Kailey Hansen
Just before the new year, both the stage and screen lost a legend. While we mourn the sad passing of our favorite space princess, Carrie Fisher, and her mother, it’s now more than ever that we appreciate the late Debbie Reynolds’ impact on the world of theatre.
This movie-musical goddess will forever live on in these five tunes:
“Good Morning”
Hotdog! Hallelujah! Considered by many to be one of cinema’s most iconic scenes, this “Singin’ in the Rain” tune is still beloved. Reynolds is incomparable opposite Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor. The choreography allegedly took 15 hours to shoot, but the result was pure magic and, of course, one of Reynolds’ most memorable performances.
“Tammy”
This Oscar-nominated song comes from the 1957 film “Tammy and the Bachelor.” It also topped music charts for several months. Due to its popularity, Reynolds continued to sing “Tammy” decades later during performances around the world.
“Dominique”
In the ‘60s, Reynolds swapped rain boots for nun attire in the role of Sister Ann. With musical movies already under her belt, she led “The Singing Nun,” which went on to become an Academy Award-nominated classic. It featured this well-remembered song, “Dominique.”
“He’s My Friend”
Meredith Willson, composer of “The Music Man,” also created music for a memorable film based on the life of Margaret Brown. Reynolds took on the titular role in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” and went on to receive numerous nominations and recognition. “He’s My Friend” reminds us all that Reynolds held true triple-threat status!
“Happy Days/You Made Me Love You”
Though many or Reynolds’ musicals debuted in the ‘50s and ‘60s, she continued to perform staple songs over the years. In 2011, she appeared on “Oprah” and did a duet with her daughter, Carrie. You can’t get much more theatrical than a good ole rendition of “Happy Days (Are Here Again)” combined with “You Made Me Love You,” a song from “Irene,” the Broadway revival Reynolds starred in back in 1973.
