Here in the Hills

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

elaine stritch: shoot me

For anyone unfamiliar with Elaine Stritch as a "live" stage performer, you have missed a dynamo. But, you can actually see her 'in performance' in her one-woman show, "Elaine Stritch: At Liberty" (2002)....It is on You Tube and available to rent on various venues.

The newest documentary, pictured above, is available On Demand.....

Ms. Stritch, just turned 88 years old, and we see a much frailer Stritch than we did back in 2002 in

Frail or not, she is a consummate performer on every level. She can break your heart and make you laugh out loud and it's all about her life. She tells all.....and shows us her deepest feelings in the most artful and irreverent way.

Four letter words flow easily from her mouth and her mind-----including the word LOVE.

She is fascinating; passionate about her life and her work; She has played Broadway, The West End; toured everywhere and worked with all the greats!

Noel Coward wrote "Sail Away" just for her. The part she played in Sondheim's "Company" was written for her by George Furth who wrote the book of "Company".....And by the way, "The Ladies Who Lunch" which she sang the hell out of in 'Company', became her signature song....

And,

one of the most fabulous DVDs you will ever see is the recording session of the Original Cast Album of "Company".....It is in many many ways, a Master Class in the recording of a Broadway show, and Stritch, trying to sing 'Ladies' at 4am in the morning, after a grueling day---and she cannot get it---she comes back, after a day if rest, and nails it perfectly! She is fantastic on this amazing DVD.
In fact, everyone in it is just perfection!

In fact her section of the recording is completely arresting and a revelation in every way into a group of talented perfectionists, Elaine Stritch being one of them, in spades!

This is very much worth renting or buying, if you are a fan of Steven Sondheim's---which as anyone who has been reading my blog for any length of time, knows, I am a huge huge Sondheim fan.
Stritch has been nominated for a Tony, 4 times, and won this coveted award for her One-Woman show, 'At Liberty'.

And she has won three Emmy's, one for her role on "Thirty Rock" playing Alec Baldwin's mother.....She has made a lot of movies, including one for Woody Allen.
A career that spans 65 years.....!
She was a fixture on the New York Theatrical scene----lived at The Carlyle Hotel for years and years, and now, she has left New York and gone back home to Michigan, where she was born and where she grew up.

Her leaving New York is, as someone said, like The Statue of Liberty leaving New York.
Elaine Stritch is inspiring in so very many ways----a recovering alcoholic with severe diabetes----she shares ALL of this in "At Liberty", and so much more.....
Skipping forward 11 plus years,
I watched the new film, a documentary on Ms. Stritch, three times.

There is so much to admire in this picture---
It goes without saying, there's her enormous talent---and a tenacity that just won't quit;
And a fierceness for surviving that is deeply deeply touching....and yes, there is a terrible sadness watching her struggle with all the vagaries of age.....
But......still, she is an inspiration.
And if you truly want to be inspired,
do yourself a big favor and
watch the 2002 One Woman Show
"Elaine Stritch At Liberty".
It is more than a treat.....it is a great great gift from one of those 'Broadway Baby's' of a different time, when 'The Show Must Go On' truly meant 'The Show Must Go On, No Matter What'!

And the show did go on, and Elaine Stritch was right up there,
giving 150% each and every performance!
What a great dame.......!
And what a Great Artist!
Do yourself a favor and look for
"Elaine Stritch at Liberty".
It's out there on YouTube and other venues
right now as we speak.
She is the real deal!

More To Come.......

19 Comments:

kenju had this to say:: Believe it or not, I remember seeing that show on HBO (her one-woman show) and liking it a great deal. She is a force of nature and I would love to have been fortunate enough to see her in person on Broadway!; Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 8:29:00 PM PDT
Arkansas Patti had this to say:: I saw a CBS Sunday Morning special done on her and was very impressed. What a performer and talent!!!; Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 3:55:00 AM PDT
DesLily had this to say:: Now you are a great Agent! lol I have seen bits and pieces of Elaine and you are right she is fabulous!! this is an uplifting post! I hope you feel good about this post as I enjoyed it!; Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 11:51:00 AM PDT
Eric Franz had this to say:: Naomi, Love Elaine-seen her many times in various productions including her own. She is a card and as straight shotting as they come. On a side not. I do not use Facebook to often though I follow many people in the entertainment business. Ther eis a interesting man by the name of Christopher Riordan. He has been and aorund Hollywood for many years. He states he was very close to Betty. I mentioned you and forwarded him your Blog. He was very excited. I think the two of you should speak at some point. He is leaving for some time in Puerto Vallarta. He used to visit there often with Burton and taylor when they own their twin homes at Casa Kimberly. If interested you can email me at EMF6272@yahoo.com and I will send you info. to himThough Chrsitopher is in his late 70's he is very ative-being a former dancer and actor. Let me know. Eric Franz; Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 12:39:00 PM PDT
Lee had this to say:: We see some of these people on the screen and that's the only way we think of them.

We forget (or don't even know) they are brilliant in other fields of the entertainment world.

I enjoyed your post. Elaine's agent has just sent you your commission cheque. ;); Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 2:11:00 PM PDT
colleen had this to say:: I can't remember how I know her, maybe a talk show or variety show. Maybe I saw a clip of her one woman dynamo show at an award show. I remember thinking she was ballsy.; Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 8:23:00 PM PDT
Riot Kitty had this to say:: Well now I have to go watch some of her work! Thank you :); Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 9:16:00 PM PDT
Lynn had this to say:: She is a national treasure, I think. I will definitely get that film and watch it - I'll see if it is on Netflix, too.; Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 2:50:00 AM PDT
VV had this to say:: I saw a story on her a few weeks ago on the CBS Sunday Morning show. What a lady! What a life! You are right, she's a dynamo and very entertaining. They showed clips from the documentary. I can't wait to see it.; Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 5:44:00 AM PDT
Jeanie had this to say:: I'm a huge fan of both Sondheim and Elaine Stritch. She's amazing. I loved the CBS Sunday Morning interview with her a couple of weeks ago. Well worth watching. (Now online).; Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 10:05:00 AM PDT
sonia a. mascaro had this to say:: What a great post Naomi! Yes, I'm a fan of Elaine Stritch! I will see "Elaine Stritch at Liberty" for sure. Thank you.
Hope you have a nice day. :); Friday, March 28, 2014 at 5:06:00 AM PDT
Diane J Standiford had this to say:: I admire her more than words can say.; Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 8:56:00 AM PDT
Lydia had this to say:: Will look for this. One can never have too much inspiration.; Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 1:52:00 AM PDT
Pat had this to say:: She has certainly always been a big name over here and I'm delighted to hear up to date news of her. I'm expecting the plumber but when he's gone I'm going you tubing:); Monday, March 31, 2014 at 4:21:00 AM PDT
Anonymous had this to say:: So sad to hear of Kate O'Mara's passing, aged just 74! I didn't realise she was born in Leicester, just a few miles from where I live!; Monday, March 31, 2014 at 8:03:00 AM PDT
Rain Trueax had this to say:: How fun to see that. I knew the name but had rather forgotten what she did and what a great performer she was. Thanks for the reminder.; Monday, March 31, 2014 at 11:58:00 AM PDT
LL Cool Joe had this to say:: I do know her well but I have no idea why or how. Loved the video clip. She sure does love to show off her long legs doesn't she? I couldn't help but notice she doesn't seem to wear a skirt just a long shirt. Ha good for her!; Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 1:01:00 AM PDT
Ileana had this to say:: She's not only talented but inspirational. What a journey, what a life and it's not over, baby! Love that quote about her leaving NY...like the Statue of Liberty leaving NY. Beautiful post, Naomi! Thanks for sharing all this background info. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday and a great week to come! xo; Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 2:49:00 PM PDT
Vagabonde had this to say:: I did not know of this lady but after reading your wonderful review of her work I’ll look at the YouTube for sure. Thank you Naomi for talking about her.; Monday, April 7, 2014 at 4:53:00 PM PDT