This makes me have such respect for Titus. With the huge tech difficulties he doesn’t flinch at all. Just goes and gives an amazing version of a classic.
i like how you hear the guy in back saying "AM I GOING IN WITH IT? IM GOING! IM GOING IN WITH IT!" HAHAH but props to him for doing it and all the choreography while holding a mic which was never planed for, theres theater for you.
I had the pleasure of seeing this live on Broadway years ago. My dad whispered to me before the second act, “Keep your rye on that guy. His number is going to be amazing.” When he finished, the audience did not stop giving a standing ovation for a solid five minutes. It was something to behold live and in person and I’ve never forgotten it, ten years later.
I went to see the latest version in London last night and Cedric Neal was Nicely. Absolutely incredible and clearly influenced by Titus. There was no standing ovation (possibly because most of the audience are already standing around the stage as it is an immersive staging), but we did have three encores, each getting better and more involved from the whole audience. It helps when you are literally encouraged to dance along! One of the best live performances I have seen and a stand out in the show.
I saw him do this in the actual show and it was fantastic, the crowd was on their feet. It was a shame this occurred for him but he still carried it beautifully.
Gorgeous voice, and good on him for being consistent with the mic. It's hard to remember to do that when you have always performed with a head mic, not to mention the change being in the spot. But still just not the amazing, blown away performance as the 1992 revival.
A brilliant electric piece of theatre. Yes, the sound failed. Yes, the guy carrying the mike onstage shouldn't have been heard. YES the number went on, on live TV and in the theatre with millions of eyes on it and trememdous pressure. And he pulled it off. THAT's the theatre.
I've seen several performances of this song, including one by a very good friend of mine, but none have compared to this one. The power this guy has in his voice and his comic timing, not to mention brilliant choreography, makes this the BEST interpretation of this number I have ever seen.
A gospel style makes sense since he is talking about a dream that is religious in nature. Also, it is an exaggerated humorous gospel rather a serious gospel song.
I saw this live with my dad and grandparents on Broadway in New York and I loved it! Tituss' performance was so incredible! Everyone stood up and cheered for five minutes straight after his number ended! What a voice!
To all who believe that this isn't a gospel number, please brush up on your knowledge of Guys and Dolls. I'll leave you with this, where does Sarah work? And why are they all there?
This wasn't written as a gospel song. It's being performed as one in this version, but the lyrics don't fit a gospel song. And they're only there because Sky Masterson won the bet and Nicely-Nicely is making up his alleged "dream" in order to keep the guys there for the prayer meeting. Either way, Titus Burgess as Nicely-Nicely is a real treat!
I saw this production live, and what a slog it was -- until this number, which brought the house down. And I wondered where the hell this show had been for the last two hours. As much as I love Stubby Kaye, and as much as I adored Walter Bobbie in the far better 1995 Nathan Lane/Faith Prince production, Tituss Burgess turns this already-great number into something really special.
We'll be using this song as part of our Gospel According to Broadway series in October. It's good to see that even productions as big as the Tony's have tech problems sometimes.
I for one ams really upset that there isn't a cast album for this production. I would love to hear how this show differs from the better known 1992 revival. From this performance they differ greatly.
I would have liked it out of curiosity, but from what I’ve heard about this production, the only highlight was Titus and this number. The rest sounds like an absolute mess. So maybe it’s for the better that this didn’t get an album.
I personally prefer the original or 1992 versions, but this and the other West End revival versions are still good, and very valid, interpretations. This dude knocks it out of the park with his voice and his ability to just move along with his performance regardless of tech issues.
Totally agree. Titus has a great voice. That's undeniable but it's such a classic and perfect song, you don't have to riff and try to jazz it up and "make it your own". And the General Cartwright thing at the end just made me cringe. The 92 version with Walter Bobbie is how it should be done.
Sascha Is my name Yep, Brett Michaels was fucking around during the open number and smacked his head into one of the set pieces for Rock of Ages. I loved the 2009 Tonys but pretty much everything that could go wrong did 😂
the singer has such a beautiful voice. I love the fact that he is annoyed that his mic doesn't work, but then chucks his hat and grabs the other mic and just gives a magnificent, effortless performance.
Gospel has been around over 100 years. Both jazz and swing are genres that have their origins in gospel music. There's no reason historically why this number shouldn't be done in this style, it all comes down to personal taste.
I did a a JR production of Guys and this was one of my favorite numbers. I was Lt. B :) So what if there was mic problems. It happens all the time. Trust me. He's still amazing. This number is amazing.
I wonder what the original choreography for Titus would have been. You can see he immediately tosses his hat as now he'll have to sing the whole number with the handheld mic.
This number was originally written to have a "take it to church" sound to it; the same as "Brotherhood of Man" does in another Loesser musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying".
I feel bad. In my opinion, I thought this was a decent cast. What killed this revival was the direction. The backdrop is stupid and what they did to the music was unacceptable.
@ilovetheatre13 WHAT! You need to stop living in the past and open your eyes to different interpretations, it wasnt that he played the character feminine, just different. And if you are gonna sit there and tell me that the Full voice High E at the end doesn't make your jaw drop you need your pulse checked. This has nothing to do with MTV, the vocal quality of broadway actors has improved in the past 10-15 years tremendously. Walter Bobby had trouble hitting A's, never mind an E
the funny thing is, when things go wrong in theatre, community or professional, people usually don't care. they acutally think it's funny. it's only those critics with rods shoved up their asses who make a big deal about it.
I agree dramavirtuoso - Where is the ENERGY to this number??!! Especially the way they are going for a gospel revival kind of feel to it. It's just lacking the punch. Also I think you mean 1992 for the revival (the one with Nathan Lane correct?)
A brilliant electric piece of theatre. Yes, the sound failed. Yes, the guy carrying the mike onstage shouldn't have been heard. YES the number went on, on live TV and in the theatre with millions of eyes on it and trememdous pressure. And he pulled it off. THAT's the theatre. Oh and he did it holding a mike, which he never planned for.
Titus is a pro at this. Microphone goes out. Patiently waits for replacement and carries on performance as if he had a hand mic all along!!
This makes me have such respect for Titus. With the huge tech difficulties he doesn’t flinch at all. Just goes and gives an amazing version of a classic.
I’ve heard of him when he was Sebastian
Lol " I'm going. I'M GOING!"
i like how you hear the guy in back saying "AM I GOING IN WITH IT? IM GOING! IM GOING IN WITH IT!" HAHAH but props to him for doing it and all the choreography while holding a mic which was never planed for, theres theater for you.
I had the pleasure of seeing this live on Broadway years ago. My dad whispered to me before the second act, “Keep your rye on that guy. His number is going to be amazing.” When he finished, the audience did not stop giving a standing ovation for a solid five minutes. It was something to behold live and in person and I’ve never forgotten it, ten years later.
I never been to a show with a five minute standing ovation
I went to see the latest version in London last night and Cedric Neal was Nicely. Absolutely incredible and clearly influenced by Titus. There was no standing ovation (possibly because most of the audience are already standing around the stage as it is an immersive staging), but we did have three encores, each getting better and more involved from the whole audience. It helps when you are literally encouraged to dance along! One of the best live performances I have seen and a stand out in the show.
I don't know about the rest of this revival, but even the harshest critics must admit that this guy is incredible
I saw him do this in the actual show and it was fantastic, the crowd was on their feet. It was a shame this occurred for him but he still carried it beautifully.
Titus Burgess sure knows how to lead a showstopping number! Kudos to the projection design
MARY TESTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I love how she get's laughter and applause for her one line at the beginning before the tech problems even started.
One might say she is looking for someone to give "Testa"-mony.
Gorgeous voice, and good on him for being consistent with the mic. It's hard to remember to do that when you have always performed with a head mic, not to mention the change being in the spot. But still just not the amazing, blown away performance as the 1992 revival.
I don't blame you since the 1992 Tony performance had more energy
A brilliant electric piece of theatre. Yes, the sound failed. Yes, the guy carrying the mike onstage shouldn't have been heard. YES the number went on, on live TV and in the theatre with millions of eyes on it and trememdous pressure.
And he pulled it off. THAT's the theatre.
that note at 3:48 is UNBELIEVABLE! shivers down my spine every time i hear it.
I've seen several performances of this song, including one by a very good friend of mine, but none have compared to this one. The power this guy has in his voice and his comic timing, not to mention brilliant choreography, makes this the BEST interpretation of this number I have ever seen.
Am I going in with it? I'm going, I'm going, I'm go-
A gospel style makes sense since he is talking about a dream that is religious in nature. Also, it is an exaggerated humorous gospel rather a serious gospel song.
I saw this live with my dad and grandparents on Broadway in New York and I loved it! Tituss' performance was so incredible! Everyone stood up and cheered for five minutes straight after his number ended! What a voice!
To all who believe that this isn't a gospel number, please brush up on your knowledge of Guys and Dolls. I'll leave you with this, where does Sarah work? And why are they all there?
Luke Matthews sky had a bet
Oh, it’s a gospel number, but in the original, it felt and sounded less like a typical gospel number, and that’s the complaint, I believe.
Just because an organization like the Salvation Army is religious, it doesn't mean it has a gospel tradition.
This wasn't written as a gospel song. It's being performed as one in this version, but the lyrics don't fit a gospel song. And they're only there because Sky Masterson won the bet and Nicely-Nicely is making up his alleged "dream" in order to keep the guys there for the prayer meeting.
Either way, Titus Burgess as Nicely-Nicely is a real treat!
...the song was *absolutely* never written to sound like a gospel number. Does...does no one remember the context?
dang, white lady can SANG.
And gotta love spur of the moment decisions in live theatre. :)
I saw this production live, and what a slog it was -- until this number, which brought the house down. And I wondered where the hell this show had been for the last two hours. As much as I love Stubby Kaye, and as much as I adored Walter Bobbie in the far better 1995 Nathan Lane/Faith Prince production, Tituss Burgess turns this already-great number into something really special.
We'll be using this song as part of our Gospel According to Broadway series in October. It's good to see that even productions as big as the Tony's have tech problems sometimes.
Titus Burgess. SO AMAZING!!!
SO ENVIOUS OF HIS VOICE!
ahh, i'm in love with it, saw him in the little mermaid, he never ceases to amaze me!
i love how excited lauren gets when he starts opening for the number
titus has done it again. i looove this number, i just wish they had more dancing in it besides the standing up and sitting down on chairs.
I for one ams really upset that there isn't a cast album for this production. I would love to hear how this show differs from the better known 1992 revival. From this performance they differ greatly.
I would have liked it out of curiosity, but from what I’ve heard about this production, the only highlight was Titus and this number. The rest sounds like an absolute mess. So maybe it’s for the better that this didn’t get an album.
I personally prefer the original or 1992 versions, but this and the other West End revival versions are still good, and very valid, interpretations. This dude knocks it out of the park with his voice and his ability to just move along with his performance regardless of tech issues.
This is great, but I prefer Walter Bobbie. Not Titus level, but great voice and I get more of a "gambler vibe" from him. Great choreo!
Totally agree. Titus has a great voice. That's undeniable but it's such a classic and perfect song, you don't have to riff and try to jazz it up and "make it your own". And the General Cartwright thing at the end just made me cringe. The 92 version with Walter Bobbie is how it should be done.
I love him with every fiber of my being.
Worst part "Am I goin in with it? I'm goin? I'm goin'" . That was the year of the Tony technical difficulties.
Didn't someone get a concussion in the opening number?
Sascha Is my name Yep, Brett Michaels was fucking around during the open number and smacked his head into one of the set pieces for Rock of Ages. I loved the 2009 Tonys but pretty much everything that could go wrong did 😂
TheViciousCabaret for example, Next to Normal was ROBBED
the singer has such a beautiful voice. I love the fact that he is annoyed that his mic doesn't work, but then chucks his hat and grabs the other mic and just gives a magnificent, effortless performance.
Gospel has been around over 100 years. Both jazz and swing are genres that have their origins in gospel music. There's no reason historically why this number shouldn't be done in this style, it all comes down to personal taste.
Just found this as I have an audition doing this song ,FABULOUS choreography superb humour magic thank you, thank you.
Thanks for posting all these Tony vids!!! Much appreciated :)
Even without the last minute save this would be a totally awesome performance. Kudos!
Absolutely fantastic. I'm playing Nicely Nicely this coming June and this has given me shed loads of inspiration.
OMG ITS TIDIS FROM UNBREAKABLE
I'm doing this for our school musical and Im playing nicely nicely so pimped !!!!! :)
love this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He has such a beautiful voice. I remember watching this show and was annoyed by the sound, but it was a really good show overall.
Going to be doing this for our spring musical :)
I'm Nicely-Nicely for our musical this year :) SO PUMPED TO SING THIS!!!
AMAZING
i love it
Excellent!
any one else in love with 3:25? i love the whole musical but that was my fave part in this video
lmfao Nicely passing out the whiskeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey :D
it was FAB!!!
Incredible ending!
I just love Titus.
.,i love it...
I'm supposed to sing this in my middle school musical
I LOVE THE GENERAL!!!!!
"You've been a very bad girl!" lol!!
I did a a JR production of Guys and this was one of my favorite numbers. I was Lt. B :) So what if there was mic problems. It happens all the time. Trust me. He's still amazing. This number is amazing.
Stubby Kaye - I loved him but this takes it to whole other level.
James Monroe Iglehart would be good for the role
Pinot Noir
And this is why you always keep an extra mike close by
The best will ALWAYS be the 1950 original!
the 1992 revival looks and sounds better. But this is still better than most renditions i have seen.
wow!
The crew member 😂😂
@ShortHaleigh thanks hope you get to do it because i dont even know if ive been cast and im already having a good time
were doin this atm in our theatre group of teens
I wish they released a recording of this cast.
I wonder what the original choreography for Titus would have been. You can see he immediately tosses his hat as now he'll have to sing the whole number with the handheld mic.
Sadly. When Neil Patrick Harris said in the opening he made cuts to pay for the opening number, I thought he was joking. Now I know better.
@Technoreviews411 It is also when you combine LIVE theater and LIVE Tv
*pumped
This number was originally written to have a "take it to church" sound to it; the same as "Brotherhood of Man" does in another Loesser musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying".
I never seen How to Suceed before. But I do remember Danielle Radcliffe doing the show on Broadway
I thought the music was great, but whats with the backdrop? Was the entire revival like this?
Yes, the whole show's color palette was drab like this. Compare this to the costumes in the 1995 production.
we're doing this in chanber choir :D
Since the number takes place at a prayer mission, why shouldn't it be done in a gospel style?
@whowhatwhenwhere97
The one at LaGuardia Highschool was mind-blowingly good
Chills at 3:12 EVERY time.
Spring awakening meets guys and dolls haha
lol the guy at 3:49 was trying so hard not to laugh
tituss is so talented mannnnnnn
im nicely in our school play, guys and dolls jr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XDDDD
@amadeusrayis was that part of the script?
i honestly thought that d giving d microphone b4 d music started was part of d whole act!
I love Lauren Graham
I would do terrible, unforgivable things to sing like he does. Damn.
Yes there were mic problems but he recovered amazingly i believe!
3:28-3:39 ROFL 🤣
exhibit A as to why you should never let the third string sound guys work the Tony's
Anyone else here from the tiktok? I never knew he played this role in the revival!!
these ocmments are obviously the minorty... I LOVV UIT
It was the only time this classic show flopped on Broadway so...
do they have this show on dvd somewherez?
Does anyone where i can get the recording to this song and this version not the old ones
I feel bad. In my opinion, I thought this was a decent cast. What killed this revival was the direction. The backdrop is stupid and what they did to the music was unacceptable.
Stephanie Carlin agreed
too much improvisation in this one? or was it like that in the whole show? I assume you saw more of it?
How did they change the score? I can't really tell.
@ilovetheatre13 WHAT! You need to stop living in the past and open your eyes to different interpretations, it wasnt that he played the character feminine, just different. And if you are gonna sit there and tell me that the Full voice High E at the end doesn't make your jaw drop you need your pulse checked. This has nothing to do with MTV, the vocal quality of broadway actors has improved in the past 10-15 years tremendously. Walter Bobby had trouble hitting A's, never mind an E
the funny thing is, when things go wrong in theatre, community or professional, people usually don't care. they acutally think it's funny. it's only those critics with rods shoved up their asses who make a big deal about it.
It actually works better with a microphone. Kinda draws more attention for him.
0:41 A bit of audio difficulties
I agree dramavirtuoso - Where is the ENERGY to this number??!! Especially the way they are going for a gospel revival kind of feel to it. It's just lacking the punch. Also I think you mean 1992 for the revival (the one with Nathan Lane correct?)
A brilliant electric piece of theatre. Yes, the sound failed. Yes, the guy carrying the mike onstage shouldn't have been heard. YES the number went on, on live TV and in the theatre with millions of eyes on it and trememdous pressure.
And he pulled it off. THAT's the theatre.
Oh and he did it holding a mike, which he never planned for.
it's too bad about the poor miking here. but his voice really saves it
@amadeusrayis I know right! LMFAO
"1 person" was the one sound guy
you know for a gospel number, there's an awful lack of energy (especially when compared to the 92 version)
Wats his character called btw?
whats the lady's name? what else has she done?