Music and the Mirror - Donna McKechnie - 1988 COLOR

[unclealand]

I remember being apprehensive about seeing Donna in the 1987 revival. There was no need to worry. She's a miracle. Looking 25 years younger, she still knew how to make it all fresh and juicy. I bet she still could.

[jv92]

This is from 1986. Donna returned in 1986 before the deaths of both Michael Bennett and Bob Fosse in 1987.

[clayandhayley]

one of the best triple threats ever

[UndisputedTopFemme]

This is a woman who, just a few years earlier, had arthritis so severe that she couldn't get out of bed without help and was told by her doctor that eventually she would be unable to walk. To come back from something like that and dance like this... what an awe-inspiring accomplishment.

And when you think of the themes Cassie embodies about persistence in the face of adversity, not giving up, insisting on a second chance- McKechnie's achievement adds an incredibly moving layer to it.

[antod11]

Wow, and she was 48 when this was filmed.........Holy Shit! Bravo Donna, the first and ultimately the only Cassie.

[vellure]

I really don't know anyone who can dance like this!

[ActorSinger51]

I'm seeing Donna as Lucille in "No, No Nanette" at Waltham's Reagle Players next Friday night!!!!!!!

[Hoofer26]

like NO other... NO other

[646guy]

THe reason why this song resonates better with DOnna than Charlotte or Wanda is becuase this IS Donna's story. SHe stopped 2 shows cold (Company adn I believe Promises Promises) and she tried being an actress in california nad didn't make it. I think she even tells a story somewhere about being an answer on jeopardy in the 70s before ACL...

[yajunwindbell]

She is THE Cassie. I can't imagine anyone better than her in the role.

[phlashba]

There has never been anybody better. She can dance (and sing) circles around just about anybody, a point made all too clear by the disappointing revival. I have to say as brilliant as Donna is here...the disco era music that accompanies the dance solo was already feeling dated by the late 70s...feels even more so today. Anyway...Donna RULES!

[beautifuldisaster414]

thank you so very much for posting this. it has reminded me what broadway and dancing are all about. i doubt anyone will ever be able to play cassie nearly as well as the superb and beautiful donna mckechnie. her talent is the stuff that dreams are made of.

[nyactor926]

In my opinion, nobody beats McKechnie

[spklneelyspkl]

amen sister.

[premon]

loveangela1, I have to say that this is the best video I've ever seen on YouTube.

You are the best. Well, you and McKechnie. It's a toss-up.

[psilva17]

OMG that woman is on fire! I love that 13 years after she created the role, she could still dance the shit out of it and look terrific doing it!! With the costume and choreography tailored to her, not to mention her fierce raw talent, there will never be another Cassie like her!!

[OzlemCraig]

she is amazing!

[mikecoleman1]

Thank you so much for posting this. A miracle. To think she was in her 40s here. I had the pleasure of seeing her as Sally in Follies at the Papermill Playhouse many years after this. She was unbelievable--the strong, wonderful voice and that sense of vulnerability that is so evident here, and that no other dancer playing Cassie--in the performances I've seen, at least--has been able to capture. Yes, this is forever and always "how it is done."

[KennyGeeee]

Loveangela1, whoever you are, I want to buy you a very expensive bottle of wine. Very expensive.

This is the Donna I saw when I saw the show. This is what has never been recreated by anyone. This is my nirvana.

[fosseboi]

Unbelievable. Thats all I have to say.

You are an incredible person for putting this up! Thank you! If you have any more PLEASE put it up! : )

[lakme]

WOW.

[jv92]

Wasn't her return before Bennett's death? And before Fosse's? I read somewhere this return performance got her that job in the tour of Charity, her memoirs maybe?

[jeffdw1970]

She makes it look so effortless and graceful. She is Cassie! Everyone else after just learned the steps.

[QF107]

HOW THE F^&K?!?!?!?! Thank u so much!!

[premon]

Chills. Everywhere

[loveangela1]

Sorry the video is such poor quality...I had encoding issues.

[vellure]

Thats ok.. once you find a way to upload it in a better quality you can re-upload it. this definitely deserves to be seen and recognize by broadway lovers.

[gerodh]

Dear Loveangela1, I had the pleasure of seeing this revival in April '87.I was also blown away by Pam Klinger who played Maggie in the film version and was also in this Broadway revival.Her voice absolutely filled the Theatre and she held that big note in At The Ballet for ages!!! Do you have this performance of At The Ballet too? Can you post it?

[babbagecabb]

umm...there has only been one broadway revival of this show, and it was in 2006

[vellure]

YAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!! Loveangela1 you ROCK!! and that's how its REALLY DONE!!!!

[roxiehart1]

Just WOW :o)

I saw her in 1988 in Boston. I was a dancer and just blown away by her (still am!). Wish I had seen her in 1977. 

Love her to pieces.