We asked the cast of Love Song to tell us about their favorite romantic tunes…
Austin Pendleton
I like those two arias at the end of the first act of La Boheme. I forget what they’re called—first Rodolfo sings one and then Mimi sings. I cry like a girl when I hear them. I like “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” from Pal Joey by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, and I like the character of Fosca singing “Loving You” from Stephen Sondheim’s Passion. I wish I had cheesy stories to go with these. Maybe I could make one up.
Molly Regan
I don’t have just one favorite love song. The top of my list, in terms of sheer musical thrills, would have to be the “Liebestod” from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde. The music itself and what it does to the character of Isolde and to me as a listener…well, I can’t even attempt to explain. Another piece of classical music I find moving for its sweeping romanticism is Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto. I know these may seem like cliché choices, but that’s probably the reason for their popularity! I am also quite touched by very exquisitely simple songs like “What’ll I Do?” by Irving Berlin, “I’ll Be Seeing You” by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal, and Hoagy Carmichael’s classic, “Stardust”—which is one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, so I’m not too original. I guess I like songs with great yearning in them. Then again, another little favorite is “It Had to Be You” by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn because of its tongue-in-cheek wryness. I’d better stop here or I’ll just keep thinking of more. There are so many that speak to me in one way or another.
Francis Guinan
Of course, I greatly enjoy Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, but my favorite love song (among many) is “Something” by George Harrison. Not far from the top of the list is Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately,” and there will always be a special place in my heart for the old Irish tune “She Moves Through the Fair,” which Jeff Perry sang at my wedding. When thinking about love songs, however, I can’t help but remember that love does not conquer all...which is why we have love-gone-bad and heartbreak songs. My favorite on this list is Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart,” but Alanis Morrisette’s “You Oughta Know” has some teeth in it! Eeeyooww! Finally, I must admit (with some embarrassment) my fondness for 10cc’s treacly “I’m Not in Love.” Whenever it plays on the radio, everyone in the car is required to observe a respectful silence.
Mariann Mayberry
My two most favorite love songs are “Alone Again Naturally” by Gilbert O’Sullivan and “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” sung by Elton John. I think they speak for themselves.
Ian Barford
There are many love songs from different eras of my life that have spoken to me. A current favorite is “Mississippi” by Bob Dylan. There’s truth in it.