Stephen Sondheim on the creation of Rose's Turn - 2003

[@stevenbogart169]

Thanks for posting. I really enjoyed this.

[@MrDevius2]

This is great. Never heard it before. And good timing considering the day. I get it

[@mrconducter]

Steve would often end the story of Merman's "upbeat or downbeat?" where after his improve explanation, however she is "feeling it" -- He'd quote her as saying: "Oh, okay.... I'll do it on the downbeat."

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

He's one of our modern day Shakespeares. ❤

[@jaycee330]

I remember this story, also I think they got the best of both worlds when Angie played Mama, and they finished the song as he described, but Mama would just keep bowing as if she's hearing the applause in her head. Showing she cracked, but still gave the audience their chance to applause.

[@that1theatreguy]

When exactly did they do this? In all the recordings I've heard, they end it like the original?

[@jaycee330]

@@that1theatreguy When Arthur Laurents revived the show apparently (p77 Finishing The Hat) Cast Recordings don't necessarily reflect what always happens in performance.

[@mrconducter]

@@jaycee330 it's not "in the song" itself. She finishes the song; the audience wildly applauds and and applauds--she keeps bowing to their ovation. FINALLY, the audience finishes applauding--and, surprise, Rose continues to bow; hearing the now imagined continuing applause in her head. Brilliant later invention by Arthur.

[@patrickinsoho4777]

Where is the interview drawn from? It is fascinating