Christine Andreas - Multiple Award Winning Singer, Actress And 2x Tony Award Nominee. "My Fair Lady", "Oklahoma", La Cage Au Folles". Latest: Tribute To Edith Piaf!
1Digest
This podcast episode features singer Christine Andreas, discussing her career, her tribute to Edith Piaf, and her approach to performing. Andreas shares insights into Piaf's powerful artistry and legacy, contrasting her life with other artists. The conversation also touches on addiction in artists, emotional vulnerability in creation, and the challenges faced by performers like Lena Horne. Andreas recounts her Broadway aspirations, her breakthrough role in "My Fair Lady," and her performances of various songs, including "Show Me," "La Mer," "I Love Paris," "Autumn in New York," and "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered." The episode highlights the dedication and showmanship required in a performing career.
Outlines
Introduction and Artistic Journey
Host Robert Miller introduces singer Christine Andreas, highlighting her multi-award-winning career. The discussion begins with a preview of a "song fest" segment and Robert's own song, "Ma Petit Fleur."
Edith Piaf: Tribute and Artistic Power
Christine discusses her tribute to Edith Piaf, explaining how Piaf "chose" her for the project. She explores Piaf's powerful performance style, her transition from "chanson réaliste" to uplifting songs like "La Vie en Rose," and the source of her captivating emotional delivery. The conversation emphasizes Piaf's desire to be remembered for her strength, not as a victim, and how her story was authentically conveyed.
Addiction, Vulnerability, and Artistic Expression
The podcast delves into the topic of addiction among artists like Garland and Piaf, contrasting them with those who avoided it. It explores the role of emotional vulnerability in the creative process, suggesting addiction can serve as a buffer against reality.
Portrayals and Career Milestones
Christine shares her experience portraying Ava Gardner and discusses the constraints faced by artists like Lena Horne due to racial prejudice. The segment also highlights Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and their featured female vocalists.
Broadway Aspirations and Iconic Roles
Christine recounts her lifelong certainty of performing on Broadway, her early career struggles, and her breakthrough role as Eliza Doolittle in the revival of "My Fair Lady."
Song Fest Performances and Reflections
Christine performs and discusses several songs, including "Show Me" from "My Fair Lady," her arrangement of "La Mer" with "Beyond the Sea," her signature song "I Love Paris," "Autumn in New York," and the critically acclaimed "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" from "Pal Joey." The discussion touches on Larry Hart's lyricism and the Rodgers & Hart collaboration. The episode concludes with a retrospective of Christine's career.
Keywords
Edith Piaf
A legendary French singer whose powerful, emotive performances and tragic life story continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Her signature song is "La Vie en Rose."
Triple Threat Artist
An artist skilled in singing, dancing, and acting. Christine Andreas is highlighted as a versatile performer.
Song Fest
A podcast segment featuring the host and guest performing and discussing songs, offering insights into musical choices and interpretations.
Chanson Réaliste
A genre of French song depicting working-class struggles, which Edith Piaf initially performed.
Artistic Legacy
The lasting impact of an artist's work, explored in the context of how early death can preserve an artist's image at their peak.
Addiction in Artists
The prevalence of substance abuse among creative individuals, examined in relation to fame, emotional intensity, and personal struggles.
Broadway
The renowned American theater industry in New York City, a major aspiration for actors and performers.
Showmanship
The skill of presenting a performance in a captivating and engaging manner to create a memorable audience experience.
Q&A
What was Christine Andreas' initial reaction to the idea of doing a tribute show for Edith Piaf?
Christine was initially hesitant, feeling that Piaf "chose" her for the project, with the singer's presence guiding her through the creative process.
How did Edith Piaf's singing style contribute to her powerful performances?
Piaf's power came from her being an "empty vessel" when she sang, driven by a deep need to convey emotion, creating a physical resonance that deeply affected her audience.
What is the significance of "La Vie en Rose" in Edith Piaf's career?
After World War II, Piaf co-wrote "La Vie en Rose" to lift spirits, marking a shift in her career and becoming an international hit.
Why does Christine Andreas believe some artists' legacies are preserved by dying young?
Dying young can preserve an artist's image at their peak, preventing them from being remembered in decline and solidifying their legacy based on their greatest achievements.
What was Christine Andreas' defining moment or breakthrough on Broadway?
Her breakthrough role was playing Eliza Doolittle in the 20th-anniversary production of "My Fair Lady," which solidified her career.
How did Christine Andreas approach singing jazz standards like "Show Me" compared to her theatrical roles?
For jazz standards, she had to let go and connect with the rhythm, allowing her voice to explore new possibilities, which was both terrifying and fabulous, unlike singing from a character's perspective.
What makes "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" a challenging yet rewarding song for Christine Andreas?
The song's extensive lyrics and complex character portrayal made it challenging, but it became a showstopper, earning Christine critical acclaim and an award.
Show Notes
Christine Andreas is a multiple award winning singer, actress and 2x Tony Award nominee. On Broadway she played Eliza Doolittle in the 20th Anniversary production of My Fair Lady for which she received the Theatre World Award. She received a Tony Award nomination for Oklahoma. Other shows include The Scarlet Pimpernel, La Cage Au Folles and The Light in The Piazza. As a singer she has performed at Cafe Carlyle and 54 Below and with major symphonies around the world. Her latest CD is a tribute to Edith Piaf. And on television her credits include Law & Order SVU, The Cosby Show, and playing Ava Gardner in “Mia, Child Of Hollywood”.
My featured song is “Ma Petite Fleur” from the album Spring Dance by my band Project Grand Slam. Spotify link.
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CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE:
www.christineandreas.com
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ROBERT’S NEWEST RELEASE:
“MI CACHIMBER ALL STARS” is the new, expanded version of Robert’s single, “Mi Cachimber”, which he wrote for his father. Featuring Camila Cortina on Rhodes and Xito Lovell on trombone in addition to Benny Benack III and Dave Smith on flugelhorn, and Project Grand Slam’s rhythm section.
CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL VIDEO
CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS
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ROBERT’S RECENT RELEASE:
“MA PETITE FLEUR STRING QUARTET” is Robert’s recent release. It transforms his jazz ballad into a lush classical string quartet piece. Praised by a host of classical music stars.
CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINK
CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS
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Audio production:
Jimmy Ravenscroft
Kymera Films
Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:
Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.com
Email Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com
Follow Robert’s band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:
Website - www.projectgrandslam.com
YouTube
Spotify Music
Apple Music
Email - pgs@projectgrandslam.com
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