Music Mix: 54 Below’s Howard McGillin on Loving Linda Ronstadt, Angela Lansbury & the Rolling Stones

The theater district's swanky new nightclub 54 Below is hosting a slew of Broadway's hottest stars this summer, from two-time Tony winner Patti LuPone to downtown diva Justin Vivian Bond. Broadway.com is asking these talented vocalists to share a few musical memories and tell fans about the music that molded them into the performers they are today. Next up is Tony nominee Howard McGillin, who holds the title of world's longest running Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. Before McGillin returns to Broadway this fall in Rebecca, he will bring his new solo show to 54 Below on August 8. Below McGillin shares some of his favorite music selections, including several tunes from the Rolling Stones and Linda Ronstadt and a shout-out to theater legend Angela Lansbury.

What record/album was your favorite growing up?
Anything by the Rolling Stones or the Beatles. I was obsessed with them.

What concert most influenced you as a performer?
My mother took me to see Peter And the Wolf when I was a kid, and I immediately wanted to learn to play an instrument. I chose the clarinet. That started my love of music. The Stones came later.

What is your go-to audition song?
I don't really have one in particular. It depends on the role you're auditioning for. And it's always the hardest thing to choose.

What song are you most excited to perform in your show?
I love the message of Sondheim's "Everybody Says Don't."

What musical theater track is the most played on your iPod?
I rarely listen to musicals. It's usually whatever songs I'm rehearsing at the time. I just did a Frank Loesser concert, and "Brotherhood of Man" from How to Succeed was on a constant loop. (And then the song was cut from the concert, of course.)

If you can invite any performer onstage for a duet at 54 Below, who would it be?
Rebecca Luker.

What musical theater performer from the past do you wish you can collaborate with?
Angela Lansbury.

What album was the soundtrack to your 20s?
Linda Ronstadt's Heart Like a Wheel.

What’s your favorite love song?
"All the Things You Are" by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein.

What song makes you feel sexy?
The Stones' "Miss You."

What is your favorite workout track?
Linda Ronstadt singing "Heat Wave."

What’s the best hidden gem in on your iPod?
James Taylor's "The Fourth of July."

Favorite break-up song?
Ronstadt singing "You're No Good."

What song most makes you smile?
Michael Bublé's "I Haven't Met You Yet."

When this song plays, I can’t help but dance:
Donna Summer's "On the Radio."

Check out Howard McGillin at 54 Below onAugust 8