Barbara Cook: Glitter and Be Essential
#2
Posted: 11/21/09 at 4:15pm
The NY Times's Charles Isherwood writes in glowing terms of the excellence of Barbara Cook. I was present at her first Broadway show, FLAHOOLEY, during its Philadelphia try-out in 1951--my first theatrical experience. I missed THE MUSIC MAN, but saw the final performance of SHE LOVES ME(1963). I always loved her voice and missed her during her inactive period of several years. Then I heard that she was giving a concert at Carnegie Hall in 1975. I jumped at the chance and was rewarded by her sublime singing. I especially enjoyed the extended version of "My White Knight" from THE MUSIC MAN. (I could never understand why that song was cut from the otherwise fine film of THE MUSIC MAN). Barbara Cook is a national treasure, IMO.
"Madam Rose...and her daughter...Gypsy!"
#3
Posted: 11/21/09 at 4:26pm
Oh, what wonderful memories you have, Gypsy9! It's posts like yours that keep me coming back!
I'm curious if you have seen her performance in CARRIE? It is available to view online and it is her last stage appearance in a musical. I've linked to it, in case you wish to compare her final stage performance (SO FAR! SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM is soon!) to her first, which you had the distinct pleasure of experiencing. Enjoy.
P
CARRIE
I'm curious if you have seen her performance in CARRIE? It is available to view online and it is her last stage appearance in a musical. I've linked to it, in case you wish to compare her final stage performance (SO FAR! SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM is soon!) to her first, which you had the distinct pleasure of experiencing. Enjoy.
P
CARRIE
#4
Posted: 11/21/09 at 5:03pm
Pgenre: Thank you for your thoughts. My Philadelphia aunt introduced me to theatre and would take me to see a play or musical every spring when I visited her. I forgot to mention that I also saw Barbara Cook in the pre-Broadway PLAIN AND FANCY(1955).
I can't say that I specifically remember Barbara Cook in FLAHOOLEY. I was 10 years old at the time and was generally enjoying myself, especially the marionettes that were a part of the show. I do remember her in PLAIN AND FANCY and liking her singing.
I appreciate your providing a link to CARRIE, but frankly I became bored after about 10 minutes. I think Barbara Cook was right in walking away from the production when it was in England, I believe.
I can't say that I specifically remember Barbara Cook in FLAHOOLEY. I was 10 years old at the time and was generally enjoying myself, especially the marionettes that were a part of the show. I do remember her in PLAIN AND FANCY and liking her singing.
I appreciate your providing a link to CARRIE, but frankly I became bored after about 10 minutes. I think Barbara Cook was right in walking away from the production when it was in England, I believe.
"Madam Rose...and her daughter...Gypsy!"
#5
Posted: 11/21/09 at 5:47pm
I love Plain and Fancy. It's nothing super special but the score is pleasant enough and Cook's songs are quite lovely.
#6
Posted: 11/22/09 at 8:50am
One specific thing I do remember about PLAIN AND FANCY was the building of a barn right on stage, with all the actors taking part in the building. It only took them a few minutes. Another plus is from the score: "Young and Foolish", sung by the two lovers; I think that is one of the best showtunes ever. The music was by Albert Hague, who some may remember as an aging teacher on the TV show FAME years ago.
"Madam Rose...and her daughter...Gypsy!"
#7
Posted: 11/22/09 at 8:51am
There are two really beautiful songs in "Plain and Fancy": "Young and Foolish," and "Follow Your Heart." I also like the comic "You Can't Miss It."
I agree about Barbara Cook's being a wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles. I was fortunate to see her in "The Gay Life" and "The Grass Harp." And she gave a winning comic performance in "Any Wednesday," a truly delightful play.
I agree about Barbara Cook's being a wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles. I was fortunate to see her in "The Gay Life" and "The Grass Harp." And she gave a winning comic performance in "Any Wednesday," a truly delightful play.
#8
Posted: 11/22/09 at 4:56pm
Ms. Cook's solo show a few years ago toured, and I was able to see it in LA. The most arresting moment was when she returned for her encore, and stood without a mic and filled the barn-o'-barns Ahmanson Theatre with a sotto voce version of "Anyone Can Whistle", which was virtually a cappella, the arrangement was so sparse. Her abilities to hunker down into a lyric, pull it apart in her thought-process and reconfigure it with depth and clarity is not only a tribute to her voice, her phrasing, her empathic nature, but the kind of wise-singing we rarely get to experience in these days of Whine and Noses.
#9
Posted: 11/22/09 at 5:04pm
Yes, Cook is a diva in the true sense of the word, an unparalleled talent at the top of her field.
I shall never forget the finale of the Sondheim concert at Westport a few years ago when, after a night of spine-tingling performances in that tiny theatre by Patti LuPone, Kristin Chenowith and Laura Benanti, Miss Cook performed her signature "Anyone Can Whistle" as the other ladies, luminaries of the stage in their own right, watched on with visible awe and joy. Or better yet, at the Sondheim Celebration concert at Avery Fisher Hall when she took the stage and performed acapella the same song directly to Steve. Two vastly different venues in size and scope, yet she imparted to the audience the same emotional revelation through her masterful and exquisite performances.
Joy is what Miss Cook imbues anything she sings with - that, and so much more. And joy and awe is what she leaves us with to remember and cherish forever.
Here's to a true talent!
P
I shall never forget the finale of the Sondheim concert at Westport a few years ago when, after a night of spine-tingling performances in that tiny theatre by Patti LuPone, Kristin Chenowith and Laura Benanti, Miss Cook performed her signature "Anyone Can Whistle" as the other ladies, luminaries of the stage in their own right, watched on with visible awe and joy. Or better yet, at the Sondheim Celebration concert at Avery Fisher Hall when she took the stage and performed acapella the same song directly to Steve. Two vastly different venues in size and scope, yet she imparted to the audience the same emotional revelation through her masterful and exquisite performances.
Joy is what Miss Cook imbues anything she sings with - that, and so much more. And joy and awe is what she leaves us with to remember and cherish forever.
Here's to a true talent!
P
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