Seth, my name is Randall (Randy) Kirby. I was in the original Broadway production. I played Jr. Babcock. I really enjoyed your break down. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the opening of "Mame" in New York City on May 26, 2016. It's going to so much fun seeing all those wonderful talented people again. I'm so stoked!
Randall was this a party or were there performances at the event? Would love to know more about it. [I was in a small production of Mame in 73-ish featuring Jason Alexander (Greenspan at the time) as Young Patrick.]
@@tristanbray2184 Before I signed to do "Mame" my agent came to me with an offer to co-star on a spinoff of the "Man From U.N.C.L.E with Stefanie Powers & Noel Harrison if the pilot sold. The producers agreed to let me go if that happened. So... :)
Story: was recently on a long drive with some work colleagues, trying to pick out what music to listen to (thank you, BlueTooth audio) and it came up that I love Broadway musicals. Someone (half my age) asked "what's the greatest show tune of all time?" I immediately thought of "It's Today," and played it for everyone. It was generally agreed that this was the show-tuniest show tune that ever show tuned a show tune. Then I played your analysis, which people loved. In a nutshell, I learned that this number (and its glorious cast album, thank you Goddard Lieberson) is so overwhelming that people miss the bits and pieces that make it up. So - thank you for making a boring drive entertaining and enlightening. (And then we listened to the whole Mame album, albeit skipping the skip songs.)
Love your vids, Seth...I think the brief girl trio harmony is a nod to the girl groups of the 20's and 30's like The Boswell Sisters, since the show opens up in the late 1920's.
I love this song and I love the way Seth deconstructs it. I think the Boop-Boop-A-Doop girls who sing "Life can also be lived on a weekday..." are supposed to capture the style and harmony of the jingle singers you would hear on the radio in the late twenties- early thirties.
Yes, I thought the Boop Boop a Boop girls added a 1920's feeling. I really like it here and when they sing that way in the terribly modern operetta "The Man in the Moon is a Lady" I first discovered your work with your piece on "Put on Your Sunday Clothes" and was instantly hooked!
Seth, I want to add to all the accolades that you've received here. I listen to you often on Sirius Radio, and this is my first chance to discover you on UA-cam, deconstructing one of my favorite tunes, "It's Today." This was the very first professional musical that I saw in my youth, and the song is absolutely inspiring. Your enthusiasm in sharing the different parts of the song was utterly DELIGHTFUL! I not only learned a lot, but I had such fun watching you. Keep up the terrific work. I've just subscribed to your channel. HEY!
One note on the opening trumpets: That fanfare at the end is Mame blowing a trumpet at the top of the tall staircase before she descends. (Look at the album cover!) I love this show.
You are so educational. I realize the fundamentals of why I always cherished these upbeat classic Broadway songs. Your keen insight has opened windows of my minds. I'm listening to Jerry Herman every day going to work, you can't help but be in the best mood coming in the front door. Thank you Seth. I also discovered you on XM Radio. Bravo my man.
Just finding this now, Seth. Intoxicating. Thank you. I'm struck by your comment about the "flutey xylophone" orchestration. It's evocative of what Gershwin uses in Rhapsody In Blue to connote the crowds and hustle of NYC.
I love you! Thanks for breaking s down my favorite shows! I listen to 'It's Today' everyday to start my day. They call me the song and dance man at the office, because I sing everyday. I'm inspired so much by your videos. Thank you. Maybe "Into the Woods" next time! I love Stephen Sondheim!
Bravo Seth! My name's Randy. I love your video. You pointed out several things that I've heard since I saw the show with Angela Lansbury, in 1979 and 1986, and listened to the OBCR over and over again - but never thought about until now! That the 'robot' sound you describe always struck me as a vocal expression of the roaring 20's. The 'liquid' knew distinguishes the word 'knew' from 'new'. I love what you've done here and can't wait to see more videos. Thanks!
Seth, you are the reason I renewed Sirius, just to listen to your quirky, but amazing banter (and the music, of course!). But this brought me to a whole new level of your talent! You bring your special magic to life here. And I've never seen anyone describe music in such a way that brings every nuance to these ears! Bravo! I'll be watching more of these, that's for sure! Thank you!!!
I played Mr. Upson (and was stored in the chorus until needed) in our high school production of Mame. As I recall, the lyrics of It's Today ended in "Hey!".
This is fantastic! I've stumbled across your channel while searching for Mame and I am well and truly hooked. Wonderful review, so upbeat and joyous to watch, I can't wait to see more.
I have to watch this deconstruction every time I feel like hearing OBC Mame. Can't hear It's Today's reprise/tag without crying every.single.time. Leave it to Seth to explain exactly why.
Seth: The reason there is no "Yea" after Mame's second version of the song is that she and Patrick were riding offstage on a wagon in order to make a costume change for the next scene. By the time the song ended, they were already in the wings.
This is so much fun to watch! I was in a production of Mame recently and this really helped me appreciate the song so much more, gah it's so cool to hear all these little intricacies that Seth finds!
This Seth dude is fun! Luv the lip-synching and Angela's voice coming out! Gotta disagree with the "Life can also be lived .." criticism tho - that style is something i totally associate with the late 20s- early 30s - i dont know exactly why but i do - maybe a Betty Boop cartoon or something? - but its very much of that time and i've always enjoyed that part as telling us that it is that time period. This was so much fun, earned a "Subscribe" from me. Oh no! Elaine Stritch! (but first I wanna take a ride in a rumble seat!)
Seth, the "Life can also be lived on a weekday"... part actually worked in the show. I've seen several versions, including the one with Angela. You have to see it staged, the actresses made it work. Honest. It was fun!
Totally agree with you on the "Life can also be lived on a weekday" part... It's supposed to be sassy! I did this show and it was all gossipy and fun (think Pajama Game with all of the workers in the Can't Waste Time portion of the opening number - the pajama game), but listening to the soundtrack it's like "what...are you doing."
Angela Lansbury was born in 1925 and the show opened in 1966 meaning she was 41, NOT 44 as Seth said. Now, please deconstruct the soundtrack version of “It’s Today” with Lucille Ball although she practically destroys, I mean deconstructs it by “singing” it.
Thank (insert desired deity here) for Mr SRudetsky.... the number one stealth talent on Broadway....so musical, so knowledgeable, so FUNNY! If he had been a vaudevillian, his top billing would read, The Amazing Seth Rudetsky...Live On Stage, all talking, all singing, all dancing...with gestures. Note.... the robotic section you deconstructed reminds me of the lead women’s number Sing For Your Supper in Boys From Syracuse. Check it out, or is it just me? ua-cam.com/video/gnEgFqhD8-0/v-deo.htmlsi=BgJB9XzDH6USNnUk starting about 2:40
Seth- @14:02 I heard tum BLE. Did you earlier indicate that she sang it as 'tum bow'? or am I mistaken of your interpretive opinion? BTW, your presentations are not just enjoya[bow], ... they're phenomenal! Kudos!
seth I loooooooooooove u and Angela but have u seen her in bed nobs and broomsticks its amazing she has fabulous songs in it and its sooooo fun xxxxxx :)
I believe this song was a reworking of "(There is No Tune Like a) Show Tune" from Herman's first revue "Parade" that opened in 1959 (nothing to do with the dark 1998 show by Jason Robert Brown).
"It's Today" certainly is a show tune, which indeed, as you know, was the melody's original title, from the revue "Parade" ("There's just no tune/ As exciting/ As a show tune/ In 3/4"). Now how about deconstructing the title song, which you'd think would be politically problematic in this day and age with its references to Dixie and picking cotton and tobacco and watermelon and "The South will rise again!"; sort of a musical Confederate flag.
But Seth, How could you make a mistake about Dame Angela’s age? Adding years to her age and maiming potential work offers. You must have been confused with the leading lady from the film. Now, and and deconstruct that version. “I still have it.” Not when you make a mistake like that one. Mrs. Lovett’s going to make a pie out of you!! But truly I enjoy all of these; they are great. But be kind when you come to Miss Merman and GYPSY. I’ll miss you doing THE KING and I because it’s cast album was on Decca and the sound is tinny. But Gertrude Lawrence’s memory and honor will be intact for those that love and appreciate her. Please do BELLS ARE RINGING (“The Party’s Over”/Judy Holiday), LIL’ ABNER (“Namely You”/Edith or Edie Adams) and HOUSE of FLOWERS (“A Sleeping Bee”/Diahann Carroll). And yes Richard Rodgers wanted her for one of the two female leads in FLOWER DRUM SONG but couldn’t make her Asian enough with makeup! Brava!
You are wonderful - but I have to beg to differ with you on It's Today- Angela Lansbury is not singing thé same note but a semi- tone away up from thé G is it. Anyway - you are obviously a Musician so I wondered why you thought it was thé same note! Otherwise you are fun & fabulous yourself. Thank for your breakdown ´s!
I'm just guessing, but I always thought that trio was supposed to recall The Boswell Sisters, the Andrews Sisters, the McGuire Sisters and the Supremes of their day.
I don't get why such a big deal is made about singing "today" as "too-day". Singing it like we say it, as "tuh-day", particularly on a high B-flat for an extended period of time would be a really ugly sound. It sounds like a pretty standard vowel modification to my ears.
Seth, my name is Randall (Randy) Kirby. I was in the original Broadway production. I played Jr. Babcock. I really enjoyed your break down. We will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the opening of "Mame" in New York City on May 26, 2016. It's going to so much fun seeing all those wonderful talented people again. I'm so stoked!
I love it!!!
Randall was this a party or were there performances at the event? Would love to know more about it. [I was in a small production of Mame in 73-ish featuring Jason Alexander (Greenspan at the time) as Young Patrick.]
Randy, what was the reason you left after a month or two?
@@tristanbray2184 Before I signed to do "Mame" my agent came to me with an offer to co-star on a spinoff of the "Man From U.N.C.L.E with Stefanie Powers & Noel Harrison if the pilot sold. The producers agreed to let me go if that happened. So... :)
I've heard of that, actually. ua-cam.com/video/01tSvZLcZ3I/v-deo.html (at 2:33)
Story: was recently on a long drive with some work colleagues, trying to pick out what music to listen to (thank you, BlueTooth audio) and it came up that I love Broadway musicals. Someone (half my age) asked "what's the greatest show tune of all time?" I immediately thought of "It's Today," and played it for everyone. It was generally agreed that this was the show-tuniest show tune that ever show tuned a show tune. Then I played your analysis, which people loved. In a nutshell, I learned that this number (and its glorious cast album, thank you Goddard Lieberson) is so overwhelming that people miss the bits and pieces that make it up. So - thank you for making a boring drive entertaining and enlightening. (And then we listened to the whole Mame album, albeit skipping the skip songs.)
Thank you for teaching me how to really LISTEN!
Love your vids, Seth...I think the brief girl trio harmony is a nod to the girl groups of the 20's and 30's like The Boswell Sisters, since the show opens up in the late 1920's.
I love this guy and I don’t care who knows. He fills me with joy.
I love this song and I love the way Seth deconstructs it. I think the Boop-Boop-A-Doop girls who sing "Life can also be lived on a weekday..." are supposed to capture the style and harmony of the jingle singers you would hear on the radio in the late twenties- early thirties.
Yes, I thought the Boop Boop a Boop girls added a 1920's feeling. I really like it here and when they sing that way in the terribly modern operetta "The Man in the Moon is a Lady"
I first discovered your work with your piece on "Put on Your Sunday Clothes" and was instantly hooked!
EXACTLY.
Seth, I want to add to all the accolades that you've received here. I listen to you often on Sirius Radio, and this is my first chance to discover you on UA-cam, deconstructing one of my favorite tunes, "It's Today." This was the very first professional musical that I saw in my youth, and the song is absolutely inspiring. Your enthusiasm in sharing the different parts of the song was utterly DELIGHTFUL! I not only learned a lot, but I had such fun watching you. Keep up the terrific work. I've just subscribed to your channel. HEY!
One note on the opening trumpets: That fanfare at the end is Mame blowing a trumpet at the top of the tall staircase before she descends. (Look at the album cover!)
I love this show.
Absolutely delightful, fascinating, educational.
the chorus vobratto, unique in Herman shows, actually makes you sense irridescence and crystal sparkling in this glamorous number.
Seth's enthusiasm is infectious!!! Thank You!!
You are so educational. I realize the fundamentals of why I always cherished these upbeat classic Broadway songs. Your keen insight has opened windows of my minds. I'm listening to Jerry Herman every day going to work, you can't help but be in the best mood coming in the front door. Thank you Seth. I also discovered you on XM Radio. Bravo my man.
Just finding this now, Seth. Intoxicating. Thank you. I'm struck by your comment about the "flutey xylophone" orchestration. It's evocative of what Gershwin uses in Rhapsody In Blue to connote the crowds and hustle of NYC.
I love you! Thanks for breaking s down my favorite shows! I listen to 'It's Today' everyday to start my day. They call me the song and dance man at the office, because I sing everyday. I'm inspired so much by your videos. Thank you. Maybe "Into the Woods" next time! I love Stephen Sondheim!
Dang! I like Seth's taking apart a song. He has the spirit of Lenny, but more animated. :)
Bravo Seth! My name's Randy. I love your video. You pointed out several things that I've heard since I saw the show with Angela Lansbury, in 1979 and 1986, and listened to the OBCR over and over again - but never thought about until now! That the 'robot' sound you describe always struck me as a vocal expression of the roaring 20's. The 'liquid' knew distinguishes the word 'knew' from 'new'. I love what you've done here and can't wait to see more videos. Thanks!
Seth, you are the reason I renewed Sirius, just to listen to your quirky, but amazing banter (and the music, of course!). But this brought me to a whole new level of your talent! You bring your special magic to life here. And I've never seen anyone describe music in such a way that brings every nuance to these ears! Bravo! I'll be watching more of these, that's for sure! Thank you!!!
I played Mr. Upson (and was stored in the chorus until needed) in our high school production of Mame. As I recall, the lyrics of It's Today ended in "Hey!".
This is fantastic! I've stumbled across your channel while searching for Mame and I am well and truly hooked. Wonderful review, so upbeat and joyous to watch, I can't wait to see more.
I have to watch this deconstruction every time I feel like hearing OBC Mame. Can't hear It's Today's reprise/tag without crying every.single.time. Leave it to Seth to explain exactly why.
Unbelievably enjoyable and informative! I love the score and this made me appreciate it all the more. Thank you.
I love listening to these, but I will argue with you on the "tum-bow" -- you can actually hear the -=ble right after that at 14:02
Seth: The reason there is no "Yea" after Mame's second version of the song is that she and Patrick were riding offstage on a wagon in order to make a costume change for the next scene. By the time the song ended, they were already in the wings.
And the music went right into the scene change music without a break.
Dear heavens, Seth, you're just my favorite person ever.
This is so much fun to watch! I was in a production of Mame recently and this really helped me appreciate the song so much more, gah it's so cool to hear all these little intricacies that Seth finds!
I love it when you mouth the words.
I love this song and Ascot Gavote for my morning alarm every morning. I would love to sing this when I have a party.
This is fantastic! I can't believe this is the first time I'm seeing these!!!!!!!
OMG - you are fantastic - LOVE IT - from start to finish.
Another great video! You do such a wonderful job of describing stuff so we can listen more closely. Keep posting!
This Seth dude is fun! Luv the lip-synching and Angela's voice coming out!
Gotta disagree with the "Life can also be lived .." criticism tho - that style is something i totally associate with the late 20s- early 30s - i dont know exactly why but i do - maybe a Betty Boop cartoon or something? - but its very much of that time and i've always enjoyed that part as telling us that it is that time period.
This was so much fun, earned a "Subscribe" from me.
Oh no! Elaine Stritch!
(but first I wanna take a ride in a rumble seat!)
Seth, the "Life can also be lived on a weekday"... part actually worked in the show. I've seen several versions, including the one with Angela. You have to see it staged, the actresses made it work. Honest. It was fun!
The Flapper girls add airy texture, champagne bubbles.
I am obsessed with you!
Totally agree with you on the "Life can also be lived on a weekday" part... It's supposed to be sassy! I did this show and it was all gossipy and fun (think Pajama Game with all of the workers in the Can't Waste Time portion of the opening number - the pajama game), but listening to the soundtrack it's like "what...are you doing."
R.i.p. Angela Lansbury, great dame of Broadway!
Bootleg video??? Of the whole show?? I’d love to see that. I’ve seen sections but never the whole thing 😁
Awesome! Total fan!
RIP to the great great Miss Lansbury
Sounds very 1920s and appropriate in setting the times of the show. Lots of 20s reference in the orchestra and the female trio.
Another example of Pippin's use of strings is in "I Am What I Am" from La Cage.
BRILLIANT!
You should deconstruct Into the Woods!!! That is my favorite show!
still got it!
When I was a young man in Chicago Angela toured with the show and it was wonderful.
man, you're smart!
Love this!
Angela Lansbury was born in 1925 and the show opened in 1966 meaning she was 41, NOT 44 as Seth said.
Now, please deconstruct the soundtrack version of “It’s Today” with Lucille Ball although she practically destroys, I mean deconstructs it by “singing” it.
I always thought they were saying "Yeah!" not "Hey". Ask Angela. Maybe she remembers
Thank (insert desired deity here) for Mr SRudetsky.... the number one stealth talent on Broadway....so musical, so knowledgeable, so FUNNY! If he had been a vaudevillian, his top billing would read, The Amazing Seth Rudetsky...Live On Stage, all talking, all singing, all dancing...with gestures.
Note.... the robotic section you deconstructed reminds me of the lead women’s number Sing For Your Supper in Boys From Syracuse. Check it out, or is it just me?
ua-cam.com/video/gnEgFqhD8-0/v-deo.htmlsi=BgJB9XzDH6USNnUk
starting about 2:40
you are a god among men!
I love at 5:14, he pulls out all the stops!
God How I Wish I Could Marry This Man !
Tif Rice: He’s already married BUT if he’s a Mormon, you might have a chance.
Hasn't seth deconstructed this before??
Ha! I love you!
Seth- @14:02 I heard tum BLE. Did you earlier indicate that she sang it as 'tum bow'? or am I mistaken of your interpretive opinion?
BTW, your presentations are not just enjoya[bow], ... they're phenomenal! Kudos!
She did sing it as tumble. You can clearly hear the "ell".
*points finger* AnyWHOOO lol!!
seth I loooooooooooove u and Angela but have u seen her in bed nobs and broomsticks its amazing she has fabulous songs in it and its sooooo fun xxxxxx :)
I believe this song was a reworking of "(There is No Tune Like a) Show Tune" from Herman's first revue "Parade" that opened in 1959 (nothing to do with the dark 1998 show by Jason Robert Brown).
@jgregveneklasen2657: YOU ARE CORRECT and the show (PARADE) was recorded on the Decca label. Seth owes you one.
"It's Today" certainly is a show tune, which indeed, as you know, was the melody's original title, from the revue "Parade" ("There's just no tune/ As exciting/ As a show tune/ In 3/4").
Now how about deconstructing the title song, which you'd think would be politically problematic in this day and age with its references to Dixie and picking cotton and tobacco and watermelon and "The South will rise again!"; sort of a musical Confederate flag.
she was 39 at the time.. not 44
She was 41! Date of birth: October 16, 1925
But Seth, How could you make a mistake about Dame Angela’s age? Adding years to her age and maiming potential work offers. You must have been confused with the leading lady from the film. Now, and and deconstruct that version. “I still have it.” Not when you make a mistake like that one. Mrs. Lovett’s going to make a pie out of you!!
But truly I enjoy all of these; they are great. But be kind when you come to Miss Merman and GYPSY. I’ll miss you doing THE KING and I because it’s cast album was on Decca and the sound is tinny. But Gertrude Lawrence’s memory and honor will be intact for those that love and appreciate her. Please do BELLS ARE RINGING (“The Party’s Over”/Judy Holiday), LIL’ ABNER (“Namely You”/Edith or Edie Adams) and HOUSE of FLOWERS (“A Sleeping Bee”/Diahann Carroll). And yes Richard Rodgers wanted her for one of the two female leads in FLOWER DRUM SONG but couldn’t make her Asian enough with makeup! Brava!
I wish he talked a little faster.
I remember the orgasmatron.
You are wonderful - but I have to beg to differ with you on It's Today- Angela Lansbury is not singing thé same note but a semi- tone away up from thé G is it. Anyway - you are obviously a Musician so I wondered why you thought it was thé same note! Otherwise you are fun & fabulous yourself. Thank for your breakdown ´s!
Lmao I always hated the trio of the three women. They sound like members of the lollypop guild.
I'm just guessing, but I always thought that trio was supposed to recall The Boswell Sisters, the Andrews Sisters, the McGuire Sisters and the Supremes of their day.
I disagree there is nothing robotic about this!
I don't get why such a big deal is made about singing "today" as "too-day". Singing it like we say it, as "tuh-day", particularly on a high B-flat for an extended period of time would be a really ugly sound. It sounds like a pretty standard vowel modification to my ears.
What is he babling about?
If you listened to his “babbling” you would know that he’s explaining the structure and interpretation of the song “It’s Today”.