It's the shows aesthetic. This one was done in practical concert gear since the cast was also playing their instruments. It creates a really interesting image, in my opinion.
The great thing about hers along with the speed and articulation is that she moving around and falling on the ground and screaming and running about and STILL keeping her composure to sing the song.
This is such a brilliant version. I love her acting, the way she nails the fast parts, the whispering, and especially the screaming and hiding! .. can we also appreciate the way Raúl looks when she throws the shoes? 😂
This is one of the most amazing performances ever! no comparison to glee AT ALL! This is live, where you have ONE chance to get it right. She's not in the studio, where im sure they did a million takes. Phenomenal job Heather Laws!
Oh, _Glee_ botched the hell out of it and I can't believe their version is as well regarded as it is. It's so fast you can't make any sense of it or appreciate any of the humor. Useless. But then, what in _Glee_ isn't? This is the show that regularly stole work, then basically dared musicians to do anything about it - just Google Jonathan Coulton and _Glee_ to see for yourself. That's the point at which I stopped feeling ambivalent about not being a fan.
This is my favorite production of Company by far! It highlights the darker aspects of the play, maintains the comical spirit, but ramps us the conceptual nature of the play. I wish I could have seen it live!
So many productions ham up this song up for laughs. Yes, it is a funny song and a very funny scene, no denying that. What I love about her performance is the quiet intensity of a person stuck in their own head and cannot get out. This feels like a very real rendition of the character to me, which makes the following scene so much more powerful.
This is arguably the most difficult of Sondheim's songs, and Laws nails it to the wall, and does it with perfect humor. This is a master class performance.
Love love love this rendition and Heather Laws is spectacular! This song is very very difficult and is of course legendary in the theatre world and I watch/listen to this performance all the time. Brilliant brilliant brilliant!
I think there is only one to describe this: BRILLIANT. Heather Laws is magnificent in one of the most difficult songs in all of the broadway catalog. This makes a G&S patter song look like a Sunday walk in the park. And the tempo is simply breathtaking -- faster than any other version here on youtube.
As much as i love her overreacting with screaming, i think her whispering "Dont tell paul" is even funnier :D but no one beats Madeline Kahn doing this :)
Yeah but not many people can do what Kahn could do. She got her degree in speech therapy and could SERIOUSLY sing opera. Between the two? Who's gonna beat her out on a piece like this one? NO ONE. :D PS Madeline Kahn of honored memory, may she rest in peace.
Totally agree on Madeleine Kahn. Her performance is actually wonderfully understated, you can understand every word (unlike this one), and she is rhythmically perfect (also unlike this one). Madeleine is like a pent-up full scale panic attack at a thousand words a minute.
Personally, I think this entire rendition is brilliant, from Amy's frantic screams and impeccable speed to the almost funeral-like attire. I like to think of Amy's reactions and screams are actually like an internal monologue, allowing the audience to see the absolute terror and overreacting going on in her mind, rather than taking her actions literally. As for the costume choice, I think it adds to the overall feel of the song, considering that Amy feels as if she is going to die or lose apart of herself by going through with the wedding. All in all, this is one of my favorite interpretations of the song.
As a fan of Glee and a fan of theatre, I can say that what Glee did with this song, while good, pales in comparison to any professional theatre mounting of this show and the actresses who performed the hell outta this song. (Katie Finneran, Heather Laws, Alice Ripley, Veanne Cox, & Beth Howland (just to name a few) Jayma singing falsetto doesnt make this song better, it means she cant actually sing it as it should be sung, so she sorta sings high to create an illusion she can actually do it.
@Shipoopi494 The best part is that, I think, they added that for this production- in all of the other ones I've seen, they don't do the scream, but it's such a great addition.
Amy's my favorite in this production, including the following scene. I find Company so-so, but this bit always cracks me up- especially the blood curdling scream.
I just can't. I feel like I'm crazy whenever I see so many comments praising this revival (or any of John Doyle's other endeavors), It's just lifeless, takes any and all joy out of Sondheim. However, this actress does her best against the unending drab of the production and does manage to bring some nice and refreshing laughter out of the misery of this revival
how does this exhibit that he can't sing? But also have you seen the rest of the show? like the acting this show is brilliant. People can't get hung up on how one person does it from another each show is different and we should go into them all with open minds
I was supposed to sing this (as Amy) for my theatre arts program... Haha that was a joke. We cut it. Way to difficult for a bunch of kids to learn in two weeks. It was insane.
Her vocals pale in comparison to Beth Howland and Madeleine Kahn, but I do love how she mouthed "Don't tell Paul", and I like the physicality she brought to the song.
Thanks for the videos! Any clips of the Company revival are better than none. PS: You've miscredited the soprano in this song; it's Amy Justman (Susan), not Leenya Rideout (Jenny).
Aside from the fact that this is the fastest version we’ve ever heard…..do people realize that she MEMORIZED the horn/trumpet/flute(!?!) parts just to accompany this production???!!!! That entire orchestra did the same thing…and their lines for their roles! These guys are AMAZING! (Frankly, Esparza looks kind of lazy in comparison!)
Hmm, I'm not entirely sure. Leenya Rideout is a fairly competant soprano herself, as one can see in 'Poor Baby'. Maybe Amy Justman's range was a better fit for the song, or they gave her the part so she had more to do.
@hfelton Wow, relax. This was a pretty fresh take on a largely out-dated show. I agree that some of the performances are sub-par (this video exhibits the fact that Paul can't sing, among others) but Heather Laws as Amy in this number and the whole show is a FANTASTIC performance. As for the tempo, Sondheim himself says that no one has ever sung it at the original tempo save for Beth Howland in the original production in 1970. I loved this version of the show. Something different.
The way glee does this song does not make sense. Will asks for the cuff links but he's on the altar already. This one is way better. Heather Laws makes this part so fun!
@GiantPetRat I think it distracts too much from the chorus girl's parts- the lyrics of which are absolutely hilarious, but the audience is too distracted by the scream and then by their own laughter to understand them.
I love that she whisper "And don't tell Paul."
Favorite part is when she stares down an audience member when she says "do you want to see a crazy lady fall apart in front of you?"
It's the shows aesthetic. This one was done in practical concert gear since the cast was also playing their instruments. It creates a really interesting image, in my opinion.
I hate the staging concept. At least Doyle was honest about why he did it that way. Doesn't make me like it any more though.
In my honest opinion, this one is the best. She’s the only person live I’ve heard sing it this fast, and this technically correct
I'd put Heather above Beth Howland...............plus, the screaming panic bit is HILARIOUS!!!
The great thing about hers along with the speed and articulation is that she moving around and falling on the ground and screaming and running about and STILL keeping her composure to sing the song.
This is such a brilliant version. I love her acting, the way she nails the fast parts, the whispering, and especially the screaming and hiding!
.. can we also appreciate the way Raúl looks when she throws the shoes? 😂
it looked like he was just as confused than Bobby, loved it.
This is one of the most amazing performances ever! no comparison to glee AT ALL! This is live, where you have ONE chance to get it right. She's not in the studio, where im sure they did a million takes. Phenomenal job Heather Laws!
Oh, _Glee_ botched the hell out of it and I can't believe their version is as well regarded as it is. It's so fast you can't make any sense of it or appreciate any of the humor. Useless.
But then, what in _Glee_ isn't? This is the show that regularly stole work, then basically dared musicians to do anything about it - just Google Jonathan Coulton and _Glee_ to see for yourself. That's the point at which I stopped feeling ambivalent about not being a fan.
I love the whispered "Don't tell Paul!"
BLESS THIS DAAAAY! DAAAAAAH!
Heather Laws (Amy) is BRILLIANT in this number! I saw this show, and the applause was deafening (and much deserved) at the end of this song.
This is my favorite production of Company by far! It highlights the darker aspects of the play, maintains the comical spirit, but ramps us the conceptual nature of the play. I wish I could have seen it live!
y'all i can't believe i found this heather laws was my teacher for eight years but she never talked about her acting career bro this is insane!
So many productions ham up this song up for laughs. Yes, it is a funny song and a very funny scene, no denying that. What I love about her performance is the quiet intensity of a person stuck in their own head and cannot get out. This feels like a very real rendition of the character to me, which makes the following scene so much more powerful.
This is arguably the most difficult of Sondheim's songs, and Laws nails it to the wall, and does it with perfect humor. This is a master class performance.
HEATHER FUCKING LAWS EVERYBODY!
One of the hardest song to sing live. Love it
She is so quick mouthed in this, love it!!
Brilliant performance - she does this faster than any other version and her diction is still close to perfect.
Love love love this rendition and Heather Laws is spectacular! This song is very very difficult and is of course legendary in the theatre world and I watch/listen to this performance all the time. Brilliant brilliant brilliant!
This is such a fantastic song, and I thank Mr. Sondheim for writing a genuine patter song for a woman. Something really comic and clever and manic!
Raul's face at 1:41. Holy hell, I'm dying.
R Madayag I would love to know how he kept a straight face.
We watched a clip of this in my theatre class first semester. I'm getting ready to move out for the summer and I still randomly think of this song!
this is my favorite version of this song.
Same! All the actions of the actors, plus the dynamics and tones Heather Laws uses are completely ON POINT!
I think there is only one to describe this: BRILLIANT. Heather Laws is magnificent in one of the most difficult songs in all of the broadway catalog. This makes a G&S patter song look like a Sunday walk in the park. And the tempo is simply breathtaking -- faster than any other version here on youtube.
Oh my gosh that's craaaazy! She did such a good job with that I understood practically everything!!! :D
As much as i love her overreacting with screaming, i think her whispering "Dont tell paul" is even funnier :D but no one beats Madeline Kahn doing this :)
Katie Finneran ran out of breath at "I'm not well" which actually added to the humor of the scene.
Yeah but not many people can do what Kahn could do. She got her degree in speech therapy and could SERIOUSLY sing opera. Between the two? Who's gonna beat her out on a piece like this one? NO ONE. :D
PS Madeline Kahn of honored memory, may she rest in peace.
Totally agree on Madeleine Kahn. Her performance is actually wonderfully understated, you can understand every word (unlike this one), and she is rhythmically perfect (also unlike this one). Madeleine is like a pent-up full scale panic attack at a thousand words a minute.
Personally, I think this entire rendition is brilliant, from Amy's frantic screams and impeccable speed to the almost funeral-like attire. I like to think of Amy's reactions and screams are actually like an internal monologue, allowing the audience to see the absolute terror and overreacting going on in her mind, rather than taking her actions literally. As for the costume choice, I think it adds to the overall feel of the song, considering that Amy feels as if she is going to die or lose apart of herself by going through with the wedding. All in all, this is one of my favorite interpretations of the song.
the soprano is amazing and the women speakings fast as awesome too! AHH
-Bruce
Hands down best production of this particular song.
Excellent - I saw this live about 15 times on Broadway - boy do I miss those days.
I love it how she actually goes fast!
Love the fact that Raul Esparza is in it.He’s the best man, I love him as Barber in SVU/ Law and Order… Hottie🥰
This is a complete work of art.
Something amazing that I hadn't thought of before is that she does that intense scream, and then starts singing with perfect pitch! Damn!
You also gotta watch the scene that follows the song... Heather Laws is amazing! "You dont thank someone for hot orange juice!"
I love this production of Company.
Heather Laws is absolutely amazing in this song
Madeline Kahn in my view was the best in this song! Thanks for posting this version!
I’m finally able to read the lines along with her. I feel so accomplished! I don’t think I could ever go off script though lol
Stephen Sondheim is my favorite musical writer, and this is my favorite musical of his.
One of the greatest performances of anything, ever.
This is the version of Company
Awesome!
I have to do this one in our showcase, I was surprised I learned it so quick! May end up posting it on here if the video's any good.
wow.. now that's art.. congrats
THE FUCKING SCREAMING I CANT EVEN
This entire revival of 2006 is my favourite version of Company.
This is amazing. More than human !!
I saw this cast perform this on Broadway two years ago...amazing
this is the best!!
Bless this day--DAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!
So funny every time I watch it!
goodness! how does she do it!
Brilliant!
Just tried out for this musical yesterday! wish me luck!!:) I will accept any part but i would die if i got amy!:D she is the best!
As a fan of Glee and a fan of theatre, I can say that what Glee did with this song, while good, pales in comparison to any professional theatre mounting of this show and the actresses who performed the hell outta this song. (Katie Finneran, Heather Laws, Alice Ripley, Veanne Cox, & Beth Howland (just to name a few) Jayma singing falsetto doesnt make this song better, it means she cant actually sing it as it should be sung, so she sorta sings high to create an illusion she can actually do it.
When they started this on Glee I was so excited. I love company!
BRAVO !!! XD
My favorite performance in my favorite production of company.
I did a cruise ship show with her. She’s the only one who does this double speed!
Amazing performance...I love it when singer's don't slow this patter of patters down just so they can sing it.
How does Heather Laws manage to breathe? Wow! I need to see Company live!
@Shipoopi494 The best part is that, I think, they added that for this production- in all of the other ones I've seen, they don't do the scream, but it's such a great addition.
BRAVO
yes
Brava
this is the FUNNIEST THING i have possibly ever seen in at least a very long time her SCREAMS haha :D
Paul: “Amy, we’re really getting married.”
Amy nods then immediately shakes her head ‘no’. Lol
Amy's my favorite in this production, including the following scene. I find Company so-so, but this bit always cracks me up- especially the blood curdling scream.
Still the best version imo. Also, I've compared it to all live performances, she does it the fastest!
I’ve tried and I cannot even come close to getting all those lyrics in. I’d almost be curious to see some rappers try and match it
I just can't. I feel like I'm crazy whenever I see so many comments praising this revival (or any of John Doyle's other endeavors), It's just lifeless, takes any and all joy out of Sondheim. However, this actress does her best against the unending drab of the production and does manage to bring some nice and refreshing laughter out of the misery of this revival
This version of this song has ruined every other attempt a production tries to make of Company. This song alone, sung by her, is the greatest one.
BEST. AMY. EVER.
OMG! I love 3:04!
She even beats Carol Burnett, i LOVE this version
This was fantastic...But see how Carol Brunette plays this. She's awesome at this,
Also, Heather Laws is the one who plays Amy.
how does this exhibit that he can't sing? But also have you seen the rest of the show? like the acting this show is brilliant. People can't get hung up on how one person does it from another each show is different and we should go into them all with open minds
Emma ahahahahaaaa ♥
Second only to Beth Howland. Such a bear of a song to perform. She sang this as much as Beth did. Sondheim is a very demanding composer.
I was supposed to sing this (as Amy) for my theatre arts program... Haha that was a joke. We cut it. Way to difficult for a bunch of kids to learn in two weeks. It was insane.
@BestArtsMusic In the libretto it says either Jenny or Susan can sing it. I'm assuming the musical director chooses who is more fitting! :)
Yes, they do.
Her vocals pale in comparison to Beth Howland and Madeleine Kahn, but I do love how she mouthed "Don't tell Paul", and I like the physicality she brought to the song.
lol I love how she runs and hides.
THIS
Thanks for the videos! Any clips of the Company revival are better than none.
PS: You've miscredited the soprano in this song; it's Amy Justman (Susan), not Leenya Rideout (Jenny).
@VRNProductions I don't think that happens... they can hear Susan singing, the scream is a great addition!
didnt know you are a starrrrrr, bb
Aside from the fact that this is the fastest version we’ve ever heard…..do people realize that she MEMORIZED the horn/trumpet/flute(!?!) parts just to accompany this production???!!!! That entire orchestra did the same thing…and their lines for their roles! These guys are AMAZING! (Frankly, Esparza looks kind of lazy in comparison!)
That's the whole point.
Hmm, I'm not entirely sure. Leenya Rideout is a fairly competant soprano herself, as one can see in 'Poor Baby'. Maybe Amy Justman's range was a better fit for the song, or they gave her the part so she had more to do.
@hfelton Wow, relax. This was a pretty fresh take on a largely out-dated show. I agree that some of the performances are sub-par (this video exhibits the fact that Paul can't sing, among others) but Heather Laws as Amy in this number and the whole show is a FANTASTIC performance. As for the tempo, Sondheim himself says that no one has ever sung it at the original tempo save for Beth Howland in the original production in 1970. I loved this version of the show. Something different.
Glee's not done live.
Didn't this performance win a Tony for Best Revival?
shut up about glee everyone
People like you are the reason those of us who are educated in the arts have no faith in humanity.
WTF was this in response to
her scream at 1:31. hilarious.
The way glee does this song does not make sense. Will asks for the cuff links but he's on the altar already. This one is way better. Heather Laws makes this part so fun!
@GiantPetRat I think it distracts too much from the chorus girl's parts- the lyrics of which are absolutely hilarious, but the audience is too distracted by the scream and then by their own laughter to understand them.
She reminds me of the micro machines guy.