The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 2 Episode 200 Robert Merrill, Phyllis Newman
- August 12, 1964
In The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 2 episode 200, viewers are treated to a special musical episode featuring two guests: baritone opera singer Robert Merrill and Broadway performer Phyllis Newman.
The episode begins with host Johnny Carson introducing the guests and chatting with them about their backgrounds and careers. Merrill discusses his rise to fame as an opera singer, and Newman talks about her experiences on Broadway.
The first musical performance of the episode is a duet by Merrill and Newman, who sing "Too Late Now" from the musical Royal Wedding. Their voices blend beautifully, and the audience applauds enthusiastically.
Next, Carson interviews Merrill and Newman individually. Merrill talks about the challenges of performing opera, while Newman discusses her recent role in the Tony Award-winning musical Subways Are For Sleeping.
The show then takes a comedic turn with a segment called "Stump the Band," in which Carson reads audience-submitted song titles and the band must improvise a tune based on the title. The segment is a hit, with both the audience and guests joining in on the fun.
After the laughs die down, Merrill returns to the stage to perform an operatic solo, "La Danza." His powerful voice fills the room and leaves the audience in awe.
Newman, known for her comedic roles on Broadway, switches gears for her solo performance and sings the haunting ballad "Something Wonderful" from the musical The King and I. Her emotional rendition earns her a well-deserved ovation.
The episode ends with both Merrill and Newman returning to the stage for a final duet, "Bali Ha'i" from the musical South Pacific. Their chemistry and musical talents once again shine through, and the audience erupts in applause.
Overall, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 2 episode 200 offers a delightful blend of music, comedy, and conversation. Merrill and Newman's performances highlight their impressive vocal abilities, while Carson's humor keeps the show entertaining from beginning to end.