Linda Lavin Spills About Her Audra McDonald Dream, Annie Get Your Gun Influence & Bossa Nova Boogie

Tony and Golden Globe winner Linda Lavin returns to 54 Below with a second offering of her sold-out concert, Possibilities. Lavin (best known for her performances in TV’s Alice, as well as Broadway’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers, The Lyons and Gypsy) takes the stage January 8 through 12. Below, she talks about the icons who have influenced her, pulling Audra McDonald onstage at 54 Below and the power the Bossa Nova has over her.

What record/album was your favorite growing up?
Tossup between the movie musical Till the Clouds Roll By and the original cast recording of Annie Get Your Gun, which explains a lot about me…and my concert act!

What concert most influenced you as a performer?
Frank Sinatra at the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach and Mario Lanza at the City Hall Auditorium in Portland, Maine, my home town.

What song are you most excited to perform in your show?
“Possibilities,” the title of my current CD.

What musical theater track is the most played on your iPod?
I don't use my iPod yet!

If you could invite any performer onstage for a duet at 54 Below, who would it be?
Audra McDonald.

What musical theater performer from the past do you wish you could collaborate with?
Ray Bolger or Gertrude Lawrence.

What album was the soundtrack to your 20s?
All of Bobby Short's albums!!

What’s your favorite love song?
“I'm In Love Again;” a close second is “In Love in Vain”

What’s the best hidden gem in on your iPod?
Marianne Faithfull singing the title song of the movie City of Lost Children.

Favorite break-up song?
“In Love in Vain.”

What song most makes you smile?
“I Wish I Were in Love Again” from Babes in Arms.

When this song plays, I can’t help but dance:
When any Bossa Nova plays, I can't help but dance!

Don’t miss Linda Lavin at 54 Below January 8 through 12. Click below to for a sneak peek at her one-woman-show.