Frankly, I'm surprised that a high school did this production. High schoolers have neither the relationship nor life experience to really understand the emotional complexities of Follies. She's a decent singer, but there's really no feeling behind it.
What's with all the criticism, people? IT'S HIGH SCHOOL, for cryin' out loud!! What do you expect? Barbara Cook?? Dorothy Collins?? Bernadette Peters?? She did damn well for what it was. I hope she keeps singing. You go, girl! It'll get better with time.
To defend the string section: they'd just done Music Man and thought they were ALWAYS supposed to play by the Think Method, while this "Sally" had recently played the lead in "Annie," making this song is a bit like a slow "Tomorrow" where she got that title's last syllable and the "you's" mixed up. I find the direction brilliant. It takes nerve to send your star out center stage to just sit for 8 bars... especially when she's been instructed not to act.
@joanbennettnyc Nice comment! It's ahhh - wait.. the word will come to me.. umm - "sarcastic".. no, that's not it. Ummmm - "sardonic." No, that's not right. Ooww - owww.. I know - - "CUNTY." Yeah THAT'S it, and all in CAPS.
@joanbennettnyc Why did you put an apostrophe in "you's"? It's not possessive, although YOU seem to be. No-no - I mean "obsessive. Maybe "destructive"? the English language is sooo difficult to deal with at times.. like you. As you type your venom, it would be better if you just quoted the "you" and placed the "s" past the end-quote. --- "you"s
Not the right show for a high school. it doesn't matter if they have the money (which this school clearly has) or talent, it's just not appropriate. someone that age cannot comprehend the emotions in this song. I don't even want to think about i'm still here. Elaine Stritch has said it's inappropriate for a 40 year old to sing that song. I dont even want to think of a 16 year old doing it. You can sing the crap out of a song, but if your acting isnt believable, then youre not doing it correctly
@nytheater601 Yeah - I [somewhat] agree. But, the show took place, & that cannot be changed. After Follies came Company, Cabaret [the sleazy version], Merrily We Roll Along, Grand Hotel.. & this year will be NINE. There has been some fluff mixed in, such as Bye Bye Birdie, The Will Rogers Follies, Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, & How to Succeed... Just a crazy, mixed-up high school that wins lots of awards {sigh}!
Nah, the HS doesn't hve money; ticket sales & ad-book supporters fund the shows.
@leojrevlis yes, i know the high school well enough to know what shows they've done. the high school may not have money, but the theater department certainly does, whether it's from ticket sales, ads, doesnt matter. they still have ten times the money than other high school theaters, which im not saying means they should be judged any differently. also, no one cares that the school wins awards. i've seen productions here and there at the school and know for a fact that there are better hs shows
@nytheater601 Thanks for the patronizing "yes." And, I didn't say that the school DESERVES awards.. just that they get them. How do you know "for a fact" that there are better HS shows when it is purely subjective? Your sticky issues seem to be centered around "financial wealth" and "willy nilly awards." I'm not attempting to confront you, just understand your head.
Respond to this video... For one thing, the Rising Star Awards mean practically nothing nowadays. Some of the people who win, just win because of the school they're from or the connections they have with PMP.
@nytheater601 Just for kicks, I forwarded your comment to the RSA staff. In affect, you're saying that you perceive the contest as being "fixed." I prefer to remain "the optimist." These HS awards programs are exciting for 100s of students each year.. and foster the goal of excellence in their productions. Typically, those who "win'' view the Awards as being GREAT; those who "lose" are SOUR. It's just human nature.
SHE'S IN HIGH SCHOOL, for gawdsake. As a child that age, she did an EXCELLENT job. And so sad to read people pounding on the orchestra.... We're talking teenagers here.... Give 'em credit for doing what they're doing. Sheesh...........
@benpchicago I adore you Benjamin. <3 Hahaha Shall we notttt be youtubing the same videos? hahaha But yeah, this production looks insanely well put together compared to our Gypsy. lol *sigh* CPS....
Who says you need to have experienced being middle-aged to sing this particular Sondheim song well? You don't need to be a cannibalistic mass-murder to pull off Sweeney.
she needs to take her time and understand that the slower she goes, the more powerful her emotions are. i think she had to work on her role a little more.
@megan132 I understand what you say.. but she is accompanied by a high school student-orchestra, where they play at whatever tempo they "want," and try as one might, they will NOT "follow" the singer's lead. The conductor should trade his baton for a whip! You're watching the final performance, where that damn orchestra has become "comfortable" playing, which translates into uncontrollable increased tempo. I remember seeing her first dress rehearsal in an echoey, empty auditorium. I got chills!
@leojrevlis i wasnt talking about her slowing down while she was singing, as much as i was talking about the end when she says those last two lines without music "or were you just being kind." "or am i losing my mind..."
@megan132 OH! - well then say that. I've watched other B'way clips with that "slow down" and find it a bit over-dramatic. It may work for a professional older-actress-star.. but not so well for a high schooler. Then again, Follies in general doesn't especially work in a high school venue. ;-}
@megan132 She's in high school. I don't know what kind of high school you went to, or what sort of director you had there, but most high school drama directors have so much in mind when they're putting together a show, even more when it's a musical (and one as difficult as "Folllies"), that they don't spend time working on a role with an actor. They stage/choreograph the number, and if the cast can get through it without any stumbles or noticeable screw-ups, they've done their job.
@boynamedalexxx i wasn't talking about the director. believe me, not only have i been taught by a high school director, but i have directed a high school show too. i heavily rely on the actors to do their job well. i just don't believe that she (the actor) pulled it off. and also, don't say that a high school actor simply has to go without stumbles or noticeable screw-ups. they need to be pushed up to their greatest extent. she did well, i was just left wanting more.
@megan132 I wasn't saying they simply had to go without stumbles, etc. You misinterpreted. I said as far as a director is concerned, if those don't occur, a performance is a success.
Also, while some actors in HS are very talented & work on their roles in their own way, some just maybe aren't that adept at doing it on their own. It's HS; doesn't mean they'll pursue it as a career.
I'm a huge "Follies" fan (and thrilled it's being revived on B'way), but I'm young & remember HS Theatre vividly.
Why would a high school ever be allowed to do Follies? What do teenagers know about being middle aged and chasing after the past? I don't care you have a great voice or not, Sondheim's song are meant for actors and I just don't believe her. She is "performing" too much and not really giving the piece the truthful simplicity it deserves.
wow.. this girl was in HS??? what a voice... and yeah, this arrangement is exactly that of Dorothy Loudon.. while you are offing the violinists, could you also get the winds???
Any particular one? Violin 1 - Masha Violin 2 - Yael Violin 3 - Joe Violin 4 - Alison Maybe the other strings?.. Viola 1 - David Viola 2 - Grace Cello 1 - Roger Cello 2 - Elissa Shall I "off" all of them, just to be sure?
Terrific performance of this number, and a high school production? Incredible, some very very good clips here from their production. Well done everybody, so professional, 10 out of 10. Loved the Live Laugh Love number too!!!!!
I love this girl who sings this song I love so beautifully. Yes the orchestra is a bit squeaky here and there, who cares? This is High School for god's sake. It's a phenomenal performance, and I don't know where she is now, but I hope she's on Broadway. She's great. The director of this show is great.
What's up with the pit orcestra? Squeaky much?? It amzing some one can actually sing that well to something so squeaky! But maybe it just sounded better when it was live.
I think she has a remarkable and mature voice, but if we are picking feathers I would say she looks like she is fixed on a star somewhere in space the whole time, rather then experiencing all the issues around 'loosing her mind.' Very good performance though and a fantastic voice, hope to see more.
What a wonderful voice - it is quite moving to listen to youngsters tackling repertoire meant for older ages. The orchestra is indeed a bit clumsy, but still what is left is the excellent impression made by the young singer.
Sorry wannasukka and messing for being a little short. I had a bad day. The students really get the material. It's better for them to get 75% of Sondheim then to get 100% of Disneys High School Musical. Let's stop lowering the bar with HS Musical Theatre.
Let's have Music Theatre International include a directive on how the song should be performed. Why don't you have MTI include a stage direction in the script that tells the performer to have strong facial expressions. In addition, let's MTI not allow anyone under the age 18 to perform the works of Sondheim. Why don't you contact the students and ask them if they understood the material instead of posting comments based upon your outside view of the students ability to understand the piece.
She has great voice...but for this particular song I think there should be more emotion in the face, and overall more emotion on genereal. Check out the Judith Ivey version...it's brilliant.
I beg to differ about about the character being expressionless here. The director here might have directed her to be that way. But you can check out Judith Ivey's brilliant performance of the same song on here, and she is full of expression - and it's heartbreaking. So I wouldn't say Sally HAS to be expressionless here.
That is a bit of an insult to streisand and placing this girl on a pretty high pedestal for having the typical broadway vibrato-ridden belt with no color to it.
Ha-ha-ha... Of course not. The past few shows have been STEEL PIER, ZORBA, FOLLIES, COMPANY, WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, CABARET, & GRAND HOTEL.. So you see, the HS is more heavy with Kander & Ebb. Next year will be MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. AhhhhhhHH! - Another Sondheim!!
Really, for a High School, and assuming that it's one that doesn't specialise in music and singing, her performance is superlative!!! As for the orchestra, don't be too heavy on them. You can get to Grade 10 on the violin and you'll still sound like you are torturing a cat. Heaven knows where this lady would go if she had several years of voice training and I don't have any authority to give a prediction but she gave a BLOODY good performance and FULL credit to her!!!
I realize she's trying to focus more on her sound but she also needs to focus on her facial expressions to. I'm about her age myself and I know I probably could never measure up to her standards but a few pointers on someone who's been in choirs for four years is never a bad thing. Just trying to make the best even better. ^^
Like I wrote above, her facial expressions were appropriate for the character. I'm not the director but did have some "say" at to the performing. Whenever possible, I try to take the "choir" sound OUT of the actors in a musical. She DOES have a great voice.. Thanks for complimenting her. She has a clip of her work on youtube. Writing links here is prohibited [THANKS GOOGLE]. I've written {NNN} for the 3w's and {dot} to allow me to lead you to her: NNN{dot}youtube{dot}com/watch?v=V1HhXpNA2dM
Its really hard to believe that that's HER true voice. It sounds so much older. But then again this is the internet so you never know. But for future reference she does need a bit more emotion in her face.
She was a HS senior, no older. She was directed to be "cold-faced." Are you familiar with the plot-line of "Follies?" If not, let me know and I'll explain more. THANKS.
Such a nice voice. Too bad the poor girl was ill-served by a total lack of direction or coaching, resulting in a dismal lack of phrasing or musicality....... She's obviously capable giving a much more nuanced, effective performance if someone had only explained about finding the emotional arc of the song. Whoever directed/staged this piece is sorely lacking, typical of Academia these days, especially on the high school level.
Well, I got the phone call already! Oops, I was wrong. HE didn't laugh. Somehow, he was "bent" that you used words like DISMAL & SORELY LACKING. Imagine a director getting upset over those "words," especially since he only spent 6 or 8 months putting the show together.
High school theatre is a unique beast! Message me if you want to talk about the pitfalls!! THANKS.
Her singing is stunning for high school, bar some majorly flat notes, mostly in "In Buddy's Eyes". This song seems more consistent. But so much of the orchestra is appalling, especially the strings. Youtube sound may be bad, it does not add wrong notes and scratchy playing. And dramatically it is entirely unmoving, perhaps inevitable given her age. "You make me feel 19 again". Hmmm, doesn't quite ring true. Follies just doesn't work in high school, but her singing on this really is good.
Yes, she's easy-on-the-ears. I didn't hear any major flat notes. Ahh, I didn't listen closely. The orchestra sounded very good in the theatre. Microphone placement must have accented the crappy players [my luck!!]. I don't give a rat's ass about the age issue. I do the scenic design. Thanks for the honest comments. ;-}
Yes, she's amazing. When I first heard that the school was going to do Follies - I thought the same, but after seeing the final product, I've changed my opinion.
Hmmm, interesting. {From the other comments-} This incredible, marvelous, amazing, exceptional, beautiful, wonderful-interpretation clip got a "she can't sing low" from your lips! Enough said.
She did her own interpretation of this song, blocking and vocally. The director and lighting designer just guided her into correct positions. I asked her to be somewhat "stiff," like she's slightly "losing her mind." How about her voice?--Exactly on pitch for every-single-note! She's soooo easy-on-the-ears.
Just a quick note... The orchestra audio track was low on the original video, and youtube reduces the tracks to mono, which cut the sound even more.. so the orchestra got lost. They were "sweeter" than the you hear on this clip.
I'm sure that she'll appreciate the compliment when I see her next. Her performance [acting] was quite haunting, living in a world of fantasy, until her bubble burst. I remember my mouth hanging open after watching her perform this number for the first time with costumes, lights, sound, and orchestra. Nothing replaces seeing it live! Thanks for giving it a second-look.
Yes, it was a mistake. Plus it's Youtube. Enough said.
Anyway I would think twice as a director doing a show about men and women in their 50's, 60's and 70's and with themes ONLY men and women of that age have experienced. Elaine Stritch gets pissed if a 40 year old singing I'M STILL HERE. What would she think of a 16 year old singing it?
From the judges report [about the actor who played Carlotta]... "She only had one song, 'I'm Still Here,' but she made the most of it. It was a show stopper. She looked great on stage, and her acting was very believable throughout the show."
This judge saw "past" the age issue. Take the comment for what it's worth.
Uh, High School. This was BRILLIANT!
vbplayer50 1 month ago
Frankly, I'm surprised that a high school did this production. High schoolers have neither the relationship nor life experience to really understand the emotional complexities of Follies. She's a decent singer, but there's really no feeling behind it.
Bucherwurm28 5 months ago
What's with all the criticism, people? IT'S HIGH SCHOOL, for cryin' out loud!! What do you expect? Barbara Cook?? Dorothy Collins?? Bernadette Peters?? She did damn well for what it was. I hope she keeps singing. You go, girl! It'll get better with time.
Crwthy 6 months ago 2
To defend the string section: they'd just done Music Man and thought they were ALWAYS supposed to play by the Think Method, while this "Sally" had recently played the lead in "Annie," making this song is a bit like a slow "Tomorrow" where she got that title's last syllable and the "you's" mixed up. I find the direction brilliant. It takes nerve to send your star out center stage to just sit for 8 bars... especially when she's been instructed not to act.
joanbennettnyc 6 months ago
@joanbennettnyc Nice comment! It's ahhh - wait.. the word will come to me.. umm - "sarcastic".. no, that's not it. Ummmm - "sardonic." No, that's not right. Ooww - owww.. I know - - "CUNTY." Yeah THAT'S it, and all in CAPS.
leojrevlis 6 months ago
@joanbennettnyc Why did you put an apostrophe in "you's"? It's not possessive, although YOU seem to be. No-no - I mean "obsessive. Maybe "destructive"? the English language is sooo difficult to deal with at times.. like you. As you type your venom, it would be better if you just quoted the "you" and placed the "s" past the end-quote. --- "you"s
leojrevlis 6 months ago
Not the right show for a high school. it doesn't matter if they have the money (which this school clearly has) or talent, it's just not appropriate. someone that age cannot comprehend the emotions in this song. I don't even want to think about i'm still here. Elaine Stritch has said it's inappropriate for a 40 year old to sing that song. I dont even want to think of a 16 year old doing it. You can sing the crap out of a song, but if your acting isnt believable, then youre not doing it correctly
nytheater601 6 months ago
@nytheater601 Yeah - I [somewhat] agree. But, the show took place, & that cannot be changed. After Follies came Company, Cabaret [the sleazy version], Merrily We Roll Along, Grand Hotel.. & this year will be NINE. There has been some fluff mixed in, such as Bye Bye Birdie, The Will Rogers Follies, Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, & How to Succeed... Just a crazy, mixed-up high school that wins lots of awards {sigh}!
Nah, the HS doesn't hve money; ticket sales & ad-book supporters fund the shows.
leojrevlis 6 months ago
@leojrevlis yes, i know the high school well enough to know what shows they've done. the high school may not have money, but the theater department certainly does, whether it's from ticket sales, ads, doesnt matter. they still have ten times the money than other high school theaters, which im not saying means they should be judged any differently. also, no one cares that the school wins awards. i've seen productions here and there at the school and know for a fact that there are better hs shows
nytheater601 6 months ago
@nytheater601 Thanks for the patronizing "yes." And, I didn't say that the school DESERVES awards.. just that they get them. How do you know "for a fact" that there are better HS shows when it is purely subjective? Your sticky issues seem to be centered around "financial wealth" and "willy nilly awards." I'm not attempting to confront you, just understand your head.
leojrevlis 6 months ago
Respond to this video... For one thing, the Rising Star Awards mean practically nothing nowadays. Some of the people who win, just win because of the school they're from or the connections they have with PMP.
nytheater601 6 months ago
@nytheater601 Just for kicks, I forwarded your comment to the RSA staff. In affect, you're saying that you perceive the contest as being "fixed." I prefer to remain "the optimist." These HS awards programs are exciting for 100s of students each year.. and foster the goal of excellence in their productions. Typically, those who "win'' view the Awards as being GREAT; those who "lose" are SOUR. It's just human nature.
leojrevlis 6 months ago
SHE'S IN HIGH SCHOOL, for gawdsake. As a child that age, she did an EXCELLENT job. And so sad to read people pounding on the orchestra.... We're talking teenagers here.... Give 'em credit for doing what they're doing. Sheesh...........
greenieuser 9 months ago
Violins - yuk
Voice - really very nice, specially for this song.
Fred121212 9 months ago
D: uhhhh what!? how can any school afford this!? we're lucky if we get one spotlight working for our musicals (we just did Gypsy)
that's CPS for you! private school i assume? haha. looks like a nice production, though!
benpchicago 9 months ago
@benpchicago I adore you Benjamin. <3 Hahaha Shall we notttt be youtubing the same videos? hahaha But yeah, this production looks insanely well put together compared to our Gypsy. lol *sigh* CPS....
LjepaHrvatica 7 months ago
Who says you need to have experienced being middle-aged to sing this particular Sondheim song well? You don't need to be a cannibalistic mass-murder to pull off Sweeney.
autopolydidact 1 year ago
she needs to take her time and understand that the slower she goes, the more powerful her emotions are. i think she had to work on her role a little more.
megan132 1 year ago
@megan132 I understand what you say.. but she is accompanied by a high school student-orchestra, where they play at whatever tempo they "want," and try as one might, they will NOT "follow" the singer's lead. The conductor should trade his baton for a whip! You're watching the final performance, where that damn orchestra has become "comfortable" playing, which translates into uncontrollable increased tempo. I remember seeing her first dress rehearsal in an echoey, empty auditorium. I got chills!
leojrevlis 1 year ago 2
@leojrevlis i wasnt talking about her slowing down while she was singing, as much as i was talking about the end when she says those last two lines without music "or were you just being kind." "or am i losing my mind..."
megan132 1 year ago
@megan132 OH! - well then say that. I've watched other B'way clips with that "slow down" and find it a bit over-dramatic. It may work for a professional older-actress-star.. but not so well for a high schooler. Then again, Follies in general doesn't especially work in a high school venue. ;-}
leojrevlis 1 year ago
@megan132 She's in high school. I don't know what kind of high school you went to, or what sort of director you had there, but most high school drama directors have so much in mind when they're putting together a show, even more when it's a musical (and one as difficult as "Folllies"), that they don't spend time working on a role with an actor. They stage/choreograph the number, and if the cast can get through it without any stumbles or noticeable screw-ups, they've done their job.
boynamedalexxx 8 months ago
@boynamedalexxx i wasn't talking about the director. believe me, not only have i been taught by a high school director, but i have directed a high school show too. i heavily rely on the actors to do their job well. i just don't believe that she (the actor) pulled it off. and also, don't say that a high school actor simply has to go without stumbles or noticeable screw-ups. they need to be pushed up to their greatest extent. she did well, i was just left wanting more.
megan132 8 months ago
@megan132 I wasn't saying they simply had to go without stumbles, etc. You misinterpreted. I said as far as a director is concerned, if those don't occur, a performance is a success.
Also, while some actors in HS are very talented & work on their roles in their own way, some just maybe aren't that adept at doing it on their own. It's HS; doesn't mean they'll pursue it as a career.
I'm a huge "Follies" fan (and thrilled it's being revived on B'way), but I'm young & remember HS Theatre vividly.
boynamedalexxx 8 months ago
High school production? Odd show to do with teenagers...but I love it! ;-)
SondheimFanatic1 1 year ago
She has such a beautiful, rich tone!
messyjessett 1 year ago
Just gorgeous if a little rushed. What a powerful voice.
phlashba 1 year ago
Excellent vocal.
Geostrum2 1 year ago
Why would a high school ever be allowed to do Follies? What do teenagers know about being middle aged and chasing after the past? I don't care you have a great voice or not, Sondheim's song are meant for actors and I just don't believe her. She is "performing" too much and not really giving the piece the truthful simplicity it deserves.
trplthreatryerye 1 year ago
wow.. this girl was in HS??? what a voice... and yeah, this arrangement is exactly that of Dorothy Loudon.. while you are offing the violinists, could you also get the winds???
dbrel 2 years ago
somebody shoot the violinist!
justasondheimbaby 2 years ago 9
leojrevlis 2 years ago
No, don't do that. Just off the one playing out of tune at the very end...rough them up a little bit.
justasondheimbaby 2 years ago
@leojrevlis The irony of "justasondheimbaby's comment is that this was the year we won "Best Orchestra"
gsparkway324 1 year ago
My god, one of them is a shocker!
Great vocal performance, though.
uptherailingstep 2 years ago
her "you" isn't good. she can't really hit the low note well. but the rest is very impressive.
taryltaryl 2 years ago 9
totally reminds me of Dorothy Loudon.
kylejerel 2 years ago
Oh my gosh...what a tremendous voice!
blf831 2 years ago
It was Liza Minelli who performed this song produced by the Pet shop Boys not Barbara Streisand
FORI80 2 years ago
Who mentioned MiNNelli? Who mentioned Streisand? What are you commenting about? ;-}
leojrevlis 2 years ago
this song was around long before the pet shop boys
davidstighansen 2 years ago
@FORI80 It was actually Barbara Cook first.
elzbieta52 1 year ago
BRAVO!
Terrific performance of this number, and a high school production? Incredible, some very very good clips here from their production. Well done everybody, so professional, 10 out of 10. Loved the Live Laugh Love number too!!!!!
indyandnorbert 2 years ago
This girl is amazing!! I have seen and been in several productions of FOLLIES and she rivals any Sally.
luckeyboysf 2 years ago
In the beginning it was a little... I don't know, shaky?
But it got better as the song progresses.
I presume this is a high school student, which is amazing. :)
broadwaylove52 2 years ago
I love this girl who sings this song I love so beautifully. Yes the orchestra is a bit squeaky here and there, who cares? This is High School for god's sake. It's a phenomenal performance, and I don't know where she is now, but I hope she's on Broadway. She's great. The director of this show is great.
Berglernut 2 years ago
amazingg love this song
fyiloveme 2 years ago
hmmm, then don't post for all to comment !
and, never start a sentence with...hmmm..
just sayin'
heycrystal2052 2 years ago
;-}
leojrevlis 2 years ago
Hmmm, don't sentences begin with capital letters and end with punctuations?
Just sayin'.
But, enough of this dribble. This girl's performance is excellent: not the best in the world, but still great.
rodanvideo 2 years ago
hmmm..don't like
heycrystal2052 2 years ago
hmmm.. then don't comment
leojrevlis 2 years ago
What's up with the pit orcestra? Squeaky much?? It amzing some one can actually sing that well to something so squeaky! But maybe it just sounded better when it was live.
littleqt0123 3 years ago
Hmmm.. Interesting comment.
Every year, the orchestra is nominated for a state-wide award.. and they WON for this show. So - YES, they sound better in person.
leojrevlis 3 years ago
I love a left-handed compliment!
You bash the orchestra, then sweeten the comment by praising the singer. Have you considered a career in politics?
;-}
leojrevlis 3 years ago
And that violin solo in the beginning is surprisingly tough!
Superare1 3 years ago
what a good voice!
..pit orchestra :|
jkbs123 3 years ago
OMG she is beyond fabulous...I can't even handle how brilliant she is.
haddaddy3 3 years ago
I think she has a remarkable and mature voice, but if we are picking feathers I would say she looks like she is fixed on a star somewhere in space the whole time, rather then experiencing all the issues around 'loosing her mind.' Very good performance though and a fantastic voice, hope to see more.
invisiblestates 3 years ago
Why would a high school even try to do this show. This show is more than just pretty tunes. Get back to me in 40 years.
cuban075 3 years ago
its a magic dress...half the song its blue..half the song its black
deeter131 3 years ago
Don't you wish your car could change colors too?
rodanvideo 3 years ago
You are awesome! I'm amazed that someone in high school could execute this song this well!
It makes me so jealous that girls always get the good songs in musicals.
MikeyG0901 3 years ago
What a wonderful voice - it is quite moving to listen to youngsters tackling repertoire meant for older ages. The orchestra is indeed a bit clumsy, but still what is left is the excellent impression made by the young singer.
seth669669 3 years ago
Such high quality for a high school production! I love whoever put this together.
orvgg 3 years ago
What a wonderful voice.
gayzertube 3 years ago
She's very good - only a bit too young for this kind of experience.
Bine39 3 years ago
Hmmm... It IS difficult to find a 50 year old high school student!! ;-}
Thanks for the comment.
leojrevlis 3 years ago
wow... fantastic.
I'm singing this in my singing lessons.
tanzilated 3 years ago
Me to!^^
She's so wonderfull!!!
Way to far out of my league...
PrinzVali 3 years ago
Sorry wannasukka and messing for being a little short. I had a bad day. The students really get the material. It's better for them to get 75% of Sondheim then to get 100% of Disneys High School Musical. Let's stop lowering the bar with HS Musical Theatre.
ZB2002 3 years ago
I don't think you were being "short." You sounded pretty much like yourself, and justifiably so.
leojrevlis 3 years ago
Let's have Music Theatre International include a directive on how the song should be performed. Why don't you have MTI include a stage direction in the script that tells the performer to have strong facial expressions. In addition, let's MTI not allow anyone under the age 18 to perform the works of Sondheim. Why don't you contact the students and ask them if they understood the material instead of posting comments based upon your outside view of the students ability to understand the piece.
ZB2002 3 years ago
i agree with mesing323. the voice is absolutely great, but i think she might be a bit too young for this song. it might require more life experience.
wanazukaa 3 years ago
bravo!
Jessuss1991 4 years ago
She has great voice...but for this particular song I think there should be more emotion in the face, and overall more emotion on genereal. Check out the Judith Ivey version...it's brilliant.
mesing323 4 years ago
I was tempted to write, "OH YEAH.. SAYS YOU!"
Then I viewed Ivey's version... {gulp} - - It was brilliant!
You wrote "genereal." Is that the opposite of "genefake"? TEE-HEE ;-}
leojrevlis 3 years ago
THIS GIRL IS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD
zalop5 4 years ago
I beg to differ about about the character being expressionless here. The director here might have directed her to be that way. But you can check out Judith Ivey's brilliant performance of the same song on here, and she is full of expression - and it's heartbreaking. So I wouldn't say Sally HAS to be expressionless here.
ljay889 4 years ago
Wow! This gal has a fabulous voice! Why hasn't a major recording studio signed her up yet?!
buddmar 4 years ago 2
Haven't ya heard?... Streisand is out - rap is in! ;-{
leojrevlis 4 years ago
That is a bit of an insult to streisand and placing this girl on a pretty high pedestal for having the typical broadway vibrato-ridden belt with no color to it.
jbactr 2 years ago
Jonathan,
I was NOT equating her with Barbra, just stating that quality legit singing is a thing of the past. It was TIC, for Christ's sake!
leojrevlis 2 years ago
does your school do only Sondheim musicals? this girl has a got an amazing voice. I loved this... bravo
vampriss25 4 years ago
Ha-ha-ha... Of course not. The past few shows have been STEEL PIER, ZORBA, FOLLIES, COMPANY, WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, CABARET, & GRAND HOTEL.. So you see, the HS is more heavy with Kander & Ebb. Next year will be MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. AhhhhhhHH! - Another Sondheim!!
BTW - Female, so it's "brava!" ;-}
leojrevlis 4 years ago
Really, for a High School, and assuming that it's one that doesn't specialise in music and singing, her performance is superlative!!! As for the orchestra, don't be too heavy on them. You can get to Grade 10 on the violin and you'll still sound like you are torturing a cat. Heaven knows where this lady would go if she had several years of voice training and I don't have any authority to give a prediction but she gave a BLOODY good performance and FULL credit to her!!!
Cigarmensch 4 years ago
I realize she's trying to focus more on her sound but she also needs to focus on her facial expressions to. I'm about her age myself and I know I probably could never measure up to her standards but a few pointers on someone who's been in choirs for four years is never a bad thing. Just trying to make the best even better. ^^
FallenAngelle07 4 years ago
Like I wrote above, her facial expressions were appropriate for the character. I'm not the director but did have some "say" at to the performing. Whenever possible, I try to take the "choir" sound OUT of the actors in a musical. She DOES have a great voice.. Thanks for complimenting her. She has a clip of her work on youtube. Writing links here is prohibited [THANKS GOOGLE]. I've written {NNN} for the 3w's and {dot} to allow me to lead you to her: NNN{dot}youtube{dot}com/watch?v=V1HhXpNA2dM
leojrevlis 4 years ago
Its really hard to believe that that's HER true voice. It sounds so much older. But then again this is the internet so you never know. But for future reference she does need a bit more emotion in her face.
FallenAngelle07 4 years ago
She was a HS senior, no older. She was directed to be "cold-faced." Are you familiar with the plot-line of "Follies?" If not, let me know and I'll explain more. THANKS.
leojrevlis 4 years ago
This is the type of singer who makes me feel bad about my own voice, because she's so good. The music is woeful though *S*
Fred121212 4 years ago
I think this singer is fabulous. Congratulations! :)
gabsylv 4 years ago
Such a nice voice. Too bad the poor girl was ill-served by a total lack of direction or coaching, resulting in a dismal lack of phrasing or musicality....... She's obviously capable giving a much more nuanced, effective performance if someone had only explained about finding the emotional arc of the song. Whoever directed/staged this piece is sorely lacking, typical of Academia these days, especially on the high school level.
jbjonadams 4 years ago
Thanks Jonny! I'm copying your comment and sending it to the director in two minutes. Then he'll call me, and we'll both laugh.
leojrevlis 4 years ago
Happy to provide you both with a good laugh.
jbjonadams 4 years ago
Well, I got the phone call already! Oops, I was wrong. HE didn't laugh. Somehow, he was "bent" that you used words like DISMAL & SORELY LACKING. Imagine a director getting upset over those "words," especially since he only spent 6 or 8 months putting the show together.
High school theatre is a unique beast! Message me if you want to talk about the pitfalls!! THANKS.
leojrevlis 4 years ago
Her singing is stunning for high school, bar some majorly flat notes, mostly in "In Buddy's Eyes". This song seems more consistent. But so much of the orchestra is appalling, especially the strings. Youtube sound may be bad, it does not add wrong notes and scratchy playing. And dramatically it is entirely unmoving, perhaps inevitable given her age. "You make me feel 19 again". Hmmm, doesn't quite ring true. Follies just doesn't work in high school, but her singing on this really is good.
letswalk2 4 years ago
Yes, she's easy-on-the-ears. I didn't hear any major flat notes. Ahh, I didn't listen closely. The orchestra sounded very good in the theatre. Microphone placement must have accented the crappy players [my luck!!]. I don't give a rat's ass about the age issue. I do the scenic design. Thanks for the honest comments. ;-}
leojrevlis 4 years ago
She has a really nice belting voice.
For a high school production this is fantastic.
xxmusicofthenightxx 5 years ago
I agree
VictorianRomantic 4 years ago
I absolutely love this song. Great job! Bravo!
shmoogle14 5 years ago
Brava!
leojrevlis 4 years ago
Wow. Just Wow. It's not Broadway but it is wonderful. The voice on the young lady playing Sally is impressive and promising.
chita1933 5 years ago
I don't really think Follies should be done at a high school. However, this is AMAZING. this girl can SING!
sondheimboy15 5 years ago
Yes, she's amazing. When I first heard that the school was going to do Follies - I thought the same, but after seeing the final product, I've changed my opinion.
leojrevlis 5 years ago
she can't sing low.
mgarbs5 5 years ago
Thanks for evaluating and sharing!
leojrevlis 5 years ago
Hmmm, interesting. {From the other comments-} This incredible, marvelous, amazing, exceptional, beautiful, wonderful-interpretation clip got a "she can't sing low" from your lips! Enough said.
rodanvideo 5 years ago
I love that she stands at the word "stands."
hardrhythm 5 years ago
She did her own interpretation of this song, blocking and vocally. The director and lighting designer just guided her into correct positions. I asked her to be somewhat "stiff," like she's slightly "losing her mind." How about her voice?--Exactly on pitch for every-single-note! She's soooo easy-on-the-ears.
leojrevlis 5 years ago
Yeah, her blocking is clean. Very clean for a high school production. And her voice! I'm impressed.
Although, the band isn't so great. It's lagging behind, and it just sounds kind of dead. But this is very nice.
VictorianRomantic 4 years ago
Just a quick note... The orchestra audio track was low on the original video, and youtube reduces the tracks to mono, which cut the sound even more.. so the orchestra got lost. They were "sweeter" than the you hear on this clip.
leojrevlis 4 years ago
Beautiful recording.
Given that this song is meant for a much older woman, the girl handled it very well.
mogwai4000 5 years ago
I re-watched this clip. And the girl's voice really is amazing for a High Schooler. Quite stunning.
I just don't like the way it looks to see a 17 year old singing this number. But she really does sound exceptional.
ljay889 5 years ago
I'm sure that she'll appreciate the compliment when I see her next. Her performance [acting] was quite haunting, living in a world of fantasy, until her bubble burst. I remember my mouth hanging open after watching her perform this number for the first time with costumes, lights, sound, and orchestra. Nothing replaces seeing it live! Thanks for giving it a second-look.
leojrevlis 5 years ago
only hard-core Follies fans will appreciate this clip--
- Not me. Shes talented. but Follies in HIGH SCHOOL? Wtf? I can write a book on why FOLLIES should be be performed my 14-17 year olds.
ljay889 5 years ago
Don't you mean "not be," not "be be?" I'd think twice about writing any book with literary skills such as what you've just demonstrated.
leojrevlis 5 years ago
Yes, it was a mistake. Plus it's Youtube. Enough said.
Anyway I would think twice as a director doing a show about men and women in their 50's, 60's and 70's and with themes ONLY men and women of that age have experienced. Elaine Stritch gets pissed if a 40 year old singing I'M STILL HERE. What would she think of a 16 year old singing it?
ljay889 5 years ago
I was just "busting" you. No offense!
From the judges report [about the actor who played Carlotta]... "She only had one song, 'I'm Still Here,' but she made the most of it. It was a show stopper. She looked great on stage, and her acting was very believable throughout the show."
This judge saw "past" the age issue. Take the comment for what it's worth.
leojrevlis 5 years ago
Thanks to all the above viewers! I'll pass the messages of support along to the actor.
leojrevlis 5 years ago
she really did an amazing job with this song. it's a difficult song to pull off at any age, and she did it at what, 16, 17?
vendettealouette 5 years ago
Marvelous!
morosco 5 years ago
Highschool?? INCREDIBLE. I've seen many Sallys. This gal is right up there very near the top of all of them!!
doug18020 5 years ago
This was a wonderful interpretation of this song. This girl has a real great talent!
dlovefan 5 years ago