(Not) Getting Married Today - Company OBC, 1970

Beth Howland with Steve Elmore, Teri Ralston and cast sing "Getting Married Today" from the original broadway cast of Sondheim's "Company", 1970.
This excerpt is from the highly recommended Region 1 DVD "Company: Original Cast Album" of the 1970 recording session. See more 1970 excerpts at
www.theBestArts.com/CompanyOBC/
For videos from the 2006 revival, see
www.theBestArts.com/CompanyRev...
Browse our website at www.theBestArts.com for more great dance, music and musical theatre performances.

[@linnycrocus6023]

This was 48 years ago and I feel nervous for her.

[@meganjurnak1266]

Now it was 50 years ago and same

[@maocharlisme]

We will never stop feeling nervous for her This is now actually the begeisterung of nerves itself.

[@KSDVLmom]

51

[@manuelducretiii8142]

When you're with BOTH writer & director you'll be NERVOUS.

[@umchileanyways8603]

now its been 52 years

[@javiergreen603]

"There's no time to take a breath there" True throughout the ENTIRE song

[@maocharlisme]

Okay, okay, okay!... But hear me out: You take one deep breath right before you start singing... and then you sing your whole part... and then you take a breath again 👍🏼 Oh yeah, and you do this about 3 or 4 times over but you know... you get episodes of free breathing inbetween 😉

[@emmathebacon]

You gotta utilize EVERY breath in you can get!!! It's pure astonishing

[@acgogoacgogo8854]

You really see the enormous pressure she was under. And still a great performance. And she had to do it over and over. Too bad more musicals never make it to film. I think their is another version on OC album.

[@broadwaymaniac92]

thumbs up if you did NOT get here from glee.

[@nomnomsammieboy]

marriage story

[@anyaacoliz9783]

Julie Andrews

[@KeithOlson]

"Murder, she wrote"

[@niamhcawley7862]

Who cares how someone found it as long as they do...

[@Your_local_vampire_14]

Company

[@stuartpoyser6678]

This is about 50% faster than the current Broadway rendition (and many recordings). Super kudos to her.

[@tomsparks6099]

Not many have been able to copy Beth Howland as being the first vocal to champion this piece. She was "married" to the original score. She created this song. Per her request, her death was not known to public until a year afterwards. She was an amazing and funny actress.

[@ProudKansan08]

I just found out she died, and I wondered why she didn't want anyone to know she died until months later? My daughter guesses its because she wanted a small funeral. :)

[@NuisanceMan]

What a wonderful, luminous, beautiful, expressive face she had.

[@exerciserelax8719]

There have been a lot of great versions of this song but I don't think anyone else has captured the right amount of nervous energy, humor, and emotion ... without losing the words and rhythm... the way Beth did.

[@phillipsantana2633]

Wow just finding out about this ,so talented thanks for mentioning her acting.

[@DrGaellon]

I’m not aware of any other artist who performed this at the same speed. She was a VIRTUOSO.

[@c.a.4901]

Well, I have increased my respect for Miss Howland. She had the full chops to handle such a challenging song, while it seemed like some of the surrounding principals were acting like she only had to record a rendition of "The Wheels On the Bus."

[@ANNEMARGARET0319]

I love her version as well as Katie Finneran’s version… my two favorites! So much talent! ❤

[@torresongs2]

Look at Beth! Cool as a cucumber! Sondheim and everyone giving her direction! She was a pro!

[@WCaron23001]

Can you imagine doing this eight times a week?

[@ProudKansan08]

No.

[@markrichards6863]

Imagine having to walk on stage every day and have to perform that pattering song. That takes guts. She's a real pro. How many actors could handle it.

[@fobesq]

She deserved a tony just for that rehearsal. She was adorable and incredibly talented as well as the orhestra other vocalists. The sheer raw brilliance of Sondheim. Thank you.

[@astoria25]

I have to congratulate Beth Howland. Sondheim's songs are 90% all about his lyrics, and you have to hear the words being enunciated. This is a hard song to sing, and I heard Ms. Howland completely sing her lines. I love this song -- and Sondheim.

[@mplsjockboy]

"I don't wanna upset ya', but I'd love to have the tune..."

[@joseparron7771]

Got to know Beth is the 90's and this is the first time I realize she was the original Amy. She was incredibly sweet and kind. So happy to finally see this!

[@bubi1716]

RIP Stephen. Such a freaking genius.

[@theevilqueenreadstoo]

That sounds really difficult. The speed of the singing, I mean.

[@nicktham123]

The Mad Hatter Was Here its way faster

[@charlleedodson]

It’s known as one of the most difficult songs on broadway

[@phillipsantana2633]

Beth is the best.

[@Enzo_Abruzzi]

WOW! I didn't know of Beth Howland's career outside of "Alice". Her talent range is incredibly extraordinary. I have such a profound respect for her. Rest in Peace and thank you for bringing joy into the world.

[@WMJCPA]

It's little wonder why Sondheim is so wonderful in the history of the musical theater, he worked with the best of the best. He assisted Oscar Hammerstein II in several of his collaborations with Richard Rodgers and Sondheim as well collaborated with RR after Hammerstein's death. I certainly miss the musical theater of those days, and Company reflected all the best of those years. When I first heard this album in 1971, I was struck by the skill and talent of Beth Howland, later to be our ditzy waitress Vera on Alice. Truly talented.

[@billcook4768]

He also worked with this guy… Lenny something. Bernstein I think. He was good.

[@WCaron23001]

Still the definitive version in IMHO, every note and word clearly defined.

[@EC2019]

Are you deaf?

[@georgesmith4307]

True, whenever I try to sing this you can't even hear the consonants 😂 of course, I'm not a Broadway actor, but still, she's incredible

[@tomgilligan1083]

Part of the "technology" in 1970 was the time limit on an LP recording, and for that reason, very often the tempo of a song was sped up just to save time. Such is the case here; it's just a TINY bit faster than it was performed live (saw it at least 4 times on Broadway and have done 2 productions myself, one as musical director). And speaking of tempi, during matinees of "Follies," Hal Hastings would rush through a lot of the numbers so fast that the singers couldn't keep up, just (I assume) so he could have a longer break between shows!

[@NuisanceMan]

I'm not sure that was the reason it was speeded up. They could have sped up some other songs that weren't so fast and hard to perform to begin with. More likely, they just wanted to push it to the limit for the sake of the listeners. In a live show, you don't dare push it all the way to the limit - too much chance of a breakdown.

[@Chuck0856]

Apparently she is one of the few who can sing it in the tempo in which it was written -- most other singers slow it up a bit.

[@toddkonrad2407]

💯. She can actually stay in tempo, and actually sing it, not speak through the lyrics. Jane Whittenshaw is the only one I’ve seen close to matching it, and she pulled it off in front of Sondheim as a student.

[@johnwhiting5747]

I saw her do the role in 1970. Unforgettable!

[@lindaeasley4336]

Kudos to ANY actress who can master that song .WOW

[@averysgore]

You couldn't be more wrong. The color and timbre in her voice is exactly why it's NOT a boring performance, it's really involving and exciting! Actually, that applies to the entire original Company recording, compared to the lackluster 2007 revival. (At least we feel the same about Glee.)

[@frank-t6857]

Agreed with you. I tried to watch the 2007 version but it was a nightmare to watch. The 2011 was good but I wish I could see the Original 1970 show on videotape and not just the documentary "Original Cast Album Company (1970 )" which I love.

[@BlackCanvasSoul]

God bless her fitting in that many words with barely breaths.My theater class watched this and I couldn't say anything afterwards.Absolutely amazing.

[@timjmoran]

wow !! Imagine trying to sing this live in the studio in front of all those people!! Whew! This had to be one of the toughest tunes ever in any musical.... almost like Athletics meets music.

[@ElmoCanto]

I think painful, or "pained" rather, is precisely how this song is supposed to sound :) She's meant to be having a complete panic attack... Do you not agree?

[@mikeyirish1967]

Beth Howland was a national treasure. A hugely talented singer/actress who was a total one-of-a-kind.

[@ConstantlyAdging]

Wow.. Co-op is so accurate..

[@robertamsel4769]

Beth Howland was the best Amy EVER! I was fortunate to have seen her play the part on Broadway twice and in San Francisco once.

[@mostlysondheim1930]

I would give anything to see Beth Howland play the role of Amy live!

[@evansarzin9083]

Nobody ever did this as well as Beth Howland.

[@alex_michaels]

My goodness, look how young Stephen Sondheim was.

[@JurgenKranz]

I've watched this so many times and it's always utterly insanely amazing

[@sexonnaplatter]

Sad to hear of Beth's passing last New Year's Eve. Condolences to Charles "Jim Dial" Kimbrough.

[@garyschwartz9559]

Her performance was delightful and ‘lightening in a bottle’. Thank you, to Pennebaker & Hegedus for preserving it for eternity.

[@vixiegal4544]

And Thomas Z Shepard!

[@kevinmcguire5696]

First saw Beth Howland when she co-starred on Alice when I was a kid. Bit of surprise that she so talented as a singer.

[@katiee4396]

The amazing diction one must have to sing this song…she killed it

[@PedrotheWombat]

Amazing. The level of ability gives me chills, but the song is so FUNNY. I love it all.

[@etraig]

dang! she's fast. she didn't even look out of breath, amazing!

[@Schoolgirl325]

I’m not denying her natural talent, but I saw her run out of breath in the first take of this song. While it’s absolutely plausible for professionally trained singers with advanced breath support to pull Amy’s part off at the original nearly breakneck speed, it takes a lot of practicing for even them to be able to get it right. Most songs aren’t performed at a tempo this fast.

[@nickroberts1596]

No one--and I mean no one--has done it better than Beth. Damn hard to top!

[@jws1272]

So sad to hear of Beth's passing.........the original "Amy" from Company..........and "Vera" on "ALICE".........RIP Beth Howland......such a great talent.........listen to hear her BLAST out that difficult patter song........Beth nailed it!!!!

[@idoltyler06]

I LOVE This. I was born in 1990, but I'm always trying to look at the Making of, and behind the scenes stuff, and it's hard to find on older stuff. So this is really cool.

[@nahbirdie4773]

1992 here ♥and same! So glad we have the internet

[@lesliebest5562]

I’ve had TOBA of ‘Company’ since I was a teen. And NO one has ever sang one of the most difficult songs imaginable better than Beth Howland. Rest In Continued Peace. 😊

[@dampergoldenrod4156]

sad to hear beth howland is gone. 30 years ago in 1986 life was at its best for me now more people are gone than are left here.

[@Zooba57]

Wow, she was truly amazing! God Bless you Beth!

[@donnatlaw6172]

THIS IS AMAZING. Original Broadway cast. And yes, Amy is Beth Howland who went on to appear as Vera (sadly, forever known to the masses as "Dingy") on the teevee show Alice... not the strongest voice, but pulled it of successfully for a good long run! RIP

[@dolcevitausa]

damn she has great breath control to be able to sing this...

[@allanfisch]

She's freaking amazing.....

[@howardberk8396]

RIP, Beth Howland.

[@sushicourier]

You were such a talent Beth Howland. ❤️❤️❤️

[@lohphat]

RIP Beth Howland 1937-2015

[@merrickbreckler5166]

Bless this footage for existing

[@stevenhaff3332]

Beth Howland, wow! Super job!

[@lloydarriola3481]

I love Steve Elmore, a wonderful man! And Beth Howland--what an adorable woman! I had quite a crush on her when I was nine years old. Remember the TV show ALICE, where she was the ditzy Vera Gorman? I loved that gal...

[@MegaWoodford]

Is Steve Elmore the man who sings as Paul?

[@lloydarriola3481]

Yes.

[@m.a.6136]

Steve Elmore is my father in law. He passed away a few years ago. What a tremendous talent he was.

[@AngelaJeanBarr]

Thank GOD someone filmed this!

[@pickleman4876]

I learned this song recently, and it's so hard. She fucking nailed it though

[@WCaron23001]

I luv Beth, terrific delivery

[@Astlay]

Okay... Just... Wow!! Love this song, and her interpretation is just amazing.

[@robinbrl]

Whoa. Go Beth! I so could never have done this song. Not in a million years.

[@constantreader7944]

Beth Howland is epic!!!

[@pangalactictuber]

What a performance! Love how her expression tenses up at “Listen everybody” after the bridge (3:42). Basically scolding us for not leaving already.

[@dant70]

I love the live recording with the orchestra in studio! very awesome, man how doe she breathe and say all that. whoah!!! :)

[@lyndawilliams4570]

Wow! Had no idea ditzy Vera was a bona fide theatre actress 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 This song is nearly impossible and she pulled it out beautifully

[@GrasshopperRDG]

This is such a TREASURE!!! I was a huge* "Alice" fan in my youth! That was my first introduction to BETH H. and I've listened to other performances... but HER'S, no question, IS Unmatched!!! R.I.P. BETH HOWLAND R.I.P STEPHEN SONDHEIM {🎁*🎁*} 🙏🏼🙏🏼...💚*

[@bowtoyoursensei554]

I'm just relieved she didn't pass out by the end!

[@danflashes7125]

The Documentary Now crew nailed the parody of this in the Co-Op episode.

[@MrReggieLew]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@rogersmith6411]

Wow half way there the big 50 is coming in March the 14.....I am a 70s baby.. 😍😁😁😁😁😄😄😃😃😊 Biggs. B days are amazing....there are every day

[@zolochnaya]

Those Broadway trumpeters are the BEST!

[@ViveClaire]

@timjmoran this is why Sondheim is a maniacal genius, all of his numbers, as well as all the comedy in them, are so taxing, its amazing when it works, but boy is it physically and emotionally difficult to exicute, Beth Howland's clarity is amazing, this musical is hilariously funny because of the talent that launched Sondheim's and Furth's fantastic creation.

[@pamelazoslov2598]

I always remember how funny she was on Mary Tyler Moore as a woman who forbade Mary from dating her ex-husband.

[@andyadler]

Agreed. First thing I thought of as I listened to her jaw-dropping rendition.

[@conductenor]

It’s a patter song. The “tune” is secondary. The delivery is what matters.

[@bigred8432]

Bullshit

[@OliveJewel]

She’s so good it brings tears to my eyes.

[@dummygeek]

live version of Beth Howland doing it is even faster

[@jacklazar4108]

she's so incredible !

[@VictoriaWilder13]

Omg she is ridiculously cute. >.

[@paull.rogers4562]

R.I.P.

[@healthyholemealbread]

the pressure on her my word!

[@angeleyez101]

She is outstanding.

[@DavidPaulKirkpatrick]

So touching!

[@freshname]

That's much faster than usual. Probably the fastest version.

[@wysteriaqueenfaerie]

Wow!!! Just incredible!!!

[@dras8533]

Bravissima era straordinaria non era semplice a tenere il fiato molto bello

[@scottandrewhutchins]

Teri Ralston goes to my church, and she helped coach me on my Purcell aria.

[@ellalivingston3947]

Teri ralston was my musical theatre teacher at college! And I met donna mckechnie at a 54 below show when teri introduced me to her

[@psychokarloff]

R.I.P., D.A. Pennebaker, the astounding filmmaker who made this documentary, among many others, including "Monterey Pop." Died last week at the esteemed age of 97.

[@MegaWoodford]

COMPANY is the best! Beth was A M A Z I N G

[@jetit]

Beth Did this Damn song..lol I would have past out..Miss her

[@RayNDeere]

Sondheim once said that Beth was the only one to get the cadence right

[@sharpasaneraser]

thank you

[@dugdoll3295]

Beth Howland gives great Amy panic face as well as no time to breath lines 🙌

[@brittneypalmer5824]

Soundheim was an amazing writer and director ❤

[@zackstark24601]

R.I.P Steve Elmore,

[@PoseidonRM]

She sings so musically. Great combination of fast, musical and theatrical.

[@mplsjockboy]

"everybody's throwing things at ya', ya' poor kid..."

[@transistersis]

And now we have a great parody of this documentary with the "Documentary Now!" episode "Co-Op: the Musical" and their version of this song. He doesn't ding as fast as her, but it's very funny. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKvGlY17g8SZo5I

[@Rohme.33]

Marvelous!

[@annaconner74]

Wow she's was really great ❤

[@jomoses07]

she's awesome!!!

[@KSDVLmom]

whoa, so fast I couldn't understand, what talent.. RIP

[@VRNProductions]

You know, Teri Ralston is really an amazing singer. It's a shame she wasn't in many more musicals...