No one: “you can’t write a musical theatre song that feels like you’re singing ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ and still fits into a story” Stephen Sondheim: “hold my beer”
seriously if you could bottle "approving Sondheim face" I could throw away my anti-depressants. I'm getting excited just watching him approve the shit out of this girl
Update: I sang this for my class. Even though Sondheim wasn't there (obviously) I still felt like Amy. I think it was one of my best performances, though
I just love the way her voice gets more and more desperate in those last phrases. I'm not getting married...I'm NOT getting married...I'm NOT GETTING MARRIED. In a sane world she would be dusting her Tony awards by now.
I love it when an instructor/composer knows exactly what he/she wants, and communicates that clearly. A great director and instructor can pull a performance out of a person you might not have known was even in there. Every syllable is deliberate and I love it!
@@JamesFluker his note was basically "hey this is brilliant, but you know what would make it even better? Take like a single step forward" That's how good her performance is
I love the expression on Sondheim's face when she misses half a beat to breathe and then fixes it up by condensing the next two syllables. Wonder what Amy's actor's name is.
I have had the honor of meeting Mr. Sondheim back in 1985 when he allowed me to come to his house for 3 days to work on my thesis paper about him for college. I can say that this man is the real deal. *ALL* heart. Genuinely a most gracious host. All that while he was busy at the time working on Into the Woods. The most charming thing was that he had his doorbell set up to chime the opening measures of the Into the Woods song. Anyway, he didn't have to be nice to me at all. I needed to interview him, but he simply didn't have the time, so I left the questions at his house by mistake. Imagine my delighted surprise when about a month later he sent me a cassette tape responding to all my questions!!! That's what I mean by the real deal. He will always be an icon to me, and to this very day I still keep in communication with him by letter. He always responds and has sent me numerous gifts throughout the years. I love and adore this man. I hope to get the opportunity to see him again soon.
Gregory Gnoffo you're so lucky. I teared up a little bit. I'll probably never be able to see a Sondheim musical live, but I completely adore his work and knowing that he is such a genuine kind person warms my heart. Thank you for sharing this
He's just looking at her, watching her, and he's just AMAZED. She is just NAILING that song, that he wrote......other than taking the step forward, he has NO other instructions for her..........BOOM!!!
His warm proud smiles for the girl singing the rapid-fire "not getting married" segment perfectly without flubbing a word is just so sweet. RIP to this wonderful man.
Anybody else think that, if he were so inclined, Sondheim would make a pretty damn good director? Look at the way he gives motivation. I've seen some world-class directors who couldn't accomplish in two weeks what he does in seven minutes.
Sondheim's strength is that he thinks like an actor. That's what makes his songs so effective, and that's why his ability to guide actors is so on point.
passing what? gas? then if you hold him to such high esteem don't you think he'd appreciate such an important term for dying, not being abbreviated? He even states in this very video to put more emphasis on DEAD
urgh the first verse Amy sings is the hardest "I mean you must have lots of better things to do" and "because I wouldn't ruin anyone as wonderful as he is"
My favorite part of this Amy’s performance is how she’s having her panic attack through “you’ve been swell…thank you all…etc.” but each time she gets to “don’t tell Paul” her voice softens a little because she loves him and doesn’t actually want to hurt him. She does a great job.
Wow!! The musical actress portraying Amy is beyond superb. You can see by Sondheim's smile he's almost reliving the Beth Howland version which he considers numero uno! Where in the world is this woman??? I want her singing "Not Getting Married Today" at my funeral!!
I do not understand why we have these uncharitable comments. This video is almost 8 years old and all of the singers were students then. This was a master class and they were there to learn. Perhaps the voices or acting was not perfect but I would imagine all of the performers are much better now. My interest in this video was what Sondheim had to say, and even if the singers were not able to immediately pick up on what he wanted, they had this video to review and digest after the fact. I am sure that singing for Sondheim is a nerve-wracking experience. Anyway, I say do not criticize the performers, but take what you can learn from the master in this amazing video that has been shared on for all to enjoy......... free of charge.
Exactly! I can't imagine how nerve racking it would be to sing HIS song in front of him AND for purpose of teaching so you know he's going to critique. Oof! They're great just for that fact. And he obviously likes the "Amy" actress.
Sondheim is soooooo impressive. The man was born to do this. I love him here in this setting. He is a consumate teacher. Oh shit he is a consumate EVERYTHING. He actually has an engaging voice too. May he live to 100!
Because both SS AND "Paul" knew it. Who knows, maybe another guy was supposed to do Paul, and tok ill or whatever, and this fellow had to step in with relatively short notice. Because Paul in real casting, other than say HS casting has a powerful rich voice. SS was being kind to him,.
They both knew and Paul mostly fixed himself. He seemed a little younger and less experienced and there is nothing at all intimidating singing in front of a god like Sondheim.
@@tmstone835 yeah, I think people are being a bit harsh on the dude playing Paul, just because of how amazing Amy was, it makes you forget that these are students.
I love the way he leans foward to see 'Amy', that's doing, obviously, the most demanding part. It's funny how he smiles at 5:08, when she loses her breath completely. He's very kind and gentle in his corrections and suggestions, unlike many so called conductors and teachers.
Amy is really good. The soprano is fantastic!!! She has a few annoying tendencies, but the rolling of R's, to me, seems as if someone has told her to do it
Niyi Bammodu I know that you commented this 3 years ago and your probably like why am I getting notified on this. But I'd like to explain to you why she rolls her r's, she's a classically trained singer and in the theater (I don't know if you know anything about singing but) if you don't roll your r's it becomes dropped and doesn't sound right to the point where the audience doesn't hear it. So it's just her technique showing through and in a theater setting it would sound normal but seeing her on the stage this close-up it sounds weird but that's why she rolls her r's.
chris keene Very true! The ensemble I was in did a similar thing with the “g” sound. There was a small “k” with the “g;” it sounded like we were singing ‘klory’ (not glory), but it helped the sound carry to the audience.
chris keene exactly! Like how you have to overdo glottals and things like that when on stage. Same with turning out to face the audience even if it means not looking the other actor you're performing with in the eye at intense moments. Theatre has an element of illusion that I love.
The soprano is singing exactly the way a trained soprano in a cathedral would sing and it's perfect for this. She also did a wonderful thing in her last verse with "slipping down the drain" and brought out the humour in that verse - the juxtaposition of the very formal phrasing with the informal slang expression is marvellous. I haven't seen anyone else do that with the part.
Sondheim's grin of approval has such a boyish energy to it, it's so alive and warm. He's such a legend, we are so so lucky to have existed at the same time as him.
The Amy character is at performance level. The other 2 are student level. I like Sondheim's mix of practical advice and emotional advice. And I love his enjoyment of the Amy.
look hang on. the soprano is obviously from the singing course, and paul is an actor..as is the amy...thats why shes so damn good. if ur going to pick paul apart pick away at his acting.
Amy- WOW who is she?? She did superb. Honestly Beth Howland reincarnated, same delivery and channels the fear in her face with a touch of anger in her voice when her "congregation" doesnt move. I wish she reacted a little more to the soprano to really sell the "totally insane" bit, but really...amazing Paul- clearly has a nice voice, but through nerves of being in the writers presence or it just not being his song he cracked on a few of the notes. There wasn't the feeling of true love or power. He could have learned it though he had the basics Soprano- the rolling of the R's wasn't horrible, to me it added to the over the top tone of her roll as the wedding singer. She's supposed to be overdone. However I do wish she had the subtle gestures in her face to match the song...but she sung it brilliantly. But once you get to "totally insane" I think she missed. Soundheim though, his face said it all, 3 kids singing arguably his most difficult song in front of him and doing it some decent justice. I wouldn't want to sing ANY of his stuff in front of him I'd be scared to death
Amy was great. I remember reading somewhere that Sondheim said Beth Howland was the only one who nailed it perfectly. The tough part was the whole cast was so good that she couldn't get a Tony nomination (Elaine Stritch and Susan Browning were nominated for Best Leading Actress, Barbara Barrie and Pamela Meyers for Best Featured Actress). Interestingly. Company won Best Musical but none of the actors or actresses nominated won
To me (as someone who has both cast and directed musicals)... this is what I call the "never been there". I don't think the guy has yet to experience a love like that - so he doesn't have the experience to pull from. To him, perhaps, this IS his depth of what adoration would seem like (because I would hope and assume he is giving his all for Sondheim). Somewhat the soprano too. But the girl who plays Amy... she either KNOWS what inner panic is - or she is a good enough actress... AND a WISE one at that. After all... THIS is not only a demonstration. THIS is an audition for the great Sondheim. And Sondheim SHOWS that, should he have a part for her - this actress is a SHOE-in. The others? He wouldn't ever hire them.
His smile says: "I've just heard one of the best performances of this song ever". At 00:02 his face is "well, another newbies, we'll see" but at 6:45 his face is "OMG, we have future stars in here".
Anyone else here after hearing the news of his passing? This video shows how incredible he was and also how he nurtured talent and made people better. RIP Stephen Sondheim
I wish the nasty comments on this would just go away. Do they realize how fortunate the singers are to have this little master class with the maestro himself? What a generous thing for Sondheim to do. The woman singing Amy is genius, especially with the composer of one of his signature pieces sitting ten feet away. To all the haters, this is an amazing piece of musical coaching.
That look on his face when they're hitting that last note. Like; "Who was the sadistic bastard who wrote this? ...Or right, me!" *insert evil laughter here*
i'm guessing the guy is an acting student and they desperately needed a male singer! and he's nitpicking at the soprano cause she's good, the better u are the more nitpicking you get and youre told to work on tiny little details! im guessing thats why he leaves the trainwreck alone lol!
Nick Roberts Exactly. There wasn’t anything that could be done to help that guy in seven minutes and Sondheim knew it. “Turn and face her” was the nicest advice he could give. Lol
Thought I’d comment on this video following the sad news of Sondheim’s death. I’ve watched it many times. His facial expressions to them singing is something very special to see. I can’t imagine the pressure they felt having him watch over them when they performed his words. What a genius. Also loved Jonathan Bailey’s epic version from Company in London’s West End, as well as the show itself.
What a fabulous opportunity for some very talented performers. Everyone focuses on the bride, but the soprano role is often unrecognized as important , yet it requires a strong voice to stitch the song along.
Ok, a quick assessment: Sondheim - the most genuine, kind and incredibly talented instructor/teacher/composer/whatever-you-want-to-call-him I’ve ever seen. Amy - incredibly talented and deserves every look she got from Sondheim The other girl - what happens when a classically-trained singer sings musical theatre Paul - shame on you The pianist - the silent assassin; didn’t waste any-ones time and nailed everything
@@rori1827 for singing off key (at times)? I don't blame him though. It's probably the nerves. Gotta give kudos to the kid for trying and for being brave enough to sing in front of Sondheim. I'm sure his voice has probably matured over the years.
The way he leans forward to the point where he almost falls off the chair to stare fixedly at Jane is just amazing! I wish all my teachers would've looked at me like that when I did something well
How is it possible to memorize something like that? And then say it without getting tongue-tied? I couldn't do it if my life depended on it. I love this song because it reminds me of how I felt walking down the aisle. Is that why others like it?
*This is what she is saying:* (First Part) Pardon me, is everybody here? Because if everybody's here I want to thank you all For coming to the wedding I'd appreciate you going even more I mean, you must have lots of better things to do And not a word of it to Paul Remember Paul? You know, the man I'm going to marry But I'm not, because I wouldn't ruin anyone As wonderful as he is Thank you all for the gifts and the flowers Thank you all, now it's back to the showers Don't tell Paul, but I'm not getting married today (Second Part) Listen everybody, look, I don't know what you're waiting for A wedding. What's a wedding? It's a prehistoric ritual Where everybody promises fidelity forever Which is maybe the most horrifying word I ever heard of Which is followed by a honeymoon, where suddenly he'll realize He's saddled with a nut, and want to kill me, which he should Thanks a bunch, but I'm not getting married Go have lunch, cause I'm not getting married You've been grand, but I'm not getting married Don't just stand there, I'm not getting married And don't tell Paul, but I'm not getting married today (Third Part) Listen everybody, I'm afraid you didn't hear Or do you want to see a crazy lady fall apart in front of you? It isn't only Paul who would be ruining his life You know, we'll both of us be losing our identities I telephoned my analyst about it, and he said to see him Monday But by Monday I'll be floating in the Hudson with the other garbage I'm not well, so I'm not getting married You've been swell, but I'm not getting married Clear the hall, 'cause I'm not getting married Thank you all, but I'm not getting married And don't tell Paul, but I'm not getting married today (Fourth Part) Look, I didn't want to have to tell you But I may be coming down with hepatitis And I think I'm gonna faint So if you want to watch me faint, I'll do it happily But wouldn't it be funnier to go and watch a funeral? So thank you for the twenty-seven dinner plates Thirty-seven butter knives Forty-seven paperweights Fifty-seven candle holders
I remember seeing this when it was first televised in the UK. Watching Sondheim watching the students was so thrilling. What a memory for them. Jane Shaw is incredible in this. Even Sondheim couldn't find many notes for her.
No one: “you can’t write a musical theatre song that feels like you’re singing ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ and still fits into a story”
Stephen Sondheim: “hold my beer”
Those words filled my musical theater nerd and my classical music nerd hearts. Yess
Disgraced Ape good comparison 😀
I feel like that may be how about a third of his musicals happened...
Incredible comparison, fantastic compliment to Sondheim.
I think Sondheim is the closest thing we have to a Paganini of voice.
OMG, I HAD HEARD ABOUT IT BUT I HAD NO IDEA SONDHEIMS LOOK OF APPROVAL WAS ACTUALLY THAT POWERFUL.
seriously if you could bottle "approving Sondheim face" I could throw away my anti-depressants. I'm getting excited just watching him approve the shit out of this girl
When he smiles approvingly at her it feels so warm like all the love I never received from my father
these comments are funny lol (and sorry, if you didn't intend a bit of sad humor in your post, sorry!)
Perfect words
Well that took an unexpected turn😂😂😂
*same.*
She probably didn't even have to act nervous. If Sondheim was standing right there listening to me perform his songs I'd probably feel like Amy.
Update: I sang this for my class. Even though Sondheim wasn't there (obviously) I still felt like Amy. I think it was one of my best performances, though
Ikr! I read that all the recordings of the movie "Into the Woods" were done with him present!! I wouldn't have been able to even open my mouth!
@@justess797 some of them I wish hadn't opened their mouths.....
@@notsusan I think is a good recording, what didn't you like?
@@justess797 probably the paul..
The way Sondheim is looking at "Amy" here is amaaaaaaaaazing. Like, just so proud and moved and delighted. I looooove it
Omg ikrrrr
Yes! To be honest, though, she is REALLY good. I wonder who she is and where she ended up.
@@vinista256 she is Jane Shaw
He's cast her in a second I think
Jane shaw
Honestly I just want someone to look at me the way Stephen looks at the girl playing Amy when she sings.
+Aimee Ashurst Today is for AIMEE!
True, but I'd also love it if Stephen Sondheim looked at me that way when I sing. I mean that's the real treat right?
Omg we have the same name and omg same
I just want to be able to sing like they do!
He looks like such a proud dad. Like "those are my people. my children they did so good"
this has hella mom energy and it’s wholesome
He most likely doesn't claim the boy 😬
Except for the boy playing Paul, he was terrible!
I just love the way her voice gets more and more desperate in those last phrases. I'm not getting married...I'm NOT getting married...I'm NOT GETTING MARRIED. In a sane world she would be dusting her Tony awards by now.
Cassidy Janson did an amazing version of this song in Company off west end production several years ago!
he's such a splendid teacher; warm, direct, succinct, gentle but not evasive. he's giving them a masterclass in taking direction
best type of teaching in my book
I love it when an instructor/composer knows exactly what he/she wants, and communicates that clearly. A great director and instructor can pull a performance out of a person you might not have known was even in there. Every syllable is deliberate and I love it!
YES!!!!!!
Seriously, he almost sounds like Bob Ross.
LOVE THIS!!! So Sad that he is gone!!! BEST Broadway composer of the second half of the 20th Century!!!
RIP STEPHEN JOSHUA SONDHEIM!!!
Is it weird I feel attracted to Sondheim here? He just looks so... brilliant.
No it's not. Because he's damn attractive in this video.
@@WIscodizard Hes gay too so its not like you wouldnt have a shot
Same lma9
Absolutely same.
man, ur not alone
Though he didn't compliment her... This was Sondheim falling in love with a performer and a performance.
that smile was all the compliment I'd need for at least the next 5 years
His compliment was that he provided her very, very few notes.
@@JamesFluker his note was basically "hey this is brilliant, but you know what would make it even better? Take like a single step forward"
That's how good her performance is
@@CodeAndGin - to be fair, the only note he had for the dude was "face amy"
Favor from God
I love the expression on Sondheim's face when she misses half a beat to breathe and then fixes it up by condensing the next two syllables. Wonder what Amy's actor's name is.
Someone said above that her name is Jane Shaw.
Her name is Jane Whittenshaw it seems :-)
where m
When does that happen?
@@yankeewithnobrim7809 5:06ish
This 'Amy' crushes it! IMHO, better than many of the professional performances featured here.
ejrosenthal Jane Shaw, she’s really good, she and Julie Andrews are on a completely different level from anyone else who have sang this song
nwcam until Jonathan Bailey in the West End production. Who was amazingly good.
@@nwcam Madeline Kahn says hi.
@@codenamejmc i love this comment
Jon D oh my gosh Johnathan absolutely crushed this song😍 he definitely deserved that Olivier Award!
I have had the honor of meeting Mr. Sondheim back in 1985 when he allowed me to come to his house for 3 days to work on my thesis paper about him for college. I can say that this man is the real deal. *ALL* heart. Genuinely a most gracious host. All that while he was busy at the time working on Into the Woods. The most charming thing was that he had his doorbell set up to chime the opening measures of the Into the Woods song. Anyway, he didn't have to be nice to me at all. I needed to interview him, but he simply didn't have the time, so I left the questions at his house by mistake. Imagine my delighted surprise when about a month later he sent me a cassette tape responding to all my questions!!! That's what I mean by the real deal. He will always be an icon to me, and to this very day I still keep in communication with him by letter. He always responds and has sent me numerous gifts throughout the years. I love and adore this man. I hope to get the opportunity to see him again soon.
Gregory Gnoffo you're so lucky. I teared up a little bit. I'll probably never be able to see a Sondheim musical live, but I completely adore his work and knowing that he is such a genuine kind person warms my heart. Thank you for sharing this
Omg I am so jealous! I wanna meet him so badly!
is there a place where we curious folks can read the thesis as well?
guess i’m writing my future thesis on sondheim
Everything about this is wonderful, but especially the doorbell.
How could you stand in front of Stephen Sondheim and sing like that Paul??!
Scott James right??
He sand the wrong tune for a sec too and he realised it and looked embarrassed
Scott James gove him a break!
No one is perfect in rehearsal, guys, they were working through the kinks
They're students.
I love how proud Sondheim looks of Amy. also, Sondheim looks so young. He's amazing
He's just looking at her, watching her, and he's just AMAZED. She is just NAILING that song, that he wrote......other than taking the step forward, he has NO other instructions for her..........BOOM!!!
Get someone the way Stephen looks at the girl playing the role of Amy.
Hi It's Me Because she does it the way he always wanted it and how he imagined it. :D
And it is fucking adorable. :D
the woman playing Amy is WONDERFUL!!! That's a difficult part to sing.
I love how he's mouthing the words!
Reminds me of Dickenson or Tennessee Williams. Every character IS somecadoect if the creator, released into the world
I love how in the end, he just sits back and smiles at his creation. So adorable
His warm proud smiles for the girl singing the rapid-fire "not getting married" segment perfectly without flubbing a word is just so sweet. RIP to this wonderful man.
Anybody else think that, if he were so inclined, Sondheim would make a pretty damn good director? Look at the way he gives motivation. I've seen some world-class directors who couldn't accomplish in two weeks what he does in seven minutes.
Sondheim's strength is that he thinks like an actor. That's what makes his songs so effective, and that's why his ability to guide actors is so on point.
I just learned of Sondheim’s passing and this the first video I thought of. What a monumental loss, as a composer, lyricist, and as a human.
same here! 😭
He died the opening night of my company’s performance of into the woods 😢
passing what? gas? then if you hold him to such high esteem don't you think he'd appreciate such an important term for dying, not being abbreviated? He even states in this very video to put more emphasis on DEAD
urgh the first verse Amy sings is the hardest "I mean you must have lots of better things to do" and "because I wouldn't ruin anyone as wonderful as he is"
I know right? I always mess up those parts, no matter how hard I try!
I can do them now :L
Then upload your performance!
The world wants to see you sing!
I always mess up the other verses (especially about the Hudson and promising fidelity)
My favorite part of this Amy’s performance is how she’s having her panic attack through “you’ve been swell…thank you all…etc.” but each time she gets to “don’t tell Paul” her voice softens a little because she loves him and doesn’t actually want to hurt him. She does a great job.
Sondheim's smile as he watches the girl who plays Amy just warms my heart. Must be incredible as a composer to see a student NAIL that difficult song.
Wow!! The musical actress portraying Amy is beyond superb. You can see by Sondheim's smile he's almost reliving the Beth Howland version which he considers numero uno! Where in the world is this woman??? I want her singing "Not Getting Married Today" at my funeral!!
I have to say that considering they are students, their performances were amazing!
Sondheim has a very genuine smile on his face during "Amy's" performance- I think he was very impressed and very pleased.
I do not understand why we have these uncharitable comments. This video is almost 8 years old and all of the singers were students then. This was a master class and they were there to learn. Perhaps the voices or acting was not perfect but I would imagine all of the performers are much better now. My interest in this video was what Sondheim had to say, and even if the singers were not able to immediately pick up on what he wanted, they had this video to review and digest after the fact. I am sure that singing for Sondheim is a nerve-wracking experience. Anyway, I say do not criticize the performers, but take what you can learn from the master in this amazing video that has been shared on for all to enjoy......... free of charge.
+Norene Morrow It was uploaded 8 years ago but it looks early 90's
+James Fenian Yeah no way this was recorded in 2007.
especially considering the clothing.
Exactly! I can't imagine how nerve racking it would be to sing HIS song in front of him AND for purpose of teaching so you know he's going to critique. Oof! They're great just for that fact. And he obviously likes the "Amy" actress.
And he's kind and patient, imagine having a teacher like the crazy Farmer's insurance guy in that movie
Sondheim should be cloned!!! We need hem for 100 years more!!!
You can tell from the look on Sondheim’s face that he’s absolutely in love with Jane’s rendition of Amy.
Sondheim is soooooo impressive. The man was born to do this. I love him here in this setting. He is a consumate teacher. Oh shit he is a consumate EVERYTHING. He actually has an engaging voice too. May he live to 100!
He is now 89 10/1/19
@@phyllispetras2181 he has now passed away in his 90s. November 29, 2021 😢
@@jessicanightshade9670 Sondheim died on Nov. 26, 2021, at the age of 91. It felt as if part of me died that die as well.
Sondheim not even talk to the guy to correct his pitch... On the other hand, he doesn't talk to "Amy" to correct her, at all!! Amazing!
Because both SS AND "Paul" knew it. Who knows, maybe another guy was supposed to do Paul, and tok ill or whatever, and this fellow had to step in with relatively short notice. Because Paul in real casting, other than say HS casting has a powerful rich voice. SS was being kind to him,.
Sondheim was kind enough not to put him on the spotlight. It could crush him if Sondheim pointed it out.
They both knew and Paul mostly fixed himself. He seemed a little younger and less experienced and there is nothing at all intimidating singing in front of a god like Sondheim.
@@tmstone835 yeah, I think people are being a bit harsh on the dude playing Paul, just because of how amazing Amy was, it makes you forget that these are students.
The girl playing Amy is great, I'd watch her.
I found a site that had the student's names in this video. They are, Jane Shaw, David Adair, and Elizabeth Rodger.
I love the way he leans foward to see 'Amy', that's doing, obviously, the most demanding part. It's funny how he smiles at 5:08, when she loses her breath completely. He's very kind and gentle in his corrections and suggestions, unlike many so called conductors and teachers.
WOW! the women singing Amy is Brilliant. did she go on to have a serious broadway career?
I saw somewhere that she played the gossip columnist at Merrily We Roll Along.
Yeah, thats Glenn Close
tytytytyty it's actually Jane Shaw
@@Rosannasfriend Her subsequent career is further tribute to her fantastic diction.
Amy is really good. The soprano is fantastic!!! She has a few annoying tendencies, but the rolling of R's, to me, seems as if someone has told her to do it
Niyi Bammodu I know that you commented this 3 years ago and your probably like why am I getting notified on this. But I'd like to explain to you why she rolls her r's, she's a classically trained singer and in the theater (I don't know if you know anything about singing but) if you don't roll your r's it becomes dropped and doesn't sound right to the point where the audience doesn't hear it. So it's just her technique showing through and in a theater setting it would sound normal but seeing her on the stage this close-up it sounds weird but that's why she rolls her r's.
chris keene Very true! The ensemble I was in did a similar thing with the “g” sound. There was a small “k” with the “g;” it sounded like we were singing ‘klory’ (not glory), but it helped the sound carry to the audience.
chris keene o
chris keene exactly! Like how you have to overdo glottals and things like that when on stage. Same with turning out to face the audience even if it means not looking the other actor you're performing with in the eye at intense moments. Theatre has an element of illusion that I love.
The soprano is singing exactly the way a trained soprano in a cathedral would sing and it's perfect for this. She also did a wonderful thing in her last verse with "slipping down the drain" and brought out the humour in that verse - the juxtaposition of the very formal phrasing with the informal slang expression is marvellous. I haven't seen anyone else do that with the part.
Sondheim's grin of approval has such a boyish energy to it, it's so alive and warm. He's such a legend, we are so so lucky to have existed at the same time as him.
They all took the criticism so well! Especially the blonde opera woman! Total professionals
The Amy character is at performance level. The other 2 are student level. I like Sondheim's mix of practical advice and emotional advice. And I love his enjoyment of the Amy.
Find a man who loves you as much as Sondheim loves listening to his own song being perfectly performed 1:46
I love that he's not a harsh person. He's very nice and easy going to work with.
god he's such a dad i love him
Did she ever go on to do this part professionally? If not, it is definitely a shame.
RIP Jane Whittenshaw 😥 think this video really shows her incredible talent
I wouldn't be able to do that. I would probably faint if I knew he was right there.
look hang on. the soprano is obviously from the singing course, and paul is an actor..as is the amy...thats why shes so damn good. if ur going to pick paul apart pick away at his acting.
1:18 poor guy wants to die for getting out of tune in front of Sondheim. They all did terrific, I can't imagine functioning with that level of anxiety
Amy- WOW who is she?? She did superb. Honestly Beth Howland reincarnated, same delivery and channels the fear in her face with a touch of anger in her voice when her "congregation" doesnt move. I wish she reacted a little more to the soprano to really sell the "totally insane" bit, but really...amazing
Paul- clearly has a nice voice, but through nerves of being in the writers presence or it just not being his song he cracked on a few of the notes. There wasn't the feeling of true love or power. He could have learned it though he had the basics
Soprano- the rolling of the R's wasn't horrible, to me it added to the over the top tone of her roll as the wedding singer. She's supposed to be overdone. However I do wish she had the subtle gestures in her face to match the song...but she sung it brilliantly. But once you get to "totally insane" I think she missed.
Soundheim though, his face said it all, 3 kids singing arguably his most difficult song in front of him and doing it some decent justice. I wouldn't want to sing ANY of his stuff in front of him I'd be scared to death
The woman playing Amy is Jane Shaw. She played a part in Merrily We Roll Along.
according to rumor Paul was an acting student and they didnt have any guys?? not sure
It’s a crime she isn’t more well known.
jane wittenshaw
Her "slipping down the drain" made me laugh out loud
Even the seventies, Sondheim was already a legend.
It's so much fun to watch Sondheim himself-- the little smile and the twinkle in the eyes when someone gets a moment or note exactly how he wants it.
everyone’s talking about the amy but the other girl is INCREDIBLE
Amy was great. I remember reading somewhere that Sondheim said Beth Howland was the only one who nailed it perfectly. The tough part was the whole cast was so good that she couldn't get a Tony nomination (Elaine Stritch and Susan Browning were nominated for Best Leading Actress, Barbara Barrie and Pamela Meyers for Best Featured Actress). Interestingly. Company won Best Musical but none of the actors or actresses nominated won
what a loss, 91 years, still not enough, rest in peace Stephen
To do a song by Sondheim (or by anyone who wrote the song your singing) in front of them would have me hyperventilating.
The “bride” is amazing! You can tell how much S. Sondheim likes her performance.
i just had to come back and rewatch this today
Same
Amy was great and all, she really embodied the panicking questioning bride. The guy, however... they couldn't find someone better?
He wasn't terrible..
Olivia Isme The guy playing Paul, is actually Paul - no wonder she wouldn't marry him!
Olivia Isme I think he plays the part too well. Who would want to marry him?
I think he was just nervous. He was singing in front of Sondheim, after all!
To me (as someone who has both cast and directed musicals)... this is what I call the "never been there". I don't think the guy has yet to experience a love like that - so he doesn't have the experience to pull from. To him, perhaps, this IS his depth of what adoration would seem like (because I would hope and assume he is giving his all for Sondheim). Somewhat the soprano too. But the girl who plays Amy... she either KNOWS what inner panic is - or she is a good enough actress... AND a WISE one at that.
After all... THIS is not only a demonstration. THIS is an audition for the great Sondheim. And Sondheim SHOWS that, should he have a part for her - this actress is a SHOE-in. The others? He wouldn't ever hire them.
may his memory be a blessing.
His smile says: "I've just heard one of the best performances of this song ever". At 00:02 his face is "well, another newbies, we'll see" but at 6:45 his face is "OMG, we have future stars in here".
So this is what Luke Skywalker has been up to since Return of the Jedi...
My friend was one of the ONLY MEN given permission from the Sondheim estate to perform as Mrs. Lovett in drag but had to use his drag name.
Rest in peace Mr. Sondheim. Not only a fantastic composer, but an inspiring teacher.
And then, they all go backstage to PASS OUT!!
Anyone else here after hearing the news of his passing? This video shows how incredible he was and also how he nurtured talent and made people better. RIP Stephen Sondheim
He looks so proud. It’s adorable.
The girl playing the soprano lady is the next Carlotta in POTO.
FREAKY VIDEOS OFFICIAL oMG Really!?
I wish the nasty comments on this would just go away. Do they realize how fortunate the singers are to have this little master class with the maestro himself? What a generous thing for Sondheim to do. The woman singing Amy is genius, especially with the composer of one of his signature pieces sitting ten feet away. To all the haters, this is an amazing piece of musical coaching.
That look on his face when they're hitting that last note. Like; "Who was the sadistic bastard who wrote this? ...Or right, me!" *insert evil laughter here*
who else is watching this the day after his passing and reminiscing on his genuine deep love towards these performers and his work
i'm guessing the guy is an acting student and they desperately needed a male singer! and he's nitpicking at the soprano cause she's good, the better u are the more nitpicking you get and youre told to work on tiny little details! im guessing thats why he leaves the trainwreck alone lol!
Nick Roberts Exactly. There wasn’t anything that could be done to help that guy in seven minutes and Sondheim knew it. “Turn and face her” was the nicest advice he could give. Lol
I’ll be honest, he wasn’t that bad. I liked his voice,
i would die for the sondheim look of approval
Thought I’d comment on this video following the sad news of Sondheim’s death. I’ve watched it many times. His facial expressions to them singing is something very special to see. I can’t imagine the pressure they felt having him watch over them when they performed his words. What a genius. Also loved Jonathan Bailey’s epic version from Company in London’s West End, as well as the show itself.
Amy was absolutely wonderful.
The way he was mouthing the lyrics along with the Amy 🥺
Man...how much i love Broadway
This video is criminally underviewed
That rolled T in tragedy has me amazed
Excellent girls, horrible guy. Nice insights into the piece.
Homosexual Yuuri He’s saying horrible guy. Meaning the guy who’s playing Paul. Not Sondheim. Everyone knows Sondheim is a legend.
Bella Alesandrini oh shit sorry oops
😂
Subaru Chan he’s talking about the Paul, not Sondheim. Lol
Isabella Alesandrini exactly
What a fabulous opportunity for some very talented performers. Everyone focuses on the bride, but the soprano role is often unrecognized as important , yet it requires a strong voice to stitch the song along.
Ok, a quick assessment:
Sondheim - the most genuine, kind and incredibly talented instructor/teacher/composer/whatever-you-want-to-call-him I’ve ever seen.
Amy - incredibly talented and deserves every look she got from Sondheim
The other girl - what happens when a classically-trained singer sings musical theatre
Paul - shame on you
The pianist - the silent assassin; didn’t waste any-ones time and nailed everything
"The other girl" is supposed to sing in an operatic style. It's in the script.
The soprano is excellent, she certainly deserves more commendation than that.
The other girl had a beautiful voice but when he told her to change some things...she didn't do it and looked at him like...how dare you critique me.
why shame on paul?
@@rori1827 for singing off key (at times)? I don't blame him though. It's probably the nerves. Gotta give kudos to the kid for trying and for being brave enough to sing in front of Sondheim. I'm sure his voice has probably matured over the years.
I would like for this to be about 2 hours longer
The blonde girl was absolutely amazing in my opinion
His smile here is how I'll remember him while listening to the music he made
May his memory be a blessing.
I laughed so hard watching the way he looked at Amy with such joy!
(Who was GREAT!) ... Great job all!
rip Stephen Sondheim
I would pay so much to have Stephen Sondheim critique me singing any of his songs.
rest in peace Mr. Sondheim
The way he leans forward to the point where he almost falls off the chair to stare fixedly at Jane is just amazing! I wish all my teachers would've looked at me like that when I did something well
Coming back to this clip after I heard the news. RIP Steven Sondheim
I’m so flabbergasted that anyone can sing lyrics that quickly and with such precision
The pianoist is talented too
How is it possible to memorize something like that? And then say it without getting tongue-tied? I couldn't do it if my life depended on it. I love this song because it reminds me of how I felt walking down the aisle. Is that why others like it?
You start singing the words slow and gradually pick up the tempo.
*This is what she is saying:*
(First Part)
Pardon me, is everybody here?
Because if everybody's here
I want to thank you all
For coming to the wedding
I'd appreciate you going even more
I mean, you must have lots of better things to do
And not a word of it to Paul
Remember Paul? You know, the man I'm going to marry
But I'm not, because I wouldn't ruin anyone
As wonderful as he is
Thank you all for the gifts and the flowers
Thank you all, now it's back to the showers
Don't tell Paul, but I'm not getting married today
(Second Part)
Listen everybody, look, I don't know what you're waiting for
A wedding. What's a wedding? It's a prehistoric ritual
Where everybody promises fidelity forever
Which is maybe the most horrifying word I ever heard of
Which is followed by a honeymoon, where suddenly he'll realize
He's saddled with a nut, and want to kill me, which he should
Thanks a bunch, but I'm not getting married
Go have lunch, cause I'm not getting married
You've been grand, but I'm not getting married
Don't just stand there, I'm not getting married
And don't tell Paul, but I'm not getting married today
(Third Part)
Listen everybody, I'm afraid you didn't hear
Or do you want to see a crazy lady fall apart in front of you?
It isn't only Paul who would be ruining his life
You know, we'll both of us be losing our identities
I telephoned my analyst about it, and he said to see him Monday
But by Monday I'll be floating in the Hudson with the other garbage
I'm not well, so I'm not getting married
You've been swell, but I'm not getting married
Clear the hall, 'cause I'm not getting married
Thank you all, but I'm not getting married
And don't tell Paul, but I'm not getting married today
(Fourth Part)
Look, I didn't want to have to tell you
But I may be coming down with hepatitis
And I think I'm gonna faint
So if you want to watch me faint, I'll do it happily
But wouldn't it be funnier to go and watch a funeral?
So thank you for the twenty-seven dinner plates
Thirty-seven butter knives
Forty-seven paperweights
Fifty-seven candle holders
I remember seeing this when it was first televised in the UK. Watching Sondheim watching the students was so thrilling. What a memory for them. Jane Shaw is incredible in this. Even Sondheim couldn't find many notes for her.
Whittenshaw
Came back to this video after hearing the news that he passed. What a legend
RIP Stephen Sondheim 💕