Each day, the Bbox team trolls YouTube for the hot clip—sometimes it's a brand-new moment and sometimes it's a throwback to an oldie but goodie. No matter what praise hands are shot up, pearls are clutched and the repeat button is hit.
"The Ladies Who Lunch" from Company (Elaine Stritch)
Ulterior Motives: On February 2, 1925, the spectacular Elaine Stritch was born. Of her many roles on Broadway including standing by for Ethel Merman in the original Call Me Madam, her showstopper "Zip" in Pal Joey, as well as memorable appearances in the Broadway revivals of Show Boat and A Little Night Music, it was her role as Joanne in Stephen Sondheim's Company that is so synonymous with the legend. What Elaine conveyed in a little over four minute song is a play in and of itself. The theatre community lost Elaine in 2014. In honor of her birthday, whether you've never watched this clip, you watch it once it a week or at least a total of 10 times, this clip from the D.A. Pennebaker documentary of the making of the Company cast album is required viewing for theatre fans.
Ultimate 🙌 🙌 moment: What makes this clip even more special is that it includes commentary by Elaine, director Hal Prince and D.A.Pennebaker. Sondheim's calm composure at 2am while standing next to Elaine who's screaming about screaming at 2:44 about her frustration at being unable to perform his song the way she wanted is heartbreaking. The documentary captures a fleeting sweet moment at 3:22 between friends Steve and Elaine. Our ultimate moment is Elaine's recollection at 6:23-6:46 of going back to the recording studio on matinee day.
