Cynthia Erivo on Stephen Colbert tonight...- Page 2

[AC126748]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 8:46am

I've been going to professional theater since I was in diapers and I can say without hyperbole that Erivo's is the greatest musical theater performance I've ever seen. This clip just drives that point further home. What she can do with just her voice -- no sets, no costumes, and no context -- is extraordinary. I hope she's come to like New York and decides to be a frequent visitor to our stages.

[stlrod]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 8:46am

She did not sit with Colbert.  Watch for the band member who takes a photo of the audience standing. 

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 9:08am

@z5 said: "It was the band from the actual show.

 

"

 

Only partially. Several of those musicians currently sit with other orchestras on and off Broadway. They were just hired for this performance. 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 9:35am

STUNNING!!!! Felt a little rushed, but her emotion in this song is unlike anyone else that has sung this. And that (20 piece?) orchestra backing her!?!?! Beautiful!

[RW3]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 9:45am

I really hope she stays in New York after her "Color Purple" run is finished because I don't want her to leave.

[Jshan05]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 10:36am

Good gracious that performances was stunning. Going back to see The Color Purple next month and absolutely stoked to witness this breathtaking performance yet again!

[Valentina3]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 10:45am

It makes me smile to read these YouTube comments. Some of these uninitiated folks getting inspired to hopefully come to the theater and experience the magic of live theater. That's what TV exposure does. Hamilton's doing a great job of bringing a new generation inside the theaters just by sheer overload in media, and I really hope Color Purple benefits from this performance. JHud's departure is very palpable in the box office numbers of late.

[indytallguy]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 12:05pm

PalJoey said: "What a positive, life-affirming way to start my day."

Yes!  It also is a testament to what a well-constructed song this is.

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 12:13pm

I just - is there words for this level of performance? Is there an award big enough to encompass the mass talent this woman has and the way she delivers this gorgeous and stunning ballad of self acceptance? I don't think there is and I wish there was. But, my god - I will never forget standing in standing room watching her pour every ounce of herself into this song (while I sobbed) and when she got to the verse of "I'm beautiful" and everyone in my general area said - "Yes, yes you are". That audience and Broadway as a whole are sharing in a moment. This lady becoming a star.

[RW3]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 12:23pm

I can't stop replaying it.

[Tag]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 12:25pm

I still think Jennifer Hudson does the definitive version of this song (see her Kennedy Centre Oprah performance) but of course Erivo is very good.

[phan24]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 12:26pm

She keeps me making me come back, soon for the 5th time, my wallet is not happy!

Updated On: 5/24/16 at 12:26 PM

[indytallguy]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 2:42pm

Tag said: "I still think Jennifer Hudson does the definitive version of this song (see her Kennedy Centre Oprah performance) but of course Erivo is very good."

I like JHud's a lot, but will never forgive the Kennedy Center for interrupting it with the voiceover to introduce the chorus backing her. Talk about ruining the moment.

Updated On: 5/24/16 at 02:42 PM

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 6:00pm

I've honestly listened to this 20 times today. Would have been more, but i do have things to do.

[AngusN]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 6:20pm

Personally I think Fantasia's version is better than Cynthia's and JHud's, I don't think anyone can emote the lyrics more authentically; her version is heartbreaking. 

https://youtu.be/HIbgFc9TLaY

[jonlow09]

Posted: 5/24/16 at 7:38pm

AngusN said: "Personally I think Fantasia's version is better than Cynthia's and JHud's, I don't think anyone can emote the lyrics more authentically; her version is heartbreaking. 

https://youtu.be/HIbgFc9TLaY

"

In terms of an in concert performance, I agree that Faantasia's is the strongest. However, in the context of the show, I think Cynthia is untouchable. Seeing those words come out of her mouth in the context of the show as she's on Celie's journey is just gloriously authentic and grounded. Fantasia was a little more grandiose. Still phenomenal, but more indulgent which made for perfect performances at the Tony's, American Idol, and Oprah.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/31/16 at 10:56am

I think it's amazing that this video has gained 127,000+ views already in just a week. Erivo definitely has star power & I can only imagine this performance will boost ticket sales & a Tony win for Ervio will boost them even further.