I had the privledge of seeing "Mame" with the original cast. The only way I can describe Bea Arthur's Tony-winning performance is that she didn't really walk onto the stage. She strapped it on, and used it like Annie Oakley used a six-shooter! She was the BEST!!!
I bet that was glorious ! They both are such wonderful actors , I would have loved to see them perform in person ! I heard they " Just Shine On Stage !"
I remember when I first heard about her passing; it was a huge shock, and I felt as if I had lost a friend. Growing up with Golden Girls, and then having the fortune of watching Maude, I can only say that Beatrice Arthur is still at a level of perfection that few can reach. R.I.P., you lady of style, grace and immense talent.
I’ve watched this so many times. It’s brilliant. The joke itself, and of course Bea’s legendary timing and delivery. The audience is literally howling. 😂
I watch that god awful movie version for one singular reason and that reason is Bea Arthur. They refused to cast Angela as Mame because they insisted she wasn't a big enough star to draw people in, so they got Lucy & she simply could not carry the character (or a tune) and it ruined the film. Bea manages to shine, though & she steals every scene she is in. She steals EVERY scene in anything she's in. I can't take my eyes off her. She was my absolute favorite Golden Girl & Maude was literally a huge role model for me back in the day. What I wouldn't give for her height & her presence & her commanding voice. Alas, I'm just a 5'3" jittery soprano.
Did anyone see Bea playing Carrie in the parody of Sex and the City where all the girls are old but still dress the same? BRILIANCE! Bea would do ANYTHING for a laugh; that was my favorite thing about her.
Bea looked so elegant here. I love her shy smile and her grace…I love every one of those Golden Girls! My fave has to be Estelle but they all make me smile.
"Sondheim could have rhymed it" is a great line, but now that I think about it, the name "Mame" is never rhymed in any of the songs, so the show really could have been about Vera.
+George Adelman From the title song, George, "You make that (something I can't remember) blossom at the mention of your NAME." And "(something-something-something I can't remember either) will never be the SAME." The rhymes are there, but it's an usual rhyming pattern with longer intervals between the rhymes than in most songs.
wish I could have seen Bea as Vera on Broadway (love Angela as well), unfortunately that was before my time (i'm 22), but I have the movie ;) and every season of the Golden Girls :D
I wish all the blessings in Bea's afterlife! (sorry if that offends, isn't meant to) I always wanted to see her in person, and my biggest dissappointment in life is not being able to now
Bea Arthur was a true performer and had a great intelligence when it comes to singing. She interprets the song, as singers should, instead of trying to do vocal acrobatics or hitting the highest notes just because. She never had a big range but you don't need one if your voice and performance serve the piece and not the ego.
Bea Arthur played the role of Vera in Herman's musical "Mame." Vera and Mame were "bosom buddies" each trying to outdo the other with outlandish things. Bea's joke was her recollection of the musical being called "Vera," not "Mame"
