Bebe Neuwirth on Alvin and the Chipmunks, Her Only Audition Song & Her New Show Stories with Piano No. 4

Emmy and Tony winner Bebe Neuwirth is making her 54 Below debut with an exciting new show, Stories with Piano No. 4, which combines “story songs” and Broadway standards for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Neuwirth performs at the underground club March 18 through 23. Below, she discusses the music that she loves, including a special John Lennon tune, the only theater song she has on her iPod and the ballet experience she found to be “mystical.”

What record/album was your favorite growing up?
I loved Alvin and the Chipmunks. And every Beatles album.

What concert most influenced you as a performer?
I was not influenced by concerts as a child, but I was very strongly influenced by the ballets I saw. The first time I saw Rudolf Nureyev was as a young girl, and I'll never forget his dancing and his stage presence. He was mystical.

What is your go-to audition song?
My audition song is, and has been since 1977, “I Love a Piano.”

What musical theater track is the most played on your iPod?
The only musical theater music I have on my iPod is Jacques Brel sung by Jacques Brel.

If you could invite any performer onstage for a duet at 54 Below, who would it be?
Chita Rivera!

What musical theater performer from the past do you wish you could collaborate with?
I can't tap, but I'd love to dance with Fred Astaire.

What’s your favorite love song?
My husband and I danced our first dance at our wedding to John Lennon's cover of “Stand By Me.”

What is your favorite workout track?
On the rare occasions I go to the gym, I prefer silence. But, I guess you could say my workout track is whatever the pianist is playing for ballet class.

Favorite break-up song?
Tom Waits wrote an exquisite song called "Martha."

When this song plays, I can’t help but dance:
Benny Goodman's "Sing, Sing, Sing.”

Don’t miss Bebe Neuwirth’s Stories with Piano No. 4 at 54 Below March 18 through March 23. Check out the video below of Bebe performing “I’ll Be Seeing You.”