1 performer for 1 song
#01 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/26/04 at 1:22pm
After venting on the irritating voices post, I started to think:
Are there certain songs that should only be sung by 1 particular performer (or equally talented performer)? I ask b/c I was quite unhappy with Vanessa Williams' version of "Any Place I Hang My Hat is Home", which has been sung by both Barbara Streisand and Audra McDonald (to name 2 great performers, in my opinion anyways). Please forgive me if I come off sorta snobish in this post.
#1re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/26/04 at 1:30pm
New York, New York, should have been left to Liza. I hate what Frank did with it and yet, that's the version that's been pushed to the masses.
No one should ever sing Over the Rainbow now that Judy can't - ever.
#2re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/26/04 at 1:59pmSutton Foster and "Gimme Gimme." It was written because of her.
#3re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/26/04 at 2:00pmNo one can even touch Bernadette's 'Last Midnight'
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
#4re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/26/04 at 2:02pm
I'm listening to that RIGHT NOW! And I absolutely agree.
I would also say Carolee Carmello's "You Don't Know this Man" should be left to her. Audra's was good, but not anywhere near Carolee's version.
Lori
Featured Actor Joined: 9/8/03
#5re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/26/04 at 2:47pm"Love Changes Everything"...Michael Ball. I'm not sure, did the person(s)who understudied him in the West End or on Broadway even hit the B-flat at the end? I've heard several covers of this song (including one by Sarah Brightman) and they were all awful compared to MB's.
#6re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/26/04 at 3:17pmElaine Strich -- Here's to the Ladies who Lunch
#7re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/26/04 at 3:22pmI heard, i believe it was Elaine Page sing Love Changes Everything, wasnt my cup of tea.
BWayBoy88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/23/04
#8re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:00am
"Sutton Foster and "Gimme Gimme." It was written because of her."
I dont think it was written for her because she was originally the understudy. Unless they wrote it inbetween the Broadway and La Jolla productions, in which case ignore this whole post.
judy_in_disguise
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/31/04
#9re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:03am
Over the Rainbow belongs to Judy. No one else gets it. Not professionally anyway.
Cabaret should be left to Liza.
Don't Rain on My Parade should be Barbra's forever.
And Everything's Coming Up Roses will forever be Miss Merman's.
Oh! And I know it wasn't her's first, but Sound of Music belongs to Julie.
And Moon River should never be done by anyone but Audrey. It was so plain and innocent, no one else could capture it like that.
Updated On: 7/27/04 at 12:03 AM
#10re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:04am
"And Everything's Coming Up Roses will forever be Miss Merman's"
Judy, I love you, but no.
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
#11re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:06amSOMEWHERE THAT'S GREEN should ever only be sung by Miss Ellen Greene. Anyone else singing it makes me sick. Physically sick. Just thinking about it right now I think I'm gonna hurl. BRB
judy_in_disguise
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/31/04
#12re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:08am
I know she's Merman, and that's not exactly the best thing in the world, but I just can't picture anyone else touching that song.
Basically anything that was a star vehicle should be left alone. If it was legend-building, it's silly to mess with the legend.
I will sing Over the Rainbow till the day I die. But I will never record it. It's hers. I only sing it as a tribute
AnothaPartofMe
Broadway Star Joined: 5/22/04
#13re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:09amMaybe not one peformer on this song-- but Liza's "Some People" from GYPSY is phenomenal. How great would her Mamma Rose be???
#14re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:09am
'Anything Goes' can be Merman's
But not "Roses"
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
#15re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:11am
Is it too soon to say Tonya and "Lot's Wife" ?
And also, "Worst Pies in London" belongs to Angela Lansbury.
I second Stritch and "Ladies Who Lunch".
-d.b.j-
BWayBoy88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/23/04
#16re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:14amAs much as Merman will be remembered for Rose, I dont think she owns the part. There have been a lof of other very talented people who have taken on that role and done a great job.
#17re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:15amIt is too early for "Lot's Wife" because I saw her understudy sing it and she did give Tonya a run for her money. Plus, I would like to see Jennifer Holiday and even Mary Bond Davis have a go at it.
BWayBoy88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/23/04
#18re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:20amI think " Lots Wife" along with "Rose's Turn" is amazing no matter who sings it. As long as the actress can sing and is a good actress, the song will be amazing.
#19re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:25am
"SOMEWHERE THAT'S GREEN should ever only be sung by Miss Ellen Greene."
I'm sorry, but I don't particularly care for Ellen's Audrey character voice. I feel like telling her, "Just belt it, woman!" Her high notes just sound...*shudders*. There are no words. Suddenly Seymour is one of my aboslute favorite songs, and I can barely get through it when she's singing! Nothing personal, though, Matt! :)
#20re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:27am*feeling weak. Must rest. Suddenly so cold. So very cold.
#21re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:31am
Matt_G, my darling, I agree with you. But, I think everything in Little Shop should be Ellen's. Maybe I'm biased.
Why am I the only one who enjoyed Patti LuPone more than Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett?
#22re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:32amCATS's liked Patti more than Angela too
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
BWayBoy88
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/23/04
#23re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:33amOMG! Ive never heard anyone say they dont like Ellen Greene. She IS Audrey. That is her role and will forever be her role. Please dont tell me you like Kerry Butlers butchered attempt at that part more than Ellen's.
#24re: 1 performer for 1 song
Posted: 7/27/04 at 12:33amNo no no. You're right. Nobody else should ever have the right to play that part. Anyone else who tries should be fined and jailed.
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