Kristin Chenoweth - My White Knight

[@broadwaygodess630]

Ummm what do people mean its too "Broadway"....... They do realize this song is from a Broadway musical, right?

[@ChristopherPettersen]

Kristin Chenoweth's Marian kinda reminds me of Belle from Beauty and The Beast. We have her as a knowledgeable, beautiful woman who wants more than what she has. Kristin rocks this song.

[@manuelorozco7760]

Interesting analogy

[@babymoondancer]

In the production I'm currently in (we open Friday night!), Marian's last dress is golden-yellow and shimmery. We had our first dress rehearsal last night and we were all saying to her "You look like Belle!" I have to believe some of the inspiration for Belle came from Marian.

[@chrisb6943]

Agreed

[@manuelorozco7760]

Aubrey Hart LOL. How was the production

[@dougr.2398]

Be sure to listen to Barbara Cook sing this.

[@radarice2]

When I attended the Music Man Broadway Show in Dec 1959 from a seat near the stage, I was amazed at the voice of Barbara Cook, especially when she sang My White Night. It wasn't until I watched Kristin Chenoweth sing that same song in the TV version of that production that I witnessed another performance of that extraordinary quality. What a singer.

[@scottstorey7543]

What an odd choice to lower the key for a soprano of her ability?! Her ‘goodnight my someone’ is heaven!

[@thomasfrench6552]

But such a rare pleasure to hear her in this range.

[@Gubbywubby]

This has got to be the most beautiful song in the whole show!

[@hunterjones8962]

And one HAS to wonder why Meredith Willson re-wrote the song as "Being in Love" for the 1962 feature film? The 'middle section' remained the same. Maybe he felt that "Being in Love" was different 'enough' to secure a Best Original Song or Adaptation 'Oscar' nomination for himself (?). NO. Among the much-loved cast, Shirley Jones and Ron[ny] Howard remain, so maybe Ms. Jones- knows more about the topic than us (?). Best, HJ

[@manuelorozco7760]

Kristin Chenoweth was spunky as Marion in the Music Man and a lovely leading lady for Matthew Broderick. She has one of the most beautiful voices in the world!

[@johnharrill1]

Oh yes she does! She captivates me with her singing.

[@manuelorozco7760]

John Harrill Yup. I have also seen her in Annie, Descendants, voicing in Space Chimps/Tinker Bell 1,2 & 3, Rio 2, Peanuts Movie RV, Stranger than Fiction, Deck the Halls, Pink Panther And Hairspray Live. The first time I heard her sing was the cast album of Wicked

[@trisha7760]

I could imagine kristin as a disney princess... she deserves to play a character... could they still cast her pleasee 🥺❤

[@bnyc5131999]

kristin chenoweth is the one who made this my favorite song in the music man she is absolutely amazing she has the most spectacular voice in the world that sends a chill up my spine every time she sings because she is so wonderful she is seriously one of my biggest idols and i am a boy shes absolutely amazing and flawless in everything she does i cannot even express with words how happy she makes me when she sings

[@patricialavender2902]

Such a beautiful voice.

[@videocat1366]

No one can sing this song like Barbara Cook. She brings a heartfelt innocence to it that no one else matches.

[@ndog2005]

WOW, Truly Awesome, Love Kristin .. Thank You..

[@CookiesAndRain]

I'm listening to this on repeat to try to learn it for my schools musical, by far the hardest song u have to learn haha

[@detectivefiction3701]

And, by the way, I think it's fine that this version is transposed downward. If the lower key suits Kristin's voice better, allowing her to be more expressive, then it's okay with me.

[@Teladian2]

Detectivefiction But it doesn't Kristen Chenoweth is one of the few singers who could have sung this up and sounded amazing at it.

[@Highinsight7]

@@Teladian2 she's a coloratura soprano... she easily has f's and g's above HIGH C... I would have LOVED to have heard her HIGH A flats in this!!!!

[@Teladian2]

@@Highinsight7 indeed. It was a pity they decided against doing the song thw right way. This whole version bothered me from Broderick to this to Marcelus not acrually doing the shipoopi dance. . It was bad.

[@Highinsight7]

@@Teladian2 and it should have been GREAT!!! the one REALLY special monet for me was when Chenoweth sang "Goodnight my Someone"... she knocked that one... OUT OF THE PARK!

[@detectivefiction3701]

@@Teladian2 Oh, yeah, Broderick was terrible--totally miscast. But for him, this would have been a very worthy remake (i speak as someone who doesn't much like the original movie with Robert Preston and Shirley Jones).

[@timihobbs1992]

Great song. Super rendition.

[@RScott41]

I believe they chose to go lower so that the song is softer and you really get the feeling that she is wishing for something...rather than her just going "oh...I can hit high notes...be jealous".

[@broadwaybaby101810]

I Absolutely Love Kristen Chenoweth's Singing it's stunning and movie it self is awesome too!^_^

[@gmh952]

Kristin gives it the intensity and musicality that Barbara Cook originally blessed the song with in the original production. Brava, Kristin!!

[@WhichWitchisWhich44]

OMG thanks for posting! I ADORE this song...kristin just rules the world! :)

[@BenDGrimm]

Disagree how you will with the key or the performance (I personally think it’s outstanding), I think we can all agree this re-orchestration is genius. It adds such lushness and urgency to the ending, really earning the final note, unlike the original orchestration which ambushes the listener with trumpets as a final salvo to make the ending pop. This arrangement is stellar

[@PrincessPea13]

I loved Kristen in the Music man and i LOVED her in Wicked.. She has a AMAZING voice ...

[@puppypersonLOTR]

she's definitely the only reason I watch this version :)

[@koolarkin]

I've been looking all over for this! Much thanks for posting!

[@rolanddunk5054]

Kristen has the most versatile and beautiful voice I have ever heard.Roly🇬🇧.

[@draw09nowsinglater]

Beautiful I love it, it is so great. The last note, was amazing!!!

[@zencreature]

OK, I just got a chill watching this. AWESOME.

[@SenoritaTJ]

BEAUTIFUL! BRAVO! BRAVO!

[@rebecca8658403]

her voice is amazing!!!i wish i could sing like that!!:)

[@DefyGravity8212]

from 2:38 until the end of the song I've got goosebumps the whole time! Such a cool ending!!!

[@CinderellaDarling]

Thank you so much for posting this!! I LOVE this piece ang might do it in an upcoming concert...but I don't think I could ever do it nearly as AMAZINGLY as she!!!! Mucho thanx again!! *melts*

[@leewyman9626]

She makes it her own. Pure talent

[@AnnemarieWebber]

so lovely

[@rezervn]

Отличное исполнение!

[@KelliSings]

this is why i love this woman :]

[@bnyc5131999]

go kristin! amazing

[@detectivefiction3701]

I love Barbara Cook's interpretation -- and I love this one. True, Kristin sounds "pop" compared with Barbara, but I don't mind it at all. I also find Kristin's "take" on Marian much more sympathetic than Shirley Jones'. While Shirley's Marian seems a little too uptight to me -- too much the stereotypical "old maid" -- Kristin's Marian is the town eccentric, but in a good way. She's someone whose romantic tastes and ideals make her an outcast in the town, and I find this to be a more positive view of the character.

[@SmolBeanBoi526]

Wow I'm so used to her using her Soprano voice (from listening too too much Wicked) but wow she really is amazing (even when not singing Soprano) I so gotta find this version of the Music Man now :D

[@phillipabowe435]

Kristin is brilliant - thats the only way I can describe her. This is an unbelievably difficult song to sing. I'm currently in a production of Music Man, as Mrs Paroo, and even our wonderful leading lady struggles with My White Knight, but Kristin makes it seem so effortless. She really tells the story while conquering the difficulties of the music. She's a fantastic singer, I envy her and am in awe.

[@Teladian2]

Phillipa Bowe she sounds totally effortless because they lowered the key by at least a third. This version of Music Man is awful

[@carolpayne827]

I love Kristen Chenowith but no one can ever replace Robert Preston as Harold Hill! He was matchless! I’m watching the original movie right now… as I have many times before… he had SUCH personality and style and sex appeal!!! ❤❤❤

[@ZZgS]

@Claire Williams I played in the pit orchestra for the music man when my high school did it. This one is in the key of Db major...5 flats...Ah, the memories XD

[@DorisDayFanatic]

She's amazing.

[@TheSmartkat]

I love how they incorporated both songs into this scene. The only thing I like better about this version than the 1962 version with Shirley Jones

[@RisaGreen]

This song wasn't in the 1962 film they replaced it with the song being in love

[@manuelorozco7760]

I like both versions equally but I prefer 1962

[@RisaGreen]

Manuel Orozco Amen! Robert Preston is amazing as Harold Hill. No one can top him.

[@Juliaflo]

YOU SAID IT! HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

[@KainJock]

I don’t like how my heart is being played with 🥲🥲🥲

[@CharmedGirl261]

I love Kristen Chenoworth!! This song is my fave from the Music Man!! And i love both versions but theres something about her voice i like more.

[@ember906]

No one can touch Barbara Cook on this one. This is not even close.

[@spacebutterfly_]

@jferrante42 I agree, I like it in this key as well.

[@puppypersonLOTR]

Just in case some ppl aren't aware, she sings a high A in "No One Mourns the Wicked" from the musical Wicked, among other places.

[@thesingingtwins]

Hey Casting Away! Thanks for posting! This video helped me prep for my Music Man audition, and both my twin sister and I got the leads (in different casts). Thanks so much! I have subscribed to you! -Annie *thesingingtwins*

[@Teladian2]

It's too bad they decided to take this song down a third with one of the only sopranos who can actually sing this song well. This version of music man is one of the biggest train wrecks to ever have been produced.

[@tommytimp]

Not a fan either. Casting was just off. Chenoweth is a Sherman tank. And Broderick is too dandy.

[@Highinsight7]

@@tommytimp and her HIGH NOTES.... I would have LOVED to have heard her high A flats in this...!!! this is the American version of Puccini's "O mio babbino caro"....

[@RTreptow]

While I agree this version was a train wreck, I think the decision to take this down a third saved the song. Kristen's highs can get thin and shrill compared to her richness in this key.

[@JoshuaOrro-MustangPrinceOR-YTB]

This song makes me like this special more than the 60s movie version

[@manuelorozco7760]

Joshua Orro I like both versions equally

[@ReAnnRing]

awesome!

[@ztslovebird]

Thanks!

[@broadwaylove52]

I LOVE the end :)

[@Theonethatgotaway1234]

This is a lot lower than the original key

[@Highinsight7]

and shouldn't be... she has GLORIOUS HIGH NOTES!!!!!

[@kas4Christ90]

I happily admit I like the lower key better! She has plenty of HIGH moments, but this number shows that even a lower note can be a BEAUTIFUL and POWERFUL moment as well! That last note kills me!!!❤🎼

[@audramcdonaldapologist3676]

no it's not Kristin is one of those sopranos who can actually sing it in the higher key she has the range so why lower it?

[@The-Musical-Lover]

@@kas4Christ90 I agree. The lower key makes it sound so much “warmer” and gentle.

[@caseym5004]

Yeah, I'm curious as to why it was lowered, because Kristin could definately sing the higher versions. Maybe it just sounded cooler lower? Because she could belt the second half of the song.

[@RTreptow]

This song was the best segment of this version of the Music Man. But who could possible have been an appropriate co-star for Chenoweth in this show?

[@hunterjones8962]

Agreed. Years ago, when I first heard that Matthew Broderick would appear in the TV remake of "The Music Man" I was stunned! I said, "Sure he's youthful, but still ridiculously too old to play 'Winthop'! Silly me, I have never been able to 'get thru' all of the TV film; Matthew Broderick is a 'Hill' too high for me to climb. Best, HJ

[@Jessica.Alvarado]

Why isnt this movie album on spotify this one goodnight my someone abd till there was you are heavenly

[@Blokewood3]

So I know that this song was replaced by "Being in Love" in the movie version, but the two sound so similar to me I can barely tell the difference. The part about "a quiet man, a gentle man..." and "...ponder what makes Shakespeare and Beethoven great" are both in "Being in Love" word for word and pretty much note for note.

[@broadwaylove52]

I want her voice. Riiiight now.

[@Katie12886]

I loved this version I thought Kristen and Matthew had good chemistry and they both did an amazing job in this movie no matter what anyone says.

[@manuelorozco7760]

I thought they had good chemistry too. Also I'm here because Chenoweth is playing Velma in NBC's Hairspray Live

[@RTreptow]

Sorry, I have to disagree. I though Matthew was clearly no match for Kristen.

[@Highinsight7]

I don't know why... they lowered this... by more then a third... thoes high E flats are really suppose to be A flats...and Kristen's HIGH notes are soooo GLORIOUS... and I didn't need the belting at the end... GIVE me the Head voice...

[@ookete]

she's a goddess.

[@edenrubyrox]

@Selendomono there is a karaoke CD of the OBC, so it's not in the same key as this.

[@infinitelycb_514]

Hey there! I have the lyrics: My White Knight My white knight, not a lancelot, nor an angel with wings; just someone to love me, who is not ashamed of a few nice things. My white knight who knew what my heart would say if it only knew how. Please, dear Venus, show me now.

[@broadwaylove52]

I love this song...anyone have the instrumental to this song? I've been trying to make one with GarageBand, but it's reeeally hard :( lol

[@pianochica98]

I was in this play. It stunk 'cuz it was the jr. version. I was marian but i only had one line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Statalyzer]

^ I agree. One of the few things this version of the movie did well. It pales in comparison to the original.

[@karmakomodia]

@Selendomono P.S. the spot would gradually get a bit tighter at the end of the song.. ..Added a bit more intimacy..

[@Shahrdad]

@TONYFROMWESTSIDE The song in the movie was a new song which incorporated some bits of the song from the stage version. The ORIGINAL version of this song was far superior to all the other incarnations of it, and you can hear it on "Barbara Cook at Carnegie Hall." That song alone is worth the price of the CD. It starts almost as a patter song, full of tongue twisters, which Marian saying what she does NOT want, and then melts beautifully into my white knight. It's beautiful and amazing.

[@thesingingtwins]

Casting Away posted the whole version. Just click on her username. She is the one who posted this song.

[@Margotxmargot]

@inlovewithKStewart22 You forgot Rebecca Luker.

[@adriangoals]

Hi, anyone know if Kristen has any other tracks with timpani drums heard in them?

[@Katie12886]

I can't believe SJP was originally going to play Marian. I know she is Matthew's wife but I couldn't see her play Marian

[@manuelorozco7760]

I did like Kristin as Marian but if Sarah Jessica Parker was going to do it, that would have been even more interesting to see husband and wife together. I suspect maybe SJP was pregnant with hers and Matthew's first child at that time.

[@StrongRex]

My question is could she sing?

[@JemDazzling92]

StrongRex yes sjp started acting in musical theatre. She sings in hocus pocus and had a guest role in glee

[@fireangel265]

I think they lowered the key so much because soprano songs rarely translate to movies/tv very well. And as this was a made for t.v. movie, they might have felt the regular viewer might have been turned off by a higher sound?

[@audramcdonaldapologist3676]

Then they shouldn't have done a TV version of The Music Man in the first place

[@Ookmeister]

Shirley Jones could sing the song. The director had them write another song while keeping the bridge because he felt that "My White Knight" wasn't serious enough for the way they portrayed Marian. In this version, it seems like Marian is a younger girl, but the whole idea about Marian is that she's an old maid and I feel Shirley portrays this better with "Being in Love". And the part that I felt was a little child-y was the verse "and if occasionally he'd ponder". She sounds like a younger girl.

[@Ookmeister]

@windstorm1000 I can agree with you, I like Shirley Jones' voice. She makes the song seem more loving and powerful. While this version is definitely good (her voice is beautiful), I have to say she makes it feel a little bit more childish and whimsical, and I feel the song calls for a more serious tone.

[@karmakomodia]

Good point.. OH I can Hit high notes..be jealous...Crack up comment ElphieKid1. I really like how they break up the song in the beginning...The "romantic vulnerablity of Chenoweths' Marian really comes through in her adorable acting here.. I toured doing this role for a year..I never did like the STATIC .'.stand there and sing aspect of this song...But there was a Scene change going on behind me..So I did what I was told.. stand there ..sing and ... hit the HIGH NOTES...LOL

[@ztslovebird]

Could someone post the whole movie, please?

[@trainjustleft]

All of the debates and conclusions on here are pretty amusing.

[@zeldahett]

What key is this in? So I can get sheet music. Perrrty Please

[@infinitelycb_514]

Here's the second part of the lyrics All I want is a plain man; all i want is a modest man; a quiet man, a gentle man, a straight forward and honest man to sit with me in a cottage somewhere in the state of Iowa. And I would like him to be more interested in me than he is in himself. And more interested in us than in me. And if occasion'ly he'd ponder what make Shakespeare and Beethoven great, him I could love 'til I die. Him I could love 'til I die.

[@adeleisnofail]

she sounds like glinda in wicked!!!

[@osahju914]

She WAS glinda lol

[@karmakomodia]

@Selendomono I tried to answer but my reply disappeared. So I apologize if this is a repeat.....the blocking for Marion was to move forward down stage.. Spotlight from the waist up. If we had a great main curtain that would be used..However, there were times when it was just black out and spotlight and the scene change would happen behind me. ARE you performing or Directing.??

[@JoshFreilich]

Luckily she does hit the high note in "TILL THERE WAS YOU".

[@swimart97]

Doesn't everyone want a guy like that!!!!! Where's mine!??

[@johnsibanda1922]

Kirsten Chenoweth + Mathew Broderick = Dolly Levi + Horace Vandergelder in Hello Dilly.

[@manuelorozco7760]

That would be lovely for a future production. But if you are excited for Bette Milder to play Dolly next year on Broadway, David Hyde Pierce has been chosen to be her Horace.

[@imissyou_318]

0:40

[@dianavictoriaaljadeff5302]

Nobody sings this than Barbara Cook,after her Rebecca Luker.She is only the third. DShe is very good,Cook is unique and marveleus.

[@infinitelycb_514]

The third part of the lyrics: My white knight, not a lancelot, nor an angel with wings. Just someone to love me, who is not ashamed of a few nice things. My white knight, let me walk with him where others ride by; walk and love him 'til I die. 'til I die. PS- sorry for the mix up with the lyrics guys. I hate it when it does this.

[@TrevorLeaderbrand]

@celtticnesses Debra Monk? One of the most famous Broadway performers of all time? A Disgrace?

[@oliviaflowerpower01]

@CookiesAndRain i totally agree. im doing the same thing :/

[@AlexH2906]

Well, she's great anyway.... so, I'll live....

[@knutini]

Shirley Jones did not sing this song in the movie. They wrote another song for her because she couldn't handle White Knight. Comparing Shirley Jones and Kristin Chenoweth is ridiculous. It's like comparing Elvis Presley to Placido Domingo. Both great singers, just very different in style. Shirley was great for her time period, Kristin is great now. I think this is an excellent rendition (singing AND acting) of this song. Where do you see that she is singing it in a childish way?

[@alika207]

Thumbs up if you want her to sing this in the original key instead. Oh well... we still love you.

[@celtticnesses]

@TrevorLeaderbrand im not saying shes bad, shes just a bad mrs paroo

[@cheshirhatter]

True, she makes this song seem a tad more childish but Stewart plays the character different than Jones. Both songs suit the ones who sang them quite well.

[@strangastrange]

Shirley Jones still taken the cake though. I love Kristin, but she's just the frosting on a 3-layer, ya know?

[@RingoandCarlin]

The only movie where she got a bigger role

[@oliviaflowerpower01]

i have to sing this for an audition for the girl lead in The Music Man. its very weird pacing. :P

[@JoshFreilich]

I think it was because she could belt that part, and they wanted her to belt that part.