Sondheim wrote a top contender for "Definitive 11:00 Number," and he did it early in his career. The number is "Rose's Turn," from "Gypsy." Within the span of five or six minutes, Rose suggests that she has all the answers, then admits she has no answers, then "rallies" in a weird, terrifying way.
The moment Rose's facade cracks is thrilling:
Mama's movin' on.Mama's all alone.Mama doesn't care.Mama's lettin' loose.Mama's got the stuff.Mama's lettin' go.Mama?
Exhausted by her own Trumpian boasting, Rose forgets her lines. She becomes a frightened child, asking for her own "mama." (We can assume Rose's childhood was unpleasant, because we hear from Rose's nasty father at a pivotal moment early in the show.)
Sondheim most obviously quotes himself in "Follies," when Ben Stone takes on 11:00 responsibilities.
Some climbers get their kicks
From social politics...
Me, I like to love....
Me, I—
Me, I like to love....
Me—
From social politics...
Me, I like to love....
Me, I—
Me, I like to love....
Me—
Having lost the rhythm, Ben accidentally claims, "I like to love me." He knows this isn't true; he hates himself. The realization leads him to shut his mouth. And the song just stops.
I'd argue that "Send in the Clowns" is a kind of sequel. Once again, there is a facade; Desiree is tough, worldly, able to laugh at her own pain. But we detect a more honest subtext. "Isn't it rich? Isn't it queer? I thought that you'd want what I want. Sorry, my dear...."
That tiny moment of warmth--"my dear"--shows us everything that Desiree is holding back. It's the sneaky climax of the song.
Here's Audra, trying "Rose's Turn."
Comments
Post a Comment