My Top 5 Showtunes: Ria Jones
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage
Ria Jones is a musical theatre icon, with roles in the likes of Evita, Chess and Cats and most recently in the award-winning UK tour of Sunset Boulevard.
From 21 August she will be appearing in Don't Tell Me Not To Fly, a solo concert in Edinburgh's McEwan Hall, celebrating women in musical theatre.
We caught up with Ria and asked her: "If you were stranded on a desert island which five showtunes could you not live without?"
1. "Overture" from Gypsy
I listen to this often. Always when I fly. I'm not a fan of flying. If I get scared I blast this through my headphones. The brass and string arrangements are fabulous. I can often be heard singing along whilst cleaning!!
2. "I'm Still Here" from Stephen Sondheim‘s Follies
I saw this show five times in 1987. It blew me away. I especially love the lyrics… "first you're another slow-eyed vamp, then someone's mother then you're camp", is my favourite line. It's also a song on my bucket list to perform.
3. "If He Walked Into My Life" from Mame
It has to be Angela Lansbury's version. I'm a huge Jerry Herman fan. It's hard to pick just one song. There are SO many. He's written such great roles for older women and this musical is one of them. A role I'd love to play.
4. "And I Am Telling You" from Dreamgirls
When I first heard Jennifer Holliday sing this I couldn't believe the vocals I was hearing. Just Incredible. Talk about goosebumps! Such a powerful, passionate, rip your heart out ( and vocal chords) performance.. For me it never tires.
5. "Quiet Please, There's A Lady On Stage"…From The Boy From Oz.
I love this song. Again, the lyrics really reach out to me…"Put your hands together help her along. All that's left of the singer's all that's left of the song". I find it sad, but uplifting at the same time.
