The Woman Who Shut Up Simon Cowell

[scandi]

I fell in love with Gordon MacRae in Carousel! I always did have a soft spot for the Bad boy (Billy Bigelow)! "You'll never walk alone" is a tearjearker for me!

Me too. It was the reprise of If I Loved You that got to me like that. I felt so stupid sitting here with tears running down my face as he sang. xox

 

[scandi]

Come What May won't work as it is really a duet, but 'One Day I'll Fly Away' follows the same musical format of her other 2 songs, just a bit slow. She'd have to have the perfect arrangement of it:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsdqqqMKkT4&feature=related"]YouTube - One day I'll fly away[/ame]

Off for savoy cabbage and some Merlot = back in a flash!

 

[Nova]

You're name here 'Nova'. And you're right, I was raised on Rogers & Hammerstein....

Of course. "NIK" as in nickname.

Well, at least I finally get to use this emoticon: :doh:

 

[Nova]

Scandi,

What do you think about this one?....Stephen Sondheim's "Being Alive."

Snipped


I'd never heard it....

Scandi, this was as far as I got in your post before I passed out from shock. Now that the paramedics have left...

"Being Alive" is from Company, score by Stephen Sondheim. It is one of the greatest songs ever written. Ever! (BTW, the world is comprised entirely of Sondheim people and Webber people. Guess which I am.)

But it is traditionally a man's song (Peters was singing it, in part, for novelty) and the lyrics are often disliked by people who prefer more schmaltz in their ballads. More importantly, it was written for the American actor Dean Jones, who isn't really a singer, which is why it has so few sustained notes. (The song suffered, IMHO, when Larry Kert--a real singer with a gorgeous high baritone--took over for Jones on Broadway and tried to stretch out the tones.)

Though Boyle could probably sing it, I don't think it will give the majority of her fans what they want. And since she's in a contest, an interesting change-of-pace number won't cut it, she's got to hit a home run every time.

===

Patti Lupone was brilliant in Evita, which I saw many times. But the Brits prefer their own Elaine Paige, who originated the role on stage in the West End, so that's probably the version one should use when picking songs for Boyle.

Is there some report that Webber is considering Boyle for Evita?! If so, it's a p.r. gimmick and will never happen. For one thing, Eva Peron died when she was years younger than Boyle is today; for another, Peron was very glamorous. Boyle would be completely wrong.

===

I think you guys are on the right track with "You'll Never Walk Alone." Great song, plenty of schmaltz; unless it's a total disaster, it's pretty much a guaranteed showstopper.

 

[scandi]

Scandi, this was as far as I got in your post before I passed out from shock. Now that the paramedics have left...

"Being Alive" is from Company, score by Stephen Sondheim. It is one of the greatest songs ever written. Ever! (BTW, the world is comprised entirely of Sondheim people and Webber people. Guess which I am.)

But it is traditionally a man's song (Peters was singing it, in part, for novelty) and the lyrics are often disliked by people who prefer more schmaltz in their ballads. More importantly, it was written for the American actor Dean Jones, who isn't really a singer, which is why it has so few sustained notes. (The song suffered, IMHO, when Larry Kert--a real singer with a gorgeous high baritone--took over for Jones on Broadway and tried to stretch out the tones.)

Though Boyle could probably sing it, I don't think it will give the majority of her fans what they want. And since she's in a contest, an interesting change-of-pace number won't cut it, she's got to hit a home run every time.

===

Patti Lupone was brilliant in Evita, which I saw many times. But the Brits prefer their own Elaine Paige, who originated the role on stage in the West End, so that's probably the version one should use when picking songs for Boyle.

Is there some report that Webber is considering Boyle for Evita?! If so, it's a p.r. gimmick and will never happen. For one thing, Eva Peron died when she was years younger than Boyle is today; for another, Peron was very glamorous. Boyle would be completely wrong.

===

I think you guys are on the right track with "You'll Never Walk Alone." Great song, plenty of schmaltz; unless it's a total disaster, it's pretty much a guaranteed showstopper.

Good to hear from you Nova, I couldn't find the perfect song for Susan to 'star' with in the finals from Evita. 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' is an incredible work of art, but it is pretty much solid singing, without the dramatics of highs and low's that show off the total range, power and stability of the voice IMO.

What I read about Weber is that he showed up a a studio and got into convo about Susan. Oh, I think he ran into her there. He said very good modest things about her and that he has her in mind for something he is doing. It was the journo I think who interjected the opinion this must be for a replacement of the role of Evita.

I can't see her as Evita either. She doesn't look the part or have the feel for Latino life that I would think would be imperative to success in the role. That is why I could hardly listen to Madonna's vocals in the part. IMO

Nova, whatever she is going to sing, I bet she is living that chosen song day and night now, hour by hour down to the soul of her being. LOL So exciting to think of even though it is a simple competition. If I could, I would love to email her and ask her to sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. It would be for naught. ;}

It is more than that I think. When Luciano Pavarotti started to sing to the world it was amazing the response, and how suddenly the art of the opera was a part of everyday life for us in America, loving him totally and appreciating him as the world did.

What Susan can now do for the art of the musical theater could be a great boon for the strengthening of it, so that our young people will start to love and appreciate it too. That is one thing I believe Susan Boyle can do for this world of ours. What could be better or more worthwhile in life than that.

I still hum songs from South Pacific and Carousel to name a few. Tonight at the grocery store I was whistling softly Everything's Coming Up Roses when I heard a whistle in harmony behind me. I turned around to see a young man with a smile on his face looking at me. He said, Sorry, I just couldn't help it.

That's what we are talking about. xox

 

[Nova]

Scandi,

That makes more sense to me. (Journalists are getting a bit carried away, aren't they?) I don't know about the movie (I saw it once, but haven't studied it); however, the woman singing Evita on stage has to belt up to high G without a break. It's a very specifically demanding role and for every woman who has played it, hundreds more were rejected. (As I said, in the early 80s, my husband's job was to audition such women, which is how I know.)

Maybe Boyle could do that, but we can't know from the few songs we have heard.

I agree with you that Boyle's appeal lies in a different direction. Evita isn't so much loveable or inspiring or even sympathetic. (The part was softened somewhat for the film, which is why I didn't like it.) She's just astonishingly ambitious; more like Mama Rose in that, though the vocal demands are different.

As for what sort of career and impact Boyle can have, I don't know. The current culture isn't kind to anyone. Every "latest thing" is an instant "superstar" and then irrelevant 5 minutes later. Boyle certainly deserves better. We'll see.

 

[scandi]

Scandi,

That makes more sense to me. (Journalists are getting a bit carried away, aren't they?) I don't know about the movie (I saw it once, but haven't studied it); however, the woman singing Evita on stage has to belt up to high G without a break. It's a very specifically demanding role and for every woman who has played it, hundreds more were rejected. (As I said, in the early 80s, my husband's job was to audition such women, which is how I know.)

Maybe Boyle could do that, but we can't know from the few songs we have heard.

I agree with you that Boyle's appeal lies in a different direction. Evita isn't so much loveable or inspiring or even sympathetic. (The part was softened somewhat for the film, which is why I didn't like it.) She's just astonishingly ambitious; more like Mama Rose in that, though the vocal demands are different.

As for what sort of career and impact Boyle can have, I don't know. The current culture isn't kind to anyone. Every "latest thing" is an instant "superstar" and then irrelevant 5 minutes later. Boyle certainly deserves better. We'll see.

I wish her great success Nova because she loves what she is doing and millions of people love listening to her. 60 million they say on Youtube altogether as of last night.

I hope beyond hope that her 'bent' to theatrical musical songs will give a new focus on that great art of our American heritage. Bring it down to the level of the average person, like it was in the 50's and thru the 60's.

It is such a unique art form IMO. Very few writers have mastered it when you consider all the shows that have hit Broadway. You know much more than I. My brother is an opera singer who did a specific study on Cole Porter at Yale that was very interesting and he also sang with the Wiffenpoofs. All good. xox

 

[Moe]

Thanks for those videos, what a nice way to start the day! Here's my choice for Susan.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6E2Mooz_LA&feature=related"]YouTube - Don't rain on my parade - B. Streisand[/ame]

 

[DollyPardonMe]

Scandi, this was as far as I got in your post before I passed out from shock. Now that the paramedics have left...

"Being Alive" is from Company, score by Stephen Sondheim. It is one of the greatest songs ever written. Ever! (BTW, the world is comprised entirely of Sondheim people and Webber people. Guess which I am.)

But it is traditionally a man's song (Peters was singing it, in part, for novelty) and the lyrics are often disliked by people who prefer more schmaltz in their ballads. More importantly, it was written for the American actor Dean Jones, who isn't really a singer, which is why it has so few sustained notes. (The song suffered, IMHO, when Larry Kert--a real singer with a gorgeous high baritone--took over for Jones on Broadway and tried to stretch out the tones.)

Though Boyle could probably sing it, I don't think it will give the majority of her fans what they want. And since she's in a contest, an interesting change-of-pace number won't cut it, she's got to hit a home run every time.

===

Patti Lupone was brilliant in Evita, which I saw many times. But the Brits prefer their own Elaine Paige, who originated the role on stage in the West End, so that's probably the version one should use when picking songs for Boyle.

Is there some report that Webber is considering Boyle for Evita?! If so, it's a p.r. gimmick and will never happen. For one thing, Eva Peron died when she was years younger than Boyle is today; for another, Peron was very glamorous. Boyle would be completely wrong.

===

I think you guys are on the right track with "You'll Never Walk Alone." Great song, plenty of schmaltz; unless it's a total disaster, it's pretty much a guaranteed showstopper.

Of course, you are so right, Nova...I think Raul Esparza did a FANTASTIC job singing Being Alive in Company..I just like the words to it and think they would be something that Susan would bring to Life because of the Life she has lead.. I can't see her in any of Sir Andrew's musicals..

 

[scandi]

Hi, I just read a comment in the article I posted about what song should Susan sinh in the finals.

They said the rules of BGT is the contestant has to sing the first song that qualified them to go on in the contest. Could that be correct? Seems kinda dumb to me.

 

[Nova]

Of course, you are so right, Nova...I think Raul Esparza did a FANTASTIC job singing Being Alive in Company..I just like the words to it and think they would be something that Susan would bring to Life because of the Life she has lead.. I can't see her in any of Sir Andrew's musicals..

I saw Esparza on the Tony Awards and I have the album. I think he's fine, but Company was the first Broadway show I ever saw and I've seen it so many times, I probably can't be objective. (I actually like Dean Jones the best, even though he's really an "actor-who-sings," not a singer.)

Now that Webber is producing, if he really is interested in Boyle, it could be for anything, not just the shows he wrote.

BTW, thanks for recognizing that in teasing you over your fondness for Webber, I'm really mocking myself for caring too much about such things. I dragged my videotape of Joseph out of the closet and watched it last night. In your honor!

 

[Nova]

Hi, I just read a comment in the article I posted about what song should Susan sinh in the finals.

They said the rules of BGT is the contestant has to sing the first song that qualified them to go on in the contest. Could that be correct? Seems kinda dumb to me.

I don't know their rules, but that strikes me as odd, scandi.

What if after the first performance, the judges say, "You're a great singer, but that was a lousy song choice." Does the contestant have to stick with the "lousy" song choice?

 

[scandi]

I don't know their rules, but that strikes me as odd, scandi.

What if after the first performance, the judges say, "You're a great singer, but that was a lousy song choice." Does the contestant have to stick with the "lousy" song choice?

Hi Nova, ITA agree. Or if they were stopped because it was vulgar or something and asked if they had another song to sing. I've seen that happen on American Idol.

I took a scanning read thru the rules of the competition today and saw nothing about it. It is difficult to think of a contestant singing the same song twice! What would it prove? ;}

 

[scandi]

I saw Esparza on the Tony Awards and I have the album. I think he's fine, but Company was the first Broadway show I ever saw and I've seen it so many times, I probably can't be objective. (I actually like Dean Jones the best, even though he's really an "actor-who-sings," not a singer.)

Now that Webber is producing, if he really is interested in Boyle, it could be for anything, not just the shows he wrote.

BTW, thanks for recognizing that in teasing you over your fondness for Webber, I'm really mocking myself for caring too much about such things. I dragged my videotape of Joseph out of the closet and watched it last night. In your honor!

Thanks Nova, In that one article he told the reporter he might have something in mind for her. I've never seen Joseph but will have to rent a copy of it this weekend. Ya Ya

 

[DollyPardonMe]

I saw Esparza on the Tony Awards and I have the album. I think he's fine, but Company was the first Broadway show I ever saw and I've seen it so many times, I probably can't be objective. (I actually like Dean Jones the best, even though he's really an "actor-who-sings," not a singer.)

Now that Webber is producing, if he really is interested in Boyle, it could be for anything, not just the shows he wrote.

BTW, thanks for recognizing that in teasing you over your fondness for Webber, I'm really mocking myself for caring too much about such things. I dragged my videotape of Joseph out of the closet and watched it last night. In your honor!

Well, thank-you! And in YOUR honor..this morning when it was a little chilly:

I wore my coat, with golden lining
Bright colours shining, wonderful and new
And in the east, the dawn was breaking
And the world was waking
Any dream will do!

I've got it in my Blood.....LOL

 

[DollyPardonMe]

Hi Nova, ITA agree. Or if they were stopped because it was vulgar or something and asked if they had another song to sing. I've seen that happen on American Idol.

I took a scanning read thru the rules of the competition today and saw nothing about it. It is difficult to think of a contestant singing the same song twice! What would it prove? ;}

And remember Scandi..That one website asks you to submit a song choice for Susan to sing..I know it must be "just for fun" But I don't think they would have something like that if she had to sing the same song!

 

[scandi]

And remember Scandi..That one website asks you to submit a song choice for Susan to sing..I know it must be "just for fun" But I don't think they would have something like that if she had to sing the same song!

That makes perfect sense and think that poster imagined what she wrote. LOL

Four more days :woohoo: xox

 

[Kat]

I am loving this thread (everyone that is posting their vast knowledge of musicals, thank you!)

I didn't grow up exposed to any arts. It just wasn't a priority or interest in the area I in which I grew up.

So, when I stumbled across different forms of arts as an older teen and young adult I quickly became enamored. I have shared that love with my children, even though my teens are not so enamored now LOL.

I wanted to share an aside, to the poster that said that Susan can bring this form of art to the younger generation.

Our youngest son had listened to the soundtrack and seen the movie (with N. Wood) of West Side Story so many times that when he was 6, he donned his sisters gold lame barbie formal dress on top of his head and danced around the livingroom singing "I Feel Pretty". All the while cutting his eyes and prancing to tease his sister (yes, later that day I found he had yet again broken the legs her barbie and the arms too :sheesh.

BTW, he adores Susan and is following her closely too.

 

[scandi]

Great story Kat and goes to prove how music can inspire the soul! I hope his little eyes weren't hurt bad. That gold lame can be nasty.

I don't know how we missed this, but Susan has had a meltdown 2x in the last week and threatened to quite BGT

THE SUN
Susan Boyle Threatens To Quit Show

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/britain_got_talent/2452792/Susan-Boyle-threatens-to-quit-Britains-got-Talent.html

My c & p is on the fritz, but what an article. It is hard to imagine how cruel people can be.

 

[Vegas Bride]

I heard this being discussed on the View today so found a link about Susan having the nerve to use the F Bomb. I am so glad I have never been under this kind of microscope!

http://www.usmagazine.com/news/susan-boyle-involved-in-two-f-bomb-outbursts-2009285

VB