Glynis Johns Send in the Clowns

Glynis Johns and Len Cariou recreate the "Send in the Clowns" scene and song from the end of A Little Night Music.
From the laserdisc release of the 1982 broadcast THAT'S SINGING: THE BEST OF BROADWAY.

[@mitchellivers]

He said, in an interview, "I wrote it for her voice, because she couldn't sustain notes. Wasn't that kind of singing voice. So I knew I had to write things in short phrases, and that led to questions, and so again, I wouldn't have written a song so quickly if I hadn't known the actress. I wrote most of it one night and finished part of the second chorus, and I'd gotten the ending. The whole thing was done in two days."

[@ladyblakeney]

I never understood this song, never got why so many people liked it. But I'd always heard the pop ballad versions of it. Then, one day, I heard Glynis Johns' version. And now, I get it.

[@rochestas]

Is this the woman who played Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins?? Is SHE the one this song was written for??? :D

[@jacksonkamiska]

To quote Sondheim: "I've heard it sung since by many fine singers (I'm happy to say), but to me her version is still the most satisfying." And I AGREE

[@templepowell1783]

Glynis isn't a singer but she carries this song better than anyone else who has covered it since. A great actress who knows how to convey emotion.

[@alskndlaskndal]

Brilliant. Many sing this as a lament, I like how she sings with a touch of anger and even spite, along with regret and sadness. I think that is very true to the lyric. A wonderfully complex and moving performance.

[@jeffhale7640]

No one will ever come up to the anger/emotion of the vocal of Glynnis Johns. Many think that this song is s soaring love ballad as done by Judy Collins. It isn't. If you know the song in the context of the song it's a a very angry, hurt song. Desiree is lamenting the fact that she has made a fool of herself, and sadly laughing at the fact that she and Frederick are fools. It's amazing, because it happens so much in real life. Glynnis and Len were so incredible together as old lovers coming back together. Amazing!

[@larrydirtybird]

She is the only one I have seen who sang this song with a sense of surprise that the situation that she finds herself in. It's not just heartache. What you see is her ego being shattered.

[@354ever]

Soundheim wrote this with her in mind. I had the privilege of seeing her perform this in A Little Night Music on Broadway and although there are many wonderful versions, this song will always belong to Glynis Johns.

[@Elphabantom]

It is clear why Glynis Johns was the first to sing this song, and why she remains Sondheim's favorite singer of it. (but Dame Judi is a pretty damn close second! :) )

[@BillyJPrice]

72 years old male, every time I hear this I cry !

[@MisterLyricist]

I absolutely love Glynis Johns' voice... it's strange, but has so much colour and depth. What a lovely recreation of this famous scene.

[@toughcookie5454]

she is the perfect example of singing in character. It doesn't really matter if you have an amazing voice. You just have to act and then you'll get a real deep reaction from the audience

[@mzmiller52]

what's wrong with audience? cannot believe people didn't jump to their feet, screaming their approval. one of the most moving moments in musical theatre performed just as it should be. bravo!!!!

[@siliconesal]

I was a guide in a stately home in the mid 70's age 16 and was told at the end of the afternoon that Glynis Johns had been through that day and I remembered talking to a very kind and lovely lady and realised with hindsight that it was GJ - beautiful performance.

[@Chequimorena]

Her voice has such a beautiful colour to it. I feel melancholy, and happyness.

[@lesliedrewh]

Can you imagine, watching this, that Len Cariou (who is so sweet and tender here as Frederik) also played Sweeney Todd? Glynis Johns delivers a beautiful performance, really capturing the stage (and our attention) as Desiree. I love how she looks to her left when she sings "Where are the clowns? Quick, send in the clowns," as if she is giving a stage direction that no one attends to. These two fine actors are so beautifully paired in this performance.

[@MaconLeary]

Some of the greatest performers in history had a magic that you had to see in person. People like Al Jolson, Gertrude Lawrence, Fanny Brice-- on record, they leave us scratching our heads, but to have seen them in person is to have understood and have been enchanted forever.

[@lolorobs8217]

My absolute favorite version of this song, I can watch it over and over again.

[@rvcrvc2]

So interesting. The only performer I've encountered who injects an element of bitterness into this compelling life's tale, & only later the regret.