Dames by the Dozen

Phyllis Newman herself took the stage to welcome everyone. Believe it or not, the person pictured with Newman is Zoe Caldwell, who did some brilliant clown work during the show in addition to favoring the crowd with a real treat: a brief monologue from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, in which she created the title role on Broadway in 1968.

As always, Nothing Like a Dame was filled with fabulous performances by dozens of wonderful women. Here are Ann Harada, Kate Monster, and Stephanie D’Abruzzo in “The More You Ruv Someone” from Avenue Q.

In a unique and gripping moment, opera star Lauren Flanigan sang “Vissi d’Arte” from Puccini’s Tosca while the peerless actress Kathleen Chalfant passionately intoned an English translation of the aria.

Carolee Carmello will be playing Arlene in the upcoming Paper Mill Playhouse production of the Maltby-Shire musical Baby, but in Nothing Like a Dame she sang the character Lizzie’s big song from that score: “The Story Goes On.”

Caught here in mid-air are dancers from the Spotlight Studio of Dance in choreographer Wyndee Hughson’s interpretation of the Michael Jackson song “In the Closet.”

The age-old battle between belters and sopranos was re-fought by (left to right) Gay Willis, Dee Hoty, Kathy Brier, and Laura Benanti in a number called “Dames vs. Dames.” A draw was declared by the cheering audience.

In an amazing recreation of a moment in theater history, the incomparable Chita Rivera reprised her Velma Kelly role in “Class” from the Kander-Ebb-Fosse musical Chicago, aided and abetted by the hilarious Camille Saviola as Mama Morton.

Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole assumed the persona of Betty Ford as she performed “Ready, Steady, Betty!” from a new musical by Tom Kitt and Amanda Green (daughter of Phyllis Newman and the late Adolph Green). The song may not be in good taste but it’s pretty damned funny!

Speaking of new musicals: Victoria Clark sang “Fable” from Adam Guettel’s The Light in the Piazza, which recently played in Chicago and has its sights set on Broadway.

The immortal Harold Arlen-Johnny Mercer standard “Come Rain or Come Shine” was soulfully performed by Tonya Pinkins, who’ll soon be back on the boards in the Broadway transfer of the Public Theater’s Caroline, or Change.

Heather Headley came back to Broadway — for one night, anyway — to sing the beautiful Charlie Smalls ballad “Home” from The Wiz.

Following the show’s finale, Phyllis Newman heartily thanked all of the events participants, supporters, and attendees.