Loudon was an incredibly talented lady. I too, saw this show, and she was absolutely splendid....rivoting! As someone else here mentioned, "Every time I watch this I need a box of Kleenex." Ditto. Such a moving performance.
When I am down about what could have been, I look at this vid. Thank you for posting this. Such acting prowess,knowing what you have at the time you have it.I cry every time.rip my dear.
@ivisf There is a book of sheet music called "Life is a Cabaret" in which it can be found. However, as with most song, if you go to to musicnotes you can get it in whatever key you need it for a reasonable cost.
This is superb! I can't imagine how euphoric she feels when the finale came! The emotions were strong, and her spirit was even stronger. Rest in peace, Dorothy Loudon. God bless you.
I first heard this song a few months ago played on XM 175 and remembered they made a musical called "Ballroom" that toured in 1979 and was based on a TV movie called Queen of the Stardust Ballroom. I assume Dorothy Loudon was in the broadway show which the recording came from. She was such a gifted, stellar performer and having heard her perform this number, I wish I had seen her in the show. She is truly missed. Rest in peace, dear Dorothy.
In about one hour, I discovered, researched, watched and then mourned Ms. Dorothy Loudon. I call myself a musical theater fan and I've never heard of her. For shame. This performance was incredibly moving. After having read about her and the roles she has originated, I'm beginning to wonder if Carol Burnett borrowed from Ms. Loudon; there seem to be a lot of similarities between the two.
@kkay2605 Don't be too hard on yourself. I am 53 and have been a musical theater fan since I was a kid. I vaguely remember Dorothy on the Garry Moore TV show but it wasn't until I saw her on the Tonys in 1977 and she won best actress for "Annie" that I took note of her. She was finally in a hit muscial after many years of performing. "Ballroom" only ran for 3-4 months on broadway but it toured here in St. Louis in 1979. I now wish I'd seen her in it. Her performance is magnificent.
For those who don't know her, you would not know it from this performance, but she was an amazingly gifted comedic actress. I was lucky enough to see her in "Noises Off" on Broadway in 1985. She stole the show, and it is the only time in my life I left a theater in pain (iterally) with a sore abdomen from non-stop laughing. In 1987, I saw her the musical review "Jerry's Girls" on Broadway. It was her presence and honesty on stage that seared both performances in my mind forever. A class act.
When she said "I don't wear his ring," and her voice cracked -- wow. This is an amazing performance. We need great, emotive entertainers like this again.
Amidst so many YouTube videos devoted to whether Mariah can squeak out notes only for dogs or Whitney can belt louder than a fog horn, this video is so welcome and desperately needed.
This woman comes out at the end of her career, in failing health, and delivers one of the most heart-breakingly raw performances I've seen. Artistry is not about vocal pyrotechnics but about truth and emotional connectedness.
@tonywrestles2 thanx so much. she was mindbogglingly talented. that simple move she does before exiting the stage, where she puts her hands behind her ears, communicates so much tragicomedy, that had i only seen THAT, i would have fallen in love with her.
I think we are all a little weepy at the thought of so much light being extinguished.
This was so beautiful and touching that there are no words. There will never be another Dorothy Loudon. She is so missed, but the world is a much better place because she was in it. Thank you for posting this wonderful tribute to Dorothy.
This was Dorothy Loudons last public appearance on any stage. She knew at the time that her cancer was incurable and advanced. A heartbreaking performance in every way.
@peerkbh She briefly performed in Dinner at Eight a year before she died. I believe she appeared in two performances before she had to withdraw for health reasons.
Thanks for this information. I didn't know that. Still, one cannot help thinking about how lonely her life must have been during those last years. The information from Wikipidea that "she left no survivors when she died" certainly gives you that feeling. I hope that wasn't the case. Someone should write her biography.
@peerkbh I did not realize it and appreciate your providing the information. It is a favorite song of mine, and this performance is simply staggering. Then, learning that it was her final performance and she knew it makes it all the more amazing. What a brilliantly talented woman.
A beautiful performance, there is so much emotion in her singing, it just reels you in and makes you experience the song with her, it's just stunning!
How lucky you were! I had my tickets set to see her in Dinner at Eight, but sadly, that's when she took ill. If only I were born a generation or two earlier. . .
Just Beautiful...Brings Me To Tears Every Time I Hear This...Your Miss Something Fierce Ms. Louden Something Fierce, Indeed! There'll never be another you...
This is such a terrific song by a one-of-a-kind performer. I recall the original Ballroom was a Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie with Maureen Stapleton and Charles Durning. It was a lovely story that then went to B-Way. I cried during the movie and the musical as well and now, thirty odd years later I'm in my tenth year of a 50% relationship and loving every minute of it!
no one like her, and she owns this forever. she could belt with the best of them, and was an incredible comedienne, but more so she had the most genunie gift and understanding of acting with the voice. there's never a false moment, when she steps outside character, never a note or phrase that isn't totally real, we all miss her!
thanks for the comment--sad part is, that she never got her due, compared to what she could do. this clip from carnegie hall tore the place apart, even late in her career, because in addition to all her other girts, she completely connected with audience and was spontaneous all the way through!
Most people don't have any idea how close to home this song was to Dorothy . For many years she had an affair with her arranger , norman . He was married and his wife wouldn't divorce him . When she finally passed on , Dorothy and Norman married . It only lasted about six years as he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. Every night when she sang that song , and when she sang it at my piano in my living room , never failed to bring me , and her to tears , Imiss her still . There was no one like her !
@Joeinps thanks for sharing that. It just adds to the song even more. How sad. But how lucky for you to have known her.
I think anyone who wants to become a b'way or cabaret singer should be required to watch this clip. Not just to learn how to "sell" a song, but how to act it and put your own unique stamp on it. Brava!
This is a Master's Class gift to every young singer on how to put across the lyric of a song. Heartbreaking and exhilarating at the same time. Ms Louden is one of the most under-rated singer/actresses of all time. And to think this was taped so soon before her death -- we are so lucky that this performance has been preserved!
It's when her character, Bea, decides to continue her relationship with a man whom she's learned is married. That's why she gets fifty percent of him (his wife presumably gets the other half) and why she doesn't "pick out his ties", etc.
I'm always sad that the Intro to this song isn't on the Cast Recording of Ballroom - but I'm glad there is a clip available of the timeless Ms. Loudon singing this - which I consider (besides Little Girls) her SIGNATURE tune - - - it holds so true to who she is, and scary how fitting it was to her life. I miss her, and am glad that at least I am able to see her perform in some way (be it youtube video...)
breath-taking. wow. when she sings the "I'd" on that high note... there's no age to her voice. no hurt. all the fragility (if thats a word) and hurt that we see in the beginning of the songthat captures us is gone t, and her young self shines through. What a note. What a voice. i'm in awe.
Everything, everything came together at the right time in the right place connecting this remarkable woman with this remarkable song. No one - no one, does it better or could hope to.
A friend turned me onto several clips of Ms. Loudon singing this song, but this is by far the best one. Ms. Loudon completely delivers. Besides the storytelling, I love the vulnerability she is able to cast in front of such a huge audience. Intense & impressive.
Fantastic! Thank you so much for bringing this back to youtube. Dorothy Loudon is so magnificent in this song. She was one of kind. Fifty Percent in Dottie's version gives me a lump in my throat every time I here it.
I loved Ms. Loudon, and I have always loved this song.
kenhamlett1 1 week ago
Just listen to that crowd at the end, they knew they had just heard something Awesome!
Damick513 4 weeks ago in playlist Favorite videos
There will only be one Miss Dorothy. And she is missed every day.
tranquilitybase 1 month ago
She is missed. She was such an amazing talent.
KeithHarperSF 2 months ago
Loudon was an incredibly talented lady. I too, saw this show, and she was absolutely splendid....rivoting! As someone else here mentioned, "Every time I watch this I need a box of Kleenex." Ditto. Such a moving performance.
Norssorg1 4 months ago
I loved this show on Broadway! It was wonderful theatre. Thanks for this post.
necktieguy1 6 months ago
She was one of the GREATS! Her Miss Hnnigan can never be matched.
lumiere85 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
gets me everytime
TheWhatev33 7 months ago
who will ever replace masters like this ?
purser132 7 months ago
When I am down about what could have been, I look at this vid. Thank you for posting this. Such acting prowess,knowing what you have at the time you have it.I cry every time.rip my dear.
TheWhatev33 7 months ago 3
I'm speechless, a masterclass in how to deliver a number...
rjpr69 8 months ago 4
Hannah Phipps The next Dorothy Loudon....
fps44 8 months ago
Who says real men don't cry? Every time I watch this I need a box of Kleenex. Can she sell it or what?
sealove36 8 months ago 4
@ivisf There is a book of sheet music called "Life is a Cabaret" in which it can be found. However, as with most song, if you go to to musicnotes you can get it in whatever key you need it for a reasonable cost.
spn1007 9 months ago
I'll take 50% of HIM!
Stranglingme 10 months ago
just fabulous
johnmattinson99 10 months ago 2
just fabulous
johnmattinson99 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
absolutely spectacular. They really don't make them like her anymore
johnmattinson99 11 months ago
Does anyone know where I can find the sheet music to this verse? I don't have it on the cast recording, I think.
ivisf 11 months ago
This is superb! I can't imagine how euphoric she feels when the finale came! The emotions were strong, and her spirit was even stronger. Rest in peace, Dorothy Loudon. God bless you.
omarinem 1 year ago 5
They sure dont breed them like this any more outstanding
artdex 1 year ago 2
THAT'S how you STOP a show! I love this clip!
dmar1027 1 year ago 2
Just beautiful...........what a wonderful performance.
Pobcouture 1 year ago 2
I first heard this song a few months ago played on XM 175 and remembered they made a musical called "Ballroom" that toured in 1979 and was based on a TV movie called Queen of the Stardust Ballroom. I assume Dorothy Loudon was in the broadway show which the recording came from. She was such a gifted, stellar performer and having heard her perform this number, I wish I had seen her in the show. She is truly missed. Rest in peace, dear Dorothy.
DRG82100 1 year ago
Complete, flawless perfection.
gvt2u 1 year ago 3
In about one hour, I discovered, researched, watched and then mourned Ms. Dorothy Loudon. I call myself a musical theater fan and I've never heard of her. For shame. This performance was incredibly moving. After having read about her and the roles she has originated, I'm beginning to wonder if Carol Burnett borrowed from Ms. Loudon; there seem to be a lot of similarities between the two.
kkay2605 1 year ago 3
@kkay2605 Don't be too hard on yourself. I am 53 and have been a musical theater fan since I was a kid. I vaguely remember Dorothy on the Garry Moore TV show but it wasn't until I saw her on the Tonys in 1977 and she won best actress for "Annie" that I took note of her. She was finally in a hit muscial after many years of performing. "Ballroom" only ran for 3-4 months on broadway but it toured here in St. Louis in 1979. I now wish I'd seen her in it. Her performance is magnificent.
DRG82100 1 year ago
gives me goosebumps... and I know for sure I won't be able to sleep now for another hour because I can't get it out of my head.
saihtamw 1 year ago
For those who don't know her, you would not know it from this performance, but she was an amazingly gifted comedic actress. I was lucky enough to see her in "Noises Off" on Broadway in 1985. She stole the show, and it is the only time in my life I left a theater in pain (iterally) with a sore abdomen from non-stop laughing. In 1987, I saw her the musical review "Jerry's Girls" on Broadway. It was her presence and honesty on stage that seared both performances in my mind forever. A class act.
sgregory23 1 year ago
i had the honor and pleasure of working on a broadway show with Dorothy Loudon back in the 1980's.
Pisces31660 1 year ago
When she said "I don't wear his ring," and her voice cracked -- wow. This is an amazing performance. We need great, emotive entertainers like this again.
OldieMusicMan 1 year ago 5
Amidst so many YouTube videos devoted to whether Mariah can squeak out notes only for dogs or Whitney can belt louder than a fog horn, this video is so welcome and desperately needed.
This woman comes out at the end of her career, in failing health, and delivers one of the most heart-breakingly raw performances I've seen. Artistry is not about vocal pyrotechnics but about truth and emotional connectedness.
thank you for this amazing upload.
mmontana 1 year ago 11
@mmontana
I wish I could vote for this comment a thousand times. I got almost as many tears in my eyes reading it as I did listening to Dorothy sing.
tonywrestles2 1 year ago
@tonywrestles2 thanx so much. she was mindbogglingly talented. that simple move she does before exiting the stage, where she puts her hands behind her ears, communicates so much tragicomedy, that had i only seen THAT, i would have fallen in love with her.
I think we are all a little weepy at the thought of so much light being extinguished.
mmontana 1 year ago 3
What a performance and performer. It's almost as if Ms Loudon has lived this song. Agree with previous comment - absolutely stunning.
trme1 1 year ago 2
Stunning performance.
jsct66 1 year ago
You can hear a pin drop...........brilliant!
vbplayer49 1 year ago
I have been trying to buy this cd any help out there
buckyboyil 1 year ago
This was so beautiful and touching that there are no words. There will never be another Dorothy Loudon. She is so missed, but the world is a much better place because she was in it. Thank you for posting this wonderful tribute to Dorothy.
phlashba 1 year ago
This is one of my ALL TIME favorite performances... she was so amazing...
PeterJRip 1 year ago 2
What a gem...a multitude of thanks to you for posting this!
oceandawn26 1 year ago 2
What Joy. . .! Thanks to Dorothy, she is ALWAYS. Blessings to All
tubetoad 2 years ago 3
Stunning. She makes you stop whatever you are doing and thinking about to listen. And to care.
midtowner 2 years ago 2
Wow, oh wow, what a brilliant performer!!! This songs means so much to me and she just knows how to sell it!!!
salad64 2 years ago 3
This was Dorothy Loudons last public appearance on any stage. She knew at the time that her cancer was incurable and advanced. A heartbreaking performance in every way.
peerkbh 2 years ago 46
@peerkbh So sad -- this is a remarkable and heart-wrenching performance. She was a treasure.
thumbun 2 years ago 4
@thumbun: "heart-wrenching performance", best definition.
marcosbabu 2 years ago 2
@peerkbh She briefly performed in Dinner at Eight a year before she died. I believe she appeared in two performances before she had to withdraw for health reasons.
ruyona 1 year ago
@ruyona
Thanks for this information. I didn't know that. Still, one cannot help thinking about how lonely her life must have been during those last years. The information from Wikipidea that "she left no survivors when she died" certainly gives you that feeling. I hope that wasn't the case. Someone should write her biography.
peerkbh 1 year ago
@peerkbh I did not realize it and appreciate your providing the information. It is a favorite song of mine, and this performance is simply staggering. Then, learning that it was her final performance and she knew it makes it all the more amazing. What a brilliantly talented woman.
kenhamlett1 6 days ago
Beautiful lady, a beautiful voice and just one of her unforgettable performances!
racdula 2 years ago 4
wonderful!!!! nobody can sing like Dorothy... the emotions... behind the song..... huh!! love it!!
mhariagreat 2 years ago 4
And notice how stunned and sincerely touched by the applause at the end. Tremendous Performance.
9fantastic 2 years ago 4
A beautiful performance, there is so much emotion in her singing, it just reels you in and makes you experience the song with her, it's just stunning!
MRDINK513 2 years ago 3
Wow - timeless performance.
lark101 2 years ago 5
I love this song. I never returned this Ladies of Broadway CD to its rightful owner, I just couldn't do it.
bellazirka 2 years ago
Wonderful , glorious Dottie. Pure bliss.
antod11 2 years ago 4
I could watch this video over and over again.
It makes me cry every time I see it! I wish I had been able to see Ms. Loudon live.
EPhillips2300 2 years ago 3
I agree... she is so amazing in this... I saw it live and she made me weep!!!
PeterJRip 2 years ago 3
How lucky you were! I had my tickets set to see her in Dinner at Eight, but sadly, that's when she took ill. If only I were born a generation or two earlier. . .
EPhillips2300 2 years ago 2
Just Beautiful...Brings Me To Tears Every Time I Hear This...Your Miss Something Fierce Ms. Louden Something Fierce, Indeed! There'll never be another you...
alexanderdiaz1 2 years ago 3
That's how you stop a show!
dmar1027 2 years ago 6
This is such a terrific song by a one-of-a-kind performer. I recall the original Ballroom was a Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie with Maureen Stapleton and Charles Durning. It was a lovely story that then went to B-Way. I cried during the movie and the musical as well and now, thirty odd years later I'm in my tenth year of a 50% relationship and loving every minute of it!
tat1tat1 2 years ago
Je ne sais pas qu'il était d'elle, mais elle ne l'a jamais perdu. Absolument parfait.
banthonywhite 2 years ago 4
no one like her, and she owns this forever. she could belt with the best of them, and was an incredible comedienne, but more so she had the most genunie gift and understanding of acting with the voice. there's never a false moment, when she steps outside character, never a note or phrase that isn't totally real, we all miss her!
mmbriggs 2 years ago 6
You've said it all--Loudon was such a special personality.
11777766 2 years ago 6
thanks for the comment--sad part is, that she never got her due, compared to what she could do. this clip from carnegie hall tore the place apart, even late in her career, because in addition to all her other girts, she completely connected with audience and was spontaneous all the way through!
mmbriggs 2 years ago 22
Most people don't have any idea how close to home this song was to Dorothy . For many years she had an affair with her arranger , norman . He was married and his wife wouldn't divorce him . When she finally passed on , Dorothy and Norman married . It only lasted about six years as he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. Every night when she sang that song , and when she sang it at my piano in my living room , never failed to bring me , and her to tears , Imiss her still . There was no one like her !
Joeinps 2 years ago 8
@Joeinps thanks for sharing that. It just adds to the song even more. How sad. But how lucky for you to have known her.
I think anyone who wants to become a b'way or cabaret singer should be required to watch this clip. Not just to learn how to "sell" a song, but how to act it and put your own unique stamp on it. Brava!
spn1007 1 year ago
People know Dorothy Louden as "Miss Hannigan," but damn, this is a BREATHTAKING performance....especially since she is no longer with us
crbar1 2 years ago 4
This is a Master's Class gift to every young singer on how to put across the lyric of a song. Heartbreaking and exhilarating at the same time. Ms Louden is one of the most under-rated singer/actresses of all time. And to think this was taped so soon before her death -- we are so lucky that this performance has been preserved!
mantomandave 2 years ago 6
Can anyone tell me what this song is about? I know it's from "Ballroom" but I've barely found any info on it.
What a beautiful song, though. And Loudon is SUCH a gem.
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago 2
It's when her character, Bea, decides to continue her relationship with a man whom she's learned is married. That's why she gets fifty percent of him (his wife presumably gets the other half) and why she doesn't "pick out his ties", etc.
exiron0202 2 years ago 3
I'm always sad that the Intro to this song isn't on the Cast Recording of Ballroom - but I'm glad there is a clip available of the timeless Ms. Loudon singing this - which I consider (besides Little Girls) her SIGNATURE tune - - - it holds so true to who she is, and scary how fitting it was to her life. I miss her, and am glad that at least I am able to see her perform in some way (be it youtube video...)
EPhillips2300 2 years ago 2
breath-taking. wow. when she sings the "I'd" on that high note... there's no age to her voice. no hurt. all the fragility (if thats a word) and hurt that we see in the beginning of the songthat captures us is gone t, and her young self shines through. What a note. What a voice. i'm in awe.
EvanPianocal 2 years ago 3
Everything, everything came together at the right time in the right place connecting this remarkable woman with this remarkable song. No one - no one, does it better or could hope to.
illinoisalex 2 years ago
THIS IS A BROADWAY STAR!!!!!!!!
art1fan 3 years ago
So good to see that her performances are living on and can inspire others.
foxyactor 3 years ago
Oh- how we miss you.
tempo78 3 years ago
A friend turned me onto several clips of Ms. Loudon singing this song, but this is by far the best one. Ms. Loudon completely delivers. Besides the storytelling, I love the vulnerability she is able to cast in front of such a huge audience. Intense & impressive.
need2act 3 years ago
this always reminds me of my friend nathan at WVWC, i hope you are well my friend.
vinceinelkins 3 years ago
I don't care if anybody does this song better, I don'want to hear it by anybody else!
art1fan 3 years ago 3
No one does it better, that is the best part about it. Thumbs up to you.
vinceinelkins 2 years ago
Fantastic! Thank you so much for bringing this back to youtube. Dorothy Loudon is so magnificent in this song. She was one of kind. Fifty Percent in Dottie's version gives me a lump in my throat every time I here it.
peerkbh 3 years ago 4
..even so much appearantly that I can't spell "hear" - sorry
peerkbh 3 years ago
I really do love this woman ... her's is the voice you really want your grandmother to have. It's just brilliant and so comfortable.
vxhorusxv 3 years ago