You made it through #LadiesWhoLunch week. I hope this homage has my friend tipping her scotch from above.
It was shocking how smart and fierce the performances were. We often sat in crowded bars pretending to be her. 😆 As years passed, we felt a bit of empathy for her lot in life.
I leave you with some great alternative performances that shouldn't be missed. Grab your vodka stinger and sing along. 🍸
What's your favorite?
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhffYhU6xfZbgdgNLdNY4xhu6RKdXLI-q
We end the week strong with one of the more recent entries to #LadiesWhoLunch, Barbara Walsh. Other than Elaine Stritch, it may be my favorite performance.
Walsh's voice is explicitly drunk but still melodious and full of the venom that makes this character so memorable.
I can feel the crowd uncomfortably shifting in their seats as the performance continues, which is exactly what #Sondheim was looking to achieve.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=0ILt3dF43-A&feature=youtu.be
We're getting down to the last few #LadiesWhoLuch and it's getting difficult to choose!
It's time to get a bit of perspective on how the song fits into the musical itself, and this clip with Patti Lupone is just the ticket.
The scene is a club filled with people. The Lady is being loud, drunk and obnoxious. Her friends are a bit embarrassed, but too scared to step in, knowing it would just make things worse.
We take a jump over to the movies tonight for the next #LadiesWhoLunch entry. A 2003 comedy titled "Camp" with the very young Anna Kendrick taking the role.
The performance is shortened a bit here but it's great. Here the anger and fierceness really comes through (maybe a BIT campy on purpose) and the audience reactions are a hoot.
I recommend checking out this movie or at least the soundtrack - lots of great songs.
On the second night of #LadiesWhoLunch, we look at a performance by Carol Burnett. Someone with impeccable comedic timing can still only bring a few laughs to this dark, sarcastic tune from #Sondheim.
With this version, you start to see a pattern in character - a smart lady outside of her prime, born when women had less paths forward, young enough to witness new freedoms. A bit of resentment snipes through the notes.
Carol Burnett sings "The Ladies Who Lunch", originally written for Stephen Sondheim's "Company."This excerpt is from the highly recommended Region 1 DVD "Put...
In my first Lades Who Lunch post of the week, we start with the original from 1970. #ElaineStritch belts it out for the cast recording.
Watching should make you a bit scared of this woman. Drunk, bitter, intelligent…seething is the word. It should make you uncomfortable, like you’re watching someone meltdown in public, you can’t leave, and just pretend it’s not happening. 🫣
The question to ponder - how did she get here?
Jeff