I simply don't know why Donna Murphy isn't held in the same esteem as the many other current ladies of reknown (Kristin Cheno, Patti Lupone, Audra MacDonald, Sutton Foster, Kelli O'Hara, et al.) Okay, okay, so her voice can occasionally be pitchy (yet reads as real, untutored) but she is simply the greatest actress in the musical theatre today (miles ahead of the pack). Who can flow from the sumptuous and oppressive romanticism of Fosca to the pert, determined and spirited Anna Leonowens to the snappy moxy of Ruth in this clip. Transformational. She recalls another time - when musical stars were cast because they could act, not because they could vocalize up one side of a Lloyd-Webber score and down the other side of a Stephen Schwarz power ballad. (and don't get me wrong abou the alumni above - I love Audra MacDonald's and Kelli O'Hara's voices)
I agree - I've loved her since her breakthrough as the tragic Fosca in Stephen Sondheim's PASSION. Then I saw her as Anna in THE KIND AND I and then I saw WONDERFUL TOWN at Encores! and on Broadway. Fosca, Anna, Ruth and of course she was Dolly most recently - that's called versatility! I think she would be a powerful Mama Rose for the next revival of GYPSY.
Every time I've seen her "live" -- in PASSION, PAL JOEY (Boston), WONDERFUL TOWN, LOVE MUSIK -- has been a memorable night in the theater. (Not to mention videos here on TH-cam, which only confirm her incredible versatility.)
did you see this live? its great just wish the visuals were a little clearer but other than that its wonderful just because its Donna Murphy!! lol so thanks for this
I was lucky enough to see this production live in the 90s. It was fantastic in every way.
I simply don't know why Donna Murphy isn't held in the same esteem as the many other current ladies of reknown (Kristin Cheno, Patti Lupone, Audra MacDonald, Sutton Foster, Kelli O'Hara, et al.) Okay, okay, so her voice can occasionally be pitchy (yet reads as real, untutored) but she is simply the greatest actress in the musical theatre today (miles ahead of the pack). Who can flow from the sumptuous and oppressive romanticism of Fosca to the pert, determined and spirited Anna Leonowens to the snappy moxy of Ruth in this clip. Transformational. She recalls another time - when musical stars were cast because they could act, not because they could vocalize up one side of a Lloyd-Webber score and down the other side of a Stephen Schwarz power ballad. (and don't get me wrong abou the alumni above - I love Audra MacDonald's and Kelli O'Hara's voices)
I agree - I've loved her since her breakthrough as the tragic Fosca in Stephen Sondheim's PASSION. Then I saw her as Anna in THE KIND AND I and then I saw WONDERFUL TOWN at Encores! and on Broadway. Fosca, Anna, Ruth and of course she was Dolly most recently - that's called versatility! I think she would be a powerful Mama Rose for the next revival of GYPSY.
Every time I've seen her "live" -- in PASSION, PAL JOEY (Boston), WONDERFUL TOWN, LOVE MUSIK -- has been a memorable night in the theater. (Not to mention videos here on TH-cam, which only confirm her incredible versatility.)
I just played Ruth in my schools production of Wonderful Town. Donna was really my biggest influence in getting this role correct. Love her.
She. is. perfection.
Such an under-appreciated talent.
oh. my. gosh. this is amazing!!
God, she's perfect!
did you see this live? its great just wish the visuals were a little clearer but other than that its wonderful just because its Donna Murphy!! lol so thanks for this
my sentiments EXACTLY
When was this video made?'