Losing My Mind

[@maryfay53]

I saw her perform in Sydney at the opera house. One of the greatest experiences of my life. My boyfriend at the time fell asleep next to me. He's no longer my boyfriend.

[@harlemhomme]

that's funny...the boyfriend part!

[@villageguy13]

I saw this two nights ago. I'll never forget it, never. This performance is devastating. It'll stay with me a long time. I don't think I've seen anything like this in years

[@menashadude]

I saw it too. Breathtaking.

[@actng4me]

you know you're an amazing performer when you can stand in the same spot, in one light, sing a simple melody, and STILL command attention from an entirely speechless theatre. UGH. flawless.

[@lar2090]

Her talent is just SOOOO big; as Sally I think she really is getting a chance to grow even more! I love her(-: !!!! So exciting that its coming to B'way!!!

[@AshOnStage]

I sat third row, center for this show last night. Completely blown away. Bernadette just has this way of...completely connecting to every single part of her character.

[@waynebrasler]

How amazing at this late date Bernadette gives her greatest performance. And she has taken one of the great songs of the Broadway stage to a whole new place, God bless her.

[@kenitobaby75]

I saw "Follies" on saturday afternoon, and Bernadette gave the most touching performance of Sally that I've ever seen anyone portray in a long time! Being there "Live" always gives you much more! She was the best when I saw her!

[@efisler030548]

Musical theatre heaven. This song, the other songs. All of it. Gorgeous.

[@SandViolet]

I saw the original "Follies" when I was 27 and ever since considered it my all time favorite theater-going experience. Until now. I saw the new "Follies" in November and I was shocked to find it better and so much more moving than the perfect original. The entire cast was superb but Bernadette Peters was much more than that- she was brilliant, magical, heartbreakingly enchanting. Alas, I saw the show only once. If I only lived in New York...

[@katedonnelly2224]

By far and beyond the best and most emotive performer of this song. Brava, Ms. Peters.

[@ajb1776]

I saw this 1/12/12 on Broadway. Stunning does not begin to describe the whole show. If you can make it to NY - you must see it B4 it closes 1/22/12 so the theater can run Evita as scheduled.

[@sweet448]

Its amazing how she can stand in one spot....but still be completely captivating.

[@bradlybinsd]

What a gorgeous version of this song. Perfectly acted and sung. BP and Sondheim are a match made in heaven. Bernadette just gets better and more beautiful with age. CAn't wait to see this on Broadway

[@RafaelPReyes]

Who can argue? Brava, La Bernadette!

[@sallyjdawg]

she was wonderful - saw this last week

[@WrenSong14]

Why oh why oh why do I not live in New York any more? I cannot believe I am going to miss this show. This cast. This brilliance. This is one of Sondheim's most brilliant scores (every song is perfection) and this cast is insane. I wish there were any way I could get there. Lottery ticket.... yes... that's it!

[@dljahns]

I saw this stunning show Friday as well, and I was crying so hard during this number I thought I would have to be airlifted from the Marquis. A "must see" for all theater goers. Thank you, Follies!

[@hoochins4]

I....just....I can't even begin to explain how wonderful this is

[@pvthfindxr]

I saw her sing this yesterday. I was so close to tears. It was mind-blowingly amazing!

[@ramblingdaniel]

So subtle yet so moving. She really is incredible.

[@RandomRandommer]

this is incredible...

[@Danicawuzhere]

Absolutely stunning performance. So moving. I've been a big fan of Bernadette since I was a girl. I'm incredibly moved by this performance. So real! Thank you so much for posting it!

[@KangaRooAndPiggy]

💝 Staying at home with your elderly matter. Crazy Corona times. Enjoying this uplifting performance. Looking forward to the post-Corona era. One more day! ... Keep safe everybody! Hopefully be allowed out sooner rather than later. 💝

[@MsADiez]

wow, so cool. I just cried watching it. She is just breathtaking. Her vulnerability just knocks me out.

[@sgtdroxie]

Stunning as always! Both vocally and in looks. I love her. People need to stop be sooooo judgemental in this world. Sit back and just enjoy :) There is room in the world for multiple renditions and interpretations.

[@JOEoutLOUD]

this always makes me cry, im sitting here on my bed wiping my eyes. so glad i got to see this on broadway this past winter, truly life changing

[@MelchiGabor1]

this is the most emotional song. ever.

[@ChrisRandomSinger]

A big big BIIIIG thank you for posting these! I went to the last performance in D.c. and it was wonderful. I'm so glad others will be able to see this on Broadway in a few months. It's worth seeing. The show has never been so moving and well acted.

[@Bucherwurm28]

This is fantastic! The pause right before the end was absolutely heartbreaking.

[@kylejerel]

That last note was heartbreakingly beautiful.

[@GCGuy]

Possibly Sondheim's greatest lyric delivered via the greatest interpreter of his music. It isn't coincidence that they exist in the same time together. And it is sheer perfection whenever Bernadette steps into a role that is supported by Sondheim's music.

[@domashnie_lubimtsy]

She's marvellous. Breathtaking.

[@jjarndyce]

Perfectly right, about this song. There really isn't any other way to do this brilliant song, My bitter remarks were about what else I've viewed here.

[@BornForTheatre]

I just saw this show last week, and it's really an amazing credit to bernadettes talent. Not many artists can stand perfectly still and deliver a ballad, yet she did and everyone in the audience was transfixed. Flawless.

[@kenitobaby75]

Very memorable performance! I liked the show so much, that I might see it a second & third time! What a show! I believe that it will win many awards, especially best revival of a musical!

[@thesurfacenyc]

This is so crazy different than any version I've seen... and I appreciate that.

[@juanvalentin8697]

Saw her in DC. Went just for her, and the show was really good.

[@yak965]

WOW, wonderful performance. saw it once in Washington and once in New York. If you haven't seen it GO !

[@lakegirl17]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this! Her interpretation of this piece was heart-wrenchingly beautiful, and the last note was breathtaking!

[@dirkandi]

Simply divine!!!!

[@daytonwillison542]

The dress is meant to look like it is falling apart. Like she is at this point in the show. It was probably meant to be a dress she wore when she was a Follies girl and over time it has begun to fall apart, again just like she is doing. I am costumer so that is my thoughts on it.

[@boynamedalexxx]

It's actually a glamorous take on a straight jacket; look and you'll see it.

[@wocial1986]

She is so amazing. I love each of her performances!

[@Ibeannaful]

i adore bernadette peters.

[@sfyc]

In context, this was an incredibly impactful performance. It doesn't translate when you just click and see this 5 minute slice without everything leading to it.

[@TheTombRaider94]

Oh Bernadette... I love YOU so, it's like I'm losing MY mind

[@Margotxmargot]

Sublime. Always sublime.

[@bidubarreto]

is there any problem if i say i totally connect to this song? hope i don't go crazy

[@tomva.9459]

Saw this at the Kennedy Center and she was astonishing. Just watch this and see her slow decent into madness. Incredible. And on stage the final look she gives Buddy when he tells her they are going home was chilling. She should have won a Tony for her brilliant, complex performance.

[@asmileisspecial]

The last note makes me melt.

[@ChadBarnier]

Gorgeous song!

[@bbbbbx5]

So much emotion

[@cmore111021]

Ily Mrs.Peters, such an inspiration :) love this version. #tearyeyed

[@studmuffn717]

thank you so much for this. oh god, that was beautiful

[@Timberlene]

I recently visited the US, from Australia, and stopped in Washington for a weekend. Was so surprised to see Follies was on, with Bernadette!! It was the second last show and completely sold out - so disappointed. I didn't even think to check theatre in Washington, it was all about Broadway the week after. Epic Fail and removal of 200 Queen points from my total! lol So disappointed would've died to see her. Think it's a slightly strange role for her - but can overlook that! Thanks for posting. x

[@july1544]

what a great singer she gives everything .i wish i had been sitting next to you.

[@BOomeek]

I would kill to see this live.

[@laurentrocha59]

This is the best version of this song!!

[@pjd83]

Amazing performance! So emotive.

[@GCGuy]

@psychomusicanana I think in Buddy's Follies moment you see what Sally's obsession has done to him, in this moment you see what it has done to her. That is why the torch ballad style fits it so well. That is why the lyric is actually so mesmerizing. Sondheim captures the foolishness, the insanity and still keeps it simple. This song is so...not Sondheim. This is Sally's moment. In fact nothing about this song even refers to Buddy. It is the climax of her madness, done differently than DC (cont.)

[@zellerzlovesyouuu]

oh my god, you're brilliant. thank you so much!!!

[@hecolink]

FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK I'm so angry I'm not going to be able to see this!!! ARGHHH!!!! This is perfection!

[@BackinTO1]

The comments here on this performance are fascinating. Moments ago I watched this performance and I could not help but cry. I knew that something great was going on but I couldn't figure it out given the 'uneven' quality of voice. It reminded me a bit of Antony Quinn and Zorba which I've always attributed to charisma at its best. Maybe. Or maybe she just chose to be more real than what any great voice could do. I really don't know but this is special.

[@UnderCeej82]

@kylejerel it was a breathtaking moment. When I saw it in DC, during this song there was an energy from the audience that I had not felt in a theatre before. It was a collective pity that we had just watched a character that we cared about totally fall apart in front of our eyes in the span of three minutes.

[@asmileisspecial]

My heart...

[@truthbetoldagain]

@GCGuy A couple of years ago I saw an incredible revival of it starring Gregory Harrison, Betty Garrett and Marni Nixon. When it opened it even had the great Joan Roberts in it. She was the original lead in 1943's " Oklahoma !"

[@Msoperagirl2011]

I really like this version. Marin Mazzie did a great job too and there are things I like about both however this ones my favorite. She may not sound super pretty throughout the whole song but thats because the point of this song isn't to sound pretty. She shows so much emotion and is pretty frickin amazing for her age. She never stops acting throughout the entire song.

[@TheTombRaider94]

@VainXavier246 I am 17 too and I love Bernadette Peters!

[@GCGuy]

@pudgeuncle There is a key difference between blind Idol worship and artistic appreciation. Certain writers and certain singers go together. Ethel Merman's robust approach and Cole Porter's clever lyrics were a match made in heaven. Mary Martin's angelic voice and Rodgers & Hammerstein iconic music are perfectly coupled. Peters and Sondheim have that same kind of connection, his deeply insightful musicals and her ability to flush out these types of moments are what make both so powerful together

[@Timberlene]

@boynamedalexxx On reflection it's probably not that strange - it's just that I always imagine Bernadette to be about 20-30 years younger than what she is! I initially thought it might be a bit high for her - but forgot that she is fabulous and can pretty much sing anything.

[@qbear17]

the song is gorgeous - each person who sings it puts her or his own stamp on it. Why compare? Enjoy them all. There's no such thing as "best" anyway.

[@VainXavier246]

This was just as amazing recorded, as it was live. I could not stand Sally as a character (for her situation with Ben reminds me of the same situation I am in, and all I want is to help her), but this was absolutely stunning, and brought/brings tears to my eyes when i watch it. Meeting her afterwards was the best experience ever (especially because she was confused as to why someone my age knows who she is)

[@GCGuy]

@truthbetoldagain Collins is the definitive version of the role. It is to me why so many others have tried to emulate her, they can't. I have seem some great women tackle the role, and the role is one of the best in musical theater, but most attempted a Collinsesque approach. Peters break from that tradition is one of the reasons I would have to say this is the best Revival of it. Technically the Broadway version of this revival, not the Kennedy Centers.

[@xColmGx]

Stunning. What's that's beautiful note she sings at the end? Hers is the only version I've heard that goes up at the end.

[@eirikastokes9652]

Actually, Julia McKenzie also goes up at the end, and is in a higher key than this! Not dissing Bernadette, but you seemed to be partial to the going up, and Julia does that as well.

[@truthbetoldagain]

@GCGuy Why yes it was. And Polly Bergen was indeed fantastic. People might not recal that back in the day she also had quite the nice recording career going. I was pleased as well to have met her after the performance .

[@rsmiraldi]

I just saw it and I love love loved the play. What I didn't like were the seniors all around making noise and getting up before the show was over to get their coats on! I also didn't like the "sippy" cups that are senior proof which they served my 20. glass of wine in, or the fact that they failed to flicker the lights when intermission was over. But all in all, well Done Bernadette, Elaine and all the rest. We gave them a standing ovation at the end - wait or were they getting their coats on?

[@malardentiantonietta8367]

magnifique!!!!

[@Scorpion773]

puts Bernadette back on the pedestal that had eluded her since her bizarre and disturbing Annie Get Your Gun. Her ability to strip away her craft and technique to present a woman still chasing a dream is remarkable and heart wrenching. I felt like i was peeking into Sally at confession instead of watching a Bway showstopper. I do wonder if they considered making at least a section of the number, a "Follies" number as dictated by the script. Would have added a level I missed.

[@spn1007]

I can't attach the youtube clip of Dorothy Collins singing "Losing My Mind" on the David Frost show. just search for it here on youtube. It's posted by an7iguy. We are blessed to have this close up version of her. Look at her eyes! Notice also (esp today's singers) how far away she is holding the mic!!! And the glissando at the end tears my heart every time I hear it.

[@pudgeuncle]

@3CheesyTacos Oh, the emotion. I forgot that Peters is the Meryl Steep of musical theater.

[@BrandonTJones69]

OH MY GOD YESSSSS

[@cacaselebrosbff]

What a really nice low alto voice!

[@GCGuy]

@jjarndyce To be fair this is the run at the Kennedy Center, so the staging and choreography most certainly have changed from this recorded version to what you see at the Marquis Theater today. This number however is staged perfectly. It is the torch song, the standalone number. Peters on stage by herself, centered. The same way you would have seen Fanny Brice deliver My Man, and considering Follies is intended to mirror that era, the direction and staging here is perfect.

[@cujo9014]

Yeah, she's the best!

[@dringsong]

Incredibly talented performer, an actress gifted with a wonderful singing voice. This was a really hard song for her, she's a soprano and his sits way way low. Very impressive for any actress to do this, let alone one in her 60s. The having is, please usual, pathetic attention-seeking from people brought up by people of my generation, I'm ashamed to say, who just didn't do a very good job.

[@lolameese]

Beautiful where is this

[@xColmGx]

What IS that last note, it's incredible!!

[@paigecheers13]

xColmGx C5

[@psychomusicanana]

@boynamedalexxx "sometimes I stand in the middle of the floor, not going left, not going right." i If you're standing still, why would it be right in the middle ? And if you are, isn't it obvious you're not moving in any direction? Left, right, back, forward? However, when BP does it, she puts makes the entire song into a "mad scene," so that the words "not going right" now mean, "not going in the right direction, or in any direction,Not going well, but going crazy with obsession."

[@glenn212now]

I actually like this a lot. Sometimes throughout the song she sacrifices sounding pretty in order to sound true to the emotion the song evokes.

[@poppymae8290]

flawless

[@DiamondDayna94]

nice video, but actually getting to see it live was so much better, I must say XD Sondheim is THE BEST. This song is so amazing, i was in tears about two measures into Bernadette's singing.

[@psychomusicanana]

@GCGuy I really meant the whole show. and this song is about using obsession, among the many tricks humans use to avoid intimacy with their long-term partners. If Sally weren't married to Buddy, who loves her to death, the song wouldn't work as wel.

[@GCGuy]

@jjarndyce I agree with your point on "I'm Still Here", and I haven't seen the Broadway run yet, so I am not sure it has changed. The staging doesn't really do justice to Page nor the number. Although amateurish may be too strong a word. Because even in this number, an amateur could go a thousand places. Think if she were sitting, or off to the side of the stage. I've seen both, in amateur productions.

[@sarmadasco]

I don't think this is a terrible rendition, at all. Given her recent becoming a widow, her voice has taken on a sadness, especially with 'Not a Day Goes By', understandably. I used to think of her as a singer who acted but now I see her as an actress who happens to sing and if every note is not perfect, her emotional impact, is. That, to me, in musical theatre, is far more important that perfect pitch, etc. It is how the song comes across and with BP, is always comes across splendidly.

[@spn1007]

All that said (see below. I think)she does portray a total breakdown center stage. At times it is as if she is being driven/animated by the music, much like the Antonia in Tales of Hoffman (sorry if you don't get the ref). I am attaching the Collins version not because it is THE version,but to give another perspective. DC came from the era of the torch song and she sang it that way so naturally. But her subtle acting portrays Sally's breakdown just as much, though in a totally different way.

[@whogamiwhatzitz]

Do you have Jan Maxwell's Could I Leave You????

[@GCGuy]

@GCGuy (cont.) which is what makes Peters refreshing in the role, behind that beautiful exterior you see a cracked woman. Darker, more intense.... more Sondheim like. Offering the first Sally that differs from Collins, which is where it really makes it's mark for me personally.

[@Beejeification]

@lite7761str You might get different impression if you saw her perform this live. I saw her perform it in this very production and the pathos of her performance, not just in this song but the entire musical, was unfathomable. Don't be so quick to judge it.

[@kylejerel]

The last note surprised me...in a good way!

[@BruceN88]

When I saw this in the fall of 2011, this was the song that I couldn't WAIT to hear here sing. I was SO excited to get to see her perform live. She paused between EVERY line. I HATED the interpretation and left so disappointed. The thing is, I know it was just that specific performance. Even though I didn't like it, I know she was living in that moment. I respect her all the more for that.

[@maseraticboychik]

@jjarndyce Must you compare everything on earth and try to 'rank' it? Are you incapable of seeing that Collins and Peters are both magnificent in this role?