I still prefer Elaine Paige.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/14/04
You know, I love her. But the first time I ever heard this song was when I watched Julia Murney. And I just like Julia's version better.
Kuhn sings the notes as written. Riffy-Murphy, not so much.
Much better than Murney's or Menzel's. Generally not a Kuhn fan, but she is pretty wonderful in CHESS.
Just generally, she sings the definite version of the CHESS score IMO, but everything else I've heard her perform, she is just completely humorless (mainly referring to the SHE LOVES ME score). I also can't stand the arrangements of some classic showtunes in her solo album JUST IN TIME.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
I'm a fan and I like her Jule Styne album, but I think she sounds kinda zombie-like on Sunset Blvd.
Kuhn's not on the She Loves Me cast recording, so I'm sad I never got a chance to hear her in the role.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/04
I'd agree that Kuhn's version is definitive.... but I love Murney's version of the song, save for that awkward high note she hits (which I think is optional, anyway). I also enjoy Menzel's version, especially the riff she does in place of the high note.
She's the one and only Florence and her version of this song is the best that is, was and ever will be.
And I'm a Menzel fan, too
"She's the one and only Florence and her version of this song is the best that is, was and ever will be."
I couldn't have said it better myself. Judy Kuhn is brilliant. I hope she comes back to Broadway soon.
Judy's version is and has always been my favourite, although Elaine Paige's isn't far behind. Never understood why everyone seems to praise Murney's & Menzel's...there just not as good to me I suppose!
And I'm with WAT...I certainly hope Ms. Kuhn comes back soon! Saw her in Les Mis about a year ago and will never forget it! Wonderful performer!
Judy's version is and has always been my favourite, although Elaine Paige's isn't far behind. Never understood why everyone seems to praise Murney's & Menzel's...there just not as good to me I suppose!
And I'm with WAT...I certainly hope Ms. Kuhn comes back soon! Saw her in Les Mis about a year ago and will never forget it! Wonderful performer!
I've always loved the Kuhn version. Live, however, the best I've seen was an actress named Susie McMonigle (I think that's the spelling) in a Chicago production at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. The staging and the performance combined to hit it out of the park.
Broadway Star Joined: 2/21/07
I saw her in She Loves Me, and also her replacement Diane Fratantoni. Fratantoni was excellent. Kuhn was better.
She has given stellar performances on Broadway in roles originated by both Elaine Paige and Barbara Cook. She has the most versatile voice around.
I've always preferred Julia Murney's version, although Kuhn is also fabulous.
Her and Elaine Paige (I think she starts out stronger) give equally great renditions, IMO. I definitely prefer Menzel's to Murney's however.
Ray, do you not like Kuhn's version of "You'll Never Get Away From Me"? Cause although it's very different, I really enjoy it. Also, my favorite song she's sung is "I Don't Know How To Love Him" in the Andrew Lloyd Webber Love Trio with Audra McDonald and Marin Mazzie.
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/3/05
Love Judy Kuhn's, but my favorite will always be Julia Murney's.
To me, Paige captures the definite performance. Her vocals remain unparalleled, though Kuhn is a very close second. But the best live performance I've seen of the song was Judy McLane. She literally stopped the show with that song when I saw it. I will never forget that mind-boggling performance.
Honestly, I've never understood why people go ga-ga over Murney's performance unless it is perhaps the first time they ever heard the song.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
I'm more concerned with her linebacker shoulders.
Jewishboy, I particularly dislike her rendition of "You'll Never Get Away from Me," especially the arrangement, much more than the actual vocals.
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