(Not) Getting Married Today - Company OBC, 1970
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Beth Howland with Steve Elmore, Teri Ralston and cast sing "Getting Married Today" from the original broadway cast of Sondheim's "Company", 1970.
This excerpt is from the highly recommended Region 1 DVD "Company: Original Cast Album" of the 1970 recording session. See more 1970 excerpts at
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For videos from the 2006 revival, see
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This was 48 years ago and I feel nervous for her.
Now it was 50 years ago and same
We will never stop feeling nervous for her
This is now actually the begeisterung of nerves itself.
51
When you're with BOTH writer & director you'll be NERVOUS.
now its been 52 years
"There's no time to take a breath there"
True throughout the ENTIRE song
Okay, okay, okay!... But hear me out:
You take one deep breath right before you start singing...
and then you sing your whole part...
and then you take a breath again 👍🏼
Oh yeah, and you do this about 3 or 4 times over but you know... you get episodes of free breathing inbetween 😉
You gotta utilize EVERY breath in you can get!!! It's pure astonishing
no time to blink, either!
You really see the enormous pressure she was under. And still a great performance. And she had to do it over and over. Too bad more musicals never make it to film. I think their is another version on OC album.
her character was under enormous pressure. She worked it.
thumbs up if you did NOT get here from glee.
marriage story
Julie Andrews
"Murder, she wrote"
Who cares how someone found it as long as they do...
Company
Well, I have increased my respect for Miss Howland. She had the full chops to handle such a challenging song, while it seemed like some of the surrounding principals were acting like she only had to record a rendition of "The Wheels On the Bus."
I love her version as well as Katie Finneran’s version… my two favorites! So much talent! ❤
Look at Beth! Cool as a cucumber! Sondheim and everyone giving her direction! She was a pro!
I think painful, or "pained" rather, is precisely how this song is supposed to sound :) She's meant to be having a complete panic attack... Do you not agree?
That sounds really difficult. The speed of the singing, I mean.
The Mad Hatter Was Here its way faster
It’s known as one of the most difficult songs on broadway
Beth is the best.
This is about 50% faster than the current Broadway rendition (and many recordings). Super kudos to her.
Not many have been able to copy Beth Howland as being the first vocal to champion this piece. She was "married" to the original score. She created this song. Per her request, her death was not known to public until a year afterwards. She was an amazing and funny actress.
I just found out she died, and I wondered why she didn't want anyone to know she died until months later? My daughter guesses its because she wanted a small funeral. :)
What a wonderful, luminous, beautiful, expressive face she had.
There have been a lot of great versions of this song but I don't think anyone else has captured the right amount of nervous energy, humor, and emotion ... without losing the words and rhythm... the way Beth did.
Wow just finding out about this ,so talented thanks for mentioning her acting.
I’m not aware of any other artist who performed this at the same speed. She was a VIRTUOSO.
Can you imagine doing this eight times a week?
No.
She deserved a tony just for that rehearsal. She was adorable and incredibly talented as well as the orhestra other vocalists. The sheer raw brilliance of Sondheim. Thank you.
It's little wonder why Sondheim is so wonderful in the history of the musical theater, he worked with the best of the best. He assisted Oscar Hammerstein II in several of his collaborations with Richard Rodgers and Sondheim as well collaborated with RR after Hammerstein's death. I certainly miss the musical theater of those days, and Company reflected all the best of those years. When I first heard this album in 1971, I was struck by the skill and talent of Beth Howland, later to be our ditzy waitress Vera on Alice. Truly talented.
He also worked with this guy… Lenny something. Bernstein I think. He was good.
Part of the "technology" in 1970 was the time limit on an LP recording, and for that reason, very often the tempo of a song was sped up just to save time. Such is the case here; it's just a TINY bit faster than it was performed live (saw it at least 4 times on Broadway and have done 2 productions myself, one as musical director). And speaking of tempi, during matinees of "Follies," Hal Hastings would rush through a lot of the numbers so fast that the singers couldn't keep up, just (I assume) so he could have a longer break between shows!
I'm not sure that was the reason it was speeded up. They could have sped up some other songs that weren't so fast and hard to perform to begin with. More likely, they just wanted to push it to the limit for the sake of the listeners. In a live show, you don't dare push it all the way to the limit - too much chance of a breakdown.
There's a bootleg recording of Howland singing it live here on UA-cam, ostensibly during the 1970 Boston tryouts. Transferred from tape a little too fast, to my ears, but even slowed down to get the correct pitch it is more or less just as fast as this performance. ua-cam.com/video/1NymLIH1rFc/v-deo.htmlsi=Vncmwqqk_rMEMoY2
I have to congratulate Beth Howland. Sondheim's songs are 90% all about his lyrics, and you have to hear the words being enunciated. This is a hard song to sing, and I heard Ms. Howland completely sing her lines. I love this song -- and Sondheim.
WOW! I didn't know of Beth Howland's career outside of "Alice". Her talent range is incredibly extraordinary. I have such a profound respect for her. Rest in Peace and thank you for bringing joy into the world.
"I don't wanna upset ya', but I'd love to have the tune..."
Still the definitive version in IMHO, every note and word clearly defined.
Are you deaf?
True, whenever I try to sing this you can't even hear the consonants 😂 of course, I'm not a Broadway actor, but still, she's incredible
Got to know Beth is the 90's and this is the first time I realize she was the original Amy. She was incredibly sweet and kind. So happy to finally see this!
Imagine having to walk on stage every day and have to perform that pattering song. That takes guts. She's a real pro. How many actors could handle it.
You couldn't be more wrong. The color and timbre in her voice is exactly why it's NOT a boring performance, it's really involving and exciting! Actually, that applies to the entire original Company recording, compared to the lackluster 2007 revival. (At least we feel the same about Glee.)
Agreed with you. I tried to watch the 2007 version but it was a nightmare to watch. The 2011 was good but I wish I could see the Original 1970 show on videotape and not just the documentary "Original Cast Album Company (1970 )" which I love.
Apparently she is one of the few who can sing it in the tempo in which it was written -- most other singers slow it up a bit.
💯. She can actually stay in tempo, and actually sing it, not speak through the lyrics. Jane Whittenshaw is the only one I’ve seen close to matching it, and she pulled it off in front of Sondheim as a student.
@@toddkonrad2407 That masterclass was a delight to watch. Sondheim understands how to work with actors so well.
Beth Howland was a national treasure. A hugely talented singer/actress who was a total one-of-a-kind.
And now we have a great parody of this documentary with the "Documentary Now!" episode "Co-Op: the Musical" and their version of this song. He doesn't ding as fast as her, but it's very funny.
ua-cam.com/video/bzcdZEN_fm0/v-deo.html
It’s a patter song. The “tune” is secondary. The delivery is what matters.
Bullshit
I always remember how funny she was on Mary Tyler Moore as a woman who forbade Mary from dating her ex-husband.
Agreed. First thing I thought of as I listened to her jaw-dropping rendition.
wow !! Imagine trying to sing this live in the studio in front of all those people!!
Whew! This had to be one of the toughest tunes ever in any musical.... almost like
Athletics meets music.
I saw her do the role in 1970. Unforgettable!
Beth Howland was the best Amy EVER! I was fortunate to have seen her play the part on Broadway twice and in San Francisco once.
RIP Stephen. Such a freaking genius.
My goodness, look how young Stephen Sondheim was.
God bless her fitting in that many words with barely breaths.My theater class watched this and I couldn't say anything afterwards.Absolutely amazing.
I've watched this so many times and it's always utterly insanely amazing
Kudos to ANY actress who can master that song .WOW
I LOVE This. I was born in 1990, but I'm always trying to look at the Making of, and behind the scenes stuff, and it's hard to find on older stuff. So this is really cool.
1992 here ♥and same! So glad we have the internet
Amazing. The level of ability gives me chills, but the song is so FUNNY. I love it all.
Nobody ever did this as well as Beth Howland.
I would give anything to see Beth Howland play the role of Amy live!
I love Steve Elmore, a wonderful man! And Beth Howland--what an adorable woman! I had quite a crush on her when I was nine years old. Remember the TV show ALICE, where she was the ditzy Vera Gorman? I loved that gal...
Is Steve Elmore the man who sings as Paul?
Yes.
Steve Elmore is my father in law. He passed away a few years ago. What a tremendous talent he was.
John Mulaney brought me here.
When did he refer to this song?
josh miller Co-op
sad to hear beth howland is gone. 30 years ago in 1986 life was at its best for me now more people are gone than are left here.
First saw Beth Howland when she co-starred on Alice when I was a kid. Bit of surprise that she so talented as a singer.
I learned this song recently, and it's so hard. She fucking nailed it though
So sad to hear of Beth's passing.........the original "Amy" from Company..........and "Vera" on "ALICE".........RIP Beth Howland......such a great talent.........listen to hear her BLAST out that difficult patter song........Beth nailed it!!!!
Wow half way there the big 50 is coming in March the 14.....I am a 70s baby.. 😍😁😁😁😁😄😄😃😃😊 Biggs. B days are amazing....there are every day
Wow, she was truly amazing! God Bless you Beth!
Wow..
Co-op is so accurate..
I’ve had TOBA of ‘Company’ since I was a teen. And NO one has ever sang one of the most difficult songs imaginable better than Beth Howland. Rest In Continued Peace. 😊
I used to think what a waste it was that she moved to a sitcom, but I realize as I get older that at 35, moving to a job in Alice must have been like a dream of a steady paycheck and a stable life after 15 years in stage and bit parts on TV.
Steady paycheck after 35 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
damn she has great breath control to be able to sing this...
I didn’t know Amy was going to marry Gaston....
this isnt the same actor as Gaston (though he does sound familiar) but in teal life, she married victor the gargoyle from hunchback of notre dame, who's in this as Harry
@@simeonwitten3636 man, i think OP is just saying paul's actor here looks like gaston HAHAHAHAHA
But the fact of the matter is I did a little cocaine toniiiiiiiiight
Ohhh mannnn! Here comes Annnnn! She’s the athlete from 12G!
Okay... Just... Wow!! Love this song, and her interpretation is just amazing.
RIP, Beth Howland.
Her performance was delightful and ‘lightening in a bottle’. Thank you, to Pennebaker & Hegedus for preserving it for eternity.
And Thomas Z Shepard!
The amazing diction one must have to sing this song…she killed it
Beth Howland died of lung cancer on December 31, 2015 at age 74.
:/
No, she died yesterday 5/24/16
+Marc Moder It was December 31, 2015 out of respect for her family, her passing wasn't announced until yesterday .
She was a very private person and didn't want an announcement made. She didn't even want a service. Her family finally announced her death this week.
THIS IS AMAZING. Original Broadway cast. And yes, Amy is Beth Howland who went on to appear as Vera (sadly, forever known to the masses as "Dingy") on the teevee show Alice... not the strongest voice, but pulled it of successfully for a good long run! RIP
"I don't wanna upset ya', but i'd love to have the tune..."
You were such a talent Beth Howland. ❤️❤️❤️
That's much faster than usual. Probably the fastest version.
dang! she's fast.
she didn't even look out of breath, amazing!
I’m not denying her natural talent, but I saw her run out of breath in the first take of this song. While it’s absolutely plausible for professionally trained singers with advanced breath support to pull Amy’s part off at the original nearly breakneck speed, it takes a lot of practicing for even them to be able to get it right. Most songs aren’t performed at a tempo this fast.
"Actually you do have Asthma but you do it very ladylike" yoooooooo imma TRY
"everybody's throwing things at ya', ya' poor kid..."
Beth Howland, wow! Super job!
Sondheim could be a sadistic SOB… how the heck did he expect people to sing some of what he wrote. But they did.
RIP Beth Howland 1937-2015
Omg she is ridiculously cute. >.
The chick from Alice is clearly a superhero. Brava
live version of Beth Howland doing it is even faster
The soloist should have sung "TRAGEDY of life, husband YOKED to wife" unless something had changed from this incarnation. Imagine being the one to f*ck up Beth's take like that!
I wondered about that too, but this was early on, since it was the cast recording. Hal Prince is talking about the reviews from the Boston tryouts, because he mentions the 2 Boston reviewers back then -- Kevin Kelly from the Boston Globe, and Elliot Norton from the Herald.
That solo passage wouldn't have been usable anyway, because the soloist (Teri Ralston) evidently began it too far away from the microphone. As she sings, you can see one of the other singers (Charles Braswell) gestures to someone off-camera before tapping her on the shoulder, at which Ralston moves forward, closer to the microphone. But it's a pretty self-contained passage, it would have been easy to rerecord it and splice it in without putting Howland through the wringer unnecessarily. Incidentally, the album track has these lyrics as "tragedy of life, husband joined to wife."
She's freaking amazing.....
Needs more cowbell
@timjmoran this is why Sondheim is a maniacal genius, all of his numbers, as well as all the comedy in them, are so taxing, its amazing when it works, but boy is it physically and emotionally difficult to exicute, Beth Howland's clarity is amazing, this musical is hilariously funny because of the talent that launched Sondheim's and Furth's fantastic creation.
Beth Howland - that's Vera from Alice! RIP!
1: Randy Rainbow brought me here
2: omg that's Vera!
It still has to do with the quality of sound. (And, of course, the decade.) But, mostly quality...And the realistic changes that can occur... Say the producer wants it slower or faster...it's easy now to do that with computers, but not authentic. It's almost like cheating. That, of course, is personal opinion on my part. But, the authentic sound and greater control over changes during recording were a reason. Did you know Seth McFarlane uses a live orchestra in his shows?
I found myself compulsively inhaling during the second half of this video.
Bless this footage for existing
Whoa. Go Beth! I so could never have done this song. Not in a million years.
Damn. Fastest Amy in history
keep john mulaney away from this
I love the live recording with the orchestra in studio! very awesome, man how doe she breathe and say all that. whoah!!! :)
I luv Beth, terrific delivery
@livelifealwaysx3 actually i got ALL of the jokes, and it requires the audience to hold laughter in and listen to EVERY word she says and laugh at the end of the song. An actor does in fact play to an audience, but an actor plays (or should play) what THEY feel, not what the audience is asking for. If we as actors did what we did on stage just because an audience asked for it, we might as well just perform in a circus, ya know? Just my thoughts anyways. Haha.
Thank GOD someone filmed this!
This is such a TREASURE!!!
I was a huge* "Alice" fan in my youth! That was my first introduction to BETH H. and
I've listened to other performances...
but HER'S, no question,
IS Unmatched!!!
R.I.P. BETH HOWLAND
R.I.P STEPHEN SONDHEIM
{🎁*🎁*}
🙏🏼🙏🏼...💚*
Sad to hear of Beth's passing last New Year's Eve. Condolences to Charles "Jim Dial" Kimbrough.
Because this is was made in the 1970's when music standard meant something. Having an orchestra means that the conductor has more power to made rits or accels if he wishes to do so etc. It makes the musical quality of the music much higher. most things today is just a joke compared to this. This is quality.
No one--and I mean no one--has done it better than Beth. Damn hard to top!
I loved this song WAY before Glee decided to do it
R.I.P.
Jason Scott thanks for that, it was nice to scroll down that stupid remark in hopes to seeing a correction and finding you.
Teri Ralston goes to my church, and she helped coach me on my Purcell aria.
Teri ralston was my musical theatre teacher at college! And I met donna mckechnie at a 54 below show when teri introduced me to her
But this is just a recording of the album.They could have pre-recorded the music and had the cast listen on headphones while singing. Isn't that how it's done today? Here you have the orchestra right in the studio.
That's the way they'd always done it back then - entirely live in the studio - and both the musicians and cast would have had their parts absolutely down by that point. Everybody would know all the tempos, cues, punches, and it would just be a matter of getting a good performance and a good take. Also, don't forget that those were BIG, expensive studios, musicians and actors all getting paid NYC union rates, so it had to be done fast. They probably did it all in one day.
That's what they had to do for Lady's Who Lunch because Elaine couldn't manage it at 4:00 am, check out the who documentary, it's great!
@@MikeA15206 Was she just too tired by then? Or - since Joanna was a part written for her, in some ways WAS her, and the character was always a bit the worse for drink - was she too under it for a good take?
I will admit that I prefer Barbara Walsh in the role to Elaine or Patti LuPone,.
You didn't see Barbara Walsh there on stage - you saw Joanna, rather than a larger-than-life actress playing her.
I'm just relieved she didn't pass out by the end!
Beth Did this Damn song..lol I would have past out..Miss her
Sondheim once said that Beth was the only one to get the cadence right
At least Stephen knew how he wanted his songs to be heard & acted.
Documentary Now brought me here...
Nobody has ever done it better than Vera from Alice!!!