First: For all those who would like to have a DVD of Purlie with Melba Moore: MovieLead is a Hollywood company which provides old move/video footage to the industry. The video and audio weren't exactly High Def., but it's all there for $50: 866-259-2136.

Second: I feel like know Melba Moore, though I never met her in person! She attended Montclair State College's Music Department a few years before I started my Masters there in voice and theater arts. In addition, we both taught music in Newark Public School District.

Even though I now live in Texas, I still manage to get back to NYC every couple of years to see the best of the Broadway theater.

With all my years of seeing shows and (in what seems like a past lifetime) performing professionally in shows (AE), I can say,

without a doubt, that the singularly most astounding vocal performance I ever saw on stage was Melba Moore in Purlie. I went back 3 times to see her.

Now that I have a DVD of her performance, I have played it for others who are also amazed.

THANKS MELBA!! for giving me an unforgettable experience in the theater.