1998 Tony Awards Opening Patti LuPone Jennifer Holliday Betty Buckley Rosie O'Donnell Evita Cats

[@manuelcardenas6028]

Classic Betty Buckley cannot be touched!!

[@maestralive3493]

period.

[@edwardryan1107]

i live here too but she got off the beat at towards the end.

[@MCMNasty2]

She is amazing. A true icon.

[@ILJ68]

Pfft! Elaine Paige.

[@averythomas7919]

@@ILJ68yeah she’s not even close to

[@sschimel]

I rented a tux and bought a ticket for the balcony and was there in person for this one. And afterward, I went to The Eagle leather bar! IN my tux!

[@JeffBrown-pb5qr]

what a night!

[@andrewmace2607]

Love it

[@wonkavite]

That’s awesome!!!! The Eagle in a Tux!! Woof!!

[@bookemdano7567]

Love or hate their musical style of singing….these older Divas all have distinct voices that set them apart unlike most of today Broadway singers who all sound alike.

[@gabrielcampbell9462]

What a great point of view, I agree!!

[@rincemor]

I think you would know Audra McDonald.

[@tb3685]

So true plus these divas sounds so beautiful.

[@mburns75]

I will agree that there is a prevalence of singers on Broadway today who use the same techniques and approaches. The same observation has been made for the current singers in opera. As a musician and voice teacher, I wonder if it is more of a generational thing. 🤔 The three magnificent singers featured here were on Broadway in their shows in the years, 1979-1982 (ish). So, one could argue that their styles and techniques are indicative of that time period/generation. Before these three, there was Barbra Cook, Robert Preston, and of course Ethel Merman. Now, we have the latest generation and yes, they have compelling similarities, but maybe it’s reflective of the current trends/vibes. Twenty years from now, our Jeremy Jordans and Cynthia Erivos will be lamenting about how Broadway isn’t as good as when they were young. 🤷🏻‍♂️ (a general observation not meant as contradictory or confrontational)

[@amandakaywyatt8850]

Correct: Most people are too ignorant to fully appreciate theater performance, anymore. It is not the same art form as modern music or film.

[@1marilynable]

I want this Broadway again!!!! I miss the Broadway divas!!!! The voices can't be beat

[@HRMRichard829]

I have to say it, this has always been and will forever be one of the greatest Tony opening sequences. True Divas that can bring down any house!!! Patti, Jennifer, Betty..wow!!!

[@barriegodfrey4924]

Absolutely brilliant. True Diva's

[@jeremiahlowder9426]

This and the Neil Patrick Harris opening were incredible.

[@janhoke7796]

Wonderful performances! No one can touch Betty Buckley! Xxxooo

[@christopherbush9027]

My all time favorite Tony opening!!! When LuPone yells “hey Tony!” Lmao!

[@BroadwayBabyyy744]

Rosie single handedly saved The Tony's by hosting and Broadway got a jolt of attendance by her having the stars and legrnds perform on her show. CBS was about to pull the plug on televising because it had become stuffy and rigid...Rosie said lets make it a show again!!!

[@rellenoz]

broadway wasnt even on my radar until I saw the cast of Ragtime on Rosie's show. I bought my first plane ticket, and first ticket to see a show.

[@mburns75]

Rosie saved Ragtime and Titanic with her show. She kicked off the reinvigorating of Broadway.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

The Tony's what?

[@janem2684]

Damn...these women all gave me tears and chills at the same time. Timeless, amazing talent!

[@DocPortland]

Three powerhouses, wow… I performed with the Seattle Men’s Chorus for a couple decades. We had both Jennifer Hudson and Betty Buckley as guest artists… and they were power houses.. wow…

[@Itstonytime77]

Rosie helped Jennifer have a whole career resurgence during the 90s

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

THIS is what it used to be all about, just raw, amazing talent ,

[@ghostrider-it5ru]

OMG! Betty Buckley ...

[@mannybochamp7342]

You almost forget that she was in the original movie of Carrie

[@donnalthood3102]

​@@mannybochamp7342She is incredible but, as a Gay Musical Theatre fan, I think Cats is quite possibly the dumbest thing I have ever seen!

[@harvestnoelcrawford7026]

Jennifer Holliday is everything ❤

[@fleetwood7538]

The wig isn't though. 😂

[@chondradickerson4093]

Betty performed her ass off.

[@JerkyPuck]

After all these years this is still my favorite opening.

[@durellgriffin3399]

It was my favorite until 2013 when NPH completely knocked this out of the water!

[@scottkrause477]

Jennifer Holliday captivated the audience….again!

[@samlopez115]

Forever my Dream Girl ! Love ❤️ you Miss Holiday !

[@echeleteich3347]

LOVE ALL 4 OF THEM!!!!

[@kuyaw27]

Jennifer Holiday all the way!

[@skippyruff3365]

I’ve never heard Rosie sing like she does here, She sounds great!

[@gardnersgourmetbakery6269]

I’m literally overwhelmed by her performance….literally she draws all focus. And is alone on the stage. That is how powerful her performance is

[@scpatl4now]

Jennifer Holliday gives me chills when I hear her sing this song

[@darrenmassey4224]

I held my breath through most of this 🥺 and didn't realise til it was over. Spellbound

[@MADHAUSMARKALLAN]

I was in the original cast of The Lion King. This night was the most incredible of my career! The guys from Chicago were as hot as they look!

[@derek_shannon]

And then?....

[@mburns75]

Still my favorite Tony opener. Thank you Seth Rudetsky for this gem.

[@MATT-dw3lu]

Betty buckley wow amazing voice

[@BonnerDoemling]

Rosie O’Donnell is a great example of someone who isn’t an amazing singer but still sells a song in a way that puts her toe to toe with actual musical theatre actors

[@MsWittiR]

And she was quite good as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof...when she's focused, she can be a wonderful actress. Narrow range, but wonderful in it.

[@mollsnickel]

OOH, love this performance! QUEEENS ALL OF THEM! Thank you for posting this Joanne

[@JoannesVodkaStinger]

You are very welcome! I hope you like it. :-)

[@lynnlogan7662]

Patti Lupone is amazing ❤

[@marywatkins6798]

Love Patti LuPone with "Evita" songs!

[@dianeadams7880]

Absolutely beautiful! The best moment of the entire opening

[@themaxcollective]

the range on Betty Buckley

[@dorothycogswell5160]

Betty Buckley!!!!!

[@winey2139]

I mean, WOW!

[@johnw2164]

I think I just watched the greatest live performance in history

[@dawnwelch6579]

DAYUM! I never knew the coach teacher from the original “Carrie” could freakin’ SING!

[@horizon592]

Wow I just saw this for the first time and it blew me away. Awesome awesome 😢🎉😮

[@iamaussie]

This was so wonderful to watch. Thank you for sharing. Got chills!!!!

[@jt4928]

I need more Jennifer Holliday, a true star!

[@drucross63]

I'm crying this is so beautiful

[@Stevanilla]

Wow Betty Buckly went from the gym teacher in Stephen King's Carrie to a Broadway Queen. Oh and Patti Lupine is so wonderful in everything she does. Just an AMAZING performance. And Jennifer Holiday ...wow all 3 are breathtaking 😍

[@ellenepstein9588]

Fabulous thank you👏👏👏

[@thadeu7977]

Simply wonderful!

[@theogoldberg8919]

One only appropriate word : THANKS

[@Itstonytime77]

I remember this like it was yesterday!

[@dgrim777]

Wow...kuddos ladies!!!

[@MrCeltic85]

Obviously this is the best opening of any tonys

[@bingovegas4867]

Obviously??? You are fkn nuts. ROSIE, REALLY? The rest are wonderful tho.

[@GustavoCano-q5i]

Betty Buckley

[@alexrodriguez5370]

Buckley and Holliday Texas PROUD! GO TEXAS

[@martythemartian99]

No need to steal their thunder. Texas can stand on its own.

[@chazsallen]

Thank you!!

[@wickedfan7681]

Patti’s “Broadway!” Love the merm reference ❤

[@MearnieToon]

Ms Buckley has some amazing cheek bones 😍

[@kittykate314]

I love Betty Lynn 🥰

[@enchantro]

Goddesses! Each and everyone of them!🥰🥰

[@josephbailey1995]

Wow, wow, wow, BRAVO!

[@chondradickerson4093]

I remember this I was 8 years old and I damn near sh*t in on myself 😂

[@MrYonexguy63]

Im really drawn to pattis amazing fluid movements...

[@martythemartian99]

It's the radiant Yellow Diamond!🤩 (wish she'd sung What's The Use Of Feeling Blue.)💎🎵

[@marthaegan7287]

Fantastic

[@stephenn8366]

Just WOW!!

[@Brentstarga]

BRAVO‼️‼️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@trilby5546]

Three fabulous divas.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rosie good too.👍

[@jasonmatthews534]

Gorgeous ❤

[@migsmuse]

I remember sitting in front of the TV with my tape recorder tapping this performance when it first aired and being transfixed as a child by the pure raw emotion Barbra poured into that duet with herself. Years later it holds up and is such a great tribute to Bacharach and David’s songwriting perfectly matched with Barbra”s artistic vocal mastery. Thank you for sharing it and your appreciation for the music I grew up with.

[@themaxcollective]

blessed be

[@davidtemes]

i love it!!!!!

[@susansokoloski2233]

I know this is 9 months later but I'm commenting again....My request is another Betty Buckley from The Mystery Of Edwin Drood. Please review "The Writing On The Wall. "

[@lindakahler4799]

Saw Betty opening week when a friend got sick and couldn't use his ticket. $40 orchestra what a deal

[@triffus]

I love Rosie for her passion for Theatre.

[@jadezee6316]

Hollywood and Broadway....is what in total this country has contributed to the arts

[@FrankButterfield]

What about ragtime and jazz?

[@dylanlopez9995]

Waoooooooooooooooooooooo❤❤❤❤❤❤😮😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@michaelfairbairn4283]

What is the song they're parodying? I'd love to hear the real version, it's really catchy!

[@androogleTV]

It's "Roxie" from chicago

[@daveku99]

I miss they days when Rosie was an entertainer. She was such a 'cutie patootie'. Then she got political. Not that she didn't have the right, but I did not attend her shows so she could pontificate. I went to be entertained. Ahh the good ol days indeed.

[@royperez8965]

Two Norma Desmonds

[@edwardryan1107]

I love then all but did no one hear Betting play Itv touch too long and rush to catch up understand what happiness is …. but she did get caught up love her

[@shannonlewis8906]

Why. Oh why Patty and Betty? When there was Elaine Paige just across the pond?

[@chuckpitchford3216]

Him much fun was this?

[@dabeage]

And that kids, is how Rosie opened a show!

[@CRISFREEWAY]

IT´S AMAZING HOW DIFFERENT THEY ARE IN THEIR OWN WAY. I LOVE PATTI AND JENNIFER, AS FOR BETTY, I HAVE MY DOUBTS ON HER SINGING TASTE.

[@itshenryg]

They just don't make them like this anymore.

[@davidgarrard3218]

Just have to say, I watch this clip a lot. LOVE IT!...My only complaint is with wardrobe and Betty Buckley outfit. Why Feather boa, although Fabulous WHY FEATHERS. Shound have been Fur!

[@barbraseville8984]

She wasn't play Grizz. She was honoring the song

[@sweeney60]

It was a nod to her Grizabella costume without being literal.

[@davidgarrard3218]

In​@@sweeney60 This was just a funny comment, not serious..lol

[@douglasconnors5335]

Rosie must have been in Heaven on this night

[@parcdeexpositions]

I feel NOTHING when Patti sings this (and I'm mr. emotional)

[@lizziehan13]

Take out Rosie O'Donell and this is great

[@MATTHEWDECORA-m1f]

Madonna get lost!!!

[@laurelremington2056]

Rosie cant sing so she shouldn’t have been part of the number. The other women were fabulous in their performances. Betty Buckley will always be the better singer for me.

[@donnalthood3102]

Rosie is making my ears hurt!

[@robertwebb3546]

I just never liked Patti LuPone’s phrasing. Great voice, but it just always felt as if the emphasis falls on the wrong words.

[@Markalanharman]

Why would you open a show and have a talk show hostess try to sing standards. Rosie, I love you, but this is not in your wheelhouse.

[@MoreThanAMuppet]

Cole Escola is for real absolutely BONKERS INSANE and the most beautiful thing I’ve seen this century. ❤️❤️❤️ That story though, goddamn I hope it isn’t true but I feel like it probably is. I think he must have been dating MY imaginary future ex-husband, and if he really did have that meth addict prostitute experience….. 😢 Golly, Cole. Tough lesson. But, the silver lining is there’s more room in a broken heart.

[@MrRustyspot]

Even with all of her vocal bluster and bravado, Patti LuPone can't hold candle to Madonna's delivery of "Evita"

[@erinwhewell857]

I’m sorry- what 😂

[@HRMRichard829]

@@erinwhewell857 😂

[@zs4580]

LMAO WHAT

[@MrRustyspot]

@@erinwhewell857 de gustibus non est disputandum

[@MrRustyspot]

@BeauCephus-ns7gx de gustibus non est disputandum

[@amrishna]

How did Patti LuPone convince the public that she sings? She just screams.

[@kimuelrodriguez4727]

who's the big girl leading the number? am I the only one hearing her monotonous all throughout?

[@Avarren]

1) Rosie O’Donnell 2) yes

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

ALL SO TALENTED, HEAR THESE WORDS: Stop screaming at top of range, get more interesting music and lyrics or you will blow out your voice to smithereens. What happened to others can happen to you.

[@hughmills442]

Too bad they’re all lip synching, probably because Rosie couldn’t do it live.

[@bobbybubby7977]

None of them were lip syncing.

[@greenpeace4246]

My god, only Lupone was singing seriously. The rest sounds like a trainwreck

[@orhugs]

Even Betty??

[@adrianaholst8250]

​@orhugs she sounds great but she backphrases soooo much lol the orchestra stops following her and they double the melody so it sounds so odd

[@victordunson719]

Your comment is a train wreck . I was in that audience and they were all fantastic.

[@tonybaker8494]

Ummm. What?

[@lainimoreno]

[@ivannano]

I remember a younger friend who wasn't yet confident in her womanness. So I showed her Jennifer Holiday's original Tony performance singing that song. Still one of the greatest ever to be on a Broadway stage.

[@bbmco1969]

I hate HATE Rosie

[@barbraseville8984]

You're a fan.