You Can See Her Now

Earlier in the year, I wrote several pieces here about the f/X mini-series Fosse/Verdon about the lives and marriage of director Bob Fosse and Broadway legend Gwen Verdon -- a show I liked quite a lot except for the final hour which I hated.  (All of which I explain here.)

The mini-series recently receive 17 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Limited Series, and Lead Actor and Lead Actress nods for Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams.  I liked them both, but was more taken by her since she was playing such an iconic performer.  I suspect that even though Williams had a background trained in dancing, they kept her dancing to a minimum in show because Verdon's own dancing is considered one of the greatest in the history of Broadway with such a fluid, unique style that would not only be difficult but unfair to make a comparison to.  Nonetheless, she did an excellent job all around.

But I thought with the nomination out, you might like to see the legend in action.  This is perhaps the most famous number from the musical Sweet Charity -- that Fosse directed -- the wonderful "If They Could See Me Now."  As a brief set-up, through a series of misadventures, Charity finds herself in the hotel room of a famous Italian movie star.

I believe this clip might be from the 1966 Tony Awards, though can't swear to it.  For the record, the show has a score by Dorothy Fields and Cy Coleman, with a book by Neil Simon.

And here she is --

And as a bonus, here is Gwen Verdon recreating that number 18 years later for a TV special celebrating the history of the Palace Theater in New York City.  It's an edited-down version and with much less dancing, but still a treat to see, as the highly-appreciative audience agrees.