@Karen2L Yes, it was written for a woman who had no breath support and a very low range. I love Glynis' version, don't get me wrong. But I think Bernadette wins out by a hair's length because she can actually sustain.
I sat in the second row of the second last performance and it was simply AMAZING!
Bernadette brought so much emotion to the performance. The tears were streaming down not only her face but everyone else's faces around me, men and women, young and old.
The audience applauded for well over a minute, and she simply stood there motionless, turned and walked off stage.
It was probably the single greatest moment I have experienced from a live show. I wish I could relive it again and again!
streisand should listen to this. this is an actress who sings. one of the most thrilling showstoppers i've experienced in the theater. so few. peters was phenomenal. i would have ended the show right after she sang this.
@mzmiller52 There is a difference between singing a song in a recording/concert and in the context of performance. I don't think Peters has much to teach Streisand and your notion is downright silly. Frankly, I think Peters overdoes this but her adoring fans are a little like terrorists these days, a bit too militant. I ADORE her in the right role but her greatest talent is taking on roles she's not suited to. God, she would have made a great Reno Sweeney a way back.
@pudgeuncle I would like to respond only to the comment about roles she isn't suited to. Sondheim himself suggested that she take on this role. Since he wrote the music and lyrics for the show, I'd say that he would know best who is suited for it.
@yelanates Sondheim also approved of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in Sweeney Todd so what's your point? Ms. Peters had no business being in On The Town, Gypsy, The Goodbye Girl, Annie Get Your Gun...need I go on? In the right role, she is astonishing...like she would have been the perfect Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors or Bianca in Kiss Me Kate, or Norma in Victor/Victoria. Blind worship of Peters or Sondheim is for adolescents who don't know better. Be careful, idols are human.
@pudgeuncle I think that Depp and Carter did very well, actually, and I believe that it was Bernadette's period "look" and tap abilities that got her in On the Town. Totally agree with you on Goodbye Girl and Annie Get Your Gun, though. Gypsy...I disagree with, but whatevs, everyone is entitled to an opinion.
I think that Bernadette would be an awful Audrey, the fact that she was too old when the show was written aside.
@yelanates Depp and Carter were box office, otherwise the film would not have been made so everyone had to make nice with their inane casting. Depp's terrible singing alone bastardized a magnificent score. As for Ms. Peters being too old for Little Shop, you are wildly incorrect. Peters, of all people in show business, looks much younger than her actual age and she is only slightly younger than Ellen Greene. Peters would have been as right for Audrey as Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady.
@yelanates And apparently you also do know know ON THE TOWN. And Peters received unfavorable reviews for Gypsy, except for Ben Brantley, whose valentine of a review demonstrated that he could not even be objective. And a correction...I meant to type that Ellen Greene is only slightly younger than Peters. The difference is a mere three years. In truth, Peters is WAY too old for FOLLIES but so long as she looks the part....
Why would anyone care that she misses a few notes or sounds "nasal' ?
Her interpretation is true and moving. She gets to the essence of the character and the words of the song with a poignancy that had me crying.
This song should not be sung "smoothly "
I am living in Europe and it was impossible to see her on stage in this but I did see her Gypsy & she was a revelation in the part. True she was not Merman , who I was lucky to see when I first started going to the theater, but who is ?
@miltsar I agree. In fact, Peters said that she had a discussion with Sondheim about keys for the song, and they decided on a lower key because they wanted the song to be more dialogue-ish than "sing-ish." Her words, not mine.
I have never hated Ms. Peters but I have never been a huge fan of hers. I decided that I would see her in LNM and I must say I am beyond glad that I did. It was absolutely the most amazing theater experience I have ever had. Before that night, I never liked this song. However, being able to see her do this, I finally understood what this song was about. And with that understanding, I couldn't help but cry. Ms. Peters has now gained a lifetime fan and I thank her greatly for her performance.
@rds020790 Welcome to the club! I was fortunate enough to see her in both Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy and would buy tickets to anything she appeared in just to have the privelege to view her work again. She is almost peerless (I love me some Patti Lupone,as well).
@tayneshia Agree with you completely! Between Bernadette and Patti, I am a happy theatre goer. I do love both the women mentioned. Saw Patti in 'Baker's Wife' when I was tiny, with Patti and Topol, but he ruined it. Then Evita, etc, etc. In "Sweeney" would have enjoyed it more if it had been done in the origina but 'Gypsy'..KABOOM!. Bernadette, 'Sunday" was my first then 'Song and Dance' 4x! Love. 'Annie/Gun', (not so much 'Gypsy, too sexy) and the above show. Plus concerts. Could watch 24/7.
@rds020790 Not only understanding the song, but singing it just a few years after her husband died in an air accident. The song, if understood, which I am not even sure I do, is moving enough without having experienced tragedy. When she sang 'Not a Day Goes By', also by Sondheim, especially at Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration, and she teared up, I knew it was for her late husband, as when my partner was killed in a gay bashing, I had that song done at the memorial. She could make a rock cry.
@noahdad61 at least you know how to express your view without being insulting or rude like too many commentors on youtube. You have the potential of being a critic.
Does anyone have a DVD of this show for sale? I've seen the Angela Lansbury/CZJ version offered and it doesn't interest me. If anyone has any info, please drop me an e-mail at Astep17427@aol.com.
all of the comments about how Bernadette is no good in this part is complete and utter nonsense. Have ANY of you come close to having the career that this woman has had? I didn't think so. If you TRULY appreciate art and what it stands for, you would not be making comments like that. Catherine and Bernadette are two TOTALLY DIFFERENT performers with two totally different interpretations of the character. Pay attention the acting of this song and you will understand. Thank you.
@jdnj828 who are you to be so rude? I would absolutely LOVE to see you get up on stage and do what she does. Try bashing someone else because you won't win this. "get a life"
@beautifullytragic I think you should listen to Barbra Streisand's interpretation. I think you will like it. It is hard to find someone who doesn't like her smooth and heartfelt performance. At least your comments are not without merit. Peters sounds sad enough and gives a serious attempt to sing the song.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
I saw this last weekend- Bernadette Peters was atrocious. Her voice was awful- she missed so many notes that everyone around me was groaning. I saw CZJ in the role in January and she was mesmerizing. Sorry, but Peters is hit or miss at best
@jdnj828 Well, I'm not trying to put down your opinion. But Sondheim himself has called Bernadette flawless. He adores her, and she is referred to as both his muse and the premier interpreter of his work.
@jdnj828 Bernadette and CZJ are two totally different performers with two different vocal ranges. Notes that CZJ hits perfectly and BDette hits perfectly are different. I saw Bernadette right before LNM closed, and her interpretation of this song moved me to tears. Maybe you just saw her on an off night? Even Broadway legends have those, you know.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Don't hate me...
Bernadette Peters makes me cringe.
Before you get out your torches and pitchforks, I respect her as a performer, she can sing, she can act, but her voice drives me freaking INSANE. Sorry, sorry, don't hate me, personal opinion. *ducks and covers*
I will say one thing though. This is the best thing I've ever heard her sing.
@beautifullytragic1 I love opera and understand .. but she lives in the songs.. and after this many years and big hard roles she has an instrument that still sounds fantastic! Listen to her song and dance..
Bear in mind, this is my opinion. It's what I hear. That does not make it true or valid.
To MY ears, I hear an awkward mix of nasality and guttural, throaty qualities. I think she made the PERFECT Dot in Sunday in the Park and she does sing very well with more skill than most. I have a preference more toward performers like Linda Eder for example.
Just saw this last week, and she is absolutely stunning... RUN don't walk to see her! I definitely miss the original orchestrations, but she made me forget, which is tough to do!
Goodness, you queens can get pretty bitchy when you're arguing about Broadway divas!
sweetxtasy4life 3 months ago
I tear up when I listen to Bernadette Peters sing this but when I listen to CZJ no emotion!!
tb12fan 3 months ago 4
I loved this musical when I saw it, and I still do... except the ending. I don't know why but I just don' tlike the ending :S
Which is odd, since I guess there isn't much wrong with it... just opinion, though.
Cerberuswaltz 3 months ago
@Cerberuswaltz I just wanted it to keep going is all....
anonymous10623 1 month ago
@anonymous10623 That could be it. It felt like it ended on a strange note.....
Cerberuswaltz 1 month ago
damn the movin around
TheLongTimeObserver 4 months ago 3
The one dislike is Catherine Zeta-Jones
SondheimFanatic310 5 months ago 11
Stop squirming in that chair!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know it creeks, stop moving!!
filledulafrance 6 months ago 8
Muse and interpreter, yes, but it was written for the incomparable Glynis. No one has surpassed her.
Karen2L 6 months ago
@Karen2L Yes, it was written for a woman who had no breath support and a very low range. I love Glynis' version, don't get me wrong. But I think Bernadette wins out by a hair's length because she can actually sustain.
aahwUNL11 2 months ago
I've been waiting for this my whole damn life!
asmileisspecial 9 months ago
I sat in the second row of the second last performance and it was simply AMAZING!
Bernadette brought so much emotion to the performance. The tears were streaming down not only her face but everyone else's faces around me, men and women, young and old.
The audience applauded for well over a minute, and she simply stood there motionless, turned and walked off stage.
It was probably the single greatest moment I have experienced from a live show. I wish I could relive it again and again!
MrCamtastic88 10 months ago 8
peters is my hero!!!
crackerpopskikay 10 months ago
streisand should listen to this. this is an actress who sings. one of the most thrilling showstoppers i've experienced in the theater. so few. peters was phenomenal. i would have ended the show right after she sang this.
mzmiller52 1 year ago
@mzmiller52 There is a difference between singing a song in a recording/concert and in the context of performance. I don't think Peters has much to teach Streisand and your notion is downright silly. Frankly, I think Peters overdoes this but her adoring fans are a little like terrorists these days, a bit too militant. I ADORE her in the right role but her greatest talent is taking on roles she's not suited to. God, she would have made a great Reno Sweeney a way back.
pudgeuncle 6 months ago
@pudgeuncle I would like to respond only to the comment about roles she isn't suited to. Sondheim himself suggested that she take on this role. Since he wrote the music and lyrics for the show, I'd say that he would know best who is suited for it.
yelanates 6 months ago
@yelanates Sondheim also approved of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in Sweeney Todd so what's your point? Ms. Peters had no business being in On The Town, Gypsy, The Goodbye Girl, Annie Get Your Gun...need I go on? In the right role, she is astonishing...like she would have been the perfect Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors or Bianca in Kiss Me Kate, or Norma in Victor/Victoria. Blind worship of Peters or Sondheim is for adolescents who don't know better. Be careful, idols are human.
pudgeuncle 6 months ago
@pudgeuncle I think that Depp and Carter did very well, actually, and I believe that it was Bernadette's period "look" and tap abilities that got her in On the Town. Totally agree with you on Goodbye Girl and Annie Get Your Gun, though. Gypsy...I disagree with, but whatevs, everyone is entitled to an opinion.
I think that Bernadette would be an awful Audrey, the fact that she was too old when the show was written aside.
yelanates 6 months ago
@yelanates Depp and Carter were box office, otherwise the film would not have been made so everyone had to make nice with their inane casting. Depp's terrible singing alone bastardized a magnificent score. As for Ms. Peters being too old for Little Shop, you are wildly incorrect. Peters, of all people in show business, looks much younger than her actual age and she is only slightly younger than Ellen Greene. Peters would have been as right for Audrey as Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady.
pudgeuncle 6 months ago
@yelanates And apparently you also do know know ON THE TOWN. And Peters received unfavorable reviews for Gypsy, except for Ben Brantley, whose valentine of a review demonstrated that he could not even be objective. And a correction...I meant to type that Ellen Greene is only slightly younger than Peters. The difference is a mere three years. In truth, Peters is WAY too old for FOLLIES but so long as she looks the part....
pudgeuncle 6 months ago
@pudgeuncle she was good though in that she really was a great singer and actress
AdamEfimoff 2 months ago
Why would anyone care that she misses a few notes or sounds "nasal' ?
Her interpretation is true and moving. She gets to the essence of the character and the words of the song with a poignancy that had me crying.
This song should not be sung "smoothly "
I am living in Europe and it was impossible to see her on stage in this but I did see her Gypsy & she was a revelation in the part. True she was not Merman , who I was lucky to see when I first started going to the theater, but who is ?
miltsar 1 year ago 3
@miltsar I agree. In fact, Peters said that she had a discussion with Sondheim about keys for the song, and they decided on a lower key because they wanted the song to be more dialogue-ish than "sing-ish." Her words, not mine.
MrDrewboggess 11 months ago
putting singers who can act in a musical. brilliant concept. bernadette peters in this,
alfred molina in fiddler. this performance floored me. i would've ended the show with this. it was so powerful.
mzmiller52 1 year ago
putting singers who can act in a musical. brilliant concept. bernadette peters in this,
alfred molina in fiddler. this performance floored me. i would've ended the show with this. it was so powerful.
mzmiller52 1 year ago
I have never hated Ms. Peters but I have never been a huge fan of hers. I decided that I would see her in LNM and I must say I am beyond glad that I did. It was absolutely the most amazing theater experience I have ever had. Before that night, I never liked this song. However, being able to see her do this, I finally understood what this song was about. And with that understanding, I couldn't help but cry. Ms. Peters has now gained a lifetime fan and I thank her greatly for her performance.
rds020790 1 year ago 3
@rds020790 Welcome to the club! I was fortunate enough to see her in both Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy and would buy tickets to anything she appeared in just to have the privelege to view her work again. She is almost peerless (I love me some Patti Lupone,as well).
tayneshia 1 year ago
@tayneshia Agree with you completely! Between Bernadette and Patti, I am a happy theatre goer. I do love both the women mentioned. Saw Patti in 'Baker's Wife' when I was tiny, with Patti and Topol, but he ruined it. Then Evita, etc, etc. In "Sweeney" would have enjoyed it more if it had been done in the origina but 'Gypsy'..KABOOM!. Bernadette, 'Sunday" was my first then 'Song and Dance' 4x! Love. 'Annie/Gun', (not so much 'Gypsy, too sexy) and the above show. Plus concerts. Could watch 24/7.
sarmadasco 10 months ago
@rds020790 Not only understanding the song, but singing it just a few years after her husband died in an air accident. The song, if understood, which I am not even sure I do, is moving enough without having experienced tragedy. When she sang 'Not a Day Goes By', also by Sondheim, especially at Sondheim's 80th birthday celebration, and she teared up, I knew it was for her late husband, as when my partner was killed in a gay bashing, I had that song done at the memorial. She could make a rock cry.
sarmadasco 10 months ago
I am so annoyed that this show has closed :(
fatheranthony4pope 1 year ago
@noahdad61 I am flattered. I never been accused of being a smooth talker or writer before! I just thought I was competent.
vdwest4592 1 year ago
That audience is very lucky to have experienced this. This is so perfect.
JSchnabbs 1 year ago
@noahdad61 at least you know how to express your view without being insulting or rude like too many commentors on youtube. You have the potential of being a critic.
vdwest4592 1 year ago
I saw this today and all I can say is Bernadette Peters' performance is pure genius.
MickeyT1129 1 year ago 2
Does anyone have a DVD of this show for sale? I've seen the Angela Lansbury/CZJ version offered and it doesn't interest me. If anyone has any info, please drop me an e-mail at Astep17427@aol.com.
Thanks!
disneydip 1 year ago
all of the comments about how Bernadette is no good in this part is complete and utter nonsense. Have ANY of you come close to having the career that this woman has had? I didn't think so. If you TRULY appreciate art and what it stands for, you would not be making comments like that. Catherine and Bernadette are two TOTALLY DIFFERENT performers with two totally different interpretations of the character. Pay attention the acting of this song and you will understand. Thank you.
hoochins4 1 year ago
@hoochins4 you're ridiculous- why are you taking comments about some washed up old hag so personally? get a life
jdnj828 1 year ago
@jdnj828 who are you to be so rude? I would absolutely LOVE to see you get up on stage and do what she does. Try bashing someone else because you won't win this. "get a life"
hoochins4 10 months ago
@jdnj828 washed up? You have "Move On" as a favorite of yours on your page?
hoochins4 9 months ago
@beautifullytragic I think you should listen to Barbra Streisand's interpretation. I think you will like it. It is hard to find someone who doesn't like her smooth and heartfelt performance. At least your comments are not without merit. Peters sounds sad enough and gives a serious attempt to sing the song.
vdwest4592 1 year ago
@vdwest4592 Too smooth, in my opinion.
noahsdad61 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
There are serious pitch issues with this performance.
JETsop2 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I saw this last weekend- Bernadette Peters was atrocious. Her voice was awful- she missed so many notes that everyone around me was groaning. I saw CZJ in the role in January and she was mesmerizing. Sorry, but Peters is hit or miss at best
jdnj828 1 year ago
@jdnj828 Well, I'm not trying to put down your opinion. But Sondheim himself has called Bernadette flawless. He adores her, and she is referred to as both his muse and the premier interpreter of his work.
boynamedalexxx 1 year ago 58
@jdnj828 Bernadette and CZJ are two totally different performers with two different vocal ranges. Notes that CZJ hits perfectly and BDette hits perfectly are different. I saw Bernadette right before LNM closed, and her interpretation of this song moved me to tears. Maybe you just saw her on an off night? Even Broadway legends have those, you know.
CaitDestatte 1 year ago
So release a DVD already! I'd PAY to see this!
carlos3765 1 year ago
I don't think anyone can sing Sondheim like Bernadette...
DavidoffGustav 1 year ago 4
Incredible. So sincere and pure, she's simply amazing.
theemaestro576 1 year ago
I met her when I was 12 years old and on the Mike Douglass Show. I thought she was beautiful and was totally starstruck by her.
Steelhorsecowboy 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Don't hate me...
Bernadette Peters makes me cringe.
Before you get out your torches and pitchforks, I respect her as a performer, she can sing, she can act, but her voice drives me freaking INSANE. Sorry, sorry, don't hate me, personal opinion. *ducks and covers*
I will say one thing though. This is the best thing I've ever heard her sing.
beautifullytragic1 1 year ago
@beautifullytragic1 I love opera and understand .. but she lives in the songs.. and after this many years and big hard roles she has an instrument that still sounds fantastic! Listen to her song and dance..
DavidoffGustav 1 year ago 4
@beautifullytragic1
What about her voice do you not like? Explain.
AtLastOnTheGround 1 year ago
@AtLastOnTheGround
Bear in mind, this is my opinion. It's what I hear. That does not make it true or valid.
To MY ears, I hear an awkward mix of nasality and guttural, throaty qualities. I think she made the PERFECT Dot in Sunday in the Park and she does sing very well with more skill than most. I have a preference more toward performers like Linda Eder for example.
Just my opinion.
beautifullytragic1 1 year ago
@beautifullytragic1
what is it about her that you dislike exactly??
It's just she is my idol and i don't get why you don't like her.
i respect your opinion though!
thegingerbreadgirl16 11 months ago
Bernadette is the queen of Sondheim.
louisawhat 1 year ago 86
I don't miss the original orchestrations -- I think it sounds lovely and lets Bernadette soar over them.
truelori 1 year ago
what is all that background noise?
truelori 1 year ago
@truelori this is obviously a bootleg recording and all the background noice is the audience sitting next to the illegal microphone!
jmisdraji 1 year ago
one of the most amazing performances i've ever seen, thanks for this!
fyi though, bernadette and elaine's opening night was july 13th
strongestsuit17 1 year ago 6
@strongestsuit17 they started on july 13, but their official opening night was august 1 get yo facts right
aasjb4ever 1 year ago 4
Just saw this last week, and she is absolutely stunning... RUN don't walk to see her! I definitely miss the original orchestrations, but she made me forget, which is tough to do!
jrosemusik 1 year ago 2
Geez! I got verklempt! Lol! Beautiful! Thanks!
tomlappin 1 year ago
Bernadette + Sondheim= Magic.
MzCharmedFan0214 1 year ago
This is sublime.
cheno93 1 year ago 2