Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,
I mentioned Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon not long ago because I watched the mini-series about them on FX. If you missed it, you can Google Fosse/Verdon to find places where you can watch it.
Sam Rockwell is very good as Fosse and Michelle Williams gives a great performance as Gwen Verdon.
As I watched the eight episodes, I was concerned that if people didn't already know that Fosse and Verdon were icons of American musical theater that they wouldn't really understand their importance by watching a limited series.
So let's see what we can learn about Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon this week. If you ever had the good fortune to actually see Gwen Verdon perform onstage, then please tell us about it in the comments, or if you have a long story about her, a guest post would be welcome. You also might know her from movies in which she didn't dance, such as Cocoon.
Some of you have probably seen Bob Fosse dance without knowing it (he's in some older musicals but isn't the star), and you've probably seen at least one movie that he choreographed or choreographed and directed.
Let's start the Fosse/Verdon info with one of their performances together. Let me sign off, and then you take it away, Bob and Gwen.
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
This number is "Who's Got The Pain" from the film version of Damn Yankees (1958). If Bob and Gwen can't cheer you up on a Monday, then I don't know if anything can. I've watched this clip many times. I always spend the rest of the day singing and dancing around the house while Franklin and Penelope stare at me and wonder, Who does she think she is today?
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My second favorite dancing couple!!
ReplyDeleteWho is first? Maybe Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire?
DeleteNot a couple I knew, but the skill and precision is totally evident.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the education.
I suspect a lot of people don't know who they are. Although they were in some films and Fosse directed a number of movies, I think they are primarily known for their work in Broadway musicals.
DeleteIn dance circles they are both legends.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, but I suspect that a lot of younger people or folks who don't know much about musicals don't know much about them.
DeleteI never saw Bob Fosse, but my mom got to. She went on and on about it...and as you can tell, I was a teen at the time and unappreciative of everything.
ReplyDeleteDo you remember where she saw him? Was he performing or did she something he choreographed/directed? I knew who he was when I was a teen but only based on Cabaret and Liza With A Z.
DeleteI confess I never knew of Gwen Verdon until Cocoon and wondered why people talked about her so much when she was in that movie. I had no clue who she was. I guess I knew more of Fred, Gene, Ginger and others from Hollywood musicals. I've never seen Damn Yankees but that clip is amazing. She is so light on her feet. One of my favorite movies is "All that Jazz" (about Fosse), and a clip from it especially makes me smile and that's this one: https://youtu.be/ZRVv2b-hL_0
ReplyDeleteI watched the first 2 episodes of the miniseries about them online, but then it locked me out for the rest. I hope to be able to watch it for free elsewhere.
I hope you can finish it. I thought it was interesting. I haven't seen All That Jazz in years, but I think it's great. Thanks for the YouTube address. I'll see which part it is.
DeleteWatched it. I LOVE that sequence. It's kind of weird that Ann Reinking played a character based on herself and had to audition to get the part. Her dancing is amazing and the little girl who played Fosse and Verdon's daughter was a great dancer.
DeleteHi Janie - I've never heard of them ... but they were obviously excellent dancers. Good to think of you dancing round the house ... take care - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI think they're more familiar to people in the U.S., if they're remembered at all. I do love to sing and dance, neither of which I do well, especially the dancing but the dogs don't judge me--much.
DeleteGreat clip! I've never seen that before.
ReplyDeleteI adore it, but I've never seen Damn Yankees. I don't think it's shown on TV much, which usually means some kind of licensing or copyright problem. I also love The Pajama Game and haven't seen it in years. Maybe I'll make a little visit to Amazon to see how much they cost (if they're available).
DeleteI love, love, loved all of the old song-and-dance movies. Great clip, Miss Janie! If it makes you feel good, this old broad will probably be singing and dancing around the house today, too. (It makes vacuuming MUCH more enjoyable!)
ReplyDeleteI adore musicals! ADORE! I watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers not long ago. Turner Classic Movies is great. Cleaning or doing anything is easier with singing and dancing. Wish I could sing and dance at work. When I worked in a nursing home, I would dance into some patients' rooms or walk around singing. They loved it. Easy audience.
DeleteGwen Verdon and Bob Fosse were so talented together as well as separately! (Classic movie buff, here.) Thanks for sharing this fun clip. ☺ I would like to watch the series and will look for it.
ReplyDeleteIf the series isn't available now, it might be on Netflix after a while. The mini-series about the murder of Versace was so good and it is now on Netflix. I love so many classic movies. Would love to know your favorites.
DeleteI found it free, online and have watched the first four episodes, so far. It's totally engrossing! Thanks for letting me know about it, Janie. I have a Pinterest board with favourite movies. It hasn't been updated recently, but you'll get the idea. Click HERE to view.
DeleteI'm so glad you like it.
DeleteI clicked on the link. You DO like movies!
DeleteI know about these dance legends well and it is a shame we don't have more of Gwen Verdon on the big screen. Fosse created a whole new dance style that one can clearly see in Michael Jackson and the videos of today. He was one complicated S.O.B. but an amazing talent who directed Cabaret. Gwen Verson was also in a M.A.S.H. episode where she played a burlesque queen and she had such a funky voice but she endured heartache with that man. Regardless, even though this doesn't star Gwen Verdon, this is one of my favourite dancing pieces with Fosse paired with Carol Haney, Bobby Van, Tommy Rall and the wonderful Ann Miller... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0UFGOsabJo
ReplyDeleteWatched it again. I've seen it so many times. I love Kiss Me Kate. Gwen Verdon always had that little quiver in her voice. It became more extreme as she grew older. I'll be talking about the Fosse style later in the week.
DeleteI was totally unaware of them, and have just given over getting their biographies on google. Thank you for the mini education.
ReplyDeleteIf you see some movies they made, you might remember them. I didn't know who Gwen was for a long time.
DeleteNever heard of them until recently
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you've heard of them, recently or long ago. They were great.
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