In Buddy's Eyes

[mjmacmtenor]

Many people will be surprised to hear that McKechnie (known most for her dancing roles) was also a good singer. Sally is one of the MOST difficult vocal roles ever written (over 2 octaves, singing strongly in both alto and soprano ranges) not to mention the acting challenge. She does a very good job here. I think that she also played Phyllis at one time as well. For those interested, there is a complete CD of the Papermill production along with bonus songs cut from the show.

[an7iguy]

@mjmacmtenor - Unfortunately Donna's voice will always be overshadowed by her dancing, but she truly danced like no one else. She's also the only person that I know of to play Sally, Phyllis, and Carlotta in high-profile productions.

[mjmacmtenor]

@an7iguy Her dancing was truly spectacular and it is was made her special. I had the priviledge of seeing in the original Chorus Line. However, she was not just a dancer, but a complete triple-threat. In the original production, Cassie's solo was in the alto range, but she often sang high soprano in the group numbers (such as Hello 12, Hello 13). In all subsequent productions I have seen, the Cassies have taken these soprano parts done an octave into the alto range.

[sacredlunatic]

Sondheim is almost always better from an actor who sings rather than a singer who acts.

[jjarndyce]

Mckechnie was the PERFECT Sally, and I don't see how on earth Sondheim could see this quintessentially all-American gal as Carlotta. As for the voice - no, not fabulous, but so what? Smith couldn't sing but she was a superb Phyllis, if not the best.

[itsjohn2000]

Donna McKechnie's amazing range of talents continue to amaze me. She tackles this song and makes it her own. What a lovely voice. She can ' kid' me with her talents any time - they are the 100 per cent real thing.

[LukeWittz]

what is this from?

[pnrondeau100]

Donna was born to play this role. Sheer perfection!

[margann8]

Donna is an extrordinary talent, and should not be compared to anyone, no matter who did the role...

[fashionglindaguru]

I don't remember the story all that well, but in her book, Donna wrote that she did "Follies" at Papermill, she played Sally. However, when it came time for the 2002 Reprise Production in LA, they were looking at the Papermill cast, and Stephen Sondheim remarked that Donna would be a better Carlotta than Sally. Therefore, in LA she was Carlotta, and she loved the role.

[Doowopper45]

she doesnt sing like Barbara Cook, but still a wonderful characterization.

[mylandtffy]

Why should she sing like Barbara Cook?

[Doowopper45]

Because Barbara Cook played this part, and to me she is a most extraordiary singer. Donna isnt, but I still enjoyed this performance. But I suggest you listen to Barbara Cook sing the same song. Should be on You tube

[an7iguy]

I love throwing in my two cents with this debate. To me, Barbara Cook sings it much better, but it comes across as more of a cabaret or night club performance in terms of the acting, whereas Donna's is firmly rooted in the acting first, although this video doesn't show off Donna's voice very well.

[antod11]

Donna always amazed with her extraordinary dancing but she somehow seemed too 'nice' to be a Broadway Diva despite her talent. In this role as Sally she seems perfectly cast. I have seen her perform many times and always been enchanted, but damn, wish I had seen this.

[ActorSinger51]

I saw Donna in an amazing performance as Lucille in "No, No, Nanette" at the Reagle Players in Waltham, MA. 3rd row. I knew three locals in the show.

[MatthewwMatthew]

HOLYSHIT I LOVE THIS

[iamupforallfun]

She is just... too perfect as Sally. love her.

[KennyGeeee]

Donna was fantastic in this role--it's a shame this whole cast didn't get to transfer to broadway before that Roundabout debacle. (I enjoyed it, but it was a casting debacle.)

[BrochtrupBean]

donna is AMAZING. unreal.