The orphan may be almost 30 years old, but in the new touring version of 1977's Annie, launching in Seattle Aug. 21, audiences can expect a "gussied up" version of the hit musical.

BETTY BUCKLEY
I spent a good deal of time listening to CDs this past weekend, and one of the recordings that inspired me the most was Betty Buckley's The London Concert on Sterling Records. It's been a while since I listened to this wonderful CD, which Buckley recorded during her run in the London production of Sunset Boulevard. The song selections on this disc are truly incredible, many of which Buckley has rarely, if ever, sung in New York, including Kurt Weill's "Surabaya Johnny" and three from Stephen Sondheim: "Finishing the Hat," "Marry Me a Little" and "Old Friends."
(There are also a few other tunes that Buckley sang at the concert that didn't make the CD, although they were aired on BBC radio: Richard Maltby's "What About Today," "Never Never Land" and a terrific medley of three Gershwin tunes-- "How Long Has This Been Going On?," "Embraceable You" and "Fascinating Rhythm.") Listening to these songs, I thought it would be great if Buckley would perform this exact repertoire in concert in New York. Perhaps "Betty Buckley sings The London Concert at Carnegie Hall." Just an idea...

In addition to her upcoming concerts (Saturday evening, April 26 at New Jersey's State Theatre in New Brunswick and May 17 at the Palace Theatre in Stamford, CT), Ms. B will take part in a benefit for the New York City chapter of the Alzheimer's Association on June 5. Hosted by Elliott Gould, entertainers include Buckley, Phylicia Rashad and Richard Adler. The evening is being called "The Forget Me-Not Ball"!

BETTY BUCKLEY
I spent a good deal of time listening to CDs this past weekend, and one of the recordings that inspired me the most was Betty Buckley's The London Concert on Sterling Records. It's been a while since I listened to this wonderful CD, which Buckley recorded during her run in the London production of Sunset Boulevard. The song selections on this disc are truly incredible, many of which Buckley has rarely, if ever, sung in New York, including Kurt Weill's "Surabaya Johnny" and three from Stephen Sondheim: "Finishing the Hat," "Marry Me a Little" and "Old Friends."
(There are also a few other tunes that Buckley sang at the concert that didn't make the CD, although they were aired on BBC radio: Richard Maltby's "What About Today," "Never Never Land" and a terrific medley of three Gershwin tunes-- "How Long Has This Been Going On?," "Embraceable You" and "Fascinating Rhythm.") Listening to these songs, I thought it would be great if Buckley would perform this exact repertoire in concert in New York. Perhaps "Betty Buckley sings The London Concert at Carnegie Hall." Just an idea...

In addition to her upcoming concerts (Saturday evening, April 26 at New Jersey's State Theatre in New Brunswick and May 17 at the Palace Theatre in Stamford), Ms. B will take part in a benefit for the New York City chapter of the Alzheimer's Association on June 5. Hosted by Elliott Gould, entertainers include Buckley, Phylicia Rashad and Richard Adler. The evening is being called "The Forget Me-Not Ball"!