Ep 17. Celebrating 50 Years of Broadway's Best

Celebrating 50 Years of Broadway's Best is an episode of the show Great Performances in its 50th season. The episode features a star-studded concert commemorating five decades of iconic Broadway productions.

The concert takes place in New York City's Lincoln Center Theater and is hosted by Audra McDonald, a Tony Award-winning actress and singer. McDonald introduces each performance and provides background information on the Broadway shows being honored.

The show features performances by Broadway legends such as Patti LuPone, Ben Vereen, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. These artists perform classic songs from shows like Cats, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera.

In addition to the Broadway veterans, the concert includes performances by younger stars, including Sutton Foster and Heather Headley. Foster performs a medley of songs from shows that debuted in the 2000s, including Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Drowsy Chaperone.

Headley performs a powerful rendition of "Memory" from Cats. Her performance is accompanied by a montage of footage from past productions of the show, highlighting the show's enduring popularity.

The concert ends with a rousing ensemble performance of "Seasons of Love" from Rent. The song, which celebrates the passage of time and the importance of living in the moment, serves as a fitting conclusion to the show's celebration of 50 years of Broadway's best.

Overall, Celebrating 50 Years of Broadway's Best is a nostalgic and uplifting tribute to the beloved shows and performers that have defined Broadway over the past half-century.