Audience's reaction to 'AND I AM TELLING YOU...'

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=677131#1711113

Margo's post, toward the middle of the page.

If you scroll down a little, you'll see Margo's amazing retelling of the audience's reaction when Jenniffer Holliday did this number back in the 80s. I have always been immensely touched by Margo's story of this event, it only emphasizes that nothing can compare to the magic of the stage, nothing!

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Wow. Thanks.

This is a wonderful question!

I saw Roz Ryan perform the role of Effie Melody White in August, 1984 in the front row at The Imperial. I still remember that seat every time I go into The Imperial.

Roz's performance was compelling. People applauded several times during the number, but when the time came for her to finish the aria and be pulled upstage, nearly everyone was one their feet. People stomped the floor with their feet, and in the mezzanine, they were yelling for Roz! It was the most house-quaking moment I have ever experienced in twenty years of attending Broadway shows.

I am certain that this is the level of thrill that Ethel Merman's audiences must have felt when they saw the legend come down the asile at Gypsy or down the stairs in Hello Dolly.

Great Discusssion starter.

Who is playing Effie in the movie?

I wish that we could see Lillias White perform Effie live in New York!
Let's Name A Theater For Ethel Merman

I keep reading about how Bennett's staging was so amazing and all that, specifically in this number. Could someone explain to me the staging of this number (here or PM)? Thanks!

It's delivered to Curtis until he walks out (right before the "Tear down the mountains part," I believe). She finishes the song mostly towards the audience. On her final "me" the platform she was on was whisked upstage as a curtain descended and the Dreams marched out in front of her, performing "Love, Love You, Baby" in Vegas.

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I'm anxiously awaiting the St Louis Black Rep's production in the spring.

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If only we could get the Tony clip on an upcoming Lost Treasures. It's about, I want to say 9 or 10 minutes long , including the scene leading up to "And I'm Telling You..." (I could be off with the timing, but it is quite extensive). Though I never had the privilege of seeing her perform the number live, I can say that her powerhouse had me exhausted by the end (in a good way). A cathartic moment and like it was said earlier, brilliantly staged.

Updated On: 12/31/05 at 10:44 PM