Everytime this business lets me down and I think "Why am I doing this to myself?" I simply watch this performance and remember. True artistry, these two will always hold a place in my heart. SO INSPIRING!
Not an ounce of contrivance. Not an actorly tick or stagy wink. Perfectly acted, perfectly sung. This performance by these two stars should be preserved and shown to students for generations. That is how. it's. done.
God please forgive those in the past who were blinded by satan's lies, and who treated African-Americans as though they were of less value than other races. Help us in the future to see the value and passion inside of all peoples, cultures, and nations. Help us to extend love and kindness to everyone reguardless of their heritage, background, or beliefs. Help us to follow the example of your Holy Son, Jesus, and to love everyone!
+hammer-to-jezebel AM I MISSING SOMETHING? WHAT IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY DOES JIM NABORS HAVE TO DO WITH THIS SONG? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????????
Leslie Best (and hammer-to-jezebel): "The stage" means the MUSICAL THEATRE stage. Broadway and West End. Nabors had a wonderful voice, but he was, primarily, an easy-listening POP singer, a recording artist who sang mostly romantic ballads, as well as country and gospel. He sang in a very limited number of stage musicals, two as far as I can ascertain. Nabors should be compared to singers like Ed Ames or Andy Williams, not to musical theatre stars. Of musical theatre baritones, I like James Barbour and the late Steve Barton better than Brian Stokes Mitchell, but not by much. (Can you even name an actual musical theatre baritone??) As for classically trained McDonald, her voice and technique are good enough that she regularly handles classical concert work, something I can't envision Nabors doing, though I'd think his instrument would have been good enough to handle it, given the inclination and the training.
They are both so young here. I saw the musical on Broadway twice, unfortunately it was not with them. But, we forever have them recorded on the CD. Beautiful performance. Amazing performers.
After seeing this on Rosie’s show, l said l am getting tickets immediately, and it was a privilege to see these two on broadway, next to Les Mis This is by far my favorite
This is absolutely what America is about, from my point of view: everyone getting an opportunity to provide for their families, and having faith that their children will have an opportunity to succeed and live out their dreams when they've grown. It's tragic that we still so frequently fall short of these ideals, and it's so incredibly important that we regain an understanding that we are our brothers' keepers. Anyway, incredible, profound, beautifully heart-rending performance. :)
Her character was only in Ragtime for the first act, and she won the Tony Award for best featured actress. she has an extremely powerful, beautiful beautiful acting and singing talent.
I was introduced to Ragtime as a Sophomore in high school. A girl in my concert choir class, with an amazing voice, performed Your Daddy's Son at our annual Broadway Dinner. I had to research it. When I found out that the part was written for a black woman my goal was to be good enough to be Sarah on Broadway...I've come back to reality lol but I adore Audra for performing this part the way it was intended to be performed!
I had to pleasure of seeing this production at a very young age and it still affects me to this day. It has got to be the most powerful musical ever and this is my favorite duet ever.
So gorgeous. I love this song, but every time I've seen it performed it seemed so rehearsed. This feels so authentic and driven by emotions. How I wish I'd seen this cast!
I had the pleasure of meeting Brian Stokes Mitchell by God given chance at his son's Dance performance in Harlem! Brian, you'll probably never read this but your voice and perofrmance instantly brought me to tears. Audra McDonald, you probably won't read this either but I idolize you and love following your career! You are such inspirational actors. it is unreal watching you both perform! I have been cast in my first production of Ragtime at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre and I am beyond excited to be doing this show in such an important time in American history. Hope all is well and can't wait to see what you both do next! Fellow actor , Brendan Duquette
Holy SHAT. The talent is literally BEATING through the screen. He's ridiculously regal and gorgeous (besides talented) and she's just all power. I wish I saw this cast.
I had the wonderful opportunity of performing this song with him in chorus in college and he is an amazing performer, singer, and person! Brian Stokes Mitchell is just absolutely incredible!
If Brian Stokes, Keith David, and Isaiah Mustafa ever met and spoke at the same time, the power of their manly voices would impregnate every woman on the planet.
I was 10 when I saw them in Ragtime...now 23, it still remains one of the greatest joys of my life to have seen this show with these two, not to mention Marin Mazzie, Judy Kaye, Peter Freidman, Mark Jacoby, and Judy Kaye....it is probably one of the only productions I ever saw where I can remember every single moment of it so vividly and it made me want to become an actor in musical theatre. I plan to move to NYC this summer to begin my dream and it all began with Ragtime.
The play and music was great. I was doing some work in a stairway at a theater in Los Angeles, Ca. Brian And Audra was rehearsing their parts at the top of the stairway and it was wonderful.
I was lucky enough to see them on Broadway... a totally religious experience. Also met Mr. Mitchell after seeing him in 'Man of La Mancha", and he couldn't have been more lovely. Amazing talent on display here.
I saw the original cast of this show when I was in high school. To this day, I still find this show to be spell binding. My favorite Broadway show. Hearing Brian Stoke's Mitchell sing, "Make Them Hear You" just brings a tear to my eye each time and takes my breathe away. I sent him an e-mail when I was in school, and was so excited when he wrote back to me. lol
I have this on a tape recording. It was the Rosie O'Donnell show along with Ragtime, the Sun will rise, wilkomen, Love me as I am, a rent spoof, and Ship of dreams. this is my favorite.
absolutely undoubtedly beautiful. beautiful is the word. always put me in tears. wanna watch this in person....... hope more ppl will get to appreciate this musical, would be such a waste to leave this piece in the bottom of the sea!
I remember this musical came out when I was in high school, and I loved the Tony performance. A friend loaned me her recording, and as soon as BSM sang "Sarah, come down to me!" in New Music, I was completely hooked on him. He's beautiful, and so is Audra.
Solo's Melody Holloway who is originally known as Kerri Forrester and I sung dis at Mississippi Valley State University last year. We tore da roof off da sucker.
Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra are so attractive...but their looks don't even compare to their incredible voices. I love it. Why didn't the show last longer?!
Everyone's comments standout! I especially love the "feelings of refinement" this brings to all of us. It does make us feel good about our talents in life, music, art, and each other!
I'm almost yearning for an alto part in this it is so awesome!!!! -Can't breathe it is so heartbreaking!!! I'm literally hyperventilating! Brian Stokes Mitchell...Gorgeous Gorgeous talented man! Audra Mcdonald...speechless
Audra and Brian are simply AMAZING!!!! Vocal perfection on both parts!! Ragtime is such an amazing musical and this is such a beautiful song!! CHILLS!!!!!
Ragtime was, without exception, the most miraculous thing I've ever seen on any stage. The absolutely perfect cast.
Everytime this business lets me down and I think "Why am I doing this to myself?" I simply watch this performance and remember. True artistry, these two will always hold a place in my heart. SO INSPIRING!
Not an ounce of contrivance. Not an actorly tick or stagy wink. Perfectly acted, perfectly sung. This performance by these two stars should be preserved and shown to students for generations. That is how. it's. done.
God please forgive those in the past who were blinded by satan's lies, and who treated African-Americans as though they were of less value than other races. Help us in the future to see the value and passion inside of all peoples, cultures, and nations. Help us to extend love and kindness to everyone reguardless of their heritage, background, or beliefs. Help us to follow the example of your Holy Son, Jesus, and to love everyone!
2 of the best voices to ever grace the stage.
+hammer-to-jezebel ...please enlighten us, o great one
+hammer-to-jezebel AM I MISSING SOMETHING? WHAT IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY DOES JIM NABORS HAVE TO DO WITH THIS SONG? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????????
Leslie Best (and hammer-to-jezebel): "The stage" means the MUSICAL THEATRE stage. Broadway and West End. Nabors had a wonderful voice, but he was, primarily, an easy-listening POP singer, a recording artist who sang mostly romantic ballads, as well as country and gospel. He sang in a very limited number of stage musicals, two as far as I can ascertain. Nabors should be compared to singers like Ed Ames or Andy Williams, not to musical theatre stars. Of musical theatre baritones, I like James Barbour and the late Steve Barton better than Brian Stokes Mitchell, but not by much. (Can you even name an actual musical theatre baritone??) As for classically trained McDonald, her voice and technique are good enough that she regularly handles classical concert work, something I can't envision Nabors doing, though I'd think his instrument would have been good enough to handle it, given the inclination and the training.
Norm Lewis.
Agree with this comment.
Brian stuns me with his voice every time I hear him. He is amazing.
This is what the composer/lyricist dreamt when they created this song!!! Audra and Brian are both phenomenal!!! One of my favourite songs!
I saw this show on Broadway, some years ago, and no show, no performance was ever better.
That last note with the changing cadences in the background. It kills me every time :')
They are both so young here. I saw the musical on Broadway twice, unfortunately it was not with them. But, we forever have them recorded on the CD. Beautiful performance. Amazing performers.
Man sit and listen to this and the ONLY word that comes to mind is HOPE for us all.
Brian is one of the few vocalists who can match the power of Audra's vocals. they both have pipes for days.
After seeing this on Rosie’s show, l said l am getting tickets immediately, and it was a privilege to see these two on broadway, next to Les Mis This is by far my favorite
This is absolutely what America is about, from my point of view: everyone getting an opportunity to provide for their families, and having faith that their children will have an opportunity to succeed and live out their dreams when they've grown. It's tragic that we still so frequently fall short of these ideals, and it's so incredibly important that we regain an understanding that we are our brothers' keepers.
Anyway, incredible, profound, beautifully heart-rending performance. :)
Rosie really honored Broadway on her show. She had the best guests and best talents to appear.
Keep it down, you're gonna to wake the baby!
I didn't think I would cry... but I did! wow!!!!
We saw this around 1999. Spectacular!
I think sometimes that this is what musical angels sound like....just heavenly!
Her character was only in Ragtime for the first act, and she won the Tony Award for best featured actress. she has an extremely powerful, beautiful beautiful acting and singing talent.
I was introduced to Ragtime as a Sophomore in high school. A girl in my concert choir class, with an amazing voice, performed Your Daddy's Son at our annual Broadway Dinner. I had to research it. When I found out that the part was written for a black woman my goal was to be good enough to be Sarah on Broadway...I've come back to reality lol but I adore Audra for performing this part the way it was intended to be performed!
This broke my heart.
What made you think that your dream didn't match reality?
they are both simply stunning
I had to pleasure of seeing this production at a very young age and it still affects me to this day. It has got to be the most powerful musical ever and this is my favorite duet ever.
These two are just criminally under-appreciated and underemployed!
They are marvelous together. This is the first time I've heard them sing as
a couple.
I love this song! It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.
I'm listening to this on repeat and crying happy tears. Crying.
A singer as wonderful as Audra McDonald deserves co stars as good as this young man. What a pair!
So gorgeous. I love this song, but every time I've seen it performed it seemed so rehearsed. This feels so authentic and driven by emotions. How I wish I'd seen this cast!
Brings tears 2 my eyes.
I had the pleasure of meeting Brian Stokes Mitchell by God given chance at his son's Dance performance in Harlem! Brian, you'll probably never read this but your voice and perofrmance instantly brought me to tears. Audra McDonald, you probably won't read this either but I idolize you and love following your career! You are such inspirational actors. it is unreal watching you both perform! I have been cast in my first production of Ragtime at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre and I am beyond excited to be doing this show in such an important time in American history. Hope all is well and can't wait to see what you both do next!
Fellow actor , Brendan Duquette
Holy SHAT. The talent is literally BEATING through the screen. He's ridiculously regal and gorgeous (besides talented) and she's just all power. I wish I saw this cast.
still watching this in 2014! EPIC that is musical theatre :-)
Jarrett Koski Kinda sad I just recently discovered Ragtime
These 2 are magic. I saw them live in this show and it gave me chills then..and still now. I wish they would do another show together. MAGIC.
I would love a reunion. Missed them the first time but I never would again.
They are reuniting in the musical "Shuffle Along" coming soon.
video.wpt.org/video/-performance-brian-stokes-mitchell-and-audra-mcdonald/
I know!! My Dad's in the choir and I freakin can't WAIT!!!!!
this in UNBELIEVABLE i have goosebumps
I had the wonderful opportunity of performing this song with him in chorus in college and he is an amazing performer, singer, and person! Brian Stokes Mitchell is just absolutely incredible!
These two performers are absolutely breathtaking!
i am singing this in choir. but these to actors are just amazing and very proffessional!
Gives me goosebumps and brings me to "happy tears" every time I listen to it...
It is absolute *perfection*.
Oh, and so excited that this is coming back to BROADWAY.. I would freak if they did it again!
If Brian Stokes, Keith David, and Isaiah Mustafa ever met and spoke at the same time, the power of their manly voices would impregnate every woman on the planet.
I was 10 when I saw them in Ragtime...now 23, it still remains one of the greatest joys of my life to have seen this show with these two, not to mention Marin Mazzie, Judy Kaye, Peter Freidman, Mark Jacoby, and Judy Kaye....it is probably one of the only productions I ever saw where I can remember every single moment of it so vividly and it made me want to become an actor in musical theatre. I plan to move to NYC this summer to begin my dream and it all began with Ragtime.
BRAVO! Just saw them BOTH on The TODAY Show! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🎶 🎶
Amazing Voices!
*Listen* to that harmony at 3:16...
Brilliant.
Audra is simply amazing. She was only 28 years old during this time.
Ugh! Take me now! Either one! Please....I love you!
The play and music was great. I was doing some work in a stairway at a theater in Los Angeles, Ca. Brian And Audra was rehearsing their parts at the top of the stairway and it was wonderful.
I was lucky enough to see them on Broadway... a totally religious experience. Also met Mr. Mitchell after seeing him in 'Man of La Mancha", and he couldn't have been more lovely. Amazing talent on display here.
Goosebump city. So wow.
I was fortunate to see them in "Ragtime" on Broadway. They are absolutely brilliant!
I saw the original cast of this show when I was in high school. To this day, I still find this show to be spell binding. My favorite Broadway show. Hearing Brian Stoke's Mitchell sing, "Make Them Hear You" just brings a tear to my eye each time and takes my breathe away. I sent him an e-mail when I was in school, and was so excited when he wrote back to me. lol
I have this on a tape recording. It was the Rosie O'Donnell show along with Ragtime, the Sun will rise, wilkomen, Love me as I am, a rent spoof, and Ship of dreams. this is my favorite.
My GOD I LOVE HIS VOICE!!!!!!!
*SWOON*!!!!
Doesn't get much better than this, folks...
Audra and Brian's voice soar to that heavenly place we all long for...
Pure magic.
Two of the most talented people to ever walk the Earth....together. What could be better?
Oh I wished I had seen this show.
THIS SONG GETS ME EVERYTIME..
WOW! Thank GOD FOR OUR FREEDOM!!
This is just so amazing!! These two are beautiful with magnificent voices! I completely adore this :)
They were AAAA-mazing on stage!! This show is so under rated
They're soo young!
Incredible!!!
Two talented people. I seen Brian live - exceptional performance.
After all these years, it still gets a 10+. .. Bravo!!!!!
Had a dream about wheels! Cool song :)
absolutely undoubtedly beautiful. beautiful is the word. always put me in tears. wanna watch this in person....... hope more ppl will get to appreciate this musical, would be such a waste to leave this piece in the bottom of the sea!
A perfect combination of excellent singing and acting
Fantastic!
This was the first time I ever saw Audra McDonald.
CHILLS. CHILLS.
wow... i just got goosebumps
Absolute *perfection*.
Both Brian and Audra have done television series. Why not? Steady work is steady work.
Damn what a voice. He is unreal.
Absolute *perfection*....
This tears me up everytime I watch it.
Gorgeous performances from both of them. Audra, in particular, has been an inspiration to me with her grace and strength.
I saw them on Broadway and they were both phenomenal
Two truly historic singers.
Audra literally doesnt age
I remember this musical came out when I was in high school, and I loved the Tony performance. A friend loaned me her recording, and as soon as BSM sang "Sarah, come down to me!" in New Music, I was completely hooked on him. He's beautiful, and so is Audra.
Solo's Melody Holloway who is originally known as Kerri Forrester and I sung dis at Mississippi Valley State University last year. We tore da roof off da sucker.
I get goosebumps EVERY TIME!
Last month, me and of the men in the school's choirs sang this song at Choral Festival. This song is amazing.
Great voices. The brightest stars on the stage.
Of course I love Audra, her voice is so insanely beautiful, but the first minute of Brian singing had my in tears. He has such a beautiful voice.
Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra are so attractive...but their looks don't even compare to their incredible voices. I love it. Why didn't the show last longer?!
I love this !!!!
Ragtime is an incredible show, and these two really do it justice, i love them
Everyone's comments standout! I especially love the "feelings of refinement" this brings to all of us. It does make us feel good about our talents in life, music, art, and each other!
I'm almost yearning for an alto part in this it is so awesome!!!!
-Can't breathe it is so heartbreaking!!! I'm literally hyperventilating! Brian Stokes Mitchell...Gorgeous Gorgeous talented man! Audra Mcdonald...speechless
It is physically impossible for me to hear this song without tearing up.
Audra and Brian are simply AMAZING!!!! Vocal perfection on both parts!! Ragtime is such an amazing musical and this is such a beautiful song!! CHILLS!!!!!
omfg amazing............ o my god so amazing
Audra, Audra, Audra. I get goosebumps every time I hear her.
Brian Stokes Mitchell + Audra McDonald = Awesomeness
I love the way they do this. So well done and just right. Wheels is great stand alone concert piece.
GOOSEBUMPS everywhere.
,Just Beautiful, the both and he so powerful and dynamic!
OMG what an AMAZING DUET!