Barbara Cook's Performance Tonight A Real Winner (baby spoiler)

[do_re_milla]

Posted: 6/3/04 at 11:39pm

She changed the opening no to 1 that pokes a little fun at Mitzi Newhouse a/la Sondheim. The audience was putty in her hands. The rest of the song list is the same & performed with imagination, adroitness, depth & wit. I prefer this theatre to the larger 1, not only because of its intimacy, but in addition the curtains in the backdrop are a golden yellow that change to other colors under the lights that are equally flattering to Barbara's coloring. The whole ambiance was more inviting to this type of show.

It was fascinating to witness the playfulness btwn Cook & Harper when Babs went up on her lyrics, & then later when there was some confusion about what the song order was when Barbara started her patter for 1 song & Wally began a different 1. Wally was gently reminding her that she was out of order. Barbara switched gears, ready to make the adjustment, when Wally realized that indeed, Barbara was right. She turned to the audience with an adorably impish look that must have matched her ingenue days.

I sat on the front row with my music director Paul Trueblood & must have had a major glow encircling me, because after the opening number Barbara came over to me, reached out her hands and took mine & greeted me. In case you haven't been able to tell, this Barbara is my idol! Well, no matter how much performance experience 1 has, when Barbara Cook walks over to you & acknowledges your presence, you melt. I did just that w/a little hyperventilation thrown in.

In addition to watching/listening to Barbara, I had almost as much fun catching quick peeks at the rest of the audience's faces. By the end of the evening, we could have all lit up the entire Upper West Side of Manhattan.

After the show, Paul & I went backstage for a quick hello to Barbara & Wally Harper. Both were very gracious. I was kvelling! I confessed that every performance was like a master class for me with new discoveries ea. time.

Am seeing the show again tomorrow night. The nice fellows in the box office are old pals by now, I've seen her show so many times. I'm sure I'll see it yet again after tomorrow night.

Milla, in after glow Updated On: 6/3/04 at 11:39 PM

Posted: 6/3/04 at 11:44pm

Barbara's a gem, most definitely.

Just this evening I was listening to her new recording, BARBARA COOK'S BROADWAY which was recorded live at Lincoln Center back in April.

She is simply terrific, and always makes one feel great after spending time w/her.

Good to hear your comments.

Jose' Updated On: 6/3/04 at 11:44 PM

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/3/04 at 11:46pm

I saw her show twice. It is a magical show by a true legend.
It was my favorite show this year.
Lincoln Center is having a great year. All winners!
(Went to the first dress rehearsal and then again a few months ago)
Barbara Cook is a magnificent performer.
Updated On: 6/3/04 at 11:46 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 7:56am

I wish I could take all of you back to that magical production of SHOWBOAT that Barbara Cook did 'way back in the early 70's. Barbara's angelic voice has bever been topped in the role of Magnolia--and she played her own guitar! The rest of the cast was equally incredible: Stephen Douglass, Constance Towers, David Wayne, Margaret Hamilton, William Warfield, Rosetta LeNoir, Allyn Ann McLearie. The set featured a showboat that spun around and glided about the stage as though guided by wizards. Oh, what a memory!

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 11:19am

I think I went to that production but was just a baby. Updated On: 6/4/04 at 11:19 AM

[Jack42]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 11:23am

Is this like the time that you said Josh Mostel was your playmate?

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 11:28am

Jack-
We grew up in the same building and we did hang out. Do I really care what you think? NO.

[Jack42]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 11:33am

And yet you posted.

Given your age differences, I though we covered that it was just about an impossibility. But that's ok, Corine. Live your dream. There's a fine, fine line.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 6/4/04 at 12:30pm

stop it Girls - you're both pretty