“I could have been a great many things” “I could have been a great many things”

Born on this day in 1832 writer Louisa May Alcott.

“I don’t think I ever understood Hollywood” “I don’t think I ever understood Hollywood”

Born on this day in 1923 actress Gloria Grahame.

So get in it, begin it! So get in it, begin it!

On this day in 1937 the International Ladies Garment Workers Union presented the union-themed musical revue, Pins and Needles.

Thanks anyway Thanks anyway

Happy Thanksgiving to the US contingent of the cher public!

“I am yesterday, and today, and tomorrow” “I am yesterday, and today, and tomorrow”

Born on this day in 1900 actress and politician Helen Gahagan Douglas.

Singing is a form of admitting that I’m alive Singing is a form of admitting that I’m alive

Born on this day in 1927 tenor Alfredo Kraus.

Prince of the music hall Prince of the music hall

Born on this day in 1892 artist and designer Erté (né Romain de Tirtoff).

“Well, who doesn’t play neurotic women?” “Well, who doesn’t play neurotic women?”

Born on this day in 1924 actress Geraldine Page.

Good authors too Good authors too

On this day in 1934, Anything Goes, with words and music by Cole Porter, opened at the Alvin Theatre to run 420 performances.

“Curiosity is a great antidote to fear” “Curiosity is a great antidote to fear”

Happy 78th birthday to composer, performer, director, vocalist, filmmaker and choreographer Meredith Monk.

Quiet please, there’s a lady on stage Quiet please, there’s a lady on stage

On this day in 1962 soprano Régine Crespin made her Metropolitan Opera debut as the Marschallin. Mezzo Hertha Töpper debuted as Octavian and Lotte Lehmann was stage director.

Lighter than air Lighter than air

Born on this day in 1882 soprano Amelita Galli-Curci.

Loves me like a Rock Loves me like a Rock

Born on this day in 1925 actor Rock Hudson.

An occidental woman in an oriental mood of love An occidental woman in an oriental mood of love

On this day in 1926 the Metropolitan Opera presented the US premiere of Puccini’s Turandot.

Where do I begin? Where do I begin?

On this day in 1918 soprano Rosa Ponselle made her Metropolitan Opera debut (and her first appearance in opera anywhere) as Leonora.

Ray of light Ray of light

Born on this day in 1926 soprano Leonie Rysanek.

It might as well be spring It might as well be spring

On this day in 1940 Walt Disney‘s animated musical film Fantasia premiered at New York’s Broadway Theatre.

“We’re just common people with a bank account” “We’re just common people with a bank account”

Born on this day in 1929 actress Grace Kelly, later Princess Grace of Monaco.

I’ve got a crush on you I’ve got a crush on you

Born on this day in 1889 debonair actor, dancer and singer Clifton Webb.

“I learn the lines and pray to God” “I learn the lines and pray to God”

Born on this day in 1889 actor’s actor Claude Rains.

“To be a star is to own the world” “To be a star is to own the world”

Born on this day in 1914 actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr.

I remember the bliss I remember the bliss

On this day in 1926, the Imperial Theatre was the setting for the opening night of the George and Ira Gershwin musical Oh, Kay!, starring Gertrude Lawrence and Victor Moore.

Call me by your dame Call me by your dame

Born on this day in 1926 soprano Joan Sutherland.

“A Teutonic Zaza” “A Teutonic Zaza”

On this day in 1928 the American premiere of Richard Strauss‘s Die Ägyptische Helena at the Metropolitan Opera, with Maria Jeritza typecast as the most beautiful woman in the world.