The top ten times Betty Buckley changed your life through performance

Betty Buckley’s illustrious career spans every genre of the entertainment industry. Her skill and talent is like no other and still to this day she is bringing audiences to their feet starring in concerts like FOLLIES at the world renowned Royal Albert Hall and now in Grey Gardens in Sag Harbor. Nothing is more true about that statement than seeing her in one of her solo concerts. Her powerful voice and moving, soulful performances capture an audience and takes them on a journey. This isn’t new to Ms. Buckley. She’s been knocking audiences dead since the beginning of her career. 

Here now we present: 


“The TOP 10 times Betty Buckley changed your life through performance.” 
In no particular order, cause it would be impossible to pick a favorite


(the opinions expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and may or may not represent actual fact… although I’ve never been wrong about Ms. Buckley… :-) 

Also, don’t miss "AN EVENING WITH BETTY BUCKLEY” A concert series in Provincetown, MA where Betty will perform songs from her album “Ghostlight” originally produced by T Bone Burnett and material from her musical theater catalogue. September 3rd and 4th at 8pm produced by the Peregrine Theatre Ensemble. Tickets at www.PeregrineTheatre.com/Betty-Buckley.html or call the box office at  774-538-9084


ONE: CATS
We don’t have to talk much about this song but we will. This TONY award performance is perfection. Andrew Lloyd Webber has said that Betty’s version of this song from the musical CATS has never been performed better than anyone… ever…. "paws" a moment, and think about that… (see what I did there?) We think he’s spot on with that statement. Things to note: the amazing cat-like quick step entrance, her grace and the sheer power on that famous phrase “touch me, it’s so easy to leave me…” and the amazing ending… “look”. PLUS as an added bonus this has her TONY award acceptance speech… 

MEMORY

TWO: CARRIE the musical
The legendary, original Broadway production was the most talked about show of that season, and has accordingly developed a massive cult following over the years. It played to packed houses who raved over the raw, truthful performances of Betty playing Margaret White and Linzi Hately the young star who played Carrie. Betty’s performance rings true through and through in this eleven o’clock number… on her knees even.. such poise. Genius. 

When There’s No One

THREE - FOUR: SUNSET BOULEVARD 
I mean the LOOKS! The voice… the ACTING. This is why she is is the best of the best! Pay close attention to the “silent music” phrase after “still out there in the dark”. She says to you “I am going to belt this and your jaw is going to hit the floor”. After you pick it up... continue the list. 

With One Look

Not only is this a study on how to act a song but this is a study on how to command a stage and have every eye on you. One could hear a pin drop in the silent moments and this is, truly, the best version of this song on a stage ever. I honestly think theres a standing ovation in the middle of the number but I can’t tell… haha.. maybe thats just me when I watch this in my living room… Here’s to the lady… everybody rise! The fun begins at 5 min in. 

As If We Never Said Goodbye

FIVE: 1776
He might play the violin but Betty is tugging the heart strings. Pure, simple and completely expressive. The joy that you feel during this song is now changing your life.. ha! You’re welcome


He Plays The Violin

SIX - SEVEN: GYPSY
Seth Rudetsky, pianist to Broadway stars, said it best in a FB post about this video: "OMG! Betty Buckley was so brilliant in GYPSY! I've never seen this video till now, but I saw it live, and it was AMAZING! Watch! The acting! The placement!” In our opinion if she had played this on Broadway she would have won another TONY!

Everything Coming up Roses

This is from her extraordinary benefit concert for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids at Carnegie Hall. Betty had just finished her show stopping “With One Look”, and then she effortlessly glides over to stage left for an ONSTAGE QUICK-CHANGE for the GODS! Those dressers are giving you life changing moments, and then Betty knocks everyone dead again. Song should change to “Betty’s Turn”. 

Rose’s Turn at Carnegie Hall 

EIGHT: Old Friend
From "Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road", amazing classic Betty. Taking this song and acting the be-jeezes out of it. Makes you really listen to the words and its truly mesmerizing. This old friends is how to do it! From the classic "Mike Douglas Show"!

NINE: The Mystery of Edwin Drood
OK, so not only is Betty is amazing form, as always, but in this performance, in this video, it seems extra crisp! She is giving you EVERYTHING that Betty is so well known for. Plus the last two notes “THE WALL” are hands down goosebumps, chills, giving you life… everything. Brava, rewind and watch again and again material. 


Writing on the wall

TEN: SONG AND DANCE
Don’t be disappointed that this is only the audio recording of Tell Me On A Sunday… (although i would kill for a bootleg video) however I honestly think it’s almost better to not see what she is doing. You can now thank me. This gem is epic! Please enjoy every subtle nuance of every single phrase. Ms. Buckley is so amazing that you don’t even need to see her to feel the pain and heartbreak that the character is having in this moment. You may meet God starting around 3 minutes into this song. She’s a she and she’s flying out of Betty’s throat!!! UNBELIEVABLE. When in doubt hold a note and make the audience cry. Truly a remarkable performance!

Tell Me On A Sunday

UPDATE:
BELOW IS A BRAND NEW NEVER BEFORE SEEN CLIP OF BETTY'S "TELL ME ON A SUNDAY".... IT IS COMPLETELY EVERYTHING WE WERE ALL WANTING AND GIVES US LIFE LIFE LIFE!!!