Elaine Stritch "Singin Sondheim" in CT - Lyric Troubles

[PeteGonBway]

Posted: 6/19/10 at 2:03am

I saw Elaine Stritch do her "Singin' Sondheim - One Song At A Time" show last night in Hartford, CT. This was my second time seeing her live, after seeing "At Liberty" back in 2008. "At Liberty" was a power house! I remember being amazed at how she still had it at her age. ("At Liberty" being a 2 hour +, 2 act show... "Singin Sondheim" an 80 minute, no intermission show) After seeing her again last night, I cannot say that this time around. I have to say - and I am by no means trashing her - but it was obvious to everyone there that her memory is not what it was. She simply could not remember lyrics. It was uncomfortable, because the audience was full of such supporting and loving fans, that you wanted her to pull through so badly, but she kept bombing, and having to restart the song or get the lyrics from the pianist. This happened in almost EVERY number she did. Honestly, it was heartbreaking to see a performer, such as her, who has so much passion for her craft forget so much. One guy behind me whispered "This is so sad" when she lost the lyrics to "The Little Things You Do Together"... a song she's been singing for years. It didn't make me, or anyone around me for that matter, enjoy the show any less... it just makes you think - is she going to be able to manage 8 shows a week in ALNM? Are they going to have to give her an ear piece? I'm happy to see her still working, and it was a joy to see her live for a second time... but I almost wish I hadn't. I wish I could have been left with the memory of after I saw her do "At Liberty". So on, and so amazing.



Updated On: 6/19/10 at 02:03 AM

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 6/19/10 at 2:09am

I think she'll be fine. I imagine learning a new show and doing this concert was a bit much for her but at least she honored obligations made prior to her Night Music casting.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/19/10 at 2:11am

It took Angela over a month of performances (if not more) to get all of her lines and lyrics down. She also refused an ear piece. I think Stritch will be ok. She was fine in Full Monty last summer!
Updated On: 6/19/10 at 02:11 AM

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 6/19/10 at 2:13am

I think the stage manager should be behind a tree and Stritch should yell "Ole!" if she forgets a line.

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 6/19/10 at 7:25am

A friend of mine saw Elaine Stritch in the Hartford show and just loved it, not even mentioning her forgetting some of the lyrics. She further told me that Elaine sort of bemoaned the fact that she had never been offered the role of Mama Rose just prior to ending her show with "Rose's Turn". I'm not sure I can see her as Rose, but it might have been nice to have her try it several years ago. She surely IS a trouper. I knew she was someone special back in 1958 when I saw her starring in GOLDILOCKS. Her acerbic wit was well in place way back then, as was her distinctive singing style.

[wonkit]

Posted: 6/19/10 at 9:01am

I think that singing songs (especially Sondheim songs that are so word-y) out of context for 80 minutes has to be a mental trial for any singer. Ever notice the lyric teleprompters that bands use? It's not so much forgetting the words as remembering WHERE in the song you are - which is why Angela occasionally blew a lyric in "Liaisons." Stritch will be just fine in ALNM - I'm sure.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 6/19/10 at 10:40am

Years ago, Stritch would have made a very interesting Rose.

[Edna Turnblad]

Posted: 6/19/10 at 11:22am

I thought it was said before previews started that Angela wore an ear piece? Did I remember it wrong? I don't think she ever used it, but I thought she wore it. Maybe I'm thinking of Blithe Spirit. I remember reading an article, but I don't remember exactly what it said.

[Edna Turnblad]

Posted: 6/19/10 at 11:24am

Ah, never your minds; I found it. It was a New York Times article, and it was just said that she used one in Blithe Spirit, making no mention of her using one in Night Music. I fixed myself.

[wiggum2]

Posted: 6/20/10 at 4:03pm

I saw this show last night. Elaine did mess up a few times but thank god for her pianist! He was so patient with her and I loved his reactions to what was going on! You really did want to hug her and tell her it was ok. Trevor Nunn was there, I wonder if he is worried now. I think she will be fine when she has only one thing to concentrate on.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 6/20/10 at 4:22pm

Maybe Trevor Nunn being there is what threw her off. Never know. After seeing the Company documentary, it's clear she can get frazzled about lyrics and delivery. I wish her all the best in ALNM!

[iflip4musicals]

Posted: 6/20/10 at 5:05pm

It could have been Blithe Spirit too, but I think the article you're thinking about was for Deuce.