NATASHA RICHARDSON Cabaret- B'way '98

The brilliant Natasha Richardson in her Tony-winning performance, June 1998, introduced by Alan Cumming.

[@O_Haraa]

the way i would sell my soul for this bootleg, holy shit

[@rithond]

This is so hard to watch in the best possible way. You can feel the heartbreak, the pain after all she went through. The voice is trying to be fun and light, but it is filled with suffering. And the eyes, the eyes are just... my God! This is such an absolutely amazing performance. Natasha Richardson was taken too early from us. She was one of the great, great ones.

[@helenegraham]

What I also find interesting about this version is the Emcee's/Alan Cumming's introduction at the beginning...he's clearly distraught (in contrast to earlier versions), and it hints at the ever growing darkness of the show

[@oliver91ist]

Helene G. Well he did sing I Don’t Care Much while he was high on Heroin

[@TheTradge]

The current London production definitely does a similarly fabulous job of gradually sapping the joy out of the characters due to the rise of fascism, and this performance by Natasha is one of the only ones where we actually get the real Sally Bowles, not a big Broadway star, but a seedy Berlin nightclub singer, hanging by a thread mentally due to her breakup, having an abortion and the rise of the Nazis.

[@michaelcalia5454]

Yes. He's realizing what's happening.

[@isitfunthere1]

Ten years later and I’m still not over the loss of Natasha - thanks for helping to immortalize the gifts she gave to the world during her short time here.

[@jazzlover9050]

Yes I feel the same , still cannot believe, what a LADY she was , only the good ones go, why? my heart goes out to Liam and his sons, I know the more years go by sometimes the harder it gets to keep on going when you loose a loved one especially so suddenly , prayers to them ..

[@sayrah6716]

ended up here from the Amy Lennox performance, which imho is a great interpretation/performance of the character as well. I've seen a few versions of Sally, and I think it's easy for actors to go full showgirl (like Liza) or go for messy drunk. I love that Natasha's version was sympathetic while being delusional, and had an edge coupled with frailty.

[@fountainchain126]

Natasha Richardson was born to play this role. Her performance of the title song in this production was gut wrenching. I always thought she would've been an ideal candidate for the Sondheim catalogue eventually in particular Desirée and Phyllis. Such a loss. Thanks for this memory... and welcome back!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Thank you, and I couldn't agree more with everything you say.

[@rawrosawrusrex]

She did play Desirée! In a concert at the Kennedy Center I believe with Victor Garber as Frederik, Laura Benanti as Anne, and Vanessa Redgrave as Mme Armfeldt. She and Vanessa were supposed to star in the recent Broadway revival, but then she died. I really would have loved to see her in that role (and with her mother!) 😔

[@fountainchain126]

@@rawrosawrusrex Yeah I know. But it's a shame she never got to realize that role in a full Broadway production.

[@BamaFan-vc4gn]

I'm not getting it. After Liza I guess no one seems adequate. Waa the Character supposed to be a really bad singer?

[@RCfanfromFL798]

@@BamaFan-vc4gn Yes. Sally Bowles was a third rate talent in the Broadway production. She was delusional for thinking that she could make it as a big star. When the film was being made, there was much objection for Liza's casting as it was felt she was too talented for the role.

[@arthurg9877]

The emotion in her eyes is unreal!

[@manolis.799]

Funny how against their best efforts to make Sally look creepy Natasha looks absolutely gorgeous. Legendary performance, truly the greatest Sally.

[@NLidar]

I agree!

[@manolis.799]

@@NLidar great taste as always my friend

[@dominiqueeden]

Wow she's electric. I couldn't take my eyes off her.I've fallen down a little cabaret rabbit hole on youtube this was my favourite performance so far. What an extraordinary talent rip Natasha.

[@MattiKovler]

I love this interpretation. Especially how she does "the happiest... corpse" line. What a great performance!

[@graceglasgow5015]

She's the best Sally Bowles I've seen on youtube so far. I don't know how I found this but it's amazing. Also, my god she is stunning.

[@bmcg678]

I’ve seen so many renditions of this song. Everyone from Liza Minnelli to Jane Horrocks to Emma Stone; and not a single one comes close to the sheer perfection of Natasha Richardson as Sally. She embodies her with such effortlessness that it’s almost scary!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Agreed, and well said.

[@melizmatea]

She's fantastic but....no-one can compare with Liza. Sorry. And Natasha made choices that were really interesting and unique - her Sally is not the brightest bulb in the lighting store, and that gives her performance a poignancy and vulnerability that is very affecting. But that was her choice. Liza's Sally was more dynamic, but retained the pathos. It's possible to work on developing a character along the lines of Natasha's Sally and pull it off. But you can't learn Liza's incredible charisma and magnetism and power. Nobody but NOBODY could ever do that!

[@kkandsims4612]

Hummm I think Liza like legit was the inspiration hence she’s better but Natasha if we are going off impressions yea makes liza’s look like child play

[@victordunson719]

@@melizmatea Sally Bowles is a third rate singer in a third rate nightclub, she is not supposed to be the brilliant, incredible, vocalist. She also just had an abortion and is living in Nazi Europe during WW2. So we are are not supposed to have this happy go lucky bouncy number.

[@davidavancleave]

​@@melizmatea The poignancy and vulnerability you mentioned weren't actually Natasha's choice... that's the actual character of Sally. Liza's performance was amazing for what it was, but it wasn't Sally.

[@Patm-um8tg]

Cabaret will always be an jarring musical that will forever stand the test of time.. I have always loved each actress’s performance as Sally.. Jill Haworth and Liza’s party girl image cemented this beautifully dark musical into the pop culture lexicon but for me, it will always be Natasha who has shone the brightest as Sally.. when she utters those last lines of “start by.. admitting from cradle to tomb” always has me weeping uncontrollably since I feel bad for Sally since her world has completely collapsed in its self and she’s only just realized it.. Rest easy sweet Natasha 💔🕊️

[@jdchaparro3699]

This performance is actually so amazing. Im shocked... i cant believe it

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Glad you liked it---she was hugely acclaimed for this performance, and it's since become somewhat legendary.

[@SweatyOracle]

Natasha Richardson and Jennifer Jason Lee set a bar for Sally that has yet to be touched. They both gave absolutely terrifying performances that imprint on the mind like nothing else. I'm pretty sure I know who you are, Aurora. And not many people know what you've been through to preserve these things for us to see, and study, and love. And I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done to make that possible.

[@zachbenak1306]

I am so haunted by this performance. It simply doesn’t get better than this. May she Rest In Peace!

[@elaineweatherby1701]

God, she was so beautiful.

[@onewiththeunknown8434]

Amazing, beautiful force of nature! She was a wonderful actress, miss her, died way too young.

[@morganalabeille5004]

Desperately hoping they’ll release the Lincoln Center Archive recording of her performance someday

[@hercourdog5154]

THIS IS THE BEST VERSION AND IM SO MAD ITS AO UNDERRATED

[@Marcel_Audubon]

calm thyself, sweetpea

[@shoeling]

tons of nuance in this peformance, natasha richardson was great

[@enigmaren]

Here in 2021 to still mourn this loss. Natasha was a gem. The pandemic makes this song hit different.

[@artistphx]

This is a real surprise. I didn't know she had done the role. Such style

[@beaellie9766]

She won a Tony Award for this performance

[@user-ir1vt6gr6h]

Just saw the Emma Stone video and like this much better. I can see an emotional breakdown brewing in the character without the performance going too over the top to drive home the point. Always liked Natasha. Remember her best from the original "Handsmaid." Very talented performer gone too soon.

[@ur_nephew8628]

the ending gives me chills

[@sarahlerouxofficial]

we didn't deserve natasha richardson

[@Marcel_Audubon]

what a dopey thing to say

[@kylehancock1458]

She is so much like her mother Vanessa Redgrave at 2:45. RIP, Natasha.

[@peterostash]

What a smile. What a voice. Miss you Cutie Pie.

[@inspiringpuppies2906]

such a beauty! gone too soon x

[@tylerclemson8694]

Chills. Absolute and total chills.

[@takanoriyano8415]

What a perfect performance...she's a legend. I'd like to watch her complete performance or full show if you have that

[@iankennedy9645]

I mean ,,, it's absolute perfection. I don't know if "Cabaret" can get better than this

[@JaJaM.C.]

Jane Horrocks, 1993 production at the Donmar Warehouse. The epitome of the real Sally Bowles.

[@georgereddick8785]

Never to be equaled. Stunning.

[@lanceanderson-copeman4054]

So nice to have you back!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Thank you, happy to be back.

[@christopherbush9027]

Excellent post, and of a performance that was the perfect actress in the perfect production in the perfect venue. I know the original plan for a night music revival was to be her and her real life mother as Desiree and Madame Armdfelt respectively-I can’t help but feel cheated that the theater world was deprived of a fully staged production. Thank you so much for posting Spiderwoman!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

You are so welcome, glad you liked it.

[@DrewKrzMusic]

THANK YOU! Brilliant actress gone far too soon.

[@marisamitchell8611]

This is one of my favorite shows! Thanks so much for posting this & welcome back!

[@codybeasenburg6275]

Thank you so much for posting this! I've been looking for this for years!

[@JavertRA]

I much prefer that now this song (here, Jane Horrocks, Jessie Buckley, Amy Lennox) is done more as a soul wrenching piece than as a typical (well, cabaret) number, like you see with Jill Haworth and Liza Minelli.

[@animolins5921]

Do you have Mein Herr performance by Tasha??

[@Gameboyboy17]

So wonderful to see her in HD! She was a wonderful talent. I am not sure if you take requests Aurora! But if you do! May I suggest titanic? The original b-way cast? That show was astonishing!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Glad you liked this. I am a fellow "Titanic" fan, and I have put up on my channel the '97 press reel and a complete "Night Was Alive," not to mention the Dutch press reel.

[@Gameboyboy17]

aurora spiderwoman I had no idea! I will check them out right now! Thank You :)

[@cuchelo1]

I searched for this after watching a video of Michelle Williams and I just noticed it's from the same channel! Thank you for both, and I'm definitely subscribing!

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

That's what I like to hear!

[@confessionhorrorbaby]

Such a treat! I sometimes marvel at all the treasures you must have and haven't even posted yet. I'm so happy you're back.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Thank you and love this comment.

[@idelanxy]

is this slime tutorial anywhere and available with natasha in it? i can’t find it anywhere but there’s videos of her singing so there must be some out there. i feel hiding them away doesn’t do her legacy, especially as sally bowles, justice :(

[@quinnaddison420]

It’s a real shame she never got to play Desiree in A Little Night Music (she was rumored). She would have been incredible.

[@am_small]

i love the way she looks at the camera at 3:04

[@Honey_Bri_]

Is there a full version with both Alan and Natasha online?

[@camaronipepperoni6268]

Does anyone happen to have a full recording of the 1998 cast?

[@Marcel_Audubon]

yes

[@fernandamiarelli7097]

@@Marcel_Audubon can you give me more info? I'm dying to see it

[@morganalabeille5004]

The Lincoln Center Archive in New York does but you have to physically be in NYC to see it

[@gooseboi4819]

the cast recording that’s on spotify ans stuff is 1998 cast

[@Zahara1808]

Hi do you have any recording of Cabaret?

[@IENCIUNATALIA-vq9mv]

I love how Natasha sings but i think most of the people know that this is a parody. The original movie was in 1972;)

[@michellebach6277]

Never saw this but it s so bad , completelly diferentes from the magnific film. Why ??? Why did someone could the hell do this????????

[@toastmusic0723]

you really cannot compare the film to the actual stage show. quite different in plots and feeling.

[@michellebach6277]

@@toastmusic0723 I can compare because it s Cabaret. If I want to recreate a ver good movie, I must be as great as it was, not more or less.

[@toastmusic0723]

@@michellebach6277 sally isnt meant to be a great singer. liza minelli was too talented for the role of sally - this rendition of the song captures the pain shes going through at the moment. the FILM plot of cabaret is quite different than the STAGE plot, its pretty hard to try to put them against each other when they both have completely different environments. the likes of natasha richardson, jane horrocks, amy lennox and jessie buckley as sally sing this song PERFECTLY and how it should sound.

[@haleyrickard8572]

@@michellebach6277 hi!! i totally understand the point you're trying to make, but there are a few little problems: first of all, cabaret was a stage show for 6 years before it was a film, which means that it wasn't a recreation. the movie was a film adaptation of the musical and the play (i am camera, based of off the book goodbye to berlin) that it was based off of, and tells a different story to the stage production. in the film, cabaret (the title song) has a different meaning. in the stage show, sally is a completely different character, and the song is showing her mental spiral as cliff (or, in the film, brian roberts, i believe?) is trying to make her face reality when she hasn't lived in reality in so, so long. you simply cannot compare the two shows without prior knowledge of both, and with love to the actors, writers, and directors of the film, there simply is no contest between the stage version and the film adaptation. the stage show is dark and beautiful and haunting, and the movie tells a completely different story with a focus on the romances, rather than the loss of freedom and political message the stage show focuses on.

[@dianacarrigg5909]

Liza Minnelli played it better

[@ambiguous974]

It's apples and oranges to an extent. The movie version approached the plot and character differently. Sally Bowles wasn't supposed to be as talented as Liza was.

[@haleyrickard8572]

with so much respect, sally in the stage production vs the film are completely different characters! it's not really comparable, as sally in the stage version and original text isn't supposed to be a talented singer or dancer. she just wants to perform, and in this song, she's having a sort of mental breakdown that can't be portrayed in a pretty light with the context of the character and what she's going through. sally doesn't go through quite as much in the film as she does in the stage version, and even then, her past experiences have shaped her into a very different person than in the original text.

[@priiifrg]

Liza Minnelli changed the character, so her portrayal didn't make much sense.

[@kundun5]

Why is she just standing there? This is Canaret… move around and perform… more Liza and less Sinead O’Connor

[@no1party]

i think cabaret broadway does a lot of dancing but this song itself doesnt in this version

[@sugaranddirt]

Are you going to take this diamond to the grave with you @auroraspiderwoman5886 or any chance anyone could ever obtain this gem from you?