I saw this from the 3rd row to the left right under her as she sang this. The pause before she says "Coming..." was so tense, we all in the theatre sat there riveted in silence without so much as one single breath. I remember looking up at her contorted face as she said "Coming.." and my heart just broke; the ENTIRE audience let out a collective groan at the same time. Ms Ebersole if you ever read these comments -- you are amazing in your craft. Thank you!
Perhaps the green will fade in time from the ENVY of your seeing this production. And 3rd row!!! Gonna get mistaken for Elphaba as the week passes. Peace be with you, Shinshaw! Lukerdog
"Yesterday seems more real than today; it's difficult drawing the line....." HEARTBREAKING! It leaves me in tears every time! Ms. Ebersole and this performance deserve to be enshrined, as a testament to the power of art, music and theater!
i was privileged to see this show on Broadway and Ms Ebersole broke my heart in a million pieces. One of the greatest performances ever and I've seen a lot of performances.
The most heart breaking thing I find about this performance is the long pause she takes at the end before responding to her mother, you can almost see the inner turmoil of trying to decide what to do and then resigning herself to returning to her mother
One of the greatest performances in Broadway history. When people askme what I consider that last REALLY GOOD show I saw on Broadway Istill reply GREY GARDENS. Nothing since then has touched it -includingthat hip/hop show about a President!
I had the privilege of seeing Christine Ebersole in this production and her performance has stayed with me for years. I agree that the pause was alone worthy of the Tony ... thank you for the post
Wow. Those last few seconds after Edith calls for her you can literally feel every emotion she's trying to convey. It's simply stunning, and after she calls back "coming mother darling" you can see her disappointing realization that she'll never be able to leave Grey Gardens. It's really such a beautiful performance. This is what musical theatre is about.
I saw this live when it ran as well, it was AMAZING! The whole audience was crying, including myself. She deserved that Tony! One of the best shows I have ever seen (and I have seen quite a few).
She has one of those voices that is so beautiful that you just want to hear the sound, it wouldn't matter what she was singing. Yet you get everything,,, it's almost too much.
I was privileged to see this show on Broadway and Christine Ebersole singing this song is burned into my memory. Hers is one of the greatest performances I have ever seen and I’ve see many.
When I'm on my deathbed I will think of my Lover and this performance. I was lucky enough to have seen Ms. Ebersol on the stage at the Booth. what a performance.
One of those rare opportunities when a role is so perfect in every way for an actor - such a wonderful performance and a hundred times more incredible live.
No matter how many times I watch this it literally touches every bit of my heart. I remember seeing the show and felt sad long after it was over..@MattClark I agree it was definitely a heart breaker when she pauses. What a great show!!
I've been a fan of Ebersole since this beautiful musical came out. Now, I'm so happy she will be in my favorite TV show, Steven Universe (with Patti LuPone), playing White Diamond.
I can relate to this so much, but I got out. At some point, you have to love yourself more. And that point is when you realize things won't ever change until you make it happen. I had mental health professionals tell me I needed to leave my mother. It was heartbreaking, but I became disabled in part because of her. It just went too far, so it was time to get out. The sad part is she thinks what she has given to me is considered love, when it was just trauma echoing from the past into the future because of ignorance. That moment of deafening silence, the heart-breaking "coming, mother darling"; I felt that to its core. In the end, I am glad I decided to choose peace instead of chaos as we all die someday anyway.
We have all wanted to escape something/someone. We have all stayed in relationships/jobs for too long a time...for whatever reasons. Time passes by....we wonder why we stay; deep down, we know why. This song embodies all of that angst and loss and gift of self, in or out of context.
Thank you so much for including the moments immediately before and after the song itself. This tape captures so much of the power and heartbreak of the theatrical performance. As gmr2broadway posted earlier, those of us who saw this "live" were indeed privileged. An extraordinary score - and an extraordinary performer. Too bad GG didn't achieve the longer run it deserved.
Thankyou so, so much for allowing me to witness this incredible performance in the context it was originally done. It's even more heartbreaking and brilliant than I'd imagined.
I agree with you about "Grey Gardens" being the best musical of the 21st century, especially since theater in this current century certainly cannot compete (thus far anyway) with all the great productions of the 20th Century--from the musicals of Lerner & Loewe, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim to the comedies of Noël Coward, George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, and Neil Simon, and the dramas of Edward Albee, Arthur Miller, Eugene O'Neill, Thornton Wilder and Tennessee Williams. Beyond the fact the 21st Century theater hasn't yet had the tremendous body of works exhibited in the previous century, "Grey Gardens" is also a terrifically funny and moving play with some great tunes and a built-in cult stemming from the 20th Century documentary film that inspired it. Unfortunately, I have only had the chance to watch "Grey Gardens - The Musical" on bootleg videotape. I wish the producers had the foresight to have filmed or taped the original production starring Christine Ebersole and Mary Louise Wilson. There may still be time to do so, even as the clock ticks for aging actress Wilson. But I still hope to someday see a live professional production of the show. Even if so, though, I cannot imagine anyone singing "Around the World" as beautifully as did Miss Ebersole. She really made that role her own, no matter how solid other actresses may have been in the portrayals since. I only wish the real "Little Edie" Beale had lived long enough to have seen the show herself. Although, one might imagine Miss Beale to have then wished to be cast herself, given her status as a frustrated entertainer.
I agree she's brilliant and glorious in this - I'm just curious as to if anyone knows whether it was a directorial choice for her to completely lose the accent and all "Edie-isms" during the serious songs. "Little Edie" all but disappears in this piece and "Around the World" (aside from the bridge of the song).
Eric Michaud when singing a song in character with an accent, it can take away from the intention of the lyrics to keep a strong accent in. The message comes across stronger to just sing it sans accent if that makes sense? ;)
I read somewhere that the serious songs she sings without the accent are supposed to be her inner musings, and not directed at anyone unlike the songs she sings with her accent. i love Around the World, where we get both voices.
I saw her live in a cabaret performance last year in Chicago and she discussed this. It was indeed an attempt to convey Edie’s most inner thoughts vs what she wore on her sleeve. The accent seeps in and out depending on the lyrics and emotion she’s trying to convey
it was absolutely a choice, for the reasons others have stated; you can also hear the same choices being made in when she chooses her head voice/character voice vs. unleashing her full belt. Absolutely riveting.
What was the “Around the World” pic Lil Edie was showing us in Grey Gardens? A magazine from the 70’s or a Broadway Play Magazine from Around the World in 80 days? or maybe Bing Crosby song 1956? Wondering?
+2degucitas No, I disagree. Little Edie didn't have the strength to move away. She was there like the paint on the wall, fixed in place. Despite her flirting and crazy dreams, she was to shattered/damaged to try another path. She wanted the security of this hopeless situation.
2degucitas - I DISAGREE!!!! Little Edie had a WONDERFUL EARLY LIFE!!!! She was a 'MAJOR FASHION MODEL!' It was Edie's choice NOT to marry. Both her parent's wanted her to. Besides, after Big Edie 'passed over', Little Edie sold the place and moved away. She would live another 25 years!!!! I guess it's ALL IN THE WAY YOU LOOK AT IT!!!!
Yeah it’s a very heavy and difficult night at the theatre in this show. I think they both were very revealing dark characters. Of course it was ALL mental health really. The entire self imposed exile of both. Nevertheless it was “real” at least for them. To the rest of the world it made absolutely no sense.
Letting your adult children go is heartbreaking for mothers but you have to…. they have to live their own lives. One day they are young children riding a bicycle behind you - You turn around again and they are gone …off on their own path. 😢
The musical was a flop - It came to LA and I went with many friends who were musical theatre people and BORED witless. I love the documentary as well as the movie with Lang and Barymore.
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I saw this from the 3rd row to the left right under her as she sang this. The pause before she says "Coming..." was so tense, we all in the theatre sat there riveted in silence without so much as one single breath. I remember looking up at her contorted face as she said "Coming.." and my heart just broke; the ENTIRE audience let out a collective groan at the same time. Ms Ebersole if you ever read these comments -- you are amazing in your craft. Thank you!
Perhaps the green will fade in time from the ENVY of your seeing this production. And 3rd row!!!
Gonna get mistaken for Elphaba as the week passes.
Peace be with you, Shinshaw!
Lukerdog
"Yesterday seems more real than today; it's difficult drawing the line....."
HEARTBREAKING! It leaves me in tears every time!
Ms. Ebersole and this performance deserve to be enshrined, as a testament to the power of art, music and theater!
i was privileged to see this show on Broadway and Ms Ebersole broke my heart in a million pieces. One of the greatest performances ever and I've seen a lot of performances.
The most heart breaking thing I find about this performance is the long pause she takes at the end before responding to her mother, you can almost see the inner turmoil of trying to decide what to do and then resigning herself to returning to her mother
One of the greatest performances in Broadway history. When people askme what I consider that last REALLY GOOD show I saw on Broadway Istill reply GREY GARDENS. Nothing since then has touched it -includingthat hip/hop show about a President!
Hamilton was not a president.
I agree. Ebersole’s performance is one of the greatest ever. She broke my heart,
I had the privilege of seeing Christine Ebersole in this production and her performance has stayed with me for years. I agree that the pause was alone worthy of the Tony ... thank you for the post
7:40 - ....8:15 most powerful silence ever recorded. Holy mack. I feel so privileged to have seen this live.
Saw this on Broadway....Chills...I MEAN...Chills....the whole show was BEYOND!
Wow. Those last few seconds after Edith calls for her you can literally feel every emotion she's trying to convey. It's simply stunning, and after she calls back "coming mother darling" you can see her disappointing realization that she'll never be able to leave Grey Gardens. It's really such a beautiful performance. This is what musical theatre is about.
I saw this live when it ran as well, it was AMAZING!
The whole audience was crying, including myself. She deserved that Tony! One of the best shows I have ever seen (and I have seen quite a few).
One of the most profound performances I've ever seen in the theater.
Love her. Pure genius as a performer. So focused. Every. Single. Time.
She has one of those voices that is so beautiful that you just want to hear the sound, it wouldn't matter what she was singing. Yet you get everything,,, it's almost too much.
I was privileged to see this show on Broadway and Christine Ebersole singing this song is burned into my memory. Hers is one of the greatest performances I have ever seen and I’ve see many.
I still hate myself for never being able to see this on Broadway. This is one of the best shows I've seen through watching videos.
When I'm on my deathbed I will think of my Lover and this performance. I was lucky enough to have seen Ms. Ebersol on the stage at the Booth. what a performance.
such a well deserved tony for this performance Brilliant
No words. Genius and so close to home.
+Meg Flather Right in my house. I could cry. I am.
Saw this show twice.... love it and love Christine Ebersole Brilliant !!!
Total bliss. Nobody will ever even come close.
What a truly beautiful song....what sadness....
One of those rare opportunities when a role is so perfect in every way for an actor - such a wonderful performance and a hundred times more incredible live.
Heartbreakingly beautiful. Christine Ebersole is magnificent. Brava!
No matter how many times I watch this it literally touches every bit of my heart. I remember seeing the show and felt sad long after it was over..@MattClark I agree it was definitely a heart breaker when she pauses. What a great show!!
a true master class in delivery emotion presented in a restrained but perfect pitch why why why did this not come to london??????????????
Beautiful and riveting and why, why do we have to grow old? Getting old is horrible, yet peaceful.
I've been a fan of Ebersole since this beautiful musical came out. Now, I'm so happy she will be in my favorite TV show, Steven Universe (with Patti LuPone), playing White Diamond.
5:47 gives me chills every time I hear it.
She got screwed out of a long run. This performance was among the greatest ever.
I saw this show on B'way the week before it closed. It was truly amazing ; I am so so thankful we were able to see it. Ebersole is a genius.
I can relate to this so much, but I got out. At some point, you have to love yourself more. And that point is when you realize things won't ever change until you make it happen. I had mental health professionals tell me I needed to leave my mother. It was heartbreaking, but I became disabled in part because of her. It just went too far, so it was time to get out. The sad part is she thinks what she has given to me is considered love, when it was just trauma echoing from the past into the future because of ignorance.
That moment of deafening silence, the heart-breaking "coming, mother darling"; I felt that to its core. In the end, I am glad I decided to choose peace instead of chaos as we all die someday anyway.
We have all wanted to escape something/someone. We have all stayed in relationships/jobs for too long a time...for whatever reasons. Time passes by....we wonder why we stay; deep down, we know why. This song embodies all of that angst and loss and gift of self, in or out of context.
ImmaMink agree in 2016
Truly breathtaking.
I always forget how brilliant this was -- so glad to have seen it on stage!
She killed this! Absolutely beautiful 👏
No matter how many times I watch this my heart breaks every single time.
A magnificent and heartbreaking performance. I can't begin to think about what it must've been like to witness this live.
What a performance! Pure radiance!
I wish the video had finished the scene. But she is BRILLIANT!!! Thanks for sharing! :-)
God, I wish I'd gotten to see this show, this performance. Thanks for posting!
Thank you so much for including the moments immediately before and after the song itself. This tape captures so much of the power and heartbreak of the theatrical performance. As gmr2broadway posted earlier, those of us who saw this "live" were indeed privileged. An extraordinary score - and an extraordinary performer. Too bad GG didn't achieve the longer run it deserved.
Thankyou so, so much for allowing me to witness this incredible performance in the context it was originally done. It's even more heartbreaking and brilliant than I'd imagined.
When I did this show, I don't think I've ever cried so hard on stage before. We had a absolutely perfect Edie. I'm almost crying now :'(
This brings tears. I wonder how little Edie liked this?
1000 thanks for posting!!! i have listened to the album so many times and this video adds an extra dimension with little evie showing up...
This show is as close as I'll ever come to having a religious experience.
The anguish in her face when she finally says, "Coming, Mother Darling," absolutely ends me.
LOVE THIS SONG! ONE OF MY FAVORITES!
Brilliant.
This is my favorite piece from the show. Thank you for posting it.
Amazing!!! Edie...couldn't leave....Edie....
She can never escape... Till it all falls apart.
The best musical of the century. Deserves a revival. Amy Adams and Annette Bening.
I agree with you about "Grey Gardens" being the best musical of the 21st century, especially since theater in this current century certainly cannot compete (thus far anyway) with all the great productions of the 20th Century--from the musicals of Lerner & Loewe, Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Stephen Sondheim to the comedies of Noël Coward, George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, and Neil Simon, and the dramas of Edward Albee, Arthur Miller, Eugene O'Neill, Thornton Wilder and Tennessee Williams.
Beyond the fact the 21st Century theater hasn't yet had the tremendous body of works exhibited in the previous century, "Grey Gardens" is also a terrifically funny and moving play with some great tunes and a built-in cult stemming from the 20th Century documentary film that inspired it.
Unfortunately, I have only had the chance to watch "Grey Gardens - The Musical" on bootleg videotape. I wish the producers had the foresight to have filmed or taped the original production starring Christine Ebersole and Mary Louise Wilson. There may still be time to do so, even as the clock ticks for aging actress Wilson.
But I still hope to someday see a live professional production of the show. Even if so, though, I cannot imagine anyone singing "Around the World" as beautifully as did Miss Ebersole. She really made that role her own, no matter how solid other actresses may have been in the portrayals since. I only wish the real "Little Edie" Beale had lived long enough to have seen the show herself. Although, one might imagine Miss Beale to have then wished to be cast herself, given her status as a frustrated entertainer.
Great idea!
Couldn't agree more on your first two sentences. You lost me on your third.
She is the Best!
those last two beats AMAZING
How lovely.Thank you for sharing this...
I agree she's brilliant and glorious in this - I'm just curious as to if anyone knows whether it was a directorial choice for her to completely lose the accent and all "Edie-isms" during the serious songs. "Little Edie" all but disappears in this piece and "Around the World" (aside from the bridge of the song).
Eric Michaud when singing a song in character with an accent, it can take away from the intention of the lyrics to keep a strong accent in. The message comes across stronger to just sing it sans accent if that makes sense? ;)
I read somewhere that the serious songs she sings without the accent are supposed to be her inner musings, and not directed at anyone unlike the songs she sings with her accent. i love Around the World, where we get both voices.
I saw her live in a cabaret performance last year in Chicago and she discussed this. It was indeed an attempt to convey Edie’s most inner thoughts vs what she wore on her sleeve. The accent seeps in and out depending on the lyrics and emotion she’s trying to convey
it was absolutely a choice, for the reasons others have stated; you can also hear the same choices being made in when she chooses her head voice/character voice vs. unleashing her full belt. Absolutely riveting.
I love this song. It is performed so beautifully here. Absolutely amazing.
I’d love to see her Nora Desmond and Mrs Lovett
Beautiful and depressing. Getting older is no fun...
No, it isn't!!!!
Getting older is a bitch. Oh boy.
5:45 Agh, so amazing
What was the “Around the World” pic Lil Edie was showing us in Grey Gardens? A magazine from the 70’s or a Broadway Play Magazine from Around the World in 80 days? or maybe Bing Crosby song 1956? Wondering?
Flawless.
This was her King Lear.
Never remove this from RUclips
I hope so. I am worried that it maybe copyrighted. It must treasured!
you have good taste
Big Edie stole little Edie's life.
+2degucitas No, I disagree. Little Edie didn't have the strength to move away. She was there like the paint on the wall, fixed in place.
Despite her flirting and crazy dreams, she was to shattered/damaged to try another path. She wanted the security of this hopeless situation.
2degucitas - I DISAGREE!!!! Little Edie had a WONDERFUL EARLY LIFE!!!! She was a 'MAJOR FASHION MODEL!' It was Edie's choice NOT to marry. Both her parent's wanted her to. Besides, after Big Edie 'passed over', Little Edie sold the place and moved away. She would live another 25 years!!!! I guess it's ALL IN THE WAY YOU LOOK AT IT!!!!
How in HELL did this lose to Spring Awakening? Ugh.
I can't improve on the comments below. Thank you for posting this.
Isn't it odd that the most moving moment in the show is when nothing happens.....but a pause.
It's called "suspending disbelief". :)
Like so many others, I should have seen this.
Her jaw at 5:45. Amazing.
I met the real little Edie at a cabaret in NY 1978
Does ANYONE have the 'Lyrics' to 'Around The World' from 'Grey Garden's'?!
Yeah it’s a very heavy and difficult night at the theatre in this show. I think they both were very revealing dark characters. Of course it was ALL mental health really. The entire self imposed exile of both. Nevertheless it was “real” at least for them. To the rest of the world it made absolutely no sense.
Letting your adult children go is heartbreaking for mothers but you have to…. they have to live their own lives. One day they are young children riding a bicycle behind you - You turn around again and they are gone …off on their own path. 😢
@steelvenom2003 oh so true!
(sob..) :-((
Or get Julia McKenzie out of retirement.
The musical was a flop - It came to LA and I went with many friends who were musical theatre people and BORED witless. I love the documentary as well as the movie with Lang and Barymore.