Molly Ringwald on the Power of Frank Sinatra, the Music of West Side Story & Bringing Blossom Dearie to 54 Below
Everyone knows Molly Ringwald from her iconic 80s films Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, but don’t miss your chance to get to know the sultry jazz singer inside the movie star during An Evening with Molly Ringwald at 54 Below on January 15 and 16. Read on as Ringwald (whose stage credits include Cabaret, Sweet Charity, tick, tick…BOOM! and Enchanted April) shares her jazz influences, her musical theater favorites and gives a sneak peek at what audiences can expect in this exciting Evening.
What record/album was your favorite growing up?
Bessie Smith’s Greatest Hits. I adored her so much that I did my report on her as a “famous American.” I dressed up like her and brought my father in to accompany me as I sang “Gimme a Pigfoot (And a Bottle of Beer)” for the class. I got an “A.”
What concert most influenced you as a performer?
I saw Frank Sinatra as a 12-year-old. (It was by chance; my best friend Matt didn’t want to go, so I volunteered.) I don’t think I have seen anyone before or since who had such command over an audience.
What song are you most excited to perform in your show?
I always get excited by ones that I’ve just learned. Right now, I’m loving “They Say It’s Spring.” Even though I’ve known the song for years, I’ve only recently begun to sing it with my band. I’ve listened and loved the sweet Blossom Dearie version, but we swing it!
If you could invite any performer onstage for a duet at 54 Below, who would it be?
Elvis Costello.
What musical theater performer from the past do you wish you could collaborate with?
Bob Fosse.
What album was the soundtrack to your 20s?
Blossom Dearie’s “Give Him the Ooh-La-La.”
What’s your favorite love song?
“These Foolish Things” by Eric Maschwitz & Jack Strachey.
What song makes you feel sexy?
“Je T’aime…Mon Non Plus.”
What is your favorite workout track?
“You Sexy Motherf**ker” by Prince.
Favorite break-up song?
“Meaningless” by the Magnetic Fields.
When this song plays, I can’t help but dance:
“The Jet Song” from West Side Story.
Don’t miss An Evening with Molly Ringwald at 54 Below January 15 and 16. Check out Ringwald below performing the title song from Cabaret at Broadway on Broadway.
