healthy dose of cynicism, but we were also idealistic," she said. And

the music of the time reflected both of these things, McGovern proves quite conclusively and beautifully in her show, which expands on her new CD of '60s and early '70s tunes, "A Long and Winding Road."

The show features songs of the era, from Bob Dylan to Jimmy Webb, arranged in a cabaret style by Jeff Harris, who played piano for Tuesday's opening. The songs filled the nightclub with both nostalgia for those born between 1946 and 1964, to whom McGovern dedicated the show, and a remarkable amount of wisdom.

The songs that lit up car radios and crash pads for children of the '60s have an entirely different feel for those same folks who are now pushing their 60s.

Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin" still remains a fierce anthem for change and understanding, but as McGovern sings it now, there is also a wistfulness and a sad irony around the fact that the more things change, the more they remain the same.

As McGovern's rich and enticing voice explores Carole King's "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," the daring tune of youthful freedom is recalled, but the words are also heard by the ears of a parent. And Laura Nyro's 1966 "And When I Die" becomes a bittersweet lament on mortality.

McGovern could be the best interpreter of the American Songbook going her performances and recordings of standards are flat-out breathtaking.

And this show, featuring what the New York Times has called the "second half" of the songbook, is simply another facet in the McGovern diamond.

March 2008
 

MAC Nominees Announced:
McGovern Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

By Adam Hetrick
and Andrew Gans
25 Mar 2008
Maureen McGovern
photo by Gideon Lewin

The nominees for the 22nd Annual MAC Awards have been announced, honoring excellence in New York City cabaret, comedy and jazz.

Eileen Fulton, Klea Blackhurst, John Treacy Egan, Heather Parcells and Nancy Witter announced the 2008 MAC nominees at the Barnes & Noble Lincoln Triangle at 1:30 PM March 25.

The 2008 MAC Awards will honor the Singing Experience founder Linda Amiel Burns (Board of Directors Award), Barnes and Noble "Any Wednesday" series creator Bart Greenberg (Board of Directors Award), comedian Lewis Black (Outstanding Achievement in Comedy) and Grammy Award-winning vocalist Maureen McGovern (Lifetime Achievement Award).

read more: PLAYBILL


Maureen McGovern's voice richens over time

POP REVIEW:
Along the long and winding road, McGovern's voice has richened


March 15, 2008
By MARIO TARRADELL / The Dallas Morning News
mtarradell@dallasnews.com

Maureen McGovern

KYE R. LEE/DMN

Maureen McGovern sang tunes from 1946 to 1964 on Friday at the Irving Arts Center.


IRVING -- Maureen McGovern lovingly connected with Joni Mitchell's lyrics as she sang "The Circle Game" on Friday night at the Irving Arts Center's Carpenter Performance Hall.


"We're captive on the carousel of time," she intoned. Those words were telltale. The expressive songstress offered 80 minutes of tunes by '60s singer-songwriters during her "A Long and Winding Road" show, a piano-and-voice concert presented by the Irving Symphony Orchestra. She interpreted Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Randy Newman, Laura Nyro, James Taylor, Jimmy Webb and Simon & Garfunkel.

She dedicated the repertoire to folks born from 1946 to 1964. But she obviously chose these tracks for their timelessness, their ability to transcend generations.

Like the oeuvre, Ms. McGovern's voice never gets old. Years of stage work on Broadway, not to mention stints with orchestras and cabarets, have richened her timbre. She's no longer the sweet sounding ing nue that sang "The Morning After" in 1973. Now her pipes have heft and heart. Her voice is cinematic and theatrical, but never melodramatic.

The highlights abounded. There was her beautifully tender rendition of Carole King's "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" Also, she turned James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" into a solemnly reflective yet quiet anthem. And let's not forget her takes on a pair of Jimmy Webb compositions: the melancholy "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" as well as the majestic "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress."

Plus, give her credit for choosing obscure songs such as Ms. Mitchell's "The Circle Game" and Randy Newman's "Cowboy." But Ms. McGovern went a bit into left field by tackling the Beatles' "Rocky Raccoon" and Simon & Garfunkel's "59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)."

In between she recounted witty stories, such as the time in 1979 when she met Roy Rogers, a childhood hero, and he complimented her performance of "Can You Read My Mind," the Superman theme.

Ms. McGovern treats her concert stints as musical theater. They have a beginning, middle and end. They are examples of a singing actress communicating lyrics and sentiments with the sheer force of her personality. There are no props here, just raw talent.

So by the time she launched into "The Morning After," appropriately the final song, you felt as if you'd been on a journey. Today, more than 30 years after it became a radio staple, "The Morning After" carries heavier weight. The song hasn't changed, but Ms. McGovern's performance of it has. She now truly feels the power of those hopeful words.

They weren't written by one of the influential '60s singer-songwriters she honored, but "The Morning After" remains an ageless signpost.

IT'S SO EASY BEING GREEN
Green as in Shamrocks Against Dystrophy, that is.

It's that time of year when businesses and restaurants nationwide team up in the fight against neuromuscular diseases by selling shamrock mobiles to support MDA's mission.

Dollars raised support the Association's programs in research and health care services that provide help and hope to families affected by neuromuscular diseases.

 

February 2008
 

Maureen McGovern at The Metropolitan Room

Next Magazine Review

February 29, 2008
By David Hurst

The exquisite vocalist Maureen McGovern recently stopped at The Metropolitan Room to perform songs from her upcoming PS Classics release, The Long and Winding Road.  Celebrating songwriters that influenced her in the 60's and 70's, McGovern lent her shimmering soprano to songs by Carole King, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Webb, Laura Nyro and John Lennon with dazzling results.  With superb artistry and consummate musicianship, McGovern, along with musical director/arranger Jeff Harris and bassist Jay Leonhart, performed one of the most flawless shows I've ever seen.  Let's hope she schedules a return engagement in May when her CD hits the stores.

Maureen McGovern

February 18, 2008
by Michael Dale
Broadway World

BroadwayPulse.com

I wish I were a better writer so that I could more completely convey to you the breathtaking artistry of Maureen McGovern. That sterling voice seems so effortlessly and lovingly controlled, even when emitting the faintest whisper of sublime vocal purity. Combine that with an extraordinary talent for complex lyric shading enhancing sensitive arrangements by music director/pianist Jeff Harris and the always cool and entertaining contributions of bassist Jay Leonhart and you've got a overwhelmingly fulfilling evening of cabaret.

The delightfully humorous McGovern dedicates her two-week engagement at The Metropolitan Room, titled A Long And Winding Road, to those born between 1946 and 1964. "We will not go quietly into that early bird special," she says of her fellow baby boomers.

Directed and co-written by Philip Himberg, the evening covers the more lyrically-minded side of 60s and 70s pop, including songs by Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and James Taylor. What becomes rather apparent early on is that while these singer/songwriters may have written great material, it takes the interpretive skills of a singing artist like McGovern to truly bring out the drama of their stories. The opening night audience was completely hushed throughout a stunning a cappella rendition of Mitchell's "The Fiddle and the Drum," a tortured and intense performance of Taylor's "Fire and Rain" and the ethereal fantasy she creates from Dylan's "The Times, They Are A-Changin'." She brings a quiet sophistication to Carol King's "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" and turns McCartney's "Let It Be" into and inspirational prayer. Her deep, loving tones on Lennon's "Imagine" embraces the audience like a warm comforter.

A Jay Leonhart arrangement of Simon's "The 59th Street Bridge Song" is sunny and playful, while she gives a down and dirty spin on McCartney's "Rocky Raccoon" and a light jazz twist to Laura Nyro's "And When I Die."

An a cappella tour de farce called "60's Silly Syllables," adapted by McGovern, has the singer rapidly running through doot-doots, dum-dum-dums and other nonsense lyrics from hits like "Mr. Sandman," "Mrs. Robinson," "My Boyfriend's Back" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." She gets even sillier with Tom Lehrer's "The Vatican Rag."

"West Side Story got me through junior high, The Beatles got me through high school and I could not have gotten through my divorce without Joni Mitchell," quips Maureen McGovern. Her new show is bound to get audiences through the night feelin' just groovy.


MUSIC REVIEW
Exploring Folk and Soft Rock and Discovering Pop Standards


By STEPHEN HOLDEN
Published: February 16, 2008
New York Times

Unfailingly demure, stalwartly upbeat and blessed with a vocal technique second to none, Maureen McGovern might be described as the Julie Andrews of the Love Generation. Because she has devoted most of the last 25 years to a pop-jazz, Broadway and light classical repertory, I hadn't thought of her quite that way until her captivating new show, "A Long and Winding Road," at the Metropolitan Room.

Maureen McGovern
Hiroyuki Ito for
The New York Times


In the program, which plays irregularly through Feb. 23, she applies the pop-standard test to rock-era songs. The ones she has chosen, by Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Jimmy Webb and others, pass with honors.

In that exam Ms. McGovern and her musical director and pianist, Jeff Harris (with Jay Leonhart on bass), transform astutely selected folk and soft-rock songs, many composed on guitar, into more formal, piano-based pieces performed with a recitalist's discipline and precision. Ms. McGovern has perfect intonation, impeccable enunciation and the dynamic control and the vocal flexibility of a classical lieder singer.

Her vocal texture, with its softened vibrato and nasality at the upper end suggests a folk-jazz Barbra Streisand with an extra octave. The style she uses about half the time is unaffected, pure folk-pop crooning, sometimes a cappella.

This chronologically nonlinear musical scrapbook of baby boom music, from the 1960s to the early '70s, begins with a fragment of Joni Mitchell's "All I Want" attached to Paul Simon's "America" and ends with a verse of Ms. Mitchell's "Woodstock," leading to John Lennon's "Imagine."

There is soft-edged humor. Amusing bits include " '60s Silly Syllables," a skillfully executed medley of nonsensical doo-wop intros, and Tom Lehrer's blasphemous "Vatican Rag," offered as a response to what Ms. McGovern on Thursday called her "1950s and '60s Catholic girl experience." Parodying Connie Francis singing "Where the Boys Are," she captured Ms. Francis's overbearing whine while lending the song twice the vocal heft than Ms. Francis ever put into it.

Although nothing rates below a B, most of the songs that get A+'s are those originally composed on piano, especially those by the still under-regarded Jimmy Webb. The exquisite gentleness with which she renders "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" makes its characters in a song he wrote as a teenager sound painfully young and vulnerable. Performing "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress," Ms. McGovern holds back until the emotional dam bursts, and she briefly lets the torrents rage before reining the song back in.

Ms. McGovern brings her jazz know-how to Laura Nyro's "And When I Die" and unleashes glimpses of a full-tilt ferocity that suggests that there is a drowsy tiger stirring inside this nice Catholic schoolgirl from Youngstown, Ohio. It is more than she has ever shown before.

Maureen McGovern performs through Feb. 23 at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, Flatiron district; (212) 206-0440, metropolitanroom.com.


Theatermania

February 14, 2008
By Brian Scott Lipton

The term "jukebox musical" may be used pejoratively in theater circles, but to call Maureen McGovern's new Metropolitan Room cabaret act A Long and Winding Road a "jukebox show" is meant only as the highest praise. Over 80 minutes, McGovern uses her prodigious vocal instrument, interpretive skills, and inherent musicality to illuminate nearly two dozen songs written between 1960-1971.

These tunes, by such giants as Carole King, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro and, of course, Paul McCartney and John Lennon, are hallmarks of their era, ranging from precise character studies to gentle fables, from protest anthems to love songs. McGovern not only does them justice, she often paints them in a new light -- as in a light jazz top spin she serves on the Beatles' comical "Rocky Raccoon." Musical director Jeff Harris has pulled together some marvelous arrangements, and he and McGovern get first-rate assistance from bassist Jay Leonhart -- especially on a charming "59th Street Bridge Song."

Early on in the act, which has been co-created and directed by Philip Himberg, McGovern's operatic voice threatens to overwhelm the material -- although at least you can make out all the words to "The Times That Are A-Changin'" -- but she quickly proves her subtletly with a truly gorgeous renditon of "The Circle Game." One wishes she did more of Mitchell's repertoire, based on her stunning takes on the singer-songwriter's little-known anti-war song "The Fiddle and the Drum," and the first verse of "Woodstock."

McGovern's comic chops aren't limited to "Rocky Raccoon." She produces a hilarious vocalese medley titled "Silly 60s Syllalable," and finds the laughs in Tom Lehrer's satiric masterpiece "The Vatican Rag." But McGovern has always been a superb ballad singer, and, not surprisingly, she shines strongly on King's "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" and Taylor's beautiful "Fire and Rain." Still, the true high point of the act comes towards its end as she tackles three Jimmy Webb tunes. "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" becomes a perfect three-act play, while a medley of the early section of "MacArthur Park" and "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress" is simply breathtaking.

I don't think you have to be a "Baby Boomer" like me or McGovern to enjoy or appreciate the journey of this Long and Winding Road, but revisiting one's past is certainly part of the fun!


Maureen McGovern is in town at the Metropolitan Room

By Scott and Barbara Siegel
Talkin' Broadway

Simply put, Maureen McGovern is the Gold Standard in voices. It would seem that the beauty, purity and clarity of her singing is only matched by her exquisite vocal control. Many years ago, she used to come into town and perform and, despite the magnificence of her voice, still get indifferent reviews from us because she just sang notes. Gorgeous notes, but without any feeling behind them. That changed a number of years ago and now, with her new show A Long and Winding Road at the Metropolitan Room that concludes with shows on February 21-23 at 7:30 p.m., she is at the top of her game both musically and personally. Now, not only does she know who she is when she's on stage, so do we. She reveals herself both in her chummy patter and in her songs, virtually all of which are the pop hits upon which many of us including McGovern grew up during the 1960s through the 1980s.

This isn't just a nostalgic journey, it's also a well-constructed act in which the song choices provide a depth and resonance that you might find surprising considering that, at the time they came out, nobody took them seriously. It's instructive, indeed, to hear "Rocky Raccoon" (Paul McCartney) and realize just how clever a song it is, or to hear a less heard ode to Martin Luther King, "Carry it On" (Gil Turner), that was written before the Civil Rights leader was slain.

McGovern is in great voice, and in the full flower of her personality. She is simply fun to be around. She doesn't get to New York that often, so this is an ideal time to see her.


Maureen McGovern A Long Winding Road

February 13, 2008
By Barbara Leavy
Cabaret Scenes

Maureen McGovern is such an established cabaret star that to review one of her shows almost seems redundant. She is lovely and elegant, possessing a magnificent soprano voice whose volume she can progressively raise without sacrificing any of its purity. She can sing a cappella without missing a note; and vocalize the "Silly Syllables" of the '60s as if they were scat. Her patter is smooth and witty, such as her play on a Dylan Thomas poem when she says of her fellow baby boomers that "we will not go gentle into that early bird special." The children of the baby boomers, or at least those able to appreciate their parents' music, might say of her, "She's awesome."

Her show at the Metropolitan Room, A Long and Winding Road (sounds like a song from the '60s) is intended to demonstrate that the songs of Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Webb, Carole King, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, John Lennon and others, do indeed make up what the New York Times called the second half of the Great American Songbook. Some of what she sang accompanied by Jeff Harris on piano and Jay Leonhart on bass was very familiar, such as "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," others such as "Rocky Raccoon" less so, although the audience on the evening we caught the show sang along. It was clearly nostalgia night.

But, as the title of one of her songs proclaims, "The Times They Are a Changin'." As someone who started out as a folk singer, McGovern has created a show out of the music of her youth, songs loved by those born, as she was, between 1946 and 1964. In terms of music history, this is a very short period of time, and it is not clear that these songs can claim to constitute as much as half of the Great American Songbook. And it is possible to ask whether too much of the show rests on nostalgia. There will be those who will want to hear McGovern sing the first half of the songbook, as they have heard her before; and those used to a rougher world than the phrases "far out" and "groovy" are adequate to describe, for whom Neil Sedaka will seem as antiquated as Cole Porter, and just about as enthralling.

Still, for the nostalgia, for the songs, many of which are wonderful, and most of all for McGovern, catch this show! It will return to The Metropolitan Room on February 21-23 at 7:30 pm.

Maureen McGovern
Star of 'A Long and Winding Road'

Feb. 18, 2008
By VARIETY STAFF

Maureen McGovern, chanteuse who will perform songs by Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Webb and Randy Newman in "A Long and Winding Road" running Feb. 21-23 at the Metropolitan Room in Gotham.

Book I'm reading:
"No Time to Lose" by Pema Chodron

Total number of books I own:
Let's just say -- I should have a wing dedicated to me at Barnes & Noble.

Last film I saw:
"Atonement," directed by Joe Wright and "No Country for Old Men," directed by Joel and Ethan Coen -- a double-header.

Who do you think is the best actor in Hollywood at the moment? (male or female)
Cate Blanchett; Meryl Streep; Denzel Washington; Daniel Day-Lewis; Russell Crowe; Ralph Fiennes; Tom Hanks; George Clooney; Angelina Jolie; Halle Berry. . .too many great actors to pick just one!

If you could play any real-life person in a movie, who would it be and why?:
Georgia O'Keefe -- solitary, interesting life, brilliant artist

Song currently playing in my iPod:
Don't own one -- I'm still in the dark ages

Three songs that mean a lot to me:
"Amelia"
"Skylark"v"The Moon's a Harsh Mistress"

Ever feel that certain song lyrics were written with you in mind? What are they?:
Joni Mitchell's catalogue. She speaks to the very soul of women

Concert that changed your life:
Joni Mitchell at the Greek Theatre and Bette Midler at the Roxy, late '70s

Guilty pleasures:
* TV: LOVE "Boston Legal, ""Brothers & Sisters," "Keith Olbermann," "Jon Stewart," "The Colbert Report"
* Film: Vintage films of the '30s, '40s, '50s; also Jacques Tati films
* Reading material: Cookbooks -- don't cook, but love the books; photography books

Best hangover remedy?:
Don't drink too much!

What's the biggest upside of the Internet and what is its biggest downside?:
Instant information -- but not always accurate

What advice would you give to someone trying to break into your profession?
Have unfailing faith in yourself -- imperative -- and NEVER GIVE UP!!

Do you have a dream project?:
To take my "Works of Heart" Foundation for Music & Healing global

What helps you get out of bed in the morning?:
Hannah and Rocky, my Silkie and Yorkie Terriers. Can't be a bad day if the first thing you see is happy puppy faces!!

Who was your celebrity crush growing up?
Paul McCartney, Cary Grant, Newman and Redford

Are there any activities you do to make you feel un-famous?
Cleaning up puppy messes -- charming!!

Would you rather see a Lakers game next to Jack Nicholson or a Knicks game next to Spike Lee?:
I'd rather see a movie next to George Clooney

What is the single worst purchase you've made in the past year?:
I made wise and penurious choices last year. However, in 1974 -- a Mellotron -- don't ask!!

What is the real reason behind answering these questions?:
My press agent made me do it!! :)



Photo Coverage: McGovern & Johnston Judge ASPCA Competition

February 16, 2008
by Mark Rupp
baltimore.broadwayworld

On Friday, February 15 at the ASPCA Pet Adoption Center (424 East 92nd Street), ten dogs, all available for adoption at the ASPCA, and their handles showcased their soon-to-be unhidden talents for a panel of celebrity judges that included award-winning stage and screen actress and ASPCA supporter Kristen Johnston, legendary Broadway star and singer Maureen McGovern, WQHT's hit HOT 97 FM DJ Angie Martinez, the face of Ralph Lauren's HOT perfume, Lonneke Engel, and the ASPCA's Supervisory Special Investigator and star of he hit show "Animal Precinct," Annemarie Lucas.

New York City's animal rescue groups are making their biggest pet adoption push this February during "I Love NYC Pets Month" that includes dozens of adoption events in all five boroughs, extended adoption hours at city shelters, and special gifts for new adopters. Primary organizational partners of "I Love NYC Pets Month" include the ASPCA, Animal Care & Control, Animal Haven, Bide-A-Wee, Humane Society of New York and North Shore Animal League. For more information or a complete schedule of events please visit: www.ilovenycpets.com.

Photos by Mark Rupp

 
Kristen Johnston and Maureen
 
Maureen McGovern
 
Maureen and Kristen Johnston
 
Maureen and Annemarie Lucas
Maureen
Annemarie Lucas, Angie Martinez, Maureen McGovern, Kristen Johnston and Lonneke Engel

PS Classics to Record Maureen McGovern's
Long and Winding Road

By Andrew Gans
Playbill
01 Feb 2008

PS Classics, the label dedicated to the heritage of American popular song, will record Maureen McGovern's newest concert act, A Long and Winding Road.

Maureen McGovern
photo by Gideon Lewin

As previously announced, McGovern will present Winding Road for New York audiences Feb. 13-16 and Feb. 21-23 at the Metropolitan Room. McGovern will head into the recording studio over the Feb. 1 weekend and will continue laying down tracks for the next two weeks. Tommy Krasker, the co-founder of PS Classics, expects a spring release for the single CD.

A Long and Winding Road features an eclectic mix of tunes from such celebrated sixties singer-songwriters as Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Webb, Paul Simon, Carole King, James Taylor, Randy Newman, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Laura Nyro. Song titles include "The Circle Game," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?," "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress" and "Imagine," among others.

In a statement Krasker said, "We committed to recording A Long and Winding Road after seeing a half-hour rehearsal in December. The mating of performer and material is so perfect, and Maureen's approach to the songs is so compelling and powerful we knew it had to be preserved on disc. Jeff Harris, Maureen's longtime music director, will be enlarging the instrumental forces slightly for the studio, but the repertoire will pretty much mirror the show that Maureen is performing at the Metropolitan Room."

About her new show, McGovern recently stated, "For the longest time, people have been asking me to do a concert featuring so-called 'Baby Boomer' songs. At this time in my life, looking back, what interested me most were those introspective songs that influenced and inspired my own development as a person and an artist before 'The Morning After.' I started out as a folk singer in the late '60s, so it was highly nostalgic for me to go back and explore this particular section of my musical influences. I fell in love all over again with the early works of Jimmy Webb, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman and other groundbreaking singer-songwriters from my youth. Their songs, as The New York Times has called them, have become 'the second half of the Great American Songbook.' They're classic, timeless and evoke all kinds of memories."

Maureen McGovern's performing credits are numerous and varied. She appeared on Broadway in Little Women, Nine, The Pirates of Penzance and The Threepenny Opera, and her many recordings include the Grammy nominated "The Pleasure of His Company" and the Academy Award-winning song "The Morning After." She was also seen in the films "The Towering Inferno," "Airplane!" and "The Cure for Boredom," and she appeared at the Sundance Theatre in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and Jerry Herman's Dear World.

McGovern will offer A Long and Winding Road, directed and co-conceived by Philip Himberg, at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, Feb. 13-16 and Feb. 21-23 at 7:30 PM. For reservations call (212) 206-0440 or visit www.metropolitanroom.com.

For more information about PS Classics, visit www.psclassics.com.

January 2008
 

AFTRA Honors Trio of Talented TV Greats
Sam Donaldson, Susan Lucci, and Maureen McGovern with
2008 AFTRA Media and Entertainment Excellence Awards


Maureen McGovern, Sam Donaldson, and Susan Lucci at the 2008 AFTRA Media and
Entertainment Excellence Awards at Gotham Hall in New York City. Photo: John Quilty.

NEW YORK (January 28, 2008) Journalist Sam Donaldson, actor Susan Lucci, and recording artist Maureen McGovern were honored with AFTRA Media and Entertainment Excellence Awards at a gala event sponsored by the AFTRA Foundation at Gotham Hall in New York City.

The awards, nicknamed the "AMEES", recognize members of AFTRA who have made a significant contribution to American culture. The AMEES were created by AFTRA in 2003 to honor individuals for excellence in their craft and contributions to the fields of media and entertainment.

"On behalf of all AFTRA members, the AFTRA Foundation is proud to honor our fellow members Maureen McGovern, Susan Lucci, and Sam Donaldson for their lifetime of achievements that continue to entertain and inform audiences today," said Shelby Scott, AFTRA Foundation President and former AFTRA National President.

Satellite radio host and AFTRA National First Vice President Bob Edwards was the master of ceremonies for the evening, which was attended by more than 250 people. ...

Conductor Rob Fisher presented the AMEE in sound recordings to Maureen McGovern. The singer said, "Through the years, AFTRA has been a strong and great ally to artists in the television, radio and recording industry, securing and protecting our rights. I am proud to say that I have been an AFTRA member since 1972, when I recorded 'The Morning After'."

Maureen McGovern's career spans 36 years, including recordings, concerts, Broadway, films, television, radio, and composing, all with a voice that defies categorization. Having recorded more than 25 albums, her recording career began with her Oscar-winning International Gold Record "The Morning After" from the blockbuster film The Poseidon Adventure, followed by a second Oscar-winning International Gold Record "We May Never Love Like This Again" from the film The Towering Inferno. Maureen received Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and for her "The Pleasure of His Company" CD. She was also Grammy Awarded for her participation in "Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Mister Rogers." Maureen's television roles include appearances on One Life to Live, The Tracey Ullman Show, Pacific Blue, Duckman, and Beyond Belief and over 25 years of performances on musical variety and concert telecasts for PBS, A&E, and BBC.

Playbill News:
DIVA TALK: Catching Up with Maureen McGovern...
By Andrew Gans
11 Jan 2008

Maureen McGovern

photo by Gideon Lewin


Whether she's singing in intimate cabarets, on the Broadway stage or in concert halls around the world, singer-actress Maureen McGovern always manages to impress with her crystal-clear voice that effortlessly soars from a powerful belt through a glorious upper register and her detailed attention to a song's lyric. McGovern has spent much of the past few years inhabiting the role of Marmee in the musical version of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, first on Broadway and later in the show's national tour. The award-winning artist is now scheduled to return to the Manhattan cabaret scene with a brand-new show entitled A Long and Winding Road. Co-conceived with director Philip Himberg, the Feb. 13-16 and Feb. 21-23 concerts at the Metropolitan Room will feature an evening of intimate portraits, including tunes by such '60s singer-songwriters as Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Webb, Paul Simon, Carole King, James Taylor, Randy Newman, Bob Dylan, Lennon and McCartney and Laura Nyro. Cabaret goers can expect to hear McGovern wrap her gorgeous tones around such classics as "The Circle Game," "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and "Imagine," among many others. I recently had the great pleasure of chatting with the versatile performer, who spoke about her work in Little Women and her upcoming cabaret program; that brief interview follows.

Question: I think the last time we spoke was right before you were heading out of town with Little Women prior to Broadway.
Maureen McGovern: One-hundred years ago! [Laughs.]

Question: You had mentioned at that time that you had never gotten to enjoy a Broadway opening night because you had been sick for the opening of Threepenny Opera. I was wondering how the Little Women opening lived up to your expectations.
McGovern: Other than family members who couldn't make it because of the snowstorm and my date, Rob Fisher, who was coming in from London and was diverted through Washington-Dulles and never got there other than that, [laughs] it was perfect. It was just one of those magical nights that you dream of. And, of course, we had that spectacular snowstorm, and the opening-night party was at Tavern on the Green, so it was "set design by God." [Laughs.] It was an extraordinary night, and I'm very, very grateful for that.

Question: What was the experience like of playing Marmee on Broadway?
McGovern: I loved the role of Marmee. I just think she's a wonderful character, and I tried to fill her soul with humor and passion as well as the pain that she went through with the loss of a child and being a single parent during wartime. I think [that resonated with] a lot families, [and they] really took to Marmee. . . . She was just a great character. We did 32 cities on the road for a whole year with a new cast, other than a couple of members from the cast on Broadway, and she was a lovely role. And Marmee's strength. . .[I loved] her strength and her compassion.

Question: Was it a difficult decision for you to decide whether or not to tour with the show?
McGovern: It was in a way, but I'm glad that I did the tour. So many of the cities that we took the show to were cities where I perform regularly with symphonies or in concert, so it was nice for my concert audiences to see me across the country in a different light.

Question: When you toured with the show, you probably got to stay a little longer than you do [for a concert.]
McGovern: Right, one-nighters. [Laughs.] It was nice to be in a city for at least a week. Some places we were there for two weeks, and in DC and Detroit, we were there for a whole month.

Question: Now you're coming back with a new cabaret show. Tell me about the show, A Long and Winding Road.
McGovern: What you're going to be seeing is about half of what is really a two-hour-plus theatrical venture that we're working on. This will be kind of a preview to that. My agent, Rich Aronstein, has been after me for years to do a "boomer show," and I was not interested in doing [that]. In the early '90s I recorded "Baby, I'm Yours," a boomer homage CD of the overtly pop songs from that time. I had a great deal of fun doing that, but I wasn't interested in doing a redo of that.

I spoke with Philip Himberg, who has directed me in several productions for the Sundance Institute. Last summer we started talking, and I said, "If I'm going to do [a new show], this is what I would like to do: introspective musical portraits of these particular singer-songwriters that I loved growing up." First of all, we just wrote down every song I loved from when I was growing up. We had 400 songs! [Laughs.] Then we had to shape it and frame it into something. . .[I didn't want to perform them as] museum pieces; I [thought I] could [present them] as I do [songs from] the Great American Songbook. I like to find why [these songs are] timeless.

I focused on the iconoclastic singer-songwriters from that time: the Joni Mitchells, the James Taylors, Dylan...I started out as a folk singer in the late '60s playing guitar with the long blonde hair. So it was really very nostalgic for me to go back before "The Morning After" [and see] what influenced me then. Again, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Laura Nyro, I love. Jimmy Webb his song "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress," to me, is one of the greatest songs ever written. It's just an extraordinary art song, basically. And, Carole King and Paul Simon and, of course, Lennon and McCartney are honorary members of the second half of the Great American Songbook. They're just songs that resonated with me. Judy Collins, I'm a huge fan of hers. I was going to do "My Father" because she is a wonderful songwriter as well. I lost my dad a few years back, and it was just a little bit too hard to do right now, but eventually we will include that along the way. I do two songs that I remember very vividly loving hearing [Judy Collins] sing as a kid, "Carry It On" and "The Coming of the Roads" by Billy Edd Wheeler. Gorgeous, gorgeous piece.

Question: Do you envision this program as a two-act theatre piece?
McGovern: Yes, that's what we're working on at the moment, and this is sort of a little prelude to that.

Question: Do you think you would premiere the full show at Sundance?
McGovern: We're talking to a lot of the theatres that I've worked at around the country about where we'll actually [debut the show]... This is an independent project that Philip is doing. It's not with Sundance per se. He's directing, [but it's not] under Sundance's auspices.

Question: You play both big concert halls and small cabarets. Do you find that you have to adjust your performance style at all? How do you approach the different venues that you play?
McGovern: It's interesting because I approach my concerts in a very intimate way, so people are brought to me in a one-on-one situation as if I'm speaking to them individually. I think working in cabaret has actually made my concerts better, because I can translate that intimacy that you have with people literally two feet in front of you and bring an entire audience to you on the stage.

Question: Do you like performing in the smaller places where the people are right there in front of you?
McGovern: Sometimes it's a little distracting because you see people going through their purses, people getting up to go to the bathroom... [Laughs.] When you do a so-called "more theatrical concert" [in a cabaret setting], it's a little distracting at times. In an audience, I can feel them more than see them [in a concert hall]. But there is that immediacy of cabaret that it wonderful.

Question: How do you go about protecting your voice?
McGovern: You have to be very careful. Doing Little Women for two years, you're hammering away in the same range for a long time.... Marge Rivingston has been my vocal coach since 1981, and I have a whole series of tapes that we use, but you're doing eight shows a week for two years, the same show basically...I started listening to Light in the Piazza and singing all the parts to that as my vocal warm-up.

Question: Do you have any other projects in the works? Any new recordings?
McGovern: We're talking to a label right now about A Long and Winding Road, recording that, so we should know very soon.

Question: Would you be interested in coming back to Broadway?
McGovern: Absolutely. Oh, yes.

Question: How do you find the Broadway schedule?
McGovern: You really have to approach your life like you're in training as an athlete. When you're doing press...
that was the hard thing for me on the road. My mantra was, "Marmee never gets to play!" [Laughs.] All the cast had parties and great times, but ... we'd come into a city the day before [we opened], so you unpack and I had my two puppies with me and then you're up at five in the morning to do the morning TV and radio [interviews] for the opening day. You do your sound check, you do your show, and then I'd poke my head in for the presenters' party afterwards just to be polite, and then be back up at four or five in the morning and getting ready for hair and makeup for the second onslaught of press, then do the show. Thursday I'd be doing press for upcoming cities. Friday, if I was lucky, I would have Friday afternoon [off], and then I'd have five shows on the weekend. So that's the life of a theatre bird!

Question: Getting back to your new show. You've recorded the Gershwin album, and you've done whole shows of Richard Rodgers songs. How do you think these songs in A Long and Winding Road compare to the standards?
McGovern: It's interesting. These songs, like I said, each one of them I love for different reasons. We would sort of preview a little pocket of the songs as we were learning them along the way. Jeff Harris, who is my musical director, has done all of the arrangements. We just struck a nerve. It's an amazing thing. So it's very exciting. I wanted this to be different from everybody who is doing the "boomer" stuff. Barry Manilow has his homage, and there are just lots of people doing that kind of thing. I wanted to find the idiosyncratic singer-songwriters [who] broke the mold. Those songs, to me, have become the second half of the Great American Songbook. They're classic and timeless.

[McGovern will offer A Long and Winding Road at the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, Feb. 13-16 and Feb. 21-23 at 7:30 PM. For reservations call (212) 206-0440 or visit www.metropolitanroom.com.]


DIVA TALK: A Diva Season Preview
By Andrew Gans
04 Jan 2008

CABARET

Several of my favorite singing actresses will be seen on smaller stages within the next few months....

The cabaret on West 22nd Street (Metropolitan Room) will welcome Christine Pedi and Maureen McGovern, who are both preparing new shows.

McGovern, whose beautiful voice has been heard on Broadway and in concert halls around the world, has titled her new act A Long and Winding Road (Feb. 13-16 and Feb. 21-23). McGovern told me earlier this week that "putting together my new show with Philip Himberg has been an amazing experience. It's been a wistful, inspiring, tearful and hilarious journey back to my teens and early twenties. In this evening of intimate musical portraits, [audiences] will hear favorite songs of mine by Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Webb, Paul Simon, Carole King, James Taylor, Randy Newman, Bob Dylan, Lennon and McCartney, Laura Nyro and other iconoclastic sixties singer-songwriters, who helped shape our lives as a generation." McGovern will wrap her gorgeous tones around "The Circle Game," "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" and "Imagine," among others.

Maureen McGovern to Debut New Show at NYC's Metropolitan Room
Dec 28, 2007 New York
Brian Scott Lipton
TheaterMania.com


Maureen McGovern Broadway, recording, and cabaret star Maureen McGovern will debut her new show The Long and Winding Road at New York City's Metropolitan Room at 7:30pm on February 13-16 and February 21-23.

McGovern has starred on Broadway in Little Women The Pirates of Penzance, Nine, and 3 Penny Opera. She has appeared regionally in such shows as The King and I Elegies, Dear World, Letters From 'Nam, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Of Thee I Sing, The Sound of Music, South Pacific, and Guys and Dolls. She also recorded the Oscar-winning songs "The Morning After" and "We May Never Love Like This Again."

For more information, call 212-206-0440 or visit Metropolitan Room.

October 2007
 

Maureen receives The Imagination Award for her philanthropic work

Imagination Stage Gala 2007 (October 15, 2007)
 
 

Photo by Imagination Stage
Photo Credit: Allen Santos Photography

Imagination Award recipient Maureen McGovern and Master of
Ceremonies Mo Rocca pose for the Camera.

 

Maureen McGovern, Grammy Nominee, Broadway, concert and recording artist, whose 35 year career began with the Oscar winning, International Gold Record, THE MORNING AFTER, was honored on October 13, 2007, by receiving the third Imagination Award for her work with children, the arts and philanthropy from Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD. Previous recipients were Marion Wright Edelman and Jane Goodall. The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, was Honorary Chairperson for the event and actor/writer/satirist, Mo Rocca, was Special Guest Alumnus and Master of Ceremonies.

Maureen's current releases, HELP IS ON THE WAY (in partnership with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids) and WORKS OF HEART, launched the Maureen McGovern "Works of Heart" Foundation for Music and Healing.

Arts & Review
Music legend owns memorable evening
Published in the Monday, October 1, 2007 Edition of

From platform nine and three-quarters to a galaxy far, far away, virtuoso conductor and Oscar-winning composer John Williams and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra captured the hearts and imaginations of a sell-out 8,500 crowd at Conte Forum at last Friday's Night's 15th Annual Pops on the Heights Scholarship Gala. This year's concert also featured stellar performances by Broadway star Maureen McGovern, opera baritone Robert Honeysucker, and Boston College's very own University Chorale.

The second half opened with a brilliant performance by McGovern featuring memorable hits from Hammerstein's and Berlin's Broadway songbook fused with McGovern's own jazzy, soulful style. Nothing short of phenomenal, McGovern's performance was perhaps one of the pinnacles of Friday night's gala and left the crowd singing along to familiar tunes from The Sound of Music and Annie Get Your Gun.


September 2007
 

The 2007 Labor Day Telethon raised a record-setting $63.8 million in donations and pledges. The 21 1/2-hour show, benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Maureen sang "The Music and the Mirror" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

2007 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Las Vegas - Sept 2-3

YOU CAN CATCH MAUREEN'S PERFORMANCE
LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, pacific standard time


 


Sunday, Sep 2: Hour 5:
10:10-11:00 PM - PST
Monday, Sep 3: Hour 16:
9:00-10:10 AM - PST

TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Pops on the Heights
Friday September 28, 2007
Conte Forum, Boston College
Enjoy a memorable night at the 15th annual Pops on the Heights Scholarship Gala! Pops on the Heights promises to be another sell-out performance, so be sure to reserve your seats early!

John Williams, Laureate Conductor, The Boston Pops Orchestra, 8:00 pm.

June 2007
 

Birthday boy John Williams, Singer Maureen McGovern, Singer James Taylor. Conductor Keith Lockhart
and Gwen Ifill attended the 26th annual President at the Pops at Symphony Hall after party (Copyright Globe Newspaper Company)
Pops gets a little help from good friends
By Sarah Rodman
Boston Globe Staff
June 7, 2007
Old friends weren't only in the audience at the annual "Presidents at the Pops" gala last night, they were also on stage.

In addition to the corporate bigwigs -- who raised more than $1 million for the Pops' educational and community outreach programs -- raising a glass, familiar faces and voices lent their skills to a rousing night at Symphony Hall.

Pops laureate conductor John Williams was on hand to conduct from several of his Oscar-winning scores. Local legend James Taylor, Simmons College graduate and veteran television journalist Gwen Ifill -- who got her start in Boston -- and conductor Keith Lockhart's personal friend and Broadway star Maureen McGovern all lent sparkle to the night. But it was the fresh-faced exuberance of the youngsters in the Boston Children's Chorus who stole the hearts of the assembled during the 2 hour, 15 minute performance.

The night got off to a suitably lighthearted start when Charlie Baker, president of the "Presidents at the Pops" fund-raising committee and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, came onstage to announce that Lockhart would be late due to a mysterious "transportation problem." The assistant conductor then led the orchestra through its jolly version of "Charlie on the M.T.A." as a film of the maestro getting lost on the T -- and running into Mayor Thomas Menino, Williams, and Wally the Green Monster in the process-- played on screens above them.

Lockhart then swept in through the side doors leading the red-jacketed Chorus up to the stage.

The Chorus, led by their animated and encouraging director Anthony Trecek-King, performed two selections: the reverent yet joyful "Las Amarillas" and a nuanced "Deep River" that was filled with resonant lows and bright highs.

The orchestra picked the perfect match for its continuing salute to "Oscar and Tony" in McGovern, who as a film and Broadway veteran knows the terrain well.

Performing tunes by Harold Arlen, the radiant redhead was breathtaking doing a yearning, jazzy take on "Optimistic Voices," a scat-happy rendition of "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead," and an unamplified version of "Over the Rainbow," all from "The Wizard of Oz." That last song was truly riveting as the entire Hall went pin-drop quiet to hear the bell-like clarity of her sweet high notes.

She followed with an equally impressive medley of "The Man That Got Away," "Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin' All the Time)," and "Blues in the Night (My Mama Done Tol' Me)" that had razor-sharp precision without sacrificing an ounce of interpretive emotion and reminded everyone of Arlen's many gifts.

Williams handled the second half of the evening conducting spirited passages from his scores of the "Harry Potter" films and "Cowboys." He also had the pleasure of hearing the Chorus flawlessly perform his jubilant "Dry Your Tears Afrika" from "Amistad" for a deserved standing ovation.

The night closed on a patriotic note with Taylor and Ifill providing narration to the iconic historical images of Steven Spielberg's "Celebration 2000: American Journey" --commissioned by Bill Clinton for the millennium celebrations-- and Williams's score. The words, from great American literature, poetry, and public record, worked in concert with music filled with bold, brass figures and contemplative string arrangements. Although the orchestra occasionally threatened to drown out Taylor and Ifill, who also experienced some minor microphone problems, a balance was struck.

From the Boston Herald

Photo by Matt Stone
for the Boston Herald
Presidents at Pops' raises $$$, and the roof
Copyright Boston Herald Library Jun 7, 2007

Philanthrophy mixed with music at Symphony Hall last night for the Boston Pops' annual "Presidents at Pops" benefit, where nearly $1 million was raised for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and its youth and community outreach efforts.

Legendary musician James Taylor, Broadway star Maureen McGovern and longtime Washington journalist Gwen Ifill headlined the fund- raiser. Taylor and Ifill narrated John Williams' "American Journey," and the Boston Children's Chorus lighted up the stage in front of a packed house.

A Boston staple since 1982, the concert has raised more than $35 million in its history, organizers said.

APRIL 2007
 

McGovern gives voice to Songbook
'70s pop songs brought her fame, but American classics are her specialty

By Pat Craig
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
04/30/2007

IF SOMEONE SAYS "Maureen McGovern" and your mind fills with teary nostalgia for disaster-film theme songs and images of a gracefully aging woman flogging 30-year-old hits in the showroom of a remote Indian casino, you've really missed a lot.

Since she had the Oscar-winning hit versions of "We May Never Love Like This Again" (from "The Towering Inferno") and "The Morning After" (from "The Poseidon Adventure"), McGovern has enjoyed a remarkable career as a Broadway star, actress, voice-over artist, and as a singer who is considered to be the greatest living interpreter of the Gershwin catalog.

She will pull out some of the Gershwin big guns on Sunday when she appears in the Commandant's Ballroom at San Francisco's Marines' Memorial Club. And she will assure you that she doesn't have any bitter feelings about being a disaster diva during the early years of her career in the '70s.

"It kind of depends," says McGovern during a telephone interview; "I'm grateful for the hits in the '70s, but they were other people's choices. They were just a lot of songs chosen by other people who decided on the key, the arrangement and everything else. I was sort of a background singer on my own albums."

As both a well-trained musician and member of a musical family (her dad sang barbershop and she recalls loving to sing along), McGovern knew she could do much better with control of her own musical destiny. She has been a Broadway, road show and regional theater regular since 1981,when she appeared in the Broadway production of "Pirates of Penzance" (her most recent Broadway appearance was in 2004-05 in "Little Women"). Along with that, she established her own singing career, which includes a hands-on approach to every aspect of the craft.

Her specialty is the Great American Songbook. Not only has she recorded albums that highlight the work of the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers and Harold Arlen, but she also was on the classic concert re-creation of the Gershwins' Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, "Of Thee I Sing."

"The lyrics are timeless, and the material is so rich and layered, one can find delicious interpretations," she says. "One never gets tired of that material."
It was a particularly rich time for writers and composers; an amazing time when you consider the list of contemporaries that included Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael and dozens of others who provided the tunes to the singers who created the soundtrack of America.

Part of today's "musical averageness," she says, can be blamed on the notion of the singer/songwriter -- the idea that performers must write their own tunes as well as sing them.

"There are great writers out there, but there is a lot of poverty in our music," she says. "But there are some who can do both -- listen to Mary Chapin Carpenter."

What appeals to her about the older tunes is the basic emotion and sense of feeling many of them convey.

"I think of a song as a musical conversation, as if I'm speaking to you," she says. "Certainly it's a heightened conversation with music. What I look for is timeless music by asking myself, why something from 1932 is still relevant in 2007."

While some of these standards have been "lounged to death," they may still contain possibilities that have been overlooked. "Sometimes, you can find something fresh by going back to the song the way the author intended," says McGovern. "I always try to have a new take and a fresh point of view when I look at a song."

That she is able to take such a personal effort in selecting her material and her music is what makes her work appeal to her most these days.
"Really I just sort of walked away from pop music," she says. "I didn't want to record until I could have a say in what I was doing."


McGovern helps theater raise money

by By Paul Clark,
PCLARK@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM
April 22, 2007 1

ASHEVILLE - The Diana Wortham Theatre's The Music Never Ends gala benefit features not only vocalist/performer Maureen McGovern but also a pre-performance reception with hors d'oeuvres and fine wines and a post-performance one with dessert and champagne.

McGovern typically plays to large, sold-out halls in the United States and Europe. She recently starred as Marmee in "Little Women" on Broadway and on the play's national tour.

McGovern, a two-time Grammy nominee known popularly for her Oscar-winning, gold record hit "The Morning After" from the film "The Poseidon Adventure," has been composing, recording and performing at concerts, on Broadway and radio and in films and television for more than 35 years.

Her voice moves comfortably through jazz, movie themes, classical pop standards and operetta. Coupled with her love of George and Ira Gershwin's music, this Academy Award winner's tonal quality and dexterity has made her sought out by major symphonies, including the Boston Pops, New York Pops and the National Symphony.

The gala benefit (was) in support of the ongoing programs of the Diana Wortham Theatre, the most utilized live and active performance venue in Western North Carolina. The event is sponsored by Carolina First and the Grove Park Inn.

MARCH 2007
 

Photo Coverage: Songs for Darfur Benefit

Wednesday, March 28, 2007
- by Linda Lenzi

Broadway stars opened their hearts and joined forces Monday evening, March 26 to raise awareness and humanitarian aid for Darfur with Songs for Darfur: The Water Project at the Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew in Manhattan.

Proceeds from the event benefit UMCOR Sudan to improve access to water and sanitation and increase food security for displaced people living in camps in Darfur and the surrounding communities of Adilla and Al Daein. Proceeds also go to The Darfur People's Association of New York, to help raise funds for school supplies to be sent to refugee camps in Darfur and Chad.

Songs For Darfur: The Water Project featured performances by co-hosts Victoria Clark (The Light in the Piazza), Cheyenne Jackson (All Shook Up), and Jane Kelly Williams, and appearances by celebrated Broadway stars including Maureen McGovern (Little Women), Kelli O'Hara (The Light in the Piazza), Everett Bradley (Swing), Malcolm Gets (A New Brain), Elizabeth Stanley (Company), Marilyn Torres (The Agony and the Agony), and world-renowned opera singer Marvis Martin; with musicians Ted Sperling and Dave Richards.


Photo by Linda Lenzi
Photo by Linda Lenzi
Cheyenne Jackson and Maureen McGovern
Victoria Clark and Maureen McGovern

Salvation Army Spring Gala

  
Brian Stokes Mitchell and Maureen McGovern

Eight hundred guests attended The Salvation Army in Greater New York's first Spring Gala on March 23rd, raising over $1 million for the Division's Emergency Disaster Services. The event honored William Jefferson Clinton for his extraordinary disaster relief and humanitarian service and featured entertainment by Tony-award winner Brian Strokes Mitchell. Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts was the evening's engaging MC. Dinner chair Robert B. Catell, Chairman and CEO of KeySpan addressed the audience, as did the Reverend Dr. Calvin Butts, Pastor of New York's Abyssinian Baptist Church, who delivered a stirring benediction. (Gala Sponsors)

See article and photos at: Broadwayworld

Clark, Jackson, McGovern, O'Hara and More to Be Part of Songs for Darfur: The Water Project

By Andrew Gans
15 Mar 2007

PLAYBILL

Tony Award winner Victoria Clark, All Shook Up's Cheyenne Jackson and singer-songwriter Jane Kelly Williams will host Songs for Darfur: The Water Project.

The March 26 benefit concert will be held at the Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew in Manhattan. In addition to Clark, Jackson and Williams, the 7 PM performance will also boast the talents of Maureen McGovern, Kelli O'Hara, Everett Bradley, Malcolm Gets, Elizabeth Stanley, Marilyn Torres and opera singer Marvis Martin. Musicians Ted Sperling and Dave Richards will also perform.

In a statement actress Clark said, "Nearly half a million people have been killed in Darfur over the past three years, and more than two million innocent civilians have been forced to flee their homes and are living in displaced person camps in Sudan or refugee camps in neighboring Chad. More than 3.5 million men, women, and children are totally dependent on international aid for their survival, and the water and sanitation projects UMCOR operates in Darfur will provide potable water to hundreds of thousands of people in the region. By joining forces and hearts with my friends in the New York theatre community to raise funds for this very important cause, I hope we can help relieve the suffering of people in Darfur and help them begin their healing process."

Rev. Paul Dirdak, former head of The United Methodist Committee on Relief, and Motasim Adam, president of the Darfur People's Association of New York, will be present to discuss the crisis in Darfur and their organizations' efforts to provide humanitarian aid for the people of Darfur. Proceeds from the concert will benefit The United Methodist Committee on Relief and The Darfur People's Association of New York.

Tickets, priced $40 (adults) and $20 (students, seniors and individuals with limited income) are available by calling (212) 362-3179. They will also be available at the door the night of the performance (cash only). Patron tickets, priced $100, include a pre-concert reception with the performers and reserved seating. For more information visit www.songsfordarfur.com.

The Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew is located in Manhattan at 263 West 86th Street at West End Avenue.

Star-Filled BC/EFA's Nothing Like a Dame March 19

  
 

The 12th annual Nothing Like a Dame concert took over New York's Marquis Theatre to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Actors' Fund's Phyllis Newman Women's Heath Initiative with a dazzling line-up of talent on March 19.

The annual star-studded gala performance and event featuring Liz Callaway, Aana Gasteyer, Maureen McGovern, Lynn Redgrave and, among others, the Tony-winning trio of Lea Salonga, Beth Leavel and original Dream Girl Jennifer Holliday. This year's Nothing Like a Dame benefit, presented by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on Monday at the Marquis Theatre, raised $300,000 for the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative of The Actors' Fund.

Check out backstage photos at BroadwayWorld

 

MDA Shamrocks On Sale Through St. Patrick's Day

 

TUCSON, Ariz., From now until St. Patrick's Day, millions of Americans will be joining the Muscular Dystrophy Association's battle against neuromuscular diseases. Through March 17, thousands of business patrons nationwide are assisting MDA's lifesaving mission by purchasing and signing $1 and $5 Shamrocks mobiles. To make MDA's Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign a success, supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants and other businesses are decorating their ceilings, walls and windows with layers of green and gold Shamrocks mobiles.

Internationally renowned singer Maureen McGovern, a member of MDA's Board of Directors and a popular performer on concert and club stages and the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, is serving her seventh year as Shamrocks chairperson. She's featured in print and broadcast public service announcements, reminding people to buy Shamrocks and support MDA's quest for better treatments and cures.

"Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, participating businesses and sponsors nationwide, the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program continues to offer help and hope to families served by MDA," said McGovern, whose niece is affected by one of the muscle-wasting disorders covered by the Association. "We're creating a future of hope, and we're doing it one Shamrock at a time. Shamrocks Against Dystrophy is the perfect way for people to share the green, and show their generosity and compassion for 'Jerry's kids.' Americans in every community can support MDA's quest for cures and contribute to colorful displays of Shamrocks at local businesses."

MDA's Shamrocks program is in its 24th year.

Shamrocks Against Dystrophy, the nation's largest charitable campaign associated with St. Patrick's Day, raised more than $13 million in 2006 to support MDA's programs of worldwide research, life-enhancing services and vital education. MDA funds nearly 400 research projects, maintains 225 hospital-affiliated MDA clinics, offers summer camps for youngsters with neuromuscular diseases, and assists with purchase of wheelchairs, leg braces and communication devices.

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases. The Association's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.

To learn more about MDA or the Shamrocks program, call (800) 572-1717 or visit www.mda.org.

TALK OF THE TOWN with Brenda Nelson
FRIDAY, Mar 16 - 12:45 PM - 1 PM KTLO FM

Before St. Patrick's Day,
Oscar/Grammy-winning singer Maureen McGovern
talks about her musical career and
the "Shamrocks Against Dystrophy" (MDA) Campaign
(WebCast available here for one week after airdate Mar 16 - 22)

TUCSON, Arizona
Celebrities to dedicate Tucson MDA building

Jerry Lewis and several other celebrities will be in Tucson Monday to dedicate the Muscular Dystrophy Association headquarters building at 3300 E. Sunrise Drive to the late Robert Ross. Ross, who served as MDA's top executive for more than 50 years, died in 2006.

Also expected to attend the invitation-only event are MDA board members Ed McMahon, singer Maureen McGovern and former Olympic gymnast Bart Conner; and MDA national vice president and former Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci. Gov. Janet Napolitano has proclaimed Monday Robert Ross MDA Day in Arizona, as has Mayor Bob Walkup for Tucson.

FEBRUARY 2007
 

Star-Filled BC/EFA's Nothing Like a Dame Coming March 19

Make way for the Dames! Coming March 19, 2007 at 8:00 PM at the Marquis Theatre (1565 Broadway), Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS presents The 12th Annual NOTHING LIKE A DAME benefiting The Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative of The Actors' Fund of America. Sure to be a night to remember, NOTHING LIKE A DAME features performances from the first ladies of Broadway.

NOTHING LIKE A DAME will feature Stephanie Block, Liz Callaway, Victoria Clark, Kate Clinton, Joyce DiDonato, Jill Eikenberry, Melissa Errico, Sutton Foster, Jenn Gambatese, Ana Gasteyer, Milena Govich, Jennifer Holliday, Judy Kuhn, Beth Leavel, Julianna Margulies, Maureen McGovern, Varla Jean Merman, Julia Murney, Bebe Neuwirth, Lynn Redgrave, Lea Salonga, Jennifer Smith, Julie White, young dancers of the Westchester Dance Academy, the women of IN THE HEIGHTS, and the women of COMPANY.

NOTHING LIKE A DAME has a variety of ticket packages including General Seating starting at $50 to the Benefactor package at $5,000, which includes two tickets to the performance, cast party, pre-performance VIP reception, and Benefactor listing in the invitation and program. For a full list of ticket packages please call BC/EFA or online at www.BroadwayCares.org.

Tickets may be purchased by calling BC/EFA at (212) 840-0770, extension 268 or online by visiting www.BroadwayCares.org.


JANUARY 2007
 

Nightlife Awards, Honoring Maureen McGovern,
Presented Jan. 29

By Andrew Gans
29 Jan 2007

  
( Michael Portantiere)

The 2007 Nightlife Awards, honoring the best in New York cabaret, comedy and jazz, will be presented Jan.29 at Town Hall. Little Women's Maureen McGovern, who will perform, will receive the Nightlife Legend Award.

The annual event will also feature performances by Christine Ebersole, John Pizzarelli, Jessica Molaskey, Freddy Cole, Paula West, Judy Gold, Tom Wopat, Rupert Holmes, Laurel Masse, Larry Gatlin, Daniel Reichard, Charles Busch and Ben Riley's Monk Legacy Septet.

The evening will be hosted by cabaret critic-producer Scott Siegel. Instead of offering acceptance speeches, winners of the Nightlife Awards perform.

The complete list of 2007 Nightlife Award go to PLAYBILL

...and a stunning vocal turn by Maureen McGovern, who received the 2007 Nightlife Legend Award and performed with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall on February 9.

more photos: THEATER MANIA

Entertainment
Maureen McGovern, BSO salute Richard Rodgers

Marie Gullard, The Examiner
Jan 17, 2007

BALTIMORE - A few years back, film and theater composer David Shire wrote that Maureen McGovern was a "Stradivarius of a voice."

Symphonies and reviewers soon picked up on the moniker including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

"I'm honored and thrilled [and it] beats being called 'The Disaster Singer ' as I was in the '70s with my hits from the 'Poseidon Adventure' and the 'Towering Inferno,' " said McGovern, an Academy Award-winning vocalist.

This weekend, the perfectly tuned "Stradivarius" comes to the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore City to celebrate what she calls a "canon of one of our greatest national treasures the music of Richard Rodgers."

In her show, titled "Everything's Coming Up Roses," McGovern teams with the BSO and SuperPops Conductor Jack Everly in a program that opens with orchestral arrangements of Broadway's biggest hits, including the overtures to "A Chorus Line" and "West Side Story."

The remainder of the program highlights McGovern's phenomenal vocal register in songs such as "My Favorite Things" from the "Sound of Music," "Out of My Dreams" from "Oklahoma!" and the haunting ballad "My Funny Valentine" from "Pal Joey."

Though these classic songs have been performed and heard countless times, McGovern prides herself on the freshness she has brought to the music, as noted in countless reviews.

A favorite critique, and one she posted on her Web site, came from composer Marvin Hamlisch, who praised the perfect pitch and emotional depth she brings to her work.

"Maureen McGovern can make a song sound new and exciting even to its composer," he wrote.

A longtime favorite with area concertgoers, McGovern last appeared with the BSO in 1999.

"I have always had a wonderful time in Baltimore, performing many times with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra [and] recently with the Broadway National Tour of 'Little Women, The Musical,' " she said. "Baltimore is a great city with great audiences."

The feeling is mutual, both on the part of loyal patrons and BSO staff.

"Maureen McGovern is one of many amazing artists featured on our SuperPops series, and we're glad to welcome her back," said Beth Mealey, BSO vice president of marketing.


McGovern to Join Feinstein at Carnegie Hall for Yip Harburg Celebration

By Andrew Gans
January 10, 2007
PLAYBILL

Maureen McGovern

 

Maureen McGovern, who will receive a Nightlife Legend Award at the 2007 Nightlife Awards, will be a special guest at Michael Feinstein's Jan. 31 concert at Carnegie Hall.

The 7:30 PM concert, part of the "Standard Time with Michael Feinstein" series, is entitled Beyond the Rainbow: The Songs of E.Y. "Yip" Harburg. In addition to McGovern, Feinstein will also welcome Noah Racey and Catherine Russell.

E. Y. Harburg wrote the lyrics for Finian's Rainbow and "The Wizard of Oz." Among his most famous songs are "April in Paris," "Brother Can You Spare a Dime" and "It's Only a Paper Moon."

Maureen McGovern's performing credits are numerous and varied. She appeared on Broadway in Little Women, Nine, The Pirates of Penzance and The Threepenny Opera, and her many recordings include the Grammy-nominated "The Pleasure of His Company" and the Academy Award-winning song "The Morning After." She was also seen in the films "The Towering Inferno," "Airplane!" and "The Cure for Boredom," and she appeared at the Sundance Theatre in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and Jerry Herman's Dear World.

A four-time Grammy nominee, Michael Feinstein is often credited with reinvigorating the American popular song. The crooner has performed in concert halls around the world and on Broadway and now co-owns his own nightclub, Feinstein's at the Regency. His numerous solo recordings include "Michael and George: Feinstein Sings Gershwin," "Big City Rhythms" "Romance On Film, Romance On Broadway," "Michael Feinstein with The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra" and "Only One Life: The Songs of Jimmy Webb."

For tickets, priced $82, call CarnegieCharge at (212) 247-7800 or visit www.carnegiehall.org


Ebersole, McGovern, Molaskey, Pizzarelli, et al. Win Nightlife Awards

By: Brian Scott Lipton


  
Maureen McGovern
The winners of the The 2007 Nightlife Awards for cabaret, comedy, and jazz have been announced. The all-performance ceremony will take place at 7pm on Monday, January 29 at Town Hall; the awards were created by TheaterMania contributor Scott Siegel and are voted on by a panel of New York City writers and editors (including myself).

Maureen McGovern, last seen on Broadway in Little Women, will receive the annual Nightlife Legend Award. Special awards will also be presented to Jim Caruso's Broadway at Birdland series, co-sponsored by TheaterMania.com, and the Metropolitan Room, the new club on West 22nd Street, "for successfully bringing Broadway stars onto cabaret stages at affordable prices."

In the cabaret categories, the winners are Jessica Molaskey (Female Vocalist in a Major Engagement); her husband, John Pizzarelli (Male Vocalist in a Major Engagement); Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch (Duo/Group in a Major Engagement); Lisa Asher (Female Vocalist); Scott Coulter (Male Vocalist); Lorinda Lisitza (Musical Comedy/Characterization); Tom Andersen, Scott Coulter, and Tim Di Pisqua (Group/Variety); and David Colbert (Piano Bar).

In the jazz categories, the winners are Paula West (Female Vocalist); Freddy Cole (Male Vocalist); Cedar Walton (Soloist); and Ben Riley's Monk Legacy Band (Combo). In the comedy categories, the winners are Demetri Martin (Male Standup); Sarah Silverman (Female Standup); and TJ & Dave (Unique/Group).

For more information, including guest stars and presenters, visit www.SiegelPresents.com.  


Thanks to everyone who has written and left guest book entries! Always for Da Diva,
Brian (Buddy) Daher
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