Follies | 'I'm Still Here' performed by Tracie Bennett - Olivier's 2018 | National Theatre

[@rhyfeddu]

The glimpses of her younger self looking on in the background gives me literal goosebumps. Wonderful performance.

[@ashleyartus8430]

She deserves an award just for her breathing. Magic.

[@tonyspinnelli730]

I became such a huge fan of Tracie Bennett!!! She blew me away as Judy Garland!!! Now This!!!! Imelda Staunton and Tracie Bennett are my English Roses!!!!!!!

[@grantnoroyan4083]

@@tonyspinnelli730 very good presentation and broadway star quality

[@tonyspinnelli730]

@@grantnoroyan4083 well said my friend!!!! Gotta say, Grant is my favorite name!!! That's the name of my husband and Godson!!!

[@grantnoroyan4083]

@@tonyspinnelli730 ha ha wow thats great yes its a great name :)

[@zzzut]

Her acting is just as magnificent as her singing. That lady is just perfect for that role.

[@JaesadaSrisuk]

I really like her interpretation of this Broadway standard; whereas the iconic Elaine Stritch’s version was more defiant in attitude and tone, this one is more gleeful - like she’s a little bit pleasantly surprised that she’s _somehow_ still here, she can hardly believe it.

[@AlicedeTerre]

I love the more playful take! I wasn’t so sure of it at the beginning but I was won over. I feel like it’s refreshing and somewhat more nuanced. This feels like a song for everyone during this pandemic 🥴

[@DAS1962]

Let's ee how see does it when she is 85. Elaine rules. Bennett's version is by the book and reveals nothing about HER.

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

@@DAS1962 What should it reveal ?

[@palmereldritch7777]

@@ms.martiegallego8834 With a lot of the singers, the singers didn't have to act the song, basically by being who they were and just standing there, De Carlo, Burnett, Dolores Gray, Eartha Kitt, Stritch, Ann Miller, Shirley Maclaine, Elaine Page, Betty Buckley, and some countless others who deserved. The message and truth and meaning was in the deliverer, the artist. The details don't have to fit exactly, but it has to be an homage and a tribute and a monument that was and is earned. And then it becomes a transformative song for every and anyone who has lasted and run and runs the course in his life.

[@gregglienna1442]

Check out Karen Morrows version!

[@jlb4]

"I got through all of last year/And I'm still here."

[@ashleyartus8430]

A masterclass from Tracie. Sorely needed. Brave, courageous, touching and a wonderful study. She works so hard, she's a grafter!. Congratulations Tracie, all that hard work will pay off.xxx

[@zeffiraananas3999]

“…HAS paid off”

[@estern839]

Just saw this in the movie theatre. She blew me away!

[@tonywilliams7147]

Just got home from seeing it again in the latest National Theatre revival and it's even better than 2018 Tracie as good as ever but the whole cast is excellent and what a band and production.

[@DistantCousin]

Agreed. When the production returned it was incredibly even better!!

[@samh7033]

Everyone sings this song at some point, few own it like Ms. Bennett.

[@darreylhenderson702]

Seeing this, I feel this is how Judy Garland would have done it! And yes, I'm aware Tracie had played her

[@richardmayora1289]

Jim Bailey, the best Garland impersonator, performed this song as Judy. AMAZING.

[@H3nry488]

Exactly my thought!

[@balesjo]

Dang, she could have played the ultimate survivor of the ups and downs of fame and stardom. Were this fifteen or or so years ago, Liza Minnelli could have also belted this out as a survivor, also.

[@rosietheriveter-wecandoit7417]

Absolutely

[@savage_skirt5386]

yes.

[@Macrogue65]

The acting, Acting. is so bang on. I believe every word she says.

[@_vodkamartini_]

I remember seeing this in the cinema, and just two days ago I got to see her at The Shed in the final Sondheim musical "Here We Are" right from the front row. She was electrifying. Her voice is STRONG and her stage presence is unmatched.

[@salacioussummers]

This interpretation and Who's That Woman from this production always get me misty-eyed. They did amazing! 💚

[@luc9388]

It was genius - Wish I could watch it again on streaming

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

This is one of those songs that needs a Actress of a certain age, and a lengthy career in the Arts ! To get the full nuance of the song . Tracie did it beautifully ..

[@RichardBlanchard-g7i]

this got me through the day and yes i feel better

[@ashleyartus8430]

Genius. This is a masterclass.

[@williamgardiner2010]

And let’s play credit to credit Dominic Cooke, the first musical he has directed, having previously directed only plays (and he was a terrific artistic director at London’s Royal Court). The dedication to the work was extraordinary, spending enormous time with each actor developing their roles. That’s why he urged a return for another season of the National’s Follies as he had more to explore. Some of the book in this version of the show has not been used before. His key direction notes to Bennett was ‘think Joan Crawford’.

[@fergusmurray1828]

W G That makes sense, Sondheim has said that the song and the character of Carlotta are based on Crawford.

[@terrenceragin5555]

I love this song I don't care who sings it

[@grantnoroyan4083]

me too

[@DAJ1607]

Amazing! What a stellar performance.

[@christophercobb249]

Yes, amazing!

[@aarontakesbroadway]

I unfortunately didn’t get to see this revival! I would have loved to see Imelda Staunton in Follies! Tracie Bennett! Completely sways this song to her ability and acting style, I love the way she plays this role, with a lot of happiness but then changes into regret with a hint of anger! The slow build up of the emotions was just brilliant! 🤩🤗

[@williamgardiner2010]

Director Dominic Cook worked a lot on this song with Tracie Bennett helping her shape the story. A key to her performance she said during a Q & A at the National was Cook's note " Think Joan Crawford"

[@DistantCousin]

An absolute masterclass in performance

[@marinadumcheva3147]

Working in the National We are back to shows! And yes! Was singing it all day today with my colleagues LOL

[@groovydonkey]

An amazing performance and got to see follies many times during it's two runs at the National Theatre.

[@balesjo]

This is one of my favorite songs which I first heard performed by Debbie Reynolds in "Postcards from the Edge". So I tend to listen to every rendition I can get as each performer can give it their own interpretation. One of my favorite is Carol Burnett performing it a few years back, However, Traci Bennett's performance makes me really feel that I'm watching a Follies star return years after her heyday on the stage. Her costume, hair, and mannerisms are perfection, and she definitely comes across as a survivor in life.

[@roycerowland6162]

it wasn't Debbie Reynolds but Shirley Maclaine in Postcards from the edge

[@rdbwdc774]

Have you heard Eartha Kitt perform this song?

[@julienicholson7218]

She is incredible

[@paulodelorios8482]

I love her rendition!

[@robertowen6421]

Just watched Tracie in Mame, Manchester production. Great talent.

[@katkinson2829]

Saw this through Stage On Screen. Teared up with affection for her resilient character.

[@zakariashartley]

Amazing performance

[@Izzymoggington]

Saw her in Over the Rainbow she was sensational!

[@cde2615]

My friend Tracie. Flawless. Fierce, Fabulous.

[@MerlinGal]

I wish there were a streaming service where you could either rent the video of past productions, like "Follies" or stream the whole library at will.

[@luc9388]

It’s a crime Follies still isn’t available to stream

[@Alex.PC88]

Incredible all around, just wow 💗

[@bobbyollar9805]

Just found my new favorite performance of this song! Thank you! Can't wait to see the full production video.

[@jrbaskind]

I really enjoyed this version of this song! So spirited!

[@hotdrumman]

really great performance!!

[@pauladorna4627]

The best I have ever seen💋💕

[@hefinrosser8685]

My god miss Bennet just keeps getting better xx she's amazing xx

[@billserrani]

most brilliant performance and acting of this fantastic song.

[@ROC-se5wq]

Best performance of this song that I’ve ever heard

[@HGandCulturalWasteland]

W.O.W. What a badass. Amazing!

[@bradmoyse6162]

Wow amazing. Love her voice.

[@JerkyPuck]

Absolutely wonderful!

[@ericweir3966]

Goosebumps!

[@jackiehoughton4224]

Such a talented lady ❤️

[@claudioweisz2801]

That was fabulous. Wowwww.

[@michaelmiller1215]

AMAZING!

[@bryanhands4956]

Brilliant Tracie - you have the edge on me on that final top note... BUT I played Carlotta at the Pleasance Theatre for NO PAY and I'M STILL HERE!! Love Carola Stewart (fellow Equity Member)

[@neilrichards2988]

Seeing her as Mame in October. Can't wait

[@fergusmurray1828]

Where?

[@neilrichards2988]

@@fergusmurray1828 home theatre in Manchester UK

[@gohatto66]

WOW .... *jaw drops*

[@michaelgreen5901]

Fab all round, love her voice

[@yongbkim6068]

What a performance!

[@brettgibson8558]

I saw the 2017 production and it was fabulous, a really wonderful night out.

[@Lemmegethat]

blissful❤

[@cabronicusmaximuschingonic1062]

Outstanding. But I must confess, Elaine Stritch's rendition of this song is my favorite.

[@ashleyartus8430]

Wonderful. X

[@Phebes61]

I was there... amazing

[@buzzukfiftythree]

Fabulous.

[@DSBthevoice]

Brilliant

[@markdj13]

Phenomenal

[@margotflynn1591]

force of nature....I will never forget her transcendant performance as Judy Garland in "End of the Rainbow" on broadway

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

What century did that one open?

[@christopherturner5507]

I came back to this after her recent return to corrie. Still here i take it.

[@johnledbury8403]

What a performance, brilliant. Hard to believe this is that little girl from Coronation Street.

[@catwomanh3603]

Wow 👏👏👏

[@josemadrigalsuarez6828]

Este papel lo hizo en España, la gran Massiel, precisamente que ganó Eurovisión 1968 en el mismo Royal Albert Hall para España.

[@alikemalguven1348]

WOW!

[@The.Lilomay]

BRAVA!!!

[@steffeng40]

After seeing her in the new crime series 'The Bay', I wish someone would offer her Mrs. Lovett.

[@mosemose3690]

steffeng40 I thought exactly the same thing.

[@neilrichards2988]

Home theatre in Manchester UK

[@steffeng40]

@@neilrichards2988 I can see I need to go to Manchester soon again! But I also like it there.

[@jillflatt8638]

Tracie is so petite but with a huge voice....Just like Miss Garland!

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Edith and Ethel each had that shortcoming as well.

[@zeffiraananas3999]

😲. wow

[@svmx9260]

❤️❤️

[@SherKrieger]

Brava!

[@angelman51266]

Great performer. She did Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow ....

[@grantnoroyan4083]

wow

[@davidanders2365]

Given Elaine's addictions....What a lovely honest moment.

[@leslieyost9973]

how can I this performance five thumbs up? I want to...

[@バーガーテン]

これ探してました。 フォリーズの中で1番好きな曲

[@RickCarter-kb6vp]

Didn’t know that Tracie played Judy Garland ... but this performance reminds me of her 1963 movie with Jack Klugman... Klugman is in the wings when she sings her final number which reminds me of this boffo performance.....

[@zachmartin5876]

Can somoene who has seen more of the show explain what the woman in the background with the headress was doing? My assumption is that she represents the character when she was younger and IN the Follies, but i dont understand the look fo scared concern on her face throughout the song.

[@carlosgarcia33333]

....just glad she just made made it to the last note alive, she sounds she's about break a major artery.

[@lamontrussell1524]

She would make a great Miss Hannigan.

[@Viracocha88]

As expert as Tracie Bennett is, no current or future performances of "I'm Still Here" will ever be as moving as those done previously by Dolores Grey, Polly Bergen, Ann Miller or Elaine Stritch, and Yvonne De Carlo, among others. Why? Simply because those ladies actually LIVED through the time frame - the 30s, 40s, and 50s - the song alludes to, so in large part they're not merely "performing" the song, but expressing something visceral, experiential and authentic that no other performer born in a later period can convey.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Yeah.....but Olivier was too young to ever fulfill your requirements needed to play King Lear. I guess those reviewers at the time were blinded by the Klieg lights.

[@Viracocha88]

stupid reponse, bespeaking of a stupid sensibiity.@@JackMason-oq8lf

[@Bubletraveler]

I've just noticed have has the wrong hand position his thumb should point up on his right hand

[@countesscherryramone]

Now my favourite take on this song. Elaine Who?

[@johnappleton5586]

Jesus Judy here at the end of her life. Destroyed with drink, drugs and men……is perfect!

[@jamessmithhammer2706]

She gets some Judy in her

[@robjack2804]

I'm thinking the styling here is Joan Crawford circa 1970's who Sondheim had in mind writing the song.

[@GeoStrum3]

You know if they film Follies Liza would be great to sing this song.

[@faffolite]

would love liza to do it in the film

[@tomcole3626]

As well as Elaine page.

[@xsekhmetx]

Amazing actress and I don't mean to be rude but she's 59?????????? I thought she was 60-70! Still gorgeous and amazing though, I just know some people view being old as bad but yeah.

[@IAmAdamIAm]

Dear god.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Watching this, I keep thinking of Greek Tragedy.

[@tomcole3626]

And Yvonne de carlo.

[@Alex-nf1jy]

its Judy Garland making a comeback

[@tonysmith2686]

I saw Tracie as Judy Garland and this is the same voice she used.

[@brianeduardo1234]

a touch or more than a touch of Judy Garland... very good... but I think it works better without the entourage at the beginning

[@MikeyCunningham]

Sharon from Coronation Street

[@DistantCousin]

Indeed. She could wipe the floor with almost all the Coronation St actors!!

[@MikeyCunningham]

@@DistantCousin She really could!

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

I'm the same age as Old People and I've never heard of this woman. You do know that the "star" of Follies is Sally, who sings the definitive 11 o'clock torch song, "Losing My Mind." To quote B.Davis: I bet it's a pip. And it is.

[@tomcole3626]

Don't forget Patti lapone.shes hard to beat

[@jasonlemoine2074]

Someone who finally beats Elaine stritch

[@jonathanscovell6154]

She always overplays everything!

[@elphbwckd212]

It looks literally painful for her to sing, but this is the best version

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

For me, it's painful to watch. With a song such as this, it's not necessary to put it across by eating the scenery.

[@namj8145]

Definitely the hammiest version of the song, lol. But a good voice.

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

She does this almost as good as Elaine Strich !! Almost !!

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

Elaine Stitch always wore a hat around town.