Saw Miss Chrstine perform this at City Center. Somehow she transformed a selfish, narcissistic woman into a character to root for. I certainly did. Every lyric was delivered with precise characterization--an irresistible sting. I doubt Saga of Jenny has ever been better delivered. Thanks, Miss Ebersole, for an unforgettable performance.
@@wandanowicki2267 Mostly becasue of the dated reference, I think. It also enforces the point that [from elsewhere in the song] "in 27 languages she couldn't say no", and so was not needed. In the movie, of course, it was because it was too much of a sex reference, and thus had to go.
@@Arkelk2010 Interesting. Thank you for the clarification. I love all of the verses--I suppose these days it might also be considered sexist, but I think it's bloody clever lyric writing, and I'm a woman--I don't find it offensive in th least.
Absolutely brilliant! How great it is to hear the entire song - with all the verses - yet in such a tight arrangement. This performance gives you a real idea of what it must have been like when Gertrude Lawrence did the song originally. I appreciate what Michael Kidd did with the number in STAR but that version bares little resemblance to the original arrangement. I think this might be the original orchestrations and choral arrangements too - with just a little cutting here and there.
Christine and I were classmates at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts back in...well it was a few years ago. She's a wonder! And an absolute sweetheart!
I would love to see the rendition of _I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise_ from this broadcast. It’s the best version I’ve ever seen, but I can never find it anywhere.
Beautiful performance. I wasn't sure whether the Christmas tree reference in this song might puzzle some people, but I guess it is general knowledge that candles used to be used as part of the decoration. My mother must have been about Jenny's age when their Christmas tree caught fire and burned down the family home. No fatalities though, and I don't think my mother was at fault.
this is the best version. any idea if theres a full concert somewhere, i'm assuming this piece is from the 1994 live concert performance of 'lady in the dark' which was part of the Encores! series.
Liza is actress having and affair with her boss, well another guy is also in love with her. It was very advanced for its time. All the musical numbers take place as she's relating for dreams to her psychiatrist. She even has a gay coworker. The psychiatrist is encouraging her to make up her mind between the two guys and this is the dream she has about not making up your mind. I did a production in Europe, and these are the original Weill orchestrations and choral arrangements.
Liza, the "lady" of Lady in the Dark, has a problem: she can NEVER make up her mind. About ANYTHING. In this song, Liza mounts a humorous defense of her position by telling the tale of Jenny, who has no problem making up her mind - with generally unfortunate results. Hence, it is better (safer) to just not make up one's mind.
