I really like both of them. They have different styles, but that's kind of the whole point. Bernadette Peters once said "If I'm just like everyone else then what's the need for me", I'm paraphrasing. But that's the great thing about the theater. It's all about individuality.
She's putting on a brave-face -- Julia's Florence refuses to show weakness, and so rather than look defeated and disgusted, she just smiles to mask that she DOES know how austere the words she sings are. It's the best interpretation I've seen of the song.
The changes made during the transition from the West End to Broadway nearly cut the very heart out of this musical. But if it still had a pulse, it was CLEARLY because of Julia! I remember seeing this during the Tonys. Now that I've seen it live, I REALLY didn't like Adam Pascal (I THINK that was him) as the American, but Julia SLAYED it as Florence.
I've heard other women perform this song. I think Judy Kuhn has an amazing voice, and Elaine Page had a great version... But Julia has taken over as my favorite Florence ever. She does more than just hit the notes; she hits them with an amazing amount of emotion, and she actually makes you CARE about Florence. No, she's not the conventional, light-and-airy Florence previous people have played her as, but she made the character stronger and more relatable. And her voice is gorgeous.
@Clint Craig nah that's just Julia and her wild two-speed vocal cords you're hearing, the backup vocals aren't very loud (tho the audio is pretty old, so maybe it's tougher to tell if you haven't literally been listening to this track for 15 straight years)
@MTwannaB4jesus I totally agree. It's a case of "apples and oranges" to me. I love both Idina and Julia and both, just as in "Wicked," bring something different to "Chess".
If you watch the rehearsal version of Julia it's exactly the same performance. It is incredibly difficult to replicate something this detailed and she did.
I love Idina, but what's the need to bring her up in a Julia Murney video? They are both fierce and fabulous (listen to The Wild Party and enjoy them both). That said, I adore this version, Julia absolutely kills it.
Never really liked Chess as a show but her and Judy Kuhn have convinced me to love this song only! It is sad that 17 people accidentally slipped and hit the dislike button?
I just fell in love with Chess, because I saw the recording of the Royal Albert Hall concert. I thought everyone was well cast (and I still think that), but now I see why some peope prefer Julia Murney. What a voice! Is there an entire videotake of this concert? I'd love to see the rest!
@AshleyApelzin If you watch Seths deconstruction of Julia singing Raise the Roof, you'll here the same litte riffs and accents on EVERY Raise the Roof Julia sings, even in the on stage version. She incredible!
@wickedphant0m And the sound dipped during One Night in Bangkok...yeah I don't know what's up with the sound. But the performances here were all so good that it completely makes up for it.
Thanks for the info. Not sure I can agree with you about the Elaine Paige comment (I'm a big fan, so biased!) but really like this. Think she would be a brilliant Florence if they revived Chess. Listened to few clips from Wicked also and think she is great.
@Matthew Camping... I disagree about that note. Have you ever felt like you were out on a limb by yourself; like no one really had your back? That note is filled w/the angst of being in that position. Trying to figure yourself out in the midst of it. I thought it was perfect (just me). I love when Julia does that. Like her No Good Deed where she does that crazy belt/scream at "generous"...
Oh goodness, that was a wonderfully delightful reply. I thought it might be like a fan of Idina saying "zOMG NOOO SHE IS SOOOOO MUCH BETTER AT EVERYTHING" I was almost afraid for a second.
Well I think the world will agree with me in saying that Julia does not have the most beautiful song in history. But her voice has much, much more than that. She's got maturity, but also a level of innocence, and she's got depth, her voice is powerful, yet gentle...she's a great performer and actress and singer. Even if you don't like her, or she's not your taste - she's talented.
Actor's Fund Benefit Concert, 2003. Really great show! And yes, her emotions/mannerisms/facial expressions are amazing. Far stronger than Elaine Paige's, methinks.
Don't forget she had like 2 days to prepare for this role. Not to mention, I think this is one of the best interpretations of the song. Her singing exudes the bitterness of this song.
... (my comment continued) - EP sang Nobody's Side on an empty stage (I think it works better if you see her 'friends' who are supposed to be singing along - there were 3 swivel chairs and during the orchestral break she had the odd direction (Michael Bennett) of swivelling the chairs round like a demented hamster (she's quite small). Fantastic staging, though, the whole stage was a chess board that rose up and swivelled etc.
+HappyGasProductions it so wasn't. Idina was inspiring, passionate and breathtaking. I thought her vocals were great, not to mention her acting which is absolutely incredible. Her performance of Nobody's Side totally was the climax and the best bit of the show. And - like I said - Florence is supposed to be around 30 or very late 20s, and Idina did look that age, unlike this lady here, who looks decades older. Idina's interpretation of the role was so sophisticated, she showed Florence as someone very sweet, intelligent and haunted by horrors and memories of the past. She was SO refined. This lady here, on the other hand (not to be rude or anything), shows Florence as some kind of a streetwalker which she wasn't. Well, maybe that's just her understanding of the character.
Never heard of Julia before coming across this. What a great voice and love the emotion she puts into this. What is this from? Was it a concert performance?
I knew Idina wouldn't do a great job on this. From the vids I've see it is lacking real emotion. I feel Julia's pain and anger in this. She really tells the story. Truly amazing. I love Julia Murney. She deserves to be a bigger star on Broadway.
![NOBODY'S SIDE - Julia Murney CHESS [RehearsalThe Actors' Fund of America Concert]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EUwPY1NeLq8/mqdefault.jpg)
Why is this woman not originating roles on broadway? Shes is freaking amazing.
She's done loads
This remains my favorite rendition of this. Ever.
See, THIS is how this song is supposed to be sung! I don't even care her voice can't handle some bits, this song is a TEMPER TANTRUM!
I totally agree wholeheartedly with you.
+Eter Puralis the only bit I have a problem is was at 3:02 yikes not good
+Eter Puralis the only bit I have a problem is was at 3:02 yikes not good
Paul Golden Yeah, not her strongest scream. She's nailed that note before and after, but this one was an off night.
Dan Keeley the rehearsal scream was amazing
This song never fails to move me. Whyyyy is this show hardly ever produced.
Because it is bonkers, the plot is nuts, and the show doesn't work. But the score is FIERCE.
This will forerver be enshrined as THEE gold standard of this song, Murney is so kick-ass!
She is so Freaking Amazing..
I've been watching other clips of this song and Julia's is still by far the best there is. God I love her.
Omg exactly the same... I only wish this clip was higher quality... easily the best I can find on TH-cam
So I'm guessing neither if you saw Helen Sjöholm's version because it's in Swedish
I really like both of them. They have different styles, but that's kind of the whole point. Bernadette Peters once said "If I'm just like everyone else then what's the need for me", I'm paraphrasing. But that's the great thing about the theater. It's all about individuality.
I really just wish that this cast would have an album. I think they're all phenomenal!
After years this still gives me goosebumps. Love Julia
She's putting on a brave-face -- Julia's Florence refuses to show weakness, and so rather than look defeated and disgusted, she just smiles to mask that she DOES know how austere the words she sings are.
It's the best interpretation I've seen of the song.
She's into it, and so am I.
Julia murney is one of the greatest singers! Met her 7 years ago- she is sooo talented
What do you even do with a performance this definitive?
I've seen this woman live and this video doesn't do her justice. She is amazing! Thanks for the upload anyway :)
As I posted on the rehearsal version... I would KILL for a studio version of her doing this song. She's fantastic!!!
She impresses so wonderful the feelings of Florence in that Situation.
Look at her face!... she is incredible!
I was fortunate enough to see Judy Kuhn in the original Broadway production. Next to her, Julia is it on a stick. What a singer and actress!!!!!
The changes made during the transition from the West End to Broadway nearly cut the very heart out of this musical. But if it still had a pulse, it was CLEARLY because of Julia! I remember seeing this during the Tonys. Now that I've seen it live, I REALLY didn't like Adam Pascal (I THINK that was him) as the American, but Julia SLAYED it as Florence.
this is such an amazing rendition of the song. I would kill for pipes like hers.
I've heard other women perform this song. I think Judy Kuhn has an amazing voice, and Elaine Page had a great version... But Julia has taken over as my favorite Florence ever. She does more than just hit the notes; she hits them with an amazing amount of emotion, and she actually makes you CARE about Florence. No, she's not the conventional, light-and-airy Florence previous people have played her as, but she made the character stronger and more relatable. And her voice is gorgeous.
@Clint Craig Julia has a pretty distinct vibrato that no amount of backup singers can hide.
@Clint Craig nah that's just Julia and her wild two-speed vocal cords you're hearing, the backup vocals aren't very loud (tho the audio is pretty old, so maybe it's tougher to tell if you haven't literally been listening to this track for 15 straight years)
why must it always be a comparison? BOTH idina AND julia are freaking awesome. can't that be enough?! :] i love this song and both of them DOMINATE.
This video was recommended to me...and I am glad it was...Thanx!!!
the best performer of all! in this version of "Nobody`s side!
wow. really good man!!!!
i'm now a Julia Murney fan!!!
xxx
my fave julia performance ever
her acting is phenominal, and this is the best vocal performance ive seen her do.
Now that I've watched Idina's version, I can easily say that Julia blows out of the park on this song. Singing and acting wise.
@MTwannaB4jesus I totally agree. It's a case of "apples and oranges" to me. I love both Idina and Julia and both, just as in "Wicked," bring something different to "Chess".
I love that move at 2:38
So do I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Julia Murney truly is INCREDIBLE!!
Godamn amazing
If you watch the rehearsal version of Julia it's exactly the same performance. It is incredibly difficult to replicate something this detailed and she did.
SHE IS AMAZING
I love Idina, but what's the need to bring her up in a Julia Murney video? They are both fierce and fabulous (listen to The Wild Party and enjoy them both).
That said, I adore this version, Julia absolutely kills it.
Never really liked Chess as a show but her and Judy Kuhn have convinced me to love this song only! It is sad that 17 people accidentally slipped and hit the dislike button?
I just fell in love with Chess, because I saw the recording of the Royal Albert Hall concert. I thought everyone was well cast (and I still think that), but now I see why some peope prefer Julia Murney. What a voice!
Is there an entire videotake of this concert? I'd love to see the rest!
murney you are GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!
@AshleyApelzin If you watch Seths deconstruction of Julia singing Raise the Roof, you'll here the same litte riffs and accents on EVERY Raise the Roof Julia sings, even in the on stage version. She incredible!
@wickedphant0m And the sound dipped during One Night in Bangkok...yeah I don't know what's up with the sound. But the performances here were all so good that it completely makes up for it.
actor's fund of america concert on september 22, 2003 in the new amsterdam theatre, broadway!
I just can't seem to get enough of this vid. Chess is one of my favorite musicals. Anyone know where I can get my hands on a DVD production of Chess?
She is amazing
incredible!
Thanks for the info. Not sure I can agree with you about the Elaine Paige comment (I'm a big fan, so biased!) but really like this. Think she would be a brilliant Florence if they revived Chess. Listened to few clips from Wicked also and think she is great.
Aside from that weird screech towards the end, I really do love this version. She's so powerful and embittered.
Julia rips up Elaine Paige's mediocre vocal performance, and throws it out of the window!!!! AMAZING
Julia Love :-) xxx
She has a very celine dion posture, dont you think?
SHE IS SO SO AMAZING
Of course you can stop ones own vibrato...Control Felicity..I love this song cant wait for the DVD of the Albert Hall. Nobodys side.
Love this so so much!! Full of power xx
The best
She's fantastic
@Matthew Camping... I disagree about that note. Have you ever felt like you were out on a limb by yourself; like no one really had your back? That note is filled w/the angst of being in that position. Trying to figure yourself out in the midst of it. I thought it was perfect (just me). I love when Julia does that. Like her No Good Deed where she does that crazy belt/scream at "generous"...
Oh goodness, that was a wonderfully delightful reply. I thought it might be like a fan of Idina saying "zOMG NOOO SHE IS SOOOOO MUCH BETTER AT EVERYTHING" I was almost afraid for a second.
Well I think the world will agree with me in saying that Julia does not have the most beautiful song in history. But her voice has much, much more than that. She's got maturity, but also a level of innocence, and she's got depth, her voice is powerful, yet gentle...she's a great performer and actress and singer. Even if you don't like her, or she's not your taste - she's talented.
Julia Murney is my favorite ofthe women singing this, and I am a huge Elaine Paige fan.
Actor's Fund Benefit Concert, 2003. Really great show! And yes, her emotions/mannerisms/facial expressions are amazing. Far stronger than Elaine Paige's, methinks.
@uncageg this is from The Actors Fund charity concert in 2003
Don't forget she had like 2 days to prepare for this role. Not to mention, I think this is one of the best interpretations of the song. Her singing exudes the bitterness of this song.
fantastic.
i love hearing her with good material, unlike in "wicked".
God love this woman, she's amazing
that opt-up....i just.....what???????
And THAT, ladies and gents, is how it's done!
... (my comment continued) - EP sang Nobody's Side on an empty stage (I think it works better if you see her 'friends' who are supposed to be singing along - there were 3 swivel chairs and during the orchestral break she had the odd direction (Michael Bennett) of swivelling the chairs round like a demented hamster (she's quite small). Fantastic staging, though, the whole stage was a chess board that rose up and swivelled etc.
How beautiful that must have been to have seen those originals from the cover album.... Swoon.
Get it, girl! Idina could stand to learn a few lessons from her.
they are actually friends, or acquaintances, they were in Wild Party together.
Dan Keeley ... or rather the other way round))) Idina could so teach her a lesson.
+HappyGasProductions it so wasn't. Idina was inspiring, passionate and breathtaking. I thought her vocals were great, not to mention her acting which is absolutely incredible. Her performance of Nobody's Side totally was the climax and the best bit of the show. And - like I said - Florence is supposed to be around 30 or very late 20s, and Idina did look that age, unlike this lady here, who looks decades older. Idina's interpretation of the role was so sophisticated, she showed Florence as someone very sweet, intelligent and haunted by horrors and memories of the past. She was SO refined. This lady here, on the other hand (not to be rude or anything), shows Florence as some kind of a streetwalker which she wasn't. Well, maybe that's just her understanding of the character.
To me, Indina always sounds like a male tenor after huffing helium.
"Take a little love where you can" at 2:38 is so perfect. Everything is, but God, I love the way she did that.
Yes, Adam was in the concert.
That is her natural vibrato... she can't help it. She can control it but.. it comes naturally like that so.. she doesn't try to change it.
i looved it, but i wish her microphone ws turned up on the main chorus parts... i would have like to hear her belt it out more :(
I'm not usually a julia murney fan, but this is amazing
Wow... wow.... that's all I can say. Wow.
This was a FIERCE, KICKASS performance. Julia nailed it as usual.
Yeah I like the unusualness of it
Julia is frakkin' FIERCE!!!
You can also find the whole video on google video if you care to know :-)
awesome
search 'chess concert'. Part 1 is: 'Part1.avi'
To view the other parts: read the discription or the releated video's
Julia and Adam!! *-*
.s2.
Does anyone know if it exists a full copy of this show? If you do please tell me
i love her facial expressions
Never heard of Julia before coming across this. What a great voice and love the emotion she puts into this. What is this from? Was it a concert performance?
2006 and this is the best video and audio???
@puccinilover at the beginning yes
but in the middle shes confussed
amen
question is there anyway to get a audio of this with Julia singing it?
she was elpheba in wicked for a bit
I agree with you
I knew Idina wouldn't do a great job on this. From the vids I've see it is lacking real emotion. I feel Julia's pain and anger in this. She really tells the story. Truly amazing. I love Julia Murney. She deserves to be a bigger star on Broadway.
I think for the benefit, Julia should have sung Svetlana and Sutton should have done Florence.
Is there a video of the whole show like this?
I agree
OMG!
Adam Pascal, Julia Murney, and Sutton Foster all together?!?!?!
I'll die!
=)
Was Heaven Help My Heart cut from this version?
that's a given!
LOVE HER!! I agree with those who think she portrays this role better than Idina..and for me, that's saying a lot!
yeah
*agrees*
And here i was just chasing Josh-videos xD I LOVE THIS! Watched the whole musical on video.google and veoh ^
wow! im inspired!
That's such a great opportunity to seem them during a dress rehearsal. Can I ask how you got in? Were you working with them?