Favorite performance of Rose's Turn

I know that this is a tired topic, but considering that the only thread I found with Rose's Turn as the subject heading was made back in 2006, I felt that nobody would mind if I made another thread about this topic now that Patti got to play Rose.

I was watching youtube and out of boredom, I decided to seek out different versions of Rose's Turn that's out there, and I really can't decide on a favorite anymore. On Youtube, I saw Rosalind Russell, Angela Lansbury (only partial clip), Tyne Daly, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, and Patti Lupone. The closest performance that I found of Ethel Merman was a well-edited version of Rosalind Russell's "Rose's Turn" being dubbed by Ethel on the OBCR.

I was interested in hearing everyone's opinion on who they felt gave the best or at least their favorite interpretation of Rose's Turn and see if they can rank the performances.

BTW, are we allowed to post the links to the youtube videos or is that prohibited on this board? I'm never sure of the rules regarding youtube on this board because even though the guidelines says they're prohibited, I see them posted all the time.

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I can see that.

I just love how they keep trying though, and we've gotten some really interesting and fantastic versions both in singing and performance and acting of the song because of it.

I think Rosalind Russell and Bernadette Peters were the LEAST Merman of all the Roses. What do you think?

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The incomperable Patti LuPone delivers a Rose's Turn in a league all it's own. I love all of the wondreful women who have brought life to Momma Rose. However, the power that Patti radiates from the stage during her performance is unmatched.

I think Angela Lansbury definitely has my favorite "Together Wherever We Go." The part where she breaks it down and dances like a maniac and does those high kicks just amazed me.

I can't help but have a soft spot for Karl Madden, Natalie Wood, and Rosalind Russell being so playful in the cut scene with all three probably knowing how bad their voices were for the song.

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Although I saw Patti front row center, I cannot stand her voice. Betty Buckley's was great, and Ethel Merman's was also. I love Bernadette's voice, but she was miscast as Rose.

It is possible to like Bernadette and Patti. I don't, but it's definitely possible. :)

She doesn't so much as botch the lyrics as she rewrites them.

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Updated On: 10/24/08 at 09:51 AM

Angela Lansbury without a dougbt. She had me in tears.

Merman was great but she had me shuddering at her bravada.

I've seen every Rose but Merman either live or on film. Of those, it is certainly LuPone's. It runs the gamot of every emotion from A to Z. Brantley's review describes it best.

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Where did you ever hear Linda Lavin and Harvey Fierstein do it?!

Patti?? All she is being is herself; that is not acting. The current prod is memorable for Louise, Herbie, and June. Not Rose and not those tacky sets and cuts to the show and score. Heck, even Tulsa looks homely.

You cannot beat Ethel. Period. Angela is a close second and as usual a class act.

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I believe Lisa Kirk dubbed Roz Russell's Rose.

QUESTION: I know Patti has said that she was able to deconstruct 'Rose's Turn' for this production and was curious about the moment right before "I dreamed it for you June."

Patti sings "I had a dream" and picks up the smock and bundles it up and cradles it like a baby right before throwing it off to the side when she hits "JUNE". Is this a Patti thing? or is it part of the role and others have done it as well?