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2022-02-12

Judy Garland in the CBS television spectacular Judy Garland and Her Guests Phil Silvers and Robert Goulet. Broadcast on March 19, 1963, the hour-long musical special served as both a showcase for Garland's incomparable talents and a de facto pilot for her forthcoming CBS variety series. Fresh from his triumph in Camelot, Robert Goulet joined Garland for a series of polished musical numbers, while Phil Silvers—her co-star from MGM's Summer Stock (1950)—provided his trademark comic mayhem. Filmed in New York and earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music Program, the special was warmly received by critics and helped convince CBS executives that Garland could successfully anchor a weekly television series.

Gay Activists at First Gay Pride Parade, Christopher Street, New York, 1970 photographed by Arthur Tress

Luciano Pavarotti and Joan Sutherland promoting their legendary I Puritani, at the Metropolitan Opera, 1976.

Following her acclaimed Broadway run, Mary Martin embarked on an ambitious international Hello, Dolly! tour in 1965, beginning in Minneapolis and playing major cities across the United States before traveling to Canada, Japan, and even entertaining American troops in Vietnam. The production ultimately arrived in London's West End, where Martin opened at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on December 2, 1965, bringing her distinctive warmth, elegance, and star power to one of musical theatre's most beloved leading roles. Her London engagement proved a major success, introducing British audiences to a performance that had already captivated theatre-goers around the world.

Academy Award winner Celeste Holm stepped into the title role of Mame Dennis during the original Broadway run of Mame in 1967, filling in for Angela Lansbury during a summer vacation before going on to lead the musical's first national tour. Bringing a more refined and elegant interpretation to the irrepressible heroine, Holm won praise for her warmth, sophistication, and impeccable comic timing, proving herself a worthy successor to one of Broadway's most celebrated star performances. Featuring a score by Jerry Herman, Mame opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on May 24, 1966, and ran for an extraordinary 1,508 performances, securing its place as one of the defining musical triumphs of the decade.

Julie Andrews and Gene Kelly on The Julie Andrews Show. Broadcast on NBC on November 28, 1965, the special marked Andrews’ first eponymous television event, arriving at the height of her extraordinary back-to-back triumphs in Mary Poppins (1964) and The Sound of Music (1965). The hour-long musical variety spectacular showcased Andrews’ effortless charm and versatility, but its most memorable moments belonged to her dazzling partnership with special guest Gene Kelly. Their infectious rapport, elegant dancing, and shared sense of fun produced one of the most exhilarating musical collaborations ever captured for television.

Cover: Andrew Robinson

From Miss Piggy's Guide to Life (Henry Beard, 1981).