Lauren or Raquel?

A new topic! Thrilling! I saw Raq, Betty, and (for free:) Debbie Reynolds. Truth be told, Debbie -- the least glamourous or quirky -- was the most believable as a newswoman, and had the requisite musical comedy skills to bring off the demands. They rechoreographed it for her, and added a ballad, and frankly, though lacking eccentric presence, she was very winning. Welsh was a successful stunt -- Ken Mandlebaum calls it the most overrated performance of that past twenty years, and I agree. But she worked the audience, and looked incredible. Bacall's work is accurately captured on the CD. It's not just that she's no singer -- we'd accept that. But she sings as if she IS a singer, which results in that strangulated sound. God-DAMN-it! I! AMMMM! The wo-MAN! OF! the! YEEEEEEEAR! I still think the score has many charms, not the least of which is sounding like, well, a broadway musical. Just play the overture.

---

Updated On: 6/11/04 at 09:17 AM

I remember that Applause was taped for television in the '70s (I think) and it was amazing - I fell in love with it then. I might even put "But Alive" in my cabaret act!

---

I love the story about Ethel Merman going along to Woman Of The Year. When Lauren got to that point in the song and 'sang' ...
'I'm the woooommmaaaaaannnnnn of the year!' Merman reportedly let out a very audible 'Jesus Christ!'. This from a very reliable source.

Welcome to the theatre, my dear, you'll love it so.....

---

I've never seen Lypsinka do it - but its a great idea. and now you have that image of Merman watching Bacall in my head - OY!

did you catch Girls will be Girls? ( I think that was the title) = what a bizarre little indy film - starring Coco Peru, Varla Jean Merman and another who's name escapes me - funny but VERY strange...

---