Alone and Unobserved

It has been much too long since my last ode to Sondheim, so here are some newly added videos of my favorite songs. The first four are from a performance of Simply Sondheim: A 75th Birthday Salute held in San Francisco. The fifth is from another birthday-tribute performance at the Hollywood Bowl. The sixth is from Broadway under the Stars in June 2006.

“I Remember,” from Evening Primrose
Featuring Judy Butterfield

Ella has lived a nocturnal life in a department store ever since she was six. This song is her wistful attempt to remember what the outside world was like. (You can read a synopsis of Evening Primrose here.)

“Last Midnight,” from Into the Woods
Featuring Amy Dondy

The witch’s exit song. My favorite part:

You’re so nice.
You’re not good, you’re not bad, you’re just nice.
I’m not good, I’m not nice, I’m just right!
I’m the witch. You’re the world.

“You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” from Company
Featuring Shay Oglesby-Smith, Stephanie Rhoads and Kelly Ground

Robert, an eligible, thirtysomething bachelor, wants a long-term relationship, but the example of his married and coupled friends has made him wary of commitment. Three of his sometime matches sing their frustration with his on-again, off-again dating style.

“Sunday in the Park with George,” from Sunday in the Park with George

It is hot on the Island of the Grande Jatte. The sun is blinding, the dress constricting, but Dot is determined to pose without moving for her lover, George. This was the opening number of the Pulitzer-Prize-winning play, and, with its length, opacity, brilliance and passion, it set the stage for the rest of the performance.

“In Buddy’s Eyes,” from Follies

Sally and Phyllis were once friends and performed together in the Weisman Follies. Now, thirty years later, Phyllis lives a life of ease and luxury married to Sally’s former lover, and Sally lives the life of a disappointed housewife with a husband who cheats on her at every opportunity. At the last Weisman Follies reunion, Sally puts a brave face on her life with this song, lying through her teeth about her accomplishments, her satisfaction–and her husband’s unwavering devotion.

“The Miller’s Son,” from A Little Night Music

Featuring Renee Elise Goldsberry

Petra, a loose-moraled parlormaid, declares her plans to have both fun and stability—but not too much stability!