Eddie Murphy's 'Butt' Makes Hinton Battle Feel Sexy and Other Surprises from the Three-Time Tony Winner

Three-time Tony winner Hinton Battle returns to the world of cabaret for the first time in 30 years in a brand new, one-night-only concert at 54 Below on January 7. Broadway audiences best know Battle for his Tony-winning star turns in Miss Saigon, The Tap Dance Kid and Sophisticated Ladies, as well as his unforgettable performances in The Wiz, Dreamgirls and Chicago. Battle has since gone on to produce, choreograph and write. His new musical Love Lies – Treat Her Like a Lady will tour the U.S. in 2013. Below, the acclaimed entertainer talks about his musical influences, his dream collaborations and the strange Eddie Murphy song that makes him feel both sexy and loving.

What record/album was your favorite growing up?
All of James Brown.

What concert most influenced you as a performer?
The Jackson 5’s Triumph Tour at Madison Square Garden.

What is your go-to audition song?
I haven't auditioned in many years; it’s one of the few perks of having three Tonys.

What song are you most excited to perform in your show?
“It's Crazy” and “Welcome To The Club” by Nat King Cole.

What musical theater track is the most played on your iPod?
Lady GaGa [editorial note: apparently she is theatrical enough to qualify.]

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

What musical theater performer from the past do you wish you can collaborate with?
Bob Fosse, Michael Bennett and Gwen Verdon.

What album was the soundtrack to your 20s?
“Call Me” by Blondie, “Rock With You” by Michael Jackson, “Cruisin'” by Smokey Robinson, “Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl” by The Spinners, “Ride Like the Wind” by Christopher Cross, “Upside Down” by Diana Ross, “Please Don't Go” by K.C. and The Sunshine Band, “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins, “Cupid/I've Loved You for a Long Time” by The Spinners, “Let's Get Serious” by Jermaine Jackson, “Sailing” by Christopher Cross, “Ladies Night” by Kool and The Gang, “The Second Time Around” by Shalamar and “On the Radio” by Donna Summer.

What’s your favorite love song?
“In Da Butt” by Eddie Murphy.

What song makes you feel sexy?
“In Da Butt” by Eddie Murphy.

Check out Hinton Battle at 54 Below on January 7, and click below to see him perform "Drop Me Off in Harlem" from Broadway's Sophisticated Ladies.