I envy every cast member of any production of Pacific Overtures. I alsways wished to play a part in a Sondheim show, and now I do - Hero from Forum, but although Hero is a major charaker in Forum, I'd prefer to play the young boy in PO.
I saw this twice in Boston tryouts and once in its Broadway run. One of the most stunning and beautiful things I've ever seen in a theater -- or anywhere else. Perfection. Shows like this and productions so magnificent have spoiled me.
I had the enormous pleasure to see this show with Mako as The Reciter at East/West Players in Los Angeles so, so many years ago. What memories. "I was younger then."
only sondheim could spin a show about imperialism, raping geishas, extraterritoriaity, and how history is only told by the survivors into pure musical gold. if only he was still writing for broadway...
Everything about this song is just perfect. The final chord is breathtaking, and right as the music starts, the bassoon just blares out. You can't really hear the bassoon well on the OBC. Just gorgeous.
Gotta love that final chord. There's no harmony throughout the entire thing, which is perfect as we are getting all sorts of information, all "fragments of the day". And then comes the one bit of harmony at the very end, bringing them, with their information, all together in harmony. Stunning.
A happy 80th today to the genius who wrote this! :)
This may be my all-time favorite Sondheim song (and I once heard it was his, too), but the Broadway production has nothing on the English National Opera version of it.
My sister got some Sondhiem songs on a tape, and this song stood out as the best, I memorized it from listening to the tape, and still couldn't get enough!!!
Only some songs can rival the complete awesomeness of this song, like Danny Boy funiculi funicula... But this is my all time faviorite, which started my love of classical songs!
I used lyrics from this song to describe Germany's role in causing World War I, and my teacher was like "You listen to music from a show about Japanese history..?"
I got an B+, which is awesome for me. Thanks, Sondheim!
I love the bit where he taps the Reciter on the shoulder and says "I am someone in a tree." The entire way he does it nails the mannerisms of Japanese film.
I saw this! 32 years ago - I saw the original production and I have not seen it since. It was totally wnderful when they sang and a complete bore when they stopped singing. This song is still one of my favorites, it can carry you away on a wave of joy, I;m not sure why.
Having read sondheim's biography by Meryle Secrest i knew this was his favorite song one that he was extremely proud of and one whose performance once even brought him to tears. I knew the song was good, and i loved the tune, but I never understood why he was so particularly proud of this one work until i saw this video and realized what an amazing puzzle this song is. For a man who so loved games and puzzles seeing these multiple parts so intricately performed must have been extemely satisfying
In case anyone wants to know, this is actually Stephen Sondheim's favorite song out of all of the ones he's written over the course of his long prolific career as a Broadway songwriter.
Stephen Sondheim has been my "hero" since the early '70s. Some say he has trouble writing "hummable" music--but this is where he shines. This song in particular is almost a mini one-act opera--telling a complete story. It's also why his songs don't "work" well outside of the show. Can you imagine "Someone In A Tree" sung at a bar mitzvah? ROFL
This is the best version - the Westernization of the East in a nutshell. 2nd Act doesn't live up to the first but a great show that is rarely peformed as it was mostly Western Actors in Kabuki style - Mako and Wantanabee (being more Asian American) audiences mostly confused coming out of Rodgers & Hammerstein era, this done around the time of Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, etc. - ahead of it's time...
I feel like every time I listen to this song, I take something new from it. The first time I heard it, all I could take in was that kid's really really fast vibratto lol. And then after hearing it numerous times, I finally get it. That's what I love about Sondheim's work, it's so intellectually challenging and isn't just pretty-sounding, but really unique and every word is so perfectly rhymed.
Also, it's interesting how it takes an Eastern notion of multiple perspectives and sets them in a Western genre, the musical. Brilliant. I saw a Japanese production (in Japanese) in 2002 at the Kennedy Center. Not only was it refreshing to see it through Japanese eyes, it made you think about the reactions to Westernization--some assimilationist, some violent--that we're seeing today in other contexts. Remarkable piece of art. THANKS!
I've looked for a LOT of info on this show but have found very little. Can anyone basically sum up what this is about? I know it's about Western influences coming into Japan, but like what's going on?
It's about Japan being forced by American naval power to open up to international trade, and thus to Western cultural influence. This song is about the negotiation of the first treaty between Japan and the United States. The rest of the show follows a low-ranking samurai who's given the job of acting as an intermediary with the Western powers. He gradually becomes Westernised. But the show is pretty abstract; the characters are mostly representatives of types rather than individuals.
Can I gush?! Few of us realize how surgical Stephen is. The Tree of Life has certain fruit. They reside in some bodies. They ripe beyond a body and need to be released. Stephen can cut without harm and release the bountiful fruit. Nourishment is for the thirsty.
if you can find it, listen to the original london production recording of that song. if you want, I could e-mail it to you. It's an amazing, life-affirming song, and this is a great rendition of it.
Goosebumps. It's like revisiting a part of my youth when I first saw this show. I wish I could see all of it again -- such imagination is so rare in the theatre -- those glorious Boris Aronson sets! Do you have a clip of the dragon turning into the battleship before our eyes?
Oohhh, it's so good to hear my Gedde singing again. I love this song, love Sondheim, and so glad the late Mako's & Mark Su Syers' perfs have been preserved for us to remember them by. Thanks so much for sharing.
So the cute guy under the treaty house is dead also?? how sad... I guess it was the 1976 so long ago. Gedde W must have been in his thirties for 16 candles.. scary!
If you read 'Stephen Sondheim: A Life'by Meryle Secrest the book talks about how it's his fave and about how he's 'a fragement of the day' and how he's been shaped by his rough childhood. It's a good read. :)
YAYYYY a performance clip of the most amazing song ever from the most fabulous and greatest composer on broadway!!!!!!! i would very much love to see it onstage some day.
amazing show. Early Eastern theatre doesn't get much recognition. it never has! it's such a beautiful culture and form of drama! so thank you sondheim!
I wish I knew. I've been looking for this tape for quite some time. The show was recorded live in June, 1976 to be shown on Japanese TV. I thought this might have come from that taping. Would love to get a copy of the whole show!
It's on a tape at the New York Public Library's special collections dept. The only copy in America, as far as I know. You can make an appointment to view it there if you're ever in NYC. I wish they'd get the rights and distribute that tape. This is the only footage I've ever seen from that original Broadway show. Where did Matadorbell get it?!?!
That would be absolutely amazing!!! Of his earlier shows, it's my favourite. And you KNOW the Sondheim fans would snap it up in a second if they released it.
Wow-does this bring back memories. I saw this production and it was stellar! Mark Syers (the Samurai) was amazing throughout the show -what a marvelous voice.
I saw the Donmar production which was pretty good but I never realised till now that this number had laughs in it! They totally nail it. Just wonderful.
Did someone leave right before the boy came in? I definitely saw a head and it looked like it was walking away. Poor fool missed the best song in the show!
Saw this original production. That freaking score...it's utterly astounding.
jjarndyce 4 months ago
I envy every cast member of any production of Pacific Overtures. I alsways wished to play a part in a Sondheim show, and now I do - Hero from Forum, but although Hero is a major charaker in Forum, I'd prefer to play the young boy in PO.
fflorol 6 months ago
Is that Mako?
teencomment 7 months ago
@teencomment the bold guy, yes ;)
fflorol 6 months ago
I saw this twice in Boston tryouts and once in its Broadway run. One of the most stunning and beautiful things I've ever seen in a theater -- or anywhere else. Perfection. Shows like this and productions so magnificent have spoiled me.
UncleCharlieOakley 8 months ago
Someone tell him to get back to his piano!
autopolydidact 11 months ago 4
Long Duck Dong is awesome in this!
fredex426 1 year ago
artistry so loud it hurts my ears.
Mr. Sondheim is a true genius.
zzyyxxo 1 year ago
This video brings back wonderful memories. It was at the Wintergarden Theatre as I recall. A wonderful musical and this is a great song!
miscvids100 1 year ago
6:20. *loses breath*
What is it that makes this song so beautiful and perfect?
Someone in a TREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
asmileisspecial 1 year ago
This song is just... breathtaking. Everytime I listen I remember why I adore Sondheim so much.
asmileisspecial 1 year ago
I had the enormous pleasure to see this show with Mako as The Reciter at East/West Players in Los Angeles so, so many years ago. What memories. "I was younger then."
BillF1967 1 year ago
MAKO OH MY GOD MAKO!!!
themandikat 1 year ago
only sondheim could spin a show about imperialism, raping geishas, extraterritoriaity, and how history is only told by the survivors into pure musical gold. if only he was still writing for broadway...
sondheimisGAWD 1 year ago
Its Uncle Iroh from Avatar. Make was amazing
vvrvelasco 1 year ago
How wrong is it for a grown man to sit and cry all the way through this? When will we see work of this level in theatre (musical or otherwise) again?
stickyfixer 1 year ago
@stickyfixer Not wrong at all. Genius and beauty demands that kind of reaction.
BillF1967 1 year ago
I've always loved Pacific Overtures, especially this song. They should have made a movie out of this!
boriblanco87 1 year ago
Too bad they never made this into a movie.
pqwilrj 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
this show sucks. It was literally the worst musical I've ever seen.
Razemual 1 year ago
@Razemual
This musical is an underrated gem...
youngcutechaser 1 year ago
Comment removed
sondheimisGAWD 1 year ago
That counterpoint from 3:18 - 3:24
"I was there then." / "I am here still."
So profound I can never resist replaying it multiple times.
WillScarlet16 1 year ago
His music always over powers the small broadway voices.
tenorismo 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I'm loving the show. Just watched the last episode at lastnightstvshows (.) com
zonkedcomedian11 1 year ago
Everything about this song is just perfect. The final chord is breathtaking, and right as the music starts, the bassoon just blares out. You can't really hear the bassoon well on the OBC. Just gorgeous.
Musical theatre at its absolute finest here.
PhantomDawg594 2 years ago 19
Gotta love that final chord. There's no harmony throughout the entire thing, which is perfect as we are getting all sorts of information, all "fragments of the day". And then comes the one bit of harmony at the very end, bringing them, with their information, all together in harmony. Stunning.
A happy 80th today to the genius who wrote this! :)
overthemoo 1 year ago 5
This may be my all-time favorite Sondheim song (and I once heard it was his, too), but the Broadway production has nothing on the English National Opera version of it.
joetresh 2 years ago
This is a great song and I like the way the tree looks
wickedfeylady 2 years ago
that major second on the last "Tree" just makes me cry
cspan21 2 years ago 3
My sister got some Sondhiem songs on a tape, and this song stood out as the best, I memorized it from listening to the tape, and still couldn't get enough!!!
the best ever!!!!
geographymathmaster 2 years ago
Only some songs can rival the complete awesomeness of this song, like Danny Boy funiculi funicula... But this is my all time faviorite, which started my love of classical songs!
geographymathmaster 2 years ago
I used lyrics from this song to describe Germany's role in causing World War I, and my teacher was like "You listen to music from a show about Japanese history..?"
I got an B+, which is awesome for me. Thanks, Sondheim!
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago 4
Comment removed
geographymathmaster 2 years ago
I love the bit where he taps the Reciter on the shoulder and says "I am someone in a tree." The entire way he does it nails the mannerisms of Japanese film.
2ltben 2 years ago 2
This is SO Sondheim.
amyleona2 2 years ago
My favourite Sondheim. Still the emotional impact like the first time I heard it. Thanks for posting!
missmccrocodile 2 years ago 2
I saw this! 32 years ago - I saw the original production and I have not seen it since. It was totally wnderful when they sang and a complete bore when they stopped singing. This song is still one of my favorites, it can carry you away on a wave of joy, I;m not sure why.
Thank you so much for posting it.
NikDanger99 3 years ago 3
Having read sondheim's biography by Meryle Secrest i knew this was his favorite song one that he was extremely proud of and one whose performance once even brought him to tears. I knew the song was good, and i loved the tune, but I never understood why he was so particularly proud of this one work until i saw this video and realized what an amazing puzzle this song is. For a man who so loved games and puzzles seeing these multiple parts so intricately performed must have been extemely satisfying
klyde4parliament 3 years ago 18
Que c'est chouette.
HenriMesquida 3 years ago 3
In case anyone wants to know, this is actually Stephen Sondheim's favorite song out of all of the ones he's written over the course of his long prolific career as a Broadway songwriter.
mtigers1981 3 years ago
Sondheim has good taste.
It is my favorite Sondheim song, too.
NikDanger99 3 years ago 2
Stephen Sondheim has been my "hero" since the early '70s. Some say he has trouble writing "hummable" music--but this is where he shines. This song in particular is almost a mini one-act opera--telling a complete story. It's also why his songs don't "work" well outside of the show. Can you imagine "Someone In A Tree" sung at a bar mitzvah? ROFL
TexasPhoneMan 3 years ago
This is the best version - the Westernization of the East in a nutshell. 2nd Act doesn't live up to the first but a great show that is rarely peformed as it was mostly Western Actors in Kabuki style - Mako and Wantanabee (being more Asian American) audiences mostly confused coming out of Rodgers & Hammerstein era, this done around the time of Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, etc. - ahead of it's time...
KJamesB 3 years ago
I feel like every time I listen to this song, I take something new from it. The first time I heard it, all I could take in was that kid's really really fast vibratto lol. And then after hearing it numerous times, I finally get it. That's what I love about Sondheim's work, it's so intellectually challenging and isn't just pretty-sounding, but really unique and every word is so perfectly rhymed.
AtLastOnTheGround 3 years ago
Also, it's interesting how it takes an Eastern notion of multiple perspectives and sets them in a Western genre, the musical. Brilliant. I saw a Japanese production (in Japanese) in 2002 at the Kennedy Center. Not only was it refreshing to see it through Japanese eyes, it made you think about the reactions to Westernization--some assimilationist, some violent--that we're seeing today in other contexts. Remarkable piece of art. THANKS!
noahsdad61 3 years ago 2
this song is one of his very best. maybe a masterpiece. structurally and musically beautifully brilliant.
resourcepromo 3 years ago 2
I've looked for a LOT of info on this show but have found very little. Can anyone basically sum up what this is about? I know it's about Western influences coming into Japan, but like what's going on?
bohemiawelcumsyou 3 years ago 2
It's about Japan being forced by American naval power to open up to international trade, and thus to Western cultural influence. This song is about the negotiation of the first treaty between Japan and the United States. The rest of the show follows a low-ranking samurai who's given the job of acting as an intermediary with the Western powers. He gradually becomes Westernised. But the show is pretty abstract; the characters are mostly representatives of types rather than individuals.
puritybrown 3 years ago
Fantastic and clever, thanks for posting it. Food for thought
gramule 3 years ago
I love this song. It's really grown on me and become really special to me.
tellmewhatsahappenin 3 years ago
Can I gush?! Few of us realize how surgical Stephen is. The Tree of Life has certain fruit. They reside in some bodies. They ripe beyond a body and need to be released. Stephen can cut without harm and release the bountiful fruit. Nourishment is for the thirsty.
jobe413007 3 years ago 2
Two things:-
1) This is a better song on the second or third listen.
2) This is the most Sondheimesque song I've heard to date, up with Sunday in the Park in terms of that unique Sondheim sound and lyric.
I know it's his favourite, but I think he's done better although I do like it.
spoonguard1989 3 years ago
Definately, on both counts.
He also likes "The Miller's Son" from Night Music, but I haven't quite warmed up to it yet.
fossefan 3 years ago
if you can find it, listen to the original london production recording of that song. if you want, I could e-mail it to you. It's an amazing, life-affirming song, and this is a great rendition of it.
nekonuk 3 years ago
Goosebumps. It's like revisiting a part of my youth when I first saw this show. I wish I could see all of it again -- such imagination is so rare in the theatre -- those glorious Boris Aronson sets! Do you have a clip of the dragon turning into the battleship before our eyes?
midtowner 4 years ago
Oohhh, it's so good to hear my Gedde singing again. I love this song, love Sondheim, and so glad the late Mako's & Mark Su Syers' perfs have been preserved for us to remember them by. Thanks so much for sharing.
NGAYDAY 4 years ago
So the cute guy under the treaty house is dead also?? how sad... I guess it was the 1976 so long ago. Gedde W must have been in his thirties for 16 candles.. scary!
affzee1971 2 years ago
Amazing thank you, so prophetic!
gramule 4 years ago
I will always love you Gedde! You'll always be the cutie in the tree...
kassandrasduplex 4 years ago
Better on a second listen, I feel.
pannicatack 4 years ago
Definately...it just keeps getting richer.
fossefan 4 years ago
What makes this song even more beautiful is that it is Sondheim's personal favourite.
superheathurrr 4 years ago
I like this song a lot, but what is so special about this one that would make it Sondheim's favorite?
bluebettle 4 years ago
If you read 'Stephen Sondheim: A Life'by Meryle Secrest the book talks about how it's his fave and about how he's 'a fragement of the day' and how he's been shaped by his rough childhood. It's a good read. :)
superheathurrr 4 years ago
YAYYYY a performance clip of the most amazing song ever from the most fabulous and greatest composer on broadway!!!!!!! i would very much love to see it onstage some day.
ilovesondheim 4 years ago
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I never knew such a video existed. I've only imagined from listening to the soundtrack and seeing photos.
amplify66 4 years ago
This makes me sad, such great work.
R.I.P. Mako (Long live Iroh!)
happyhmonkey 4 years ago 3
I saw the revival of this in 2004. It was good, but the original was better. Thanks for posting this.
WedWay1955 4 years ago
amazing show. Early Eastern theatre doesn't get much recognition. it never has! it's such a beautiful culture and form of drama! so thank you sondheim!
broadwayxobaby 4 years ago
SUCH an underrated show.
misslizzybennet 4 years ago 2
the guy playing the boy in the tree looks VERY familiar...
TommyBoy249er 4 years ago
its gedde watanabe! if you saw Sixteen Candles you'd know!! :-P
unravel101 4 years ago
that's it, haha
TommyBoy249er 4 years ago
How old was he in this show? Anyone know?
RCMproductions 4 years ago
I believe Gedde was 22. Mark was 24. It's amazing how they appear so much younger/older than one another as their respective characters!
lily535428 4 years ago
love this song and love ALL of the music in this show, Sondheim's so fucking fabulous
TommyBoy249er 4 years ago
Sondheim's personal favorite song.
NotExactlyRomeo 4 years ago 4
Brilliance.
SweeneyHyde 4 years ago
This is so cool!
I love the staging and the acting is so Japanese woodblock style-always Sondheim plays have cool staging.
GaminattheBarricades 4 years ago
Fantastic; just wish the entire performance was available. My video copy is barely watchable. Please post "Please Hello"
tjfloyd 4 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
SORRY! If you do not copy and paste this onto 10 videos your mom will die in 4 hours
andreimarino 4 years ago
Where can I get the rest of this?
luffy210 4 years ago
I wish I knew. I've been looking for this tape for quite some time. The show was recorded live in June, 1976 to be shown on Japanese TV. I thought this might have come from that taping. Would love to get a copy of the whole show!
lily535428 4 years ago
It's on a tape at the New York Public Library's special collections dept. The only copy in America, as far as I know. You can make an appointment to view it there if you're ever in NYC. I wish they'd get the rights and distribute that tape. This is the only footage I've ever seen from that original Broadway show. Where did Matadorbell get it?!?!
jingleheimer5556 4 years ago
That would be absolutely amazing!!! Of his earlier shows, it's my favourite. And you KNOW the Sondheim fans would snap it up in a second if they released it.
jazzitlikeopera 4 years ago
Wow-does this bring back memories. I saw this production and it was stellar! Mark Syers (the Samurai) was amazing throughout the show -what a marvelous voice.
lily535428 4 years ago
I saw the Donmar production which was pretty good but I never realised till now that this number had laughs in it! They totally nail it. Just wonderful.
tchipping 4 years ago
What a treat! Thank you for posting this. I never thought I'd get to see any of the orignal cast! :D
JMGardner 4 years ago
The boy is Gedde Watanabe, from E.R. and the movie Sixteen Candles.
ITCJon 4 years ago
Did someone leave right before the boy came in? I definitely saw a head and it looked like it was walking away. Poor fool missed the best song in the show!
DannyHiggs 4 years ago
I've wanted to watch this for so long!! Thank you for posting it!
scotty4536 5 years ago