Music Mix: 54 Below's Julia Murney on Her Love for Bette Midler, En Vogue and Beyonce

The golden-voiced Julia Murney first appeared on the Great White Way in the short-lived Lennon, but she won a legion of new fans as Elphaba in Broadway's Wicked. Her phenomenal vocals in the Actors’ Fund concerts of Funny Girl, Hair and Chess, solidified her as a diva to watch. Murney will appear this fall in the off-Broadway drama Falling, but before that, fans can catch her in a new solo show at 54 Below on September 16. Below, Murney talks about the divas that inspire her, as well as two special gentlemen: Tom Kitt (her concert’s musical director and orchestrator) and pal Brian d’Arcy James.

What concert most influenced you as a performer?
The video of Bette Midler's live concert Divine Madness!

What song are you most excited to perform in your show?
I chose them, so I really do like them all, but I am very fond of my “Gravity” mash-up...and I am in love with the way Tom Kitt orchestrated it.

If you can invite any performer on stage for a duet at 54 Below, who would it be?
If I had more time, I would have tried to rock a duet with [former Wild Party co-star] Brian d'Arcy James—he is always a joy to share a stage with.

What musical theater performer from the past do you wish you can collaborate with?
Judy Holliday.

What album was the soundtrack to your 20s?
A decade is way too long for just one, but two from my early 20s leap to mind: En Vogue’s Funky Divas and Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill.

What song makes you feel sexy?
The soundtrack from Love Jones.

What is your favorite workout track?
When I'm in a show tune mood, “River Won't Flow” from Songs For a New World...if it's oldish school, “Hey Ya” by OutKast.

What’s the best hidden gem in on your iPod?
“East/West” by Julia Fordham.

What song most makes you smile?
Most songs from lite rock '70s.

When this song plays, I can’t help but dance:
“Crazy In Love” by the Diva Beyonce.

Check Out Julia Murney’s new show at 54 Below on September 16.