Tony Winner Liliane Montevecchi on the Beauty of French Music, the Power of Ballet & Hello, Darlings! at 54 Below

The fabulous career of French chanteuse Liliane Montevecchi has included stints as a Tony-winning musical theater actress (as Liliane La Fleur in Nine), a prima ballerina in Paris, a member of the Folies Bergere and a dancer in1950s Hollywood films such as The Glass Slipper. Montevecchi is set to take the stage at 54 Below on April 7 and 8 with a new solo show Hello, Darlings! Below, the ever-alluring star recalls being inspired by ballet, the special quality of French music and why she hates performing duets.

What record/album was your favorite growing up?
My first was record was The Dying Swan.

What concert most influenced you as a performer?
The first time I saw Roland Petit's ballet company. When I saw his ballet, I said I wanted to be in his company, and 10 years later, I was a prima ballerina.

What is your go-to audition song?
I never audition!

What song are you most excited to perform in your show?
I love them all or otherwise I would not do them.

What musical theater track is the most played on your iPod?
I do not have an iPod. But I listen to French songs because they tell a story.

If you could invite any performer onstage for a duet at 54 Below, who would it be?
Probably someone who is dead. I hate competition.

What’s your favorite love song?
I am French. How could I pick just one?

What song makes you feel sexy?
Please, I am 80 years old.

What is your favorite workout track?
I go to ballet class every day, and I listen to wonderful classical music.

What’s the best hidden gem in on your iPod?
Darling, I already told you, I do not have an iPod.

Don’t miss Liliane Montevecchi in Hello, Darlings! at 54 Below April 7 and 8. Click below to see Montevecchi performing her showstopper “Folies Bergeres” from Nine.