Joan Ryan's performance as Judy is iconic! This is Carol Burnett/Madeleine Kahn territory -- absolutely breathtakingly funny and brilliantly sung. I've had the CD forever, but never had a clue the original cast had been filmed. So happy to see this!
I'm here after seeing the Show Must Go On one. I like seeing a version with Tina being cast younger, it makes it a bit more sinister. I love both versions
@Cody Claeys No, i wish! Just different performances with different kids playing Tina. I think it's a role that has a lot of play and diff kids can add nuance to the part
I was lucky enough to play Sylvia in the Premiere Seattle Production back in the 90s - we broke audience attendance records at the theatre we played and we had to keep reprinting (and distributing) posters because people we taking them!! On more than one occasion when performing at a private party I'll spot a framed poster on one of their walls! Unfortunately over the years I lost track of my video copy of our production and when I inquired about getting another copy - the theatre unfortunately had had their original taken long ago. So finding this just made my year!! While everyone else was hunkered down with COVID - I was fighting off two rare forms of cancer - BEAT IT!! But unfortunately the Castleman's ravaged the lymphatic system of my vocal chords - so I won't be doing any more shows, sadly. I had always hoped to play Sylvia at least one more time. **le sigh** I've had the CD for ages - so actually seeing what I'd always envisioned was simply magical! Thank you sooo much for sharing. And might I add Miss Ryan - I scanned through the comments - and they're all correct - your portrayal of Judy/Ginger is the stuff of theatrical/comedic genius! Would loved to have shared the stage with you! Big Sylvia air-kisses and hugs! M'wah - Mark "Mom" Finley, Seattle, WA 💋💖
I know musicals. And I don't think I have ever seen sharper comic direction (or writing) on a musical stage. The precision is astounding. Every glance, take, aside and gesture - not to forget the choreography - is done with no apparent thought...like great dancers, you all perform beyond your direction...in spite of it. It is such a delight. One of the best shows I have seen and I estimate that I have seen about 3000 plays in the last 25 years. Yours is certainly in the Top 10, if not the Top 5.
A lot of Off-Broadway shows don't get talked about as much...Even shows that moved to Broadway didn't get fame until it moved to Broadway...except for Stomp..and Blue Man Group...but those are more concert-like shows than musicals...
This video is a bit cropped to fit the wide screen, but it brings the faces closer. The camera follows the action admirably, except you miss Eve throwing Sylvia's stole (which she had thrown in Eve's face) over the balcony. This 1993-94 LA production of "Ruthless!" was the definitive. Bob Mackie's brilliant design gave the show a playful silliness it needed to leaven the darker aspects of the plot. Even the recent off-Broadway revival suffered from a coarsening--and shortening--of the material, dowdy sets, and thrift shop-looking costumes. This particular performance must have been a few months into the run. Original Tina Lindsay Ridgeway is gone; but Karen Ziemba, her red-headed replacement, is even funnier. What a show, what a cast! Of course, like all great musicals, it was best seen live, which I was lucky enough to do several times, but at least we have this. Thank you, Joan Ryan.
Wanted to check out the show because I Hate Musicals has become my favorite audition song, this did not disappoint! Obsessed with the actress playing Judy, she was hilarious and I loved her voice
I watched the 2018 West End production here on RUclips and was thoroughly underwhelmed. Then saw this and there's no comparison. This one was hillarious and hit all the right notes.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I used to assist their PR and went to the premiere of the original cast in LA. So I fly back in time and imagine being one of those who are laughing on this video. It was such a great and funny moment. I love this musical and it is very special in my heard. I was so happy that they made a recording few months later. And now this caption, 30 years later. You made my day.
Joan truly is absolutely phenomenal.. how I wish she'd been featured on more cast recordings!!! or that her run in Anyone Can Whistle had been recorded in some way... love her. this is the definitive ruthless! in every way
For people wondering who plays Tina I think it's Kathryn Zaremba (who also played Annie in Annie Warbucks on Broadway) 💖💕 Not sure tough... Whoever the girl is we can all agree she is amazing! ❤️
Annie Warbucks never actually opened on Broadway...it ran Off-Broadway, and when they were going to move it to Broadway, it ended up closing completely.
Kathryn sounds a lot like Lindsay who is on the CD...side note...Lindsay and Kathryn were both orphans in the Annie Warbucks tour BEFORE it went to New York and Kathryn was promoted to Annie. Huge Annie fan here so I know a lot of trivia like that.
The child actress is awesome. Who is that and did she continue in show biz? BTW I can't help think the character is Rachel Berry's homicidal 8 year old cousin. I'd never heard of this show before. Very glad I found it by chance
Laura Bell Bundy was the original Tina. Britney and Natalie were understudies. Natalie never went on for the role and nothing exists showing Britney in the role.
@@isthisryan7899 Actually, idk if that’s true re: Britney. I vividly remember (as a kid) seeing footage of her in the role on VH1’s Making the Music special, or something like that. She was full chest belting and tapping, from what I remember!
@@TheJordanWestfall They used to show a lot of clips in those specials with her as a kid on star search, in plays, recitals, mickey mouse club, but I don't think there was ever anything from Ruthless. There isn't even promotional footage or a bootleg with Laura Bell in the role. It'd be pretty wild if someone captured Britney going on as the understudy.
Jordan Westfall I saw that clip of Britney, too-but IIRC, it looked like rehearsal video. She wasn’t in the show costume if it’s the clip I’m thinking about.
If you enjoyed this, you should check out the cast reunion video which was done about a year ago. So cool to see them back together and hearing some stuff from behind the scenes. ruclips.net/video/DkIip6QHglI/видео.html
@@seandorazio6793 i have a recording from September 12th 1992 of the Original Broadway Cast. I don't remember who's playing Tina, though. It *might* be laura but i unfortunately dont remember
Joan Ryan's performance as Judy is iconic! This is Carol Burnett/Madeleine Kahn territory -- absolutely breathtakingly funny and brilliantly sung. I've had the CD forever, but never had a clue the original cast had been filmed. So happy to see this!
I'm here after seeing the Show Must Go On one. I like seeing a version with Tina being cast younger, it makes it a bit more sinister. I love both versions
I couldn't agree more
There's a sequel?
@Cody Claeys No, i wish! Just different performances with different kids playing Tina.
I think it's a role that has a lot of play and diff kids can add nuance to the part
@@brittnar oh lol bummer I like my idea better!!!
Someone recommended this musical on TikTok, now it’s definitely one of my favorites! It’s so sad this is very underrated :(
Has anyone else seen Cats Don’t Dance? The original Tina was the voice of Darla Dimple - goodness gracious that girl can carry a show!
Imagine being typecast as "murderous child actress."
I can't imagine many other people could pull that off so well.
Only her singing voice was
Here I am watching this for a good smile during quarantine!!! Brings a smile to my face every time I see her
I was lucky enough to play Sylvia in the Premiere Seattle Production back in the 90s - we broke audience attendance records at the theatre we played and we had to keep reprinting (and distributing) posters because people we taking them!! On more than one occasion when performing at a private party I'll spot a framed poster on one of their walls! Unfortunately over the years I lost track of my video copy of our production and when I inquired about getting another copy - the theatre unfortunately had had their original taken long ago. So finding this just made my year!! While everyone else was hunkered down with COVID - I was fighting off two rare forms of cancer - BEAT IT!! But unfortunately the Castleman's ravaged the lymphatic system of my vocal chords - so I won't be doing any more shows, sadly. I had always hoped to play Sylvia at least one more time. **le sigh** I've had the CD for ages - so actually seeing what I'd always envisioned was simply magical! Thank you sooo much for sharing. And might I add Miss Ryan - I scanned through the comments - and they're all correct - your portrayal of Judy/Ginger is the stuff of theatrical/comedic genius! Would loved to have shared the stage with you! Big Sylvia air-kisses and hugs! M'wah - Mark "Mom" Finley, Seattle, WA 💋💖
I know musicals. And I don't think I have ever seen sharper comic direction (or writing) on a musical stage. The precision is astounding. Every glance, take, aside and gesture - not to forget the choreography - is done with no apparent thought...like great dancers, you all perform beyond your direction...in spite of it. It is such a delight. One of the best shows I have seen and I estimate that I have seen about 3000 plays in the last 25 years. Yours is certainly in the Top 10, if not the Top 5.
This is such a wonderful musical but sadly I haven't heard a lot of people talk about it, which is a shame.
A lot of Off-Broadway shows don't get talked about as much...Even shows that moved to Broadway didn't get fame until it moved to Broadway...except for Stomp..and Blue Man Group...but those are more concert-like shows than musicals...
This video is a bit cropped to fit the wide screen, but it brings the faces closer. The camera follows the action admirably, except you miss Eve throwing Sylvia's stole (which she had thrown in Eve's face) over the balcony. This 1993-94 LA production of "Ruthless!" was the definitive. Bob Mackie's brilliant design gave the show a playful silliness it needed to leaven the darker aspects of the plot. Even the recent off-Broadway revival suffered from a coarsening--and shortening--of the material, dowdy sets, and thrift shop-looking costumes. This particular performance must have been a few months into the run. Original Tina Lindsay Ridgeway is gone; but Karen Ziemba, her red-headed replacement, is even funnier. What a show, what a cast! Of course, like all great musicals, it was best seen live, which I was lucky enough to do several times, but at least we have this. Thank you, Joan Ryan.
Wanted to check out the show because I Hate Musicals has become my favorite audition song, this did not disappoint! Obsessed with the actress playing Judy, she was hilarious and I loved her voice
Where did you get the backing track? I would love to use it for an audition as well
This original Los Angeles cast is simply stunning! The production is absolute 'perfection' of this show! Brava!
I watched the 2018 West End production here on RUclips and was thoroughly underwhelmed. Then saw this and there's no comparison. This one was hillarious and hit all the right notes.
Came here for research after finding out my hs is doing this show for the musical this year. I can now say this is definitley one of my favorites
I would love to see a HS production of this. HS can be so funny and quick
@@brittnar it was fantastic! I ran tech for it and i had a blast, i loved everything about it. The costumes, the music, the set. 10/10 show
this musical is so underrated. it deserves more love
I was fortunate to see Ms. Ryan in a new musical in Phoenix last weekend. She’s still a star- unique and strong and captivating.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I used to assist their PR and went to the premiere of the original cast in LA. So I fly back in time and imagine being one of those who are laughing on this video. It was such a great and funny moment. I love this musical and it is very special in my heard. I was so happy that they made a recording few months later. And now this caption, 30 years later. You made my day.
my favorite musical of all time!
this is amazing. what a talented cast!!
Joan truly is absolutely phenomenal.. how I wish she'd been featured on more cast recordings!!! or that her run in Anyone Can Whistle had been recorded in some way... love her. this is the definitive ruthless! in every way
What a treat!!! Thank you for the upload
I have struck gold tonight! Thank you! Thank you for sharing this!!!
2 hours of perfect comic timing! Such fun!!!
i love this musical! very underrated
I’m singing born to entertain for a solo at school and decided to watch this! Love it so much!!
For people wondering who plays Tina I think it's Kathryn Zaremba (who also played Annie in Annie Warbucks on Broadway) 💖💕 Not sure tough... Whoever the girl is we can all agree she is amazing! ❤️
Annie Warbucks never actually opened on Broadway...it ran Off-Broadway, and when they were going to move it to Broadway, it ended up closing completely.
@@seandorazio6793 That's so sad. Thanks for the info 💕😁
It is Kathryn Zaremba, for sure!
@@cecilegreard I thought so! She's amazing as Tina! 💖
Kathryn sounds a lot like Lindsay who is on the CD...side note...Lindsay and Kathryn were both orphans in the Annie Warbucks tour BEFORE it went to New York and Kathryn was promoted to Annie. Huge Annie fan here so I know a lot of trivia like that.
The child actress is awesome. Who is that and did she continue in show biz? BTW I can't help think the character is Rachel Berry's homicidal 8 year old cousin. I'd never heard of this show before. Very glad I found it by chance
Her name is Kathryn Zaremba. Until I found this video I knew her only from Annie Warbucks.
The first time she came out and said are you fing kidding me I died laughing
HA! The doorbell is a melody from "Some People"
Saw this at Pacific Palisades theatre directed by Alta Abbott. It was an amazing preference. This show will definitely stick with me.
I’ve been looking for this!
I hate musicals! I love this! I saw the original production at the Westwood playhouse 2x! Thought this was lost forever. Costumes by Bob Mackie!
This is not the Original Cast. I saw the original production.
Britney Spears was an understudy for Tina when the show was in New York as I believe was Natalie Portman.
Britney and Natalie was the understudy to Laura Bell Bundy
Holy shit that kid is amazing
Here after i got britney's book 💜
Sooooo entertaining and funny! 🤣❤
It's like a musical version of The Bad Seed!
I have no idea what this is but I rlly enjoyed it
Is this the LA cast? Laura Bell Bundy, Britney Spears and Natalie Portman were the three original Tinas in NYC 🤔
Laura Bell Bundy was the original Tina. Britney and Natalie were understudies. Natalie never went on for the role and nothing exists showing Britney in the role.
@@isthisryan7899 Actually, idk if that’s true re: Britney. I vividly remember (as a kid) seeing footage of her in the role on VH1’s Making the Music special, or something like that. She was full chest belting and tapping, from what I remember!
@@TheJordanWestfall They used to show a lot of clips in those specials with her as a kid on star search, in plays, recitals, mickey mouse club, but I don't think there was ever anything from Ruthless. There isn't even promotional footage or a bootleg with Laura Bell in the role. It'd be pretty wild if someone captured Britney going on as the understudy.
@@CaseyBlizzard Ah, that’s probably true! Wild that there’s nothing of Laura’s, even 🤔
Jordan Westfall I saw that clip of Britney, too-but IIRC, it looked like rehearsal video. She wasn’t in the show costume if it’s the clip I’m thinking about.
If you enjoyed this, you should check out the cast reunion video which was done about a year ago. So cool to see them back together and hearing some stuff from behind the scenes. ruclips.net/video/DkIip6QHglI/видео.html
i take ruthless WAY too seriously, i watch it with a stone cold face several times a week like its a tragedy
HELP THE HONEY IM HOME AT THE END
22:40
Just practicing. Don’t mind me 🤣
Original cast from what production? They’re quite good. However, this is not the Original NYC Off-Broadway cast from 1992.
This is the original LA production from 1993. (Kathryn Zaremba is on for Tina in this performance instead of Lindsay Ridgeway.)
Where's LIndsay Ridgeway???
Who’s the girl playing Tina?
If this is the original cast, why is that NOT Laura Bell Bundy? She did originate Tina after all...(and Britney Spears was her understudy...)
this is the original LA cast (aka the definitive edition) from 1993
Laura Bell Bundy and Britney Spears were in the 1990 Off-Broadway Version!
Yes, this is the cast on the official cast recording. It's amazing.
Oh... did little Britney pull a Tina? Understandable
@@nokocchi1983 I wish Laura's had been filmed and/or recorded - it would have been nice to have heard her when she was a kid...
@@seandorazio6793 i have a recording from September 12th 1992 of the Original Broadway Cast. I don't remember who's playing Tina, though. It *might* be laura but i unfortunately dont remember
Does anyone know what year this was filmed in?
1993 or 1994!
Who plays tina?
I think it's Kathryn Zaremba, the little girl who played Annie in Annie Warbucks on broadway.💕💖
Bernadette Peters at 37:30!
what year is it?
When was this filmed? I think at least late 90’s early 2000’s
Had to be 93 or 94.
is britney spears in this too?
No.
She wasn't in the show, but she was Laura Bell Bundy's understudy
britney did the show for 2 weeks while laura bell bundy was filming a movie. unfortunately, there's no recording of it available.
RITA MCKENZIE
Where is Britney Spears?
No men or boys in Ruthless the musical?
Sylvia (the coach) is traditionally always played by a man!
Its traditionally an all-women cast, but Sylvia is played by a a man :)
The little girl playing Tina would be the envy of a lot of adult "stars."
YESSSS ❤
This Tina is way better then the one from the movie one
23:43
11:01
1:11:55
I think Ariana Grande would make an amazing Judy Denmark