I got to talk to Mr. Engel on messenger telling him how great this rendition was!!!!! He was so gracious and very sweet!!!! Him and Douglas Hodge know how to sing this song!!!!
Wow -- You can just feel the emotion pouring out of him. SUCH a fantastic performance. Neither underdone nor overdone. And I LOVE the tone of his voice, especially on "ovation." He's phenomenal.
Though I've never seen the play or the original movie, I find myself going back to this clip time and time again. It's sung with such feeling and it speaks on so many different levels, I'm always just in awe.
I am what I am I am my own special creation So come take a look Give me the hook or the ovation It's my world that I want to have a little pride in My world and it's not a place I have to hide in Life's not worth a damn till you can say Hey world I am what I am I am what I am I don't want praise I don't want pity I bang my own drum Some think it's noise I think it's pretty And so what if I love each feather and each spangle Why not try and see things from a different angle Your life is a sham till you can say Hey world I am what I am I am what I am And what I am needs no excuses I deal my own deck Sometimes the ace Sometimes the deuces It's my life and there's no return and no deposit One life, so it's time to open up your closet Life's not worth a damn till you can say Hey world I am what I am
BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO....heard this song many times and this would have to be the most heartfelt and amazing rendition. I LOVE THIS!!! Thanks so much for sharing this gem.
Whoooa! RU-vid is amazing. I did LaCage with David Engel on the Road in the 80's. He'd just left the Broadway company where he played "Hannah from Hamberg" and on the road he'd taken on the role of Jean-Michel (The Son). Talk about coming full-circle. SO proud of this guy. Bravo!
I just saw the opening performance of La Cage Aux Folles, featuring David Engel, in Waltham, MA. FANTASTIC. Last time I cried during a musical, I was 8 and watching Gavroche die in Les Mis. Engel's performance of this song was the most powerful proclamation I have seen in such a long time. Bravo, bravo, bravo.
I also just saw it in Waltham tonight (who knew it was so popular!) and both the leads were phenomenal. Mr. Engel in particular. Bravo to both of them!
My Love and I sae David in La Cage Aux Folles this past weekend and what a brilliant performance it was! After having seen both the French and American film versions We werent sure what to expect but the acting of both David and the other cast members was outstanding and it took all the control I had not to cry as the lovers left the stage together at the end.
I agree with those who applaud this video. I've watched so many renditions of this FANTASTIC song and philosophy, and this is the most powerful, best portrayed, best performed. BRAVA! It renews my pride in being who I am!
Fabulous performance!!! This is my anthem song....it helped me realize that it's ok to do what makes you happy in life....for me, that's performing musical theatre....no matter who tries to hold you back. Thanks for posting!
I saw it twice on stage, two nights in a row I loved it so much, this was in Sydney Australia many years ago. The movie is brilliant, no music, but great acting
The original story was a French and Italian film, but this musical came out in the mid 1980s. It's also the story that "The Birdcage" was based on, and the film sticks pretty close to the musical's plotline. In short, it's about a gay couple who is being asked by the son to not come out to his fiance.
I really love John Barrowman, but I have listened to both versions sung by both men in La Cage and I'm sorry John, but David sings this with much more emotion and intensity. Thank you David!!!!
Truly awesome. Each performer brings to the stage their own "Sazon". I agree that some may not be as committed as others and not put what "we" as an audience feel is enough into the scene. Again, this performer is fantastic
A very powerful and heart-felt performance! I agree with other posters - this is a song for EVERYONE regardless of sexuality. If we were all the same , life would be very boring!
Bravo David!!! What a joy to stumble upon this vid. Wish I'd have seen it in person as I know it would've been THAT much more thrilling. Proud to know you, call you friend and to have shared the stage with your brilliant talent. Now, how do we petition the producers of the new revival to put you in this starring role on the upcoming National Tour? The time is now! ;-)
I have always preferred the emotional (=insecure/nervous, but determined not to back down) versions of this song, compared to the ones who proudly belt it out. Being who you honestly are, for all the world to see, is scary. And so very liberating :)
i did this for my final performs (john barrowman cover) but acopller (no backing track) i real regert not doing to the backing track and in drag (my toror told me not to do in drag as they thought it would take away from the perfomace) still i had a grate time singing :)
Sadly my family did not agree with this and sent me to Coventry! (English for we don't want to know him!) Great song no matter who sings it! Life's not worth a damn!
I am what I am And what I am needs no excuses I deal my own deck Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces Its one life and there’s no return and no deposit One life so its time to open up your closet Life’s not worth a damn till you can shout out I am what I am
I've seen David and Harvey ( Broadway) and a few others do this live. I also think David's version is the most amazing. I always get chills hearing this one! Bravo, David. I thought your entire proformance in Waltham was fabulous! ( I also liked Gary Marachek and Chris Swan better than Harvey!) 8D
