I saw this number on TV back in '82 and absolutely adored it. Now, thanks to the magic of You Tube, I was able to enjoy it again. And again. And again. What a terrific number and what a treasure was Imogene Coca.
They don't write em like that and they don't make em like that anymore - TERRIFIC! I loved her in the show and thank you for the clip! One of my favorite scores of all time.
Wow Wow WoW! Thanks for posting this. I saw the original production on Broadway and remember how she brought the house down with this number. People were literally screaming bravo and Imogene milked it for nearly a minute camping and encouraging it -- and we screamed all the more. She and Madeleine Kahn got huge ovations but Coca definately stole the show. This was a pleasant reminder of why! Thanks
Oh, my God! I saw "On the Twentieth Century" on Broadway in 1978! This song knocked 'em dead! Who knew that Imogene Coca could do MUSICAL comedy so well? She was great...One of our greatest comediennes, one generation ahead of Carol Burnett and just as versatile as Burnett later proved to be.Thank you, whoever posted this. I've played it seven times in one evening. (I've really got to GET A LIFE....)
I saw this number on television back in '82 and absolutely adored it. Thanks to the magic of You Tube I had the great pleasure of seeing it again. And again. And again. Imogene Coca was a treasure!
Thank you for sharing. I was in high school when I saw this on Broadway. I missed Madeline Kahn but was floored by Imogene Coco. And I watched Judy Kaye become a star!
Too much credit credit has been given to Sid Caesar; in TRUTHit was Imogene Coca who MADE Your Show of Shows. I remember watching it faithfully every Saturday night when TV was new, and I was still a little boy. Some of the greatest fun I've ever had. Memorably delightful! Sheer magic. Remarkable how little Miss Coca changed over the years. She was a brilliant and utterly charming comedienne.
Thanks for posting! This is one my favorite B'way scores. I never saw the show, but I've read many a glowing review. How wonderful to see Coca do her number!
I saw this show live on Broadway with Imogene Coca and Madeline Kahn - absolutely incredible! Someone - more clips please!! The set for this show was amazing!! ( "On the Twentieth Century")
I saw this on B'way 7 times and was even at the last performance( Cullums voice was hoarse). The cast was star studded-- Madeline Kahn, John Cullum, Kevin Klein, Imogene Coca. The duet "My Private World" brought the house down. Beautiful song and was nominated for an award. Score by Cy Coleman. Best play ever. They could never revise this play to match the original cast.Impossible! Best musical comedy based on the Barrymore movie( "The Twentieth Century"). Thank you for posting this..
I know "Once Upon a Mattress" well. I can imagine Miss Coca as Winifred the Woebegone, quite well. I live in St. Petersburg, Florida, where Imogene Coca was in a terrible car accident, around 1977 or so. I remember the story. She and her then-husband, King Donovan, were co-starring at the Showboat DInner Theatre. They were in an auto accident on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, across Tampa Bay. Coca lost an eye in the accident. You can see her prosthetic eye, quite noticeable, in this video.
She was wonderful in this part. I saw it twice. It was a brilliant Broadway show. I LOVED IT! How I wish someone had a camera then. The production was magnificent. WONDERFUL!
I'LL BET NONE OF YOU KNOWS THIS TRIVIAL FACT: In the early 1970's, while performing at the now-defunct Showboat Dinner Theatre in Pinellas County, Florida, with her husband, King Donovan, Imogene Coca was in a traffic accident atop the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, over the mouth of Tampa Bay. As a result of that car crash, Ms. Coca lost an eye. (I lived in the area and remember reading the item as a news report in the local afternoon paper.) So -- as of 1978, when I saw Ms. Coca perform this number in "On the Twentieth Century" on Broadway (SHE WAS A RIOT!), she was working with one prosthetic eye. Actually, it's barely noticable. The doctors did a great job.
***** As it turns out, Comden and Green had one final hit, the biggest of their Broadway careers: The Will Rogers Follies, also written with Cy Coleman.
Music by Cy Coleman, lyrics (and book) by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Comden & Green were always terrific at tailoring their material to specific performers, whether themselves, Judy Holliday, Lena Horne, Dolores Gray... This number is perfect for the great Imogene Coca (in the source play, incidentally, the character is male).
@pudgeuncle I see it now. I didn't mention her because she wasn't there. She played Kahns part as Lily Garland in a 1986 on tour performance. I went in the late 70's( the original cast). Here's the info about K. It won't let me post the link, but look it up. Thx,( I never knew they had a revivial, I probably would have went another 7 times)!
Does anyone remember the TV show Imogene Coca played in called "Grindle"? I have been hoping to see this posted on You Tube, but, so far have not seen it. : (
And if I remember correctly in 1978 she was 70? I hope I can do as well when I get to that age. And I think she even went on the road with the show. She was a real trouper!
Imogene Coca es de origen hispano-cubano. Su abuelo fue pianista y su padre Rogelio Fernandez de Coca violinista y fundador de la Orquesta Filarmonica de Filadelfia.Imogene consevaba el diario de campana de su abuelo Jose L. Ferna- dez Coca . Que le pasa a esta gente? En todas las resenas no existe este importante dato ...Por que sera?
Yes it was a great a show and cast. I mistakely put Madeline Kahn as being there in the last show but she was long gone. You saw it with Channing subbing for Imogene?
Any idea why I believe it was Carol Channing who played in 'Twentieth Century' the night I saw it...Carol as a Sub for Imogene?? ` THIS WAS A Wonderful Show!!!
@DavidWhatsHisName Yes, they are similar. In fact there is a resemblance. They could have been "sisters." Imagine casting the together. But it's too late now.
@pudgeuncle I don't think she was in it when I went. Did Kahn take her place down the road? If I remember the cast correctly it was Cullum, Kahn, Klein and Imogene. And of course the 2 zanny sidekicks. I think they all were magnificent but it was always the same cast that I saw. The only other play that I saw this many tomes was The King and I . Grease, Me and My Gal, Evita etc (once was enough for me with those). Thanks for mentioning her name. I'll look her up. Any relation to Danny K?
The mirror tells me...she's mine! How fabulous - and overdue - to get a real remnant of OT20C! WHO HAS MORE?! MUST HAVE MORE! They all went away - those I loved and needed! It's getting dark! Stay a little while longer! Ask her - if she - would care to write her name on it! His last request! Yes! Yes!
@carm4765 If you saw the show I am stunned that you don't mention Judy Kaye..the show's real event. I was THE first person on line at the box office when this originally opened and saw the first performance after the opening. I adored Madeline Kahn but Judy Kaye should have won the Tony.
Dear Imogene... WHEN, oh WHEN, oh WHEN, will they bring this back to Broadway? Note to Kristen Chenoweth - Since you rolled out, since you sold out, to cheap Hollywood - cheesy, sleezy Hollywood - you leave us WAITING for our revival!! Dare we fly once again?
By my math, you were in 7th grade at the time..that is, if you actually saw the show. You wouldn't be the first express an emphatic opinion having not actually seen a show. I had been going to Broadway shows since literallly BEFORE you were born and Ms. Coca was fine [and should have won the Tony] but Lily is the starring and more show-stopping role which Kaye perfomed brilliantly. You are TOO young to have remembered the sensation of Kaye replacing such a HUGE star as Madeline Kahn.
5? ...Yes the theater community must hold in high esteem the wise opinion of someone who just got potty trained. And you show your ignorance by saying Ms. Kahn was "sick". There was a lot more to that story, not just a secret to those of us working in the NY theater at the time. I guess Kristen Chenoweth should be informed that she is playing a minor role in the upcoming revival.
I saw this number on TV back in '82 and absolutely adored it. Now, thanks to the magic of You Tube, I was able to enjoy it again. And again. And again. What a terrific number and what a treasure was Imogene Coca.
I saw this on B'way 7 times and was even at the last performance( Cullums voice was hoarse). The cast was star studded-- Madeline Kahn, John Cullum, Kevin Klein, Imogene Coca. The duet "My Private World" brought the house down. Beautiful song and was nominated for an award. Score by Cy Coleman. Best play ever. They could never revise this play to match the original cast.Impossible! Best musical comedy based on the Barrymore movie( "The Twentieth Century"). Thank you for posting this..
Not so sure. I flew to NY just to see Kristen Chenowith do it- and she did it proud. Totally different from Madeline Kahn but equally brilliant. She did lack that amazing supporting cast though. pity.
I saw this number on TV back in '82 and absolutely adored it. Now, thanks to the magic of You Tube, I was able to enjoy it again. And again. And again. What a terrific number and what a treasure was Imogene Coca.
They don't write em like that and they don't make em like that anymore - TERRIFIC!
I loved her in the show and thank you for the clip! One of my favorite scores of all time.
Wow Wow WoW! Thanks for posting this. I saw the original production on Broadway and remember how she brought the house down with this number. People were literally screaming bravo and Imogene milked it for nearly a minute camping and encouraging it -- and we screamed all the more. She and Madeleine Kahn got huge ovations but Coca definately stole the show. This was a pleasant reminder of why! Thanks
Oh, my God! I saw "On the Twentieth Century" on Broadway in 1978! This song knocked 'em dead! Who knew that Imogene Coca could do MUSICAL comedy so well? She was great...One of our greatest comediennes, one generation ahead of Carol Burnett and just as versatile as Burnett later proved to be.Thank you, whoever posted this. I've played it seven times in one evening. (I've really got to GET A LIFE....)
I saw this number on television back in '82 and absolutely adored it. Thanks to the magic of You Tube I had the great pleasure of seeing it again. And again. And again. Imogene Coca was a treasure!
Imogene was a truly unique performer. If only someone had her kind of wit in the comedy clubs of today!!!
Thank you for sharing. I was in high school when I saw this on Broadway. I missed Madeline Kahn but was floored by Imogene Coco. And I watched Judy Kaye become a star!
THANKS to whoever put this clip on. I love this odd musical and will never have the chance to see Ms Coca the legend in it !
fantastic / fantastic / fantastic
never before and never again - she's a ONE AND ONLY
Man, I wish I could have seen the show. Imogine Coca was always *such* a hoot.
Comden and Green at the twilight of their career and yet still brilliant, witty, sophisticated and just god damn funny !
A great talent! She was already in her 70's and recovered from a serious car accident when she performed this.
I didn't know that. That makes her performance all the more compelling. She was amazing!
I saw her on Broadway. Stopped the show twice!!!Pure joy'
Too much credit credit has been given to Sid Caesar; in TRUTHit was Imogene Coca who MADE Your Show of Shows. I remember watching it faithfully every Saturday night when TV was new, and I was still a little boy. Some of the greatest fun I've ever had. Memorably delightful! Sheer magic. Remarkable how little Miss Coca changed over the years. She was a brilliant and utterly charming comedienne.
Ah, the one and only. God bless her.
Thanks for posting! This is one my favorite B'way scores. I never saw the show, but I've read many a glowing review. How wonderful to see Coca do her number!
What a scream! Thanks for this! She's awesome! I found this when looking for "I'll Rise Again."
I saw this show live on Broadway with Imogene
Coca and Madeline Kahn - absolutely incredible! Someone - more clips please!!
The set for this show was amazing!!
( "On the Twentieth Century")
I saw this on B'way 7 times and was even at the last performance( Cullums voice was hoarse). The cast was star studded-- Madeline Kahn, John Cullum, Kevin Klein, Imogene Coca. The duet "My Private World" brought the house down. Beautiful song and was nominated for an award. Score by Cy Coleman. Best play ever. They could never revise this play to match the original cast.Impossible! Best musical comedy based on the Barrymore movie( "The Twentieth Century"). Thank you for posting this..
FUN!!!! I remember her from lots of TV variety shows back in the day. Sorry I missed 20th Century....Madeline Kahn too !
I loved her!
I know "Once Upon a Mattress" well. I can imagine Miss Coca as Winifred the Woebegone, quite well. I live in St. Petersburg, Florida, where Imogene Coca was in a terrible car accident, around 1977 or so. I remember the story. She and her then-husband, King Donovan, were co-starring at the Showboat DInner Theatre. They were in an auto accident on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, across Tampa Bay. Coca lost an eye in the accident. You can see her prosthetic eye, quite noticeable, in this video.
It was an amazing production on Broadway!
She was wonderful in this part. I saw it twice. It was a brilliant Broadway show. I LOVED IT! How I wish someone had a camera then. The production was magnificent. WONDERFUL!
You know, she may have not been the best singer in the world, but boy can she sell a song!
I'LL BET NONE OF YOU KNOWS THIS TRIVIAL FACT: In the early 1970's, while performing at the now-defunct Showboat Dinner Theatre in Pinellas County, Florida, with her husband, King Donovan, Imogene Coca was in a traffic accident atop the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, over the mouth of Tampa Bay. As a result of that car crash, Ms. Coca lost an eye. (I lived in the area and remember reading the item as a news report in the local afternoon paper.) So -- as of 1978, when I saw Ms. Coca perform this number in "On the Twentieth Century" on Broadway (SHE WAS A RIOT!), she was working with one prosthetic eye. Actually, it's barely noticable. The doctors did a great job.
Interesting! Thanks.
Glorious!!!
@juanbosco31 Muchas gracias por tu aportación. Great information about Imogene!
great brava!!!
***** As it turns out, Comden and Green had one final hit, the biggest of their Broadway careers: The Will Rogers Follies, also written with Cy Coleman.
Music by Cy Coleman, lyrics (and book) by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Comden & Green were always terrific at tailoring their material to specific performers, whether themselves, Judy Holliday, Lena Horne, Dolores Gray... This number is perfect for the great Imogene Coca (in the source play, incidentally, the character is male).
there's a revival of On the Twentieth Century at the Union Theatre, Southwark, London Dec 14th 2010- Jan 15th 2011....go along if you can
@pudgeuncle I see it now. I didn't mention her because she wasn't there. She played Kahns part as Lily Garland in a 1986 on tour performance. I went in the late 70's( the original cast). Here's the info about K.
It won't let me post the link, but look it up.
Thx,( I never knew they had a revivial, I probably would have went another 7 times)!
If they ever revive this I can see Carol Burnett doing this part.
Does anyone remember the TV show Imogene Coca played in called "Grindle"? I have been hoping to see this posted on You Tube, but, so far have not seen it. : (
And if I remember correctly in 1978 she was 70? I hope I can do as well when I get to that age. And I think she even went on the road with the show. She was a real trouper!
Imogene Coca es de origen hispano-cubano. Su abuelo fue pianista y su padre Rogelio Fernandez de Coca violinista y fundador de la Orquesta Filarmonica de Filadelfia.Imogene consevaba el diario de campana de su abuelo Jose L. Ferna-
dez Coca . Que le pasa a esta gente? En todas las resenas no existe este importante dato ...Por que sera?
Yes it was a great a show and cast. I mistakely put Madeline Kahn as being there in the last show but she was long gone.
You saw it with Channing subbing for Imogene?
Awesome - what was the occasion? The Tonys?
I don't know what it is, but it's not the Tonys.
Any idea why I believe it was Carol Channing who played in 'Twentieth Century' the night I saw it...Carol as a Sub for Imogene??
`
THIS WAS A Wonderful Show!!!
Channing never played this role as far as I can see from research. Betty Comden did step in for a bit during the run.
@DavidWhatsHisName Yes, they are similar. In fact there is a resemblance. They could have been "sisters." Imagine casting the together. But it's too late now.
@pudgeuncle I don't think she was in it when I went. Did Kahn take her place down the road? If I remember the cast correctly it was Cullum, Kahn, Klein and Imogene.
And of course the 2 zanny sidekicks. I think they all were magnificent but it was always the same cast that I saw. The only other play that I saw this many tomes was The King and I . Grease, Me and My Gal, Evita etc (once was enough for me with those).
Thanks for mentioning her name. I'll look her up. Any relation to Danny K?
Way better than the cast recording
The mirror tells me...she's mine! How fabulous - and overdue - to get a real remnant of OT20C! WHO HAS MORE?! MUST HAVE MORE! They all went away - those I loved and needed! It's getting dark! Stay a little while longer! Ask her - if she - would care to write her name on it! His last request! Yes! Yes!
@carm4765 If you saw the show I am stunned that you don't mention Judy Kaye..the show's real event. I was THE first person on line at the box office when this originally opened and saw the first performance after the opening. I adored Madeline Kahn but Judy Kaye should have won the Tony.
I saw this on Broadway in 1982. Not that great of a show, but Imogene was outstanding
Dear Imogene... WHEN, oh WHEN, oh WHEN, will they bring this back to Broadway? Note to Kristen Chenoweth - Since you rolled out, since you sold out, to cheap Hollywood - cheesy, sleezy Hollywood - you leave us WAITING for our revival!! Dare we fly once again?
By my math, you were in 7th grade at the time..that is, if you actually saw the show. You wouldn't be the first express an emphatic opinion having not actually seen a show. I had been going to Broadway shows since literallly BEFORE you were born and Ms. Coca was fine [and should have won the Tony] but Lily is the starring and more show-stopping role which Kaye perfomed brilliantly. You are TOO young to have remembered the sensation of Kaye replacing such a HUGE star as Madeline Kahn.
5? ...Yes the theater community must hold in high esteem the wise opinion of someone who just got potty trained. And you show your ignorance by saying Ms. Kahn was "sick". There was a lot more to that story, not just a secret to those of us working in the NY theater at the time. I guess Kristen Chenoweth should be informed that she is playing a minor role in the upcoming revival.
I saw this number on TV back in '82 and absolutely adored it. Now, thanks to the magic of You Tube, I was able to enjoy it again. And again. And again. What a terrific number and what a treasure was Imogene Coca.
I saw this on B'way 7 times and was even at the last performance( Cullums voice was hoarse). The cast was star studded-- Madeline Kahn, John Cullum, Kevin Klein, Imogene Coca. The duet "My Private World" brought the house down. Beautiful song and was nominated for an award. Score by Cy Coleman. Best play ever. They could never revise this play to match the original cast.Impossible! Best musical comedy based on the Barrymore movie( "The Twentieth Century"). Thank you for posting this..
Not so sure. I flew to NY just to see Kristen Chenowith do it- and she did it proud. Totally different from Madeline Kahn but equally brilliant. She did lack that amazing supporting cast though. pity.