Broadway’s leading ladies, Jan Horvath, Christiane Noll and Tony‑winner Debbie Gravitte, are clearly good friends and top‑notch singers, giving performances that were dramatic, touching and unexpectedly humorous.

“It’s hard to imagine a more   spectacular opening for Musicfest 2007,” exclaimed Musicfest Chairman Chris Warsaw.

Every song was an audience favorite.

 From the trio’ s first number,  “Let me Entertain You,”  to the last–a trio of Lloyd Webber love songs–every selection was greeted with appreciation.

“Don’t Rain on My Parade,” sung by Gravitte, Noll’s renditions of “Til There Was You,” and “Broadway Baby,” complete with 42nd Street accent by Horvath, were just the beginning of a huge program of 18 hit show tunes. 

“Glitter and Be Gay” by Leonard Bernstein, sung by Noll, was pure opera buffo delight with its combination of crystalline high notes and high humor.

Gravitte’s comment upon entering the stage immediately following was, “Yup. I’m the sucker who has to follow that performance.”

The unexpectedly tumultuous applause following “Mamma Mia” caused Gravitte to wisecrack, “Well, who would have thought that ABBA would have gotten the biggest hand of the night?”

An extra bonus was Robert Felstein on piano, leading the three‑piece Diva band in Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm,” followed later in the program by a solo performance of “Rhapsody in Blue.”

Call Arizona Musicfest at (480) 488‑0806 or visit www.azmusicfest.org for tickets or information.

Vickilyn Hussey is the publicity chairwoman for Arizona Musicfest.