50 Percent from Ballroom

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50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:21pm

Who else thinks this is one of the most brilliant, heartbreaking musical theatre songs every written? Especially when delivered by the wonderful Dorothy Loudon. I always thought this song would be great when done from the perspective of a gay man.

Updated On: 8/29/05 at 05:21 PM

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:26pm

I've sang this at piano bars before. It's the best song in the entire score not to mention one of the best in Musical Theatre. I wish that I had seen this show when it was running. Dorothy Loudon is tops and her presence is greatly missed.

"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds." ~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:27pm

I so relate to this song, it isn't even funny.

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:29pm

One of the greatest songs to ever be written. Such depth and meaning. I adore. Everytime I listen to it I miss Dorothy. Bless you my dear. I'm glad to finally get a post about a REAL musical song. Thank you BobbyBubby. You are my hero!

"You look like a Christmas tree with a drinking problem!" - MEMPHIS

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:29pm

Me too Robert darling. Let's just hold each other and cry on one another's shoulder.

Another thing I love about this song is that it can be played a few different ways. I personally prefer the positive side of it and not the 'woe is me' side.

Updated On: 8/29/05 at 05:29 PM

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:29pm

I think Dorothy Loudon's version is great. I think the song works because of her interpretation. I've heard others try to do it and they don't seem to get the song right. I think Loudon was able to infuse it with desperation and longing that others haven't captured.

If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:31pm

I agree WonderBoy. I would love to hear you do it. It is a great addition to any powerful evening of music.

"You look like a Christmas tree with a drinking problem!" - MEMPHIS

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:34pm

This song affects me in different ways each time I listen too it. Sometimes I feel like so confident after listening, and sometimes I feel like a big old puddle of tears. God I love songs like that!

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:35pm

Me too. It's kinda like "Old Friend" from I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER AND TAKING IT ON THE ROAD.

#10

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:36pm

Same here! There are few composers who know how or choose to write songs like that anymore. It's too bad!

"You look like a Christmas tree with a drinking problem!" - MEMPHIS

#11

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:38pm

I saw video clips of both Dorothy Loudon and Bea Arthur doing this song. Both were extraordinary. I was a mess afterwards.

"I'm so looking forward to a time when all the Reagan Democrats are dead."

#12

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:41pm

Have I told you lately that I love you Wonderboy. Old Friend also turns me to mush!

#13

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:42pm

I love 50 PERCENT and Dorothy Loudon...

However this song has now been tainted in my head because I saw THE BLONDE IN THE THUNDERBIRD and Suzanne Somers tried to belt it out but miserably failed!

I have a new found love of Dorthoy Loudon and the song. I also think her version of "A terrific band and A real nice crowd" is sublime. When she belts out the line "That isn't the Matterhorn its only a flight of stairs" I cry every time!

"It's like children's theatre for 40-year old gay people!" - XANADU THE MUSICAL

Updated On: 8/29/05 at 05:42 PM

#14

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:42pm

I too must say you are one on my Fav. people today wonderboy! :)

"You look like a Christmas tree with a drinking problem!" - MEMPHIS

#15

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:44pm

I'm trying to forget that Somers put her dirty hands on this sacred song!

Updated On: 8/29/05 at 05:44 PM

#16

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:56pm

Awwwwhhhhh aren't you all just so sweet! Love back to ya babe(s)!
I didn't get to see TBINTB but the thought of Miss Somers doing "Fiftey Percent" kinda cracks me up a bit! Poor dear!

#17

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 5:58pm

That is too bad. Hey WonderBoy - arent we gonna launch a broadway production of Best Little Whorehouse?

"You look like a Christmas tree with a drinking problem!" - MEMPHIS

#18

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 6:02pm

I remember hearing about a year ago that Babs Streisand was trying to cook up a film of "Ballroom"....I'm assuming it didn't work out.

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” ~ Muhammad Ali

#19

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 6:03pm

Are you serious? Babs in Ballroom? Hot.

#20

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 6:09pm

excuse me while i ask a totally stupid question (im relatively new to musical theatre, so) where can i find this song? i looked on amazon and cant seem to find the ballroom cast recording or anything. if anyone can help a poor musical deprived child out, thatd be great. just PM me. thanks!

Bob: "there is a chance, albeit a microscopic one, that our baby at some point in his or her formative years will get lodged in a tree" ~Related~

#21

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 6:12pm

Here is the Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000025FD/qid=1125353527/sr=8-3/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i3_xgl15/102-3464599-5201725?v=glance&s=classical&n=507846

#22

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 6:13pm

oh, ok, thanks! i was looking in popular music..thats why it didnt come up. thanks again!

Bob: "there is a chance, albeit a microscopic one, that our baby at some point in his or her formative years will get lodged in a tree" ~Related~

#23

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 6:30pm

I love the song too.. I saw Tyne Daly do the role in the West Coast production... She was a little angier than Loudon...
If you get a change check out Broadway's Leading Ladies DVD and CD Loudon sing the entire song.. not the abriviated version on the cast recording

Follow the Fellow who Follows a Dream...

#24

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 6:54pm

I love Loudon's 50 percent on the Leading Ladies Dvd. My heart breaks when her voice goes out. God I miss her being around. What a uinque talent. I would have killed to see her Mrs Lovett (though I was 2 at the time).

#25

re: 50 Percent from Ballroom

Posted: 8/29/05 at 7:28pm

The musical was "redeveloped" in 2001 and produced in chicago. The link takes you to the review. They called the show "QUEEN OF THE STARDUST BALLROOM" the actual title of the TV movie it's based on. I have the DVD of the TV movie and it is pretty good. Most of the songs were changed or made new for the broadway production.

Did anyone see it in Chicago??
Chicago Review

"It's like children's theatre for 40-year old gay people!" - XANADU THE MUSICAL

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