If Hollywood’s golden age of movie musicals were still alive, Liora Michelle would be right at home. With a magnificent voice, a natural affinity for the songs of Hollywood’s leading ladies, and the artistry to bring their musical legacies to life, Michelle brought Songbirds of the Silver Screen to Don’t Tell Mama, delivering a nostalgic celebration of the extraordinary women whose voices helped make movie musicals unforgettable.
Expert directorial guidance by Lennie Watts helped shape an entertaining and heartfelt tribute. Musical director-pianist Bill Zeffiro led a talented ensemble featuring Mitch Endick (saxophone, clarinet, flute), Ted Stafford (saxophone), John Miller (guitar, mandolin) and Chip Fabrizi (drums), who provided a rich musical backdrop for Michelle’s songbird celebration
Her tribute honored an impressive collection of singers-actresses, with whom Michelle would have fit perfectly back in that day: Helen Morgan, Irene Dunne, Grace Moore, Deanna Durbin, Jane Powell, Kathryn Grayson, Shirley Jones and Julie Andrews. She also paid homage to Marni Nixon, the gifted vocalist whose singing voice was used to dub several Hollywood leading ladies. Through the songs that made these women famous, Michelle brought their musical legacies back to life—a reminder of the talent and melodies that made Hollywood musicals such an enduring part of American entertainment.
The show also touched on the remarkable history of A Star Is Born, whose three versions (Judy Garland, 1954; Barbra Streisand 1976; Lady Gaga 2018) each offered its own memorable music. Garland sang “It’s a New World,” Streisand performed “Queen Bee,” and Gaga co-wrote and performed “Always Remember Us This Way.”
Michelle’s tribute celebrated not only the singers but also the lasting power of the music. Songbirds of the Silver Screen showcased a performer whose voice and artistry are perfectly suited to her repertoire. For anyone who cherishes the magic of classic movie musicals, Liora Michelle offered a delightful trip down memory lane.
