By Samantha Gleisten

Julie Andrews.

Perhaps one of the most impressive powers of the Broadway musical is its ability to capture the essence of a character's emotion in song. And few emotions are quite as lyrical as love. "My Favorite Broadway: The Love Songs" compiles some of Broadway's most memorable love melodies, performed by some of the most legendary Broadway performers of today and yesterday.

As host Julie Andrews -- quoting musical team Betty Comden and Adolph Green -- says, as she leads us through the evening, gently tugging on the audiences' heart strings with fun tidbits of behind-the-scenes tales and inspirational quotations: "Music is better than words -- just forget about words and sing her a song." And that's just what happens.

Led by Paul Gemignani, The American Theater Orchestra moves through a repertoire of compositional diversity that includes the work of Stephen Sondheim, Jonathon Larson, and Cole Porter with a graceful agility that gives the evening a flow and structure not often experienced in a concert setting. With love songs ranging in emotion from the touchingly beautiful "Too Late Now," from "Royal Wedding," to the wry and comic "Brush

Michael McCormick and Michael Mulheren.

Up Your Shakespeare," from "Kiss Me, Kate," the evening's lineup is skillfully crafted. The show begins with an all-star introduction of nimbly intertwined romantic ballads and moves into a playfully surprising performance of "The Lullaby of Broadway" by Tom Wopat. And with this, we know we are in for an evening of love songs sprinkled with touches of verve.

The show then takes the perfect turn with a touch of romantic musical comedy as Nathan Lane performs a number from his acclaim-winning 1992 role (and stage namesake) Nathan Detroit with "Sue Me." Originally conceived for the show as a duet with his "Guys and Dolls" co-star Faith Prince, he performs a new intrepretation of it with Michael McElroy, Darius DeHaas, and Dwayne Clark. Nathan Detroit is the stuff legends are made of; if you kicked yourself for missing "Guys and Dolls" on Broadway, here's your chance to catch a glimpse of Lane in this memorable role.

Then, as if to remind the audience of the sentimental possibilities of the Broadway love song, "Aïda" star Heather Headley, delivers a personal and powerful rendition of "He Touched Me" from "Drat! The Cat!" And just when the swelling in your heart feels like you may burst from Headley's breathtaking performance, Cook, Dixon & Young enter the scene with a playful medley that leaves the heart in check and the toe tapping.

Marin Mazzie, who is currently starring in the revival of "Kiss Me, Kate."

The enchanting lineup has just begun. The show continues with stellar performances by Peter Gallagher, Marin Mazzie, Robert Goulet, and Linda Eder, to name just a few. While maintaining a meticulous structure and weaving between numbers in a manner that keeps both the energy and emotions high, the show furnishes the audience with a collection of lessons in Broadway's finest moments and the careers of its performers.

The compelling combination of beautifully composed scores, distinguished vocalists, and an orchestra perfectly balanced with vigor and quixotic serenity invites the audience to reflect and engage. The show's Broadway titans sing their signature numbers and all-time favorites, and somehow, with each song, comes a complete musical story line and performance history. When Bebe Neuwirth robustly enacts the joys of being loved and in love with "I'm a Brass Band" from "Sweet Charity," the show that won her a Tony in 1986, the story of a young woman gifted with hope comes to life. As Brent Spiner and Chita Rivera perform "Rosie" from "Bye Bye Birdie," the story of a young rock star, high school love, the draft, and a much sought-after kiss emerges with eloquent subtlety. And with one wink of the eye, Chita Rivera reminds us how she originated the role on Broadway 40 years ago.

Bebe Neuwirth.

Few musicals are as familiar to the theater-going public as Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe's "My Fair Lady," the show that solidified Julie Andrews as a Broadway musical force in the role of Eliza Doolittle and with which she is still inextricably linked. Although Andrews has not sung on stage since "Victor/Victoria" in 1996, having undergone throat surgery, Michael Crawford manages to coax a few lines of "The Rain in Spain" from the songstress in a final number that draws the audience to an extended ovation and caps off a tremendous trip down Broadway's lover's lane.

"Performers want to give the audiences the best evening possible. That's part of the joy -- in the giving," said Andrews in preparations for "My Favorite Broadway: The Love Songs." And the talented ensemble delivers just that with contagious joy.