This was not over acted. It was specific and committed. Bold acting is effective if it is motivated and telling the story. And also when it is feeling the emotion or condition instead of playing the emotion or physically commenting on the idea of being "drunk" or "mad"
not a big fan of her held notes with no vibrato especially the lower ones-without spin they seem to sound flat even if they aren't....all that aside-i like her-shes feisty! get it girl.
You know, with all the different view points on this piece, it's nice to see so many opinions. All of which are just that. Opinions. I personally enjoyed her performance, and I respect the fact that other people do not. Keep on rocking, oh awesome Theater lovers!
When I first start watching this I thought it was a low budget, community theater production because the acting is so overdone. I felt there was no focus in this performance, just a woman ranting on stage and not getting the point of the song. I don't think Joanne's primary emotion would be anger. She appears angry on the surface, but underneath, she's frustrated. This is not a simple ranting song, it's a woman coming to terms with her own demons, which I didn't get at all from this performance.
This is, by far, my favorite performance of this song. Better than Elaine Strich, better than Carol Burnett, better than Barbara Walsh. This is how this song is supposed to be. Embittered, angry, sarcastic. It's perfect.
This is, by far, my favorite performance of this song. Better than Elaine Strich, better than Carol Burnett, better than Barbara Walsh. This is how this song is supposed to be. Embittered, angry, sarcastic. It's perfect.
Sublime. This Joanne was a stunner, still is, but her youthful mask slipped, the world has moved, she feels she cant, the anger, the panic, the escape through drink works...god bless you lady. xx
My problem with this performance is its conspicuous lack of what Sondheim called (in reference to Stritch's Joanne) "breeding". Granted, Gish has chosen to play the moment as if her character is really three-sheets-to-the-wind smashed. But she's also working a rather narrow vein of bellowing fury and sarcasm which foreground the fact that she's singing someone else's words. Whether raging or mocking, she simply seems TOO drunk -- and too boorish -- to be capable of such articulate venom.
See, I don't think she's even playing that drunk. I see a character who is acting out for attention, who is being brash and mean for the sake of it, and who has lost any sense of self-worth. I've been completely sober and acted quite similarly.
You're so lucky to have seen that! Come to think of it, he has done quite a few breakdown songs -- This, "Live, Laugh, Love" (Follies), "Epiphany" (Sweeney), "Rose's Turn" (Gypsy), "Franklin Sheperd Inc." (Merrily), are the only ones I can think of at the moment.
But yeah, people typically like performances that they can relate to. You may relate much better to Stritch or Walsh. At least we can agree that Sondheim is incomparable.
Hey, some people prefer melodrama, some ,nuance. I can appreciate both, but this is definitely the former. Funny, after having viewed this several times, i enjoy it much more than when i left my initial comments, having viewed it once
To me, this is the only version of the song that captures what the song is really about -- Even setting aside the drunkenness. I connect with the song as I do the same thing about once a month, and Gish perfectly mirrors that sort of breakdown.
But apples and oranges.
(Is there a vid of Cook doing this song? I've never seen it, but would love to)
I Think this is a wonderful take on the piece! Would have loved to see it in person. There where also some amazing facial moments in it as well you can really see the internal monologue working! Brava!
Some people are saying that Gish is over-acting -- I disagree. This is coming from someone who lives this song daily. The way she pompously satirizes the "Ladies who lunch" and the "girls who stay smart" and the "girls who play wife" is perfect -- And then she retreats into self-loathing and disgust at 2:35, but quickly covers it with a cheeky smile and bashes her own self and how she has nothing better to do than find other people's flaws when she's the one with the real flaws. Terrific.
@DivaBehavior I agree. However, I had a feeling throughout this that she was just trying to outwardly imitate Stritch too much. It seems like she didn't really try to find the role for herself. Any thoughts?
If this were a monologue, I think she would have been terrific.But to try to sing and act the song, I find too distracting. Elaine Stritch standing calmly, observing ,works much better, for me.
Thank you for your comment. Technically, I agree with your definition of M theater. In this case, i do not.M Gish is so "in the moment", that when she actually hast to sing the song, to me it seems forced and awkward. Some people "own" performances, M Stritch lived and understood that time and place.She is truly the last word on that role and performance.
RIP, I saw this performance at the Donmar and it was wonderful...as good as Stritchy but in a totally different way. SG was one of Tenessee Williams' favourite actresses...I can see why.
Also, the accompaniment was wrong for the last 8-12 bars. The syncopated chords shoud be highly dissonant in the second bar of the last couple phrases. This reflects Joanne's self-loathing, frustration and depressing realization at the end of the song. I can only assume they took it out because it didn't sound pretty. :P Sondheim does everything for a reason! That's why he's a genious.
(continued from previous comment) is not up to it's full potential. She was getting close towards the end, but got lost in the anger. The end of song needs show the real Joanne that's been hiding behind a facade the whole show. Again, just my opinion!
She didn't quite get the character in my opinion. I'm sure this was probably consitant with the way she played Joanne throughout the show, but Joanne should (in my opinion, that is) these ladies who lunch throughout the show prior to this song. Bitter, sarcastic, and almost uninterested in everything. That makes a huge contrast for when this song is done. If Sheila played Joanne as a cartoony, slapstick-esque (if that's even grammarically correct) character, that would explain why this song...
....overdone much? She's not even singing which I know is part of the stylistic aspect of the song, but Stritch or Barbara Walsh play back and forth with shouting drunkly and powerful belting vibrato. But Gish isn't really believable in this performance.
campy, unrealistic, obnoxious, and lacks any of the self realization that makes the song. AT THE MOMENT OF SELF REALIZATION SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE HAS A SMIRK LIKE SHE HAS THOUGHT OF A NEW INSULT. When she gets frustrated she goes over the top yelling. This feels like 19th century melodrama acting
The smirk is Joanne realizing it, and then putting on a little brave-face so that no one really sees that she's talking about her self-loathing. I think it works fine.
You'd need to live this song to be able to appreciate Gish's performance. It may come off as hammy at times, but this is the definitive peformance of this song. Stritch is funny, and Walsh is melodramatically subtle, but Gish is the only one who really shows the alcoholic bitch who hates herself, and as a result, hates almost everyone else. Especially those ladies who lunch.
@AtLastOnTheGround Melodramatically subtle? Thats a oxymoron if I ever heard one lol. I see what you're saying, I just think the impact of the characters self loathing comes across much more powerfully when its subtle. I personally dont think the character of Joanne 'hates herself' persay, I think its more that she desperately wants to 'like herself' I know that sounds stupid but there is a difference. What Walsh does is show the desperation, I just think Gish is a bit panto at times.
I don't like the word "subtle" because it suggests that the actor is pushing for a certain size, for an effect. If the actor is talented enough, the size will merely happen. Yelling can have the same effect of whispering if it has justification. I like Gish's performance because she doesn't watch hereself -- She is not self-consciously arranging herself or demanding bigness or smallness. She is experiencing the song from moment to moment.
Gish gives a great version of this song - it's not over the top if you take it in the context of the scene before it which (I seem to remember) is quite composed. Walsh looks like an audition in comparison - this is the real deal. Most people listening to this song will have heard Elaine Stritch doing the ultimate 'composed' version - so why not try something different?
She has a very interesting voice. I mean, it's powerful, yet sultry. She also infuses this number with a fine amount of emotion. Elaine Stritch would be proud, and perhaps even jealous.
Agreed. Joanne is an alcoholic, and has been for many years. She could drink an entire 40 to her face and you wouldn't be able to tell she was drunk. It's not an arrogance thing, it's more of a composure. I don't think everyone should play it like Stritch or Walsh because copying isn't acting and you have to make things real, though I am quite picky about this song.
This is exactly how I pictured Joanne. Elaine and Barbara are both fantastic, but Sheila really brings it home with that smoker's voice and that disgusted demeanor.
She was very good. Much more drunk than Barbara but much less depressed. Everyone always says Stritch is the best...I don't see it. Maybe it's my aptitude for dissent, but her successors are much stronger in my opinion. Sorry.
I've seen Elaine Strich and Barbara Walsh do this song too, but I think this is my favorite. There's something in her eyes and her voice that just really adds to this song so much, and while Elaine will always be the original, Ms. Gish was just cut out for this song.
I like her interpretation. As much as people use alcohol to escape their woes, it's still a depressant. So, I love the part towards the end where she sort of lets her real emotions go, then she reals it in. I'm sure I've done similar things in my drunken stupor.
Wow! She kinda throws subtle irony down the well and goes for full-out spite. And it works! Her drunken fake smile is wonderful. I imagine she must have practiced for hours in front of a mirror.
Quite possibly the best rendition of this song i have ever come across. Yes, Ms. Stritchs' version is the classic standard, but I have never seen it performed with the underlying vitriol that I think it needs....this is truly the gold standard (in my opinion)
Marvellous!! It';s great to have a record of this legendary performance, made more poignant by the fact that Miss Gish - such a great actress - is no longer with us. As for the comments about her being too drunk....Joanne is supposed to be too drunk that's the point..
Thank you so so much for putting this up. I've heard about this smazing and obscure London production but never was able to find a clip. I heard this woman was amazing as JOANNE, so raspy and unpolished, the way the character is written.
Uh...yuck. This Joanne is way too a blowzy bar broad. The Stritch Joanne understood that the character always retained a little class, thus making the song all the more potent when she loses it.
This is an outstanding performance of Sondheim's now famous piece. For many, this musical number is the only reason people will buy a ticket to see "Company." I offer my standing ovation to Miss Sheila Gish.
Is it right to compare this performance to Elain Stritch's version, or anybody elses? No. It's not right. And it isn't fair. The craft is about performing the piece as one's own work, and not an impersonation of somebody else.
I've never seen this performed before - I quite liked it. It's what I've envisaged when I've sung it. Granted, though, I don't know the full story (which is why I found it SO flippin' hard to sing!!).
Are you kidding me? That was AMAZING....It's finally good to hear someone singing the notes. Yes, Elaine is a legend and all, but I would much rather prefer to hear this lady singing and acting the hell out of this anyday.
Come on! Where is the Sheila Gish love? I actually think she sounds better on the Cast Recording of this production. I still think her acting is fantastic. And so did the Oliver voters. And what notes does she hold "too long"? I've checked the vocal selections sheet music, and all notes were held correctly. If you're taking about the "Aren't they a GEMMMM, I'll drink to THEMM" - Gem and them are held notes, and she sings those. Stritch didn't sing them as whole notes on the original though.
ummm, yeah, I would agree, she drags out the notes too long and acts way too drunk. Have you guys ever seen the Elaine Stritch version on the Company Documentary DVD? It's Amazing!
She keeps a lot of the notes out too long, and I agree, she acts too drunk. I liked the (1995) Broadway revival much better with Debra Monk sinigng this song (I've yet to see the newest Bway revival so I can't really compare them)
This was not over acted. It was specific and committed. Bold acting is effective if it is motivated and telling the story. And also when it is feeling the emotion or condition instead of playing the emotion or physically commenting on the idea of being "drunk" or "mad"
'
hollywoodboysa 1 month ago
This woman is brilliant.
Boonedaba 3 months ago
This is pure genius ... fucking fantastic !!! Brava !!!
goldensundrop 6 months ago
@DivaBehavior I agree on your compliment towards Gish; she isn't overacting! she's the best!
On the other hand; should anyone who actually lives this misery daily sing about it?
Isn't it just plain painful to sing about your every day misery???
I think I love gish as well, but I sure hope she lives a live that doesn't has anything to do with this clip...
theostoop2 7 months ago
not a big fan of her held notes with no vibrato especially the lower ones-without spin they seem to sound flat even if they aren't....all that aside-i like her-shes feisty! get it girl.
jeffreystevenbowers 7 months ago
It's not overdone! She's drunk, hurt and despises the reality she lives in, I think it's perfect.
IseeYouAndYouDont 10 months ago
You know, with all the different view points on this piece, it's nice to see so many opinions. All of which are just that. Opinions. I personally enjoyed her performance, and I respect the fact that other people do not. Keep on rocking, oh awesome Theater lovers!
colorguarddrummajor 11 months ago
Over-done, I'm afraid.
palinlondon 1 year ago
When I first start watching this I thought it was a low budget, community theater production because the acting is so overdone. I felt there was no focus in this performance, just a woman ranting on stage and not getting the point of the song. I don't think Joanne's primary emotion would be anger. She appears angry on the surface, but underneath, she's frustrated. This is not a simple ranting song, it's a woman coming to terms with her own demons, which I didn't get at all from this performance.
KingTinac 1 year ago
Why is she ape-ing Elaine Stritch's interpretation of the song?
encorebc 1 year ago
She kind of reminds me of Elizabeth Perkins from "Weeds." Amazing performance!
thedreamer1425 1 year ago
Just amazing! N e 1 who does Sondheim has to be fab.
reachevasflowertot 1 year ago
She was incredible! Sad loss. Wish they'd release this on dvd......
bsbenbiz 1 year ago
I would love to hear her do the dialogue leading into this song.
skewlboypin 1 year ago
Nice.....
nhemt 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
This is, by far, my favorite performance of this song. Better than Elaine Strich, better than Carol Burnett, better than Barbara Walsh. This is how this song is supposed to be. Embittered, angry, sarcastic. It's perfect.
KaciMcAnally 1 year ago
This is, by far, my favorite performance of this song. Better than Elaine Strich, better than Carol Burnett, better than Barbara Walsh. This is how this song is supposed to be. Embittered, angry, sarcastic. It's perfect.
KaciMcAnally 1 year ago
not the best version by any means but the acting was good :)
mrjuly 1 year ago
Comment removed
Lingloriel44 1 year ago
I loved this.
Wordless06 1 year ago
Sublime. This Joanne was a stunner, still is, but her youthful mask slipped, the world has moved, she feels she cant, the anger, the panic, the escape through drink works...god bless you lady. xx
companythemusical 1 year ago 5
Also -- Her American accent is so flawless that it's not even noticeable to me (an American, who lives relatively close to Manhattan).
AtLastOnTheGround 1 year ago 2
@AtLastOnTheGround she's very good but i can tell she's not american..i'm just saying...
gabsylv 1 year ago
My problem with this performance is its conspicuous lack of what Sondheim called (in reference to Stritch's Joanne) "breeding". Granted, Gish has chosen to play the moment as if her character is really three-sheets-to-the-wind smashed. But she's also working a rather narrow vein of bellowing fury and sarcasm which foreground the fact that she's singing someone else's words. Whether raging or mocking, she simply seems TOO drunk -- and too boorish -- to be capable of such articulate venom.
weaselprince71 1 year ago 3
@weaselprince71
See, I don't think she's even playing that drunk. I see a character who is acting out for attention, who is being brash and mean for the sake of it, and who has lost any sense of self-worth. I've been completely sober and acted quite similarly.
AtLastOnTheGround 1 year ago
She was not drunk idiot! She was performing! And please respects to this Lady she's dead of cancer a few years ago.
FrederickNetwork 1 year ago
That may be water in that cup, but look at her mannerisms, she's drunk as fuck.
renthead5256 2 years ago
I love that smile at 3:07. Wicked.
jemb2000 2 years ago
You noticed too! I like it too that smile!
FrederickNetwork 1 year ago
it was water. its called acting, if you dont belive it to be true then it was not done properly.
dusty8813 2 years ago
I love Barbara Walsh's version, but in this one, you can actually tell how drunk she is.
lifeisart37 2 years ago
@donaldcallen
You're so lucky to have seen that! Come to think of it, he has done quite a few breakdown songs -- This, "Live, Laugh, Love" (Follies), "Epiphany" (Sweeney), "Rose's Turn" (Gypsy), "Franklin Sheperd Inc." (Merrily), are the only ones I can think of at the moment.
But yeah, people typically like performances that they can relate to. You may relate much better to Stritch or Walsh. At least we can agree that Sondheim is incomparable.
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago
Hey, some people prefer melodrama, some ,nuance. I can appreciate both, but this is definitely the former. Funny, after having viewed this several times, i enjoy it much more than when i left my initial comments, having viewed it once
tet43 2 years ago
To me, this is the only version of the song that captures what the song is really about -- Even setting aside the drunkenness. I connect with the song as I do the same thing about once a month, and Gish perfectly mirrors that sort of breakdown.
But apples and oranges.
(Is there a vid of Cook doing this song? I've never seen it, but would love to)
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago
What do you think is missing?
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago
I Think this is a wonderful take on the piece! Would have loved to see it in person. There where also some amazing facial moments in it as well you can really see the internal monologue working! Brava!
donterriobroadway 2 years ago
I also love the two long shadows coming from Joanne's feet at the beginning. Great symbolism of how we see two sides of her in the song.
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago
Can one get a DVD of this production?
shmoogle14 2 years ago
Some people are saying that Gish is over-acting -- I disagree. This is coming from someone who lives this song daily. The way she pompously satirizes the "Ladies who lunch" and the "girls who stay smart" and the "girls who play wife" is perfect -- And then she retreats into self-loathing and disgust at 2:35, but quickly covers it with a cheeky smile and bashes her own self and how she has nothing better to do than find other people's flaws when she's the one with the real flaws. Terrific.
DivaBehavior 2 years ago 35
@DivaBehavior I agree. However, I had a feeling throughout this that she was just trying to outwardly imitate Stritch too much. It seems like she didn't really try to find the role for herself. Any thoughts?
sinatrabooth89 1 year ago
If this were a monologue, I think she would have been terrific.But to try to sing and act the song, I find too distracting. Elaine Stritch standing calmly, observing ,works much better, for me.
tet43 2 years ago
this is one of the greatest performances of this song.
it's called Musical Theatre because the songs are extended speech. You can't just NOT act the song
acting the song as opposed to not acting the song can be the difference in even getting cast in a show
you don't just stop acting when you start singing
BadBoyyy1 2 years ago 4
Thank you for your comment. Technically, I agree with your definition of M theater. In this case, i do not.M Gish is so "in the moment", that when she actually hast to sing the song, to me it seems forced and awkward. Some people "own" performances, M Stritch lived and understood that time and place.She is truly the last word on that role and performance.
tet43 2 years ago
My favourite version after Ellaine Stritch, before Barbara Walsh.
Poor Sheila, she died of cancer. I've been very sad when I learnt it! R.I.P. Sheila.
Frédérick, FRANCE. 19/08/09
FrederickNetwork 2 years ago
RIP, I saw this performance at the Donmar and it was wonderful...as good as Stritchy but in a totally different way. SG was one of Tenessee Williams' favourite actresses...I can see why.
dickie1066 2 years ago
No Joanne tops Barbara Walsh
RickvanVeldhuizen 2 years ago 4
Also, the accompaniment was wrong for the last 8-12 bars. The syncopated chords shoud be highly dissonant in the second bar of the last couple phrases. This reflects Joanne's self-loathing, frustration and depressing realization at the end of the song. I can only assume they took it out because it didn't sound pretty. :P Sondheim does everything for a reason! That's why he's a genious.
lilserve90 2 years ago 3
(continued from previous comment) is not up to it's full potential. She was getting close towards the end, but got lost in the anger. The end of song needs show the real Joanne that's been hiding behind a facade the whole show. Again, just my opinion!
lilserve90 2 years ago 2
She didn't quite get the character in my opinion. I'm sure this was probably consitant with the way she played Joanne throughout the show, but Joanne should (in my opinion, that is) these ladies who lunch throughout the show prior to this song. Bitter, sarcastic, and almost uninterested in everything. That makes a huge contrast for when this song is done. If Sheila played Joanne as a cartoony, slapstick-esque (if that's even grammarically correct) character, that would explain why this song...
lilserve90 2 years ago
....overdone much? She's not even singing which I know is part of the stylistic aspect of the song, but Stritch or Barbara Walsh play back and forth with shouting drunkly and powerful belting vibrato. But Gish isn't really believable in this performance.
JoshySmoshy56 2 years ago
As good as Stritch. Very different. Excellent.
Tecobelli 2 years ago 2
campy, unrealistic, obnoxious, and lacks any of the self realization that makes the song. AT THE MOMENT OF SELF REALIZATION SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE HAS A SMIRK LIKE SHE HAS THOUGHT OF A NEW INSULT. When she gets frustrated she goes over the top yelling. This feels like 19th century melodrama acting
Asylum07MasterMadman 2 years ago 5
The smirk is Joanne realizing it, and then putting on a little brave-face so that no one really sees that she's talking about her self-loathing. I think it works fine.
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago
Couldnt agree more, obscenely overdone.
Walsh is my favourite cos I love the cynicism when she plays it, but I love the narcacistic comedy that Stritch portrays, so shes a close second.
mog04 2 years ago
You'd need to live this song to be able to appreciate Gish's performance. It may come off as hammy at times, but this is the definitive peformance of this song. Stritch is funny, and Walsh is melodramatically subtle, but Gish is the only one who really shows the alcoholic bitch who hates herself, and as a result, hates almost everyone else. Especially those ladies who lunch.
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago 5
perfect scary drunk
noahsdad61 2 years ago
@AtLastOnTheGround Melodramatically subtle? Thats a oxymoron if I ever heard one lol. I see what you're saying, I just think the impact of the characters self loathing comes across much more powerfully when its subtle. I personally dont think the character of Joanne 'hates herself' persay, I think its more that she desperately wants to 'like herself' I know that sounds stupid but there is a difference. What Walsh does is show the desperation, I just think Gish is a bit panto at times.
mog04 1 year ago
@mog04
w
AtLastOnTheGround 1 year ago
@mog04
I don't like the word "subtle" because it suggests that the actor is pushing for a certain size, for an effect. If the actor is talented enough, the size will merely happen. Yelling can have the same effect of whispering if it has justification. I like Gish's performance because she doesn't watch hereself -- She is not self-consciously arranging herself or demanding bigness or smallness. She is experiencing the song from moment to moment.
AtLastOnTheGround 1 year ago
Gish gives a great version of this song - it's not over the top if you take it in the context of the scene before it which (I seem to remember) is quite composed. Walsh looks like an audition in comparison - this is the real deal. Most people listening to this song will have heard Elaine Stritch doing the ultimate 'composed' version - so why not try something different?
stickyfixer 2 years ago
RIP Sheila
cmoouk12 2 years ago
Shes amazing.
cocktailour 2 years ago
She has a very interesting voice. I mean, it's powerful, yet sultry. She also infuses this number with a fine amount of emotion. Elaine Stritch would be proud, and perhaps even jealous.
OldieMusicMan 2 years ago
should not have a real liquid in the glass... it causes 'accidents' and gets in the way of acting.
pitigam 2 years ago
This type of acting and theatre is naturalistic, real-life. And accidents happen in real life, you gotta just go on with the show I suppose.
And who's to say it wasn't an intentional spill? :)
cmcguigan470 2 years ago
I disagree. It adds a frisson of realism. She's genius!
blab69 2 years ago 2
Wrong!
blab69 2 years ago
Wow.. I'm impressed! Blown away.
jwogburn 3 years ago 2
What a voice! And a presence! Wow. I wanna be her when I grow up! (without the, y'know, alcohol. I like my liver the way it is, thanks!)
firerosefairy 3 years ago 2
I love the raspy quality in her voice.
latinasfinest65 3 years ago 3
Brilliant alcoholic rant of self-loathing. Favorite version. The final drink is a perfect bit of acting.
stfoucault 3 years ago 17
I could see this being me in 40 years lol.
renthead5256 3 years ago 2
Comment removed
renthead5256 3 years ago
She's a great performer, but I think she starts too angry and has no where to go.
But still, a fabulous singing actor.
dangerousmezzo 3 years ago 5
favourite version
fatbob666 3 years ago
This is supposed to be a breakdown, not an alcohol-fused rant. She hammed it up big time, not in her favor.
doggys235 3 years ago
This is incredible. She is amazing.
tsgibble 3 years ago
Yes she was bless her spirit. She once winked at me in the lobby of the Old Vic!
englishman10000 3 years ago
I like how the tempo is much faster in this one in comparison to the other versions I've heard.
bluebettle 3 years ago
fascinating
timothy81 3 years ago
That was utterly amazing.
Likethis07 3 years ago
yea but wat a milf, shes sexy. make a great mrs robinson
boggyandbob 3 years ago
Fearless.
noahsdad61 3 years ago
she is a bit too much of a ham in this. She doesn't have the composure of Stritch nor the Depth of Walsh
Asylum07MasterMadman 3 years ago
Agreed. Joanne is an alcoholic, and has been for many years. She could drink an entire 40 to her face and you wouldn't be able to tell she was drunk. It's not an arrogance thing, it's more of a composure. I don't think everyone should play it like Stritch or Walsh because copying isn't acting and you have to make things real, though I am quite picky about this song.
EtrangerStranger 3 years ago 3
This is exactly how I pictured Joanne. Elaine and Barbara are both fantastic, but Sheila really brings it home with that smoker's voice and that disgusted demeanor.
AtLastOnTheGround 3 years ago 6
Wow...I'll drink to that...just an amazing, drunk'n performance and that is what this song needs...oh, and by the way, here is one for Mahler!
mwp2paris 3 years ago
Elaine Stritch - now and forever - will be THE definitive Joanne.
RikerNYC 3 years ago
She was very good. Much more drunk than Barbara but much less depressed. Everyone always says Stritch is the best...I don't see it. Maybe it's my aptitude for dissent, but her successors are much stronger in my opinion. Sorry.
ieatglue44 3 years ago 3
i love her she was great
54spiritedwill54 3 years ago 2
i think she is the best part of this production. not my favorite joanne, but i like what she has done with it! shes a mess, and it is lovely.
doomveg 3 years ago
I've seen Elaine Strich and Barbara Walsh do this song too, but I think this is my favorite. There's something in her eyes and her voice that just really adds to this song so much, and while Elaine will always be the original, Ms. Gish was just cut out for this song.
bohemiawelcumsyou 3 years ago
sooooo much better than barbara walsh!
dwillmill2 3 years ago
ORLY?
seergreen 3 years ago
Great Lady!
Always in my mind, never forget you Madame!
Que la paix soit avec vous.
Frédérick, FRANCE, EUROPE.
FrederickRD 4 years ago
Never forget you Madame!*HOPE you are near with God!
How a great Personn you were!
Frédéric, FRANCE.
FredericRD 4 years ago
Was becoming american, how deeppy, i'm french! could descovering broadway!!!
FredericRD 4 years ago
Correction: hope you are now nearest God!
FredericRD 4 years ago
How too hard lost you, dear Sheila.
Hope now you are nearest Gold.
Frederic, France, Europe.
FredericRD 4 years ago
whoa....deep...really deep voice...like a dude's...tho excellent acting
flagrant26 4 years ago
I like her interpretation. As much as people use alcohol to escape their woes, it's still a depressant. So, I love the part towards the end where she sort of lets her real emotions go, then she reals it in. I'm sure I've done similar things in my drunken stupor.
ibeatpudding 4 years ago 3
Wow! She kinda throws subtle irony down the well and goes for full-out spite. And it works! Her drunken fake smile is wonderful. I imagine she must have practiced for hours in front of a mirror.
gummybrain 4 years ago 2
HAHH excelent but i still think fritzi owned this song
fatassmooch 4 years ago
hahaha amen!!
hollahollagangsta 4 years ago
I considered Stritch the best at this song until I saw this version. She really captures the essense of the song -- bitter and melancholy. Bravo!!!
scott1607 4 years ago
I dunno man, the girl played Fritzi kicked ass at this song.
iluvnooyawk 4 years ago
saw her do it at the Donmar in London.....she was magnificent...........she died too early ...she was a wonderful actress
davlock2 4 years ago
Didnt like this version at all. She started too bawdy and had nowhere to go. It's restraint that makes this song what it is when it finally blows up.
JerkyPuck 4 years ago
Nowhere to go? She started high, and went higher. Still consider Elaine's the gold standard, but this is up there with it.
redwillow 4 years ago
Quite possibly the best rendition of this song i have ever come across. Yes, Ms. Stritchs' version is the classic standard, but I have never seen it performed with the underlying vitriol that I think it needs....this is truly the gold standard (in my opinion)
RobbnCO 4 years ago
lovely to see Sheila Gish again......she was superb. I truely miss her many perfomances in the London theatre
davlock2 4 years ago
It's better than Elaine. I can't say enough good things about this version. I'll drink to that.
grtaylor99 4 years ago
Marvellous!! It';s great to have a record of this legendary performance, made more poignant by the fact that Miss Gish - such a great actress - is no longer with us. As for the comments about her being too drunk....Joanne is supposed to be too drunk that's the point..
sicetergo 4 years ago
When/how did she go?
gabsylv 4 years ago
Thank you so so much for putting this up. I've heard about this smazing and obscure London production but never was able to find a clip. I heard this woman was amazing as JOANNE, so raspy and unpolished, the way the character is written.
You made my day.
littleBIGGERchris 4 years ago
Im gonna add this ong to my cabaret act,only thing is i have am a tenor but ill try and pull it off.
superhead123 4 years ago
Uh...yuck. This Joanne is way too a blowzy bar broad. The Stritch Joanne understood that the character always retained a little class, thus making the song all the more potent when she loses it.
mrjarndyce 4 years ago
i love her she was great
RAGETME2000 4 years ago
Fantastic!
superhead123 4 years ago
Amazing performance , unfortunately one of her last. The late Ms Gish was a great stage actress.
ArturoRex 4 years ago
It's not a particularly aesthetically pleasing rendition, but it works. She gets it.
MattBarlow 4 years ago
This is an outstanding performance of Sondheim's now famous piece. For many, this musical number is the only reason people will buy a ticket to see "Company." I offer my standing ovation to Miss Sheila Gish.
Is it right to compare this performance to Elain Stritch's version, or anybody elses? No. It's not right. And it isn't fair. The craft is about performing the piece as one's own work, and not an impersonation of somebody else.
phildisimoni 4 years ago
I've never seen this performed before - I quite liked it. It's what I've envisaged when I've sung it. Granted, though, I don't know the full story (which is why I found it SO flippin' hard to sing!!).
totallybaffled 4 years ago
If it wasn't for the film CAMP, I'd have never heard of Sondheim or this song. Great to see a true live powerful performace of this track. 5* :)
CheekyWizard 4 years ago
Are you kidding me? That was AMAZING....It's finally good to hear someone singing the notes. Yes, Elaine is a legend and all, but I would much rather prefer to hear this lady singing and acting the hell out of this anyday.
lovell3200 4 years ago
Come on! Where is the Sheila Gish love? I actually think she sounds better on the Cast Recording of this production. I still think her acting is fantastic. And so did the Oliver voters. And what notes does she hold "too long"? I've checked the vocal selections sheet music, and all notes were held correctly. If you're taking about the "Aren't they a GEMMMM, I'll drink to THEMM" - Gem and them are held notes, and she sings those. Stritch didn't sing them as whole notes on the original though.
ljay889 4 years ago
ummm, yeah, I would agree, she drags out the notes too long and acts way too drunk. Have you guys ever seen the Elaine Stritch version on the Company Documentary DVD? It's Amazing!
dizasstur 4 years ago
I own that DVD. Yes, it is fantastic!
Pandadude18 4 years ago
She keeps a lot of the notes out too long, and I agree, she acts too drunk. I liked the (1995) Broadway revival much better with Debra Monk sinigng this song (I've yet to see the newest Bway revival so I can't really compare them)
blackpython 4 years ago
I think that was a very powerful performance. She won the Oliver for that, and looks like she deserved it. Wonderful ending.
ljay889 4 years ago
she acting way too drunk, and consequently losing the meaning of the song.
matonad44 4 years ago