Watch Cats (1999) here: www.uphe.com/movies/cats-1999
Elaine Paige pulls at the heart strings as Grizabella the Glamour Cat and the show-stopping hit 'Memory.'
From Cats (1998): Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS, the most famous musical of all time, first exploded onto the West End stage in 1981. 'Memory', one of its many classic songs, became an instant worldwide hit. Since then CATS has smashed records and conquered the world. Using the latest technology, all the excitement, thrill, romance and intimacy of this theatrical legend has been captured on screen. Breathtaking visuals and full digital sound (that has been completely re-recorded with a seventy piece orchestra) will leave you deep into the mysterious world of CATS as you've never seen it before -- more intoxicating and magical than you could possibly imagine. With a star cast including Elaine Paige and Sir John Mills.
Buy and Keep The Full Show Here:
/bsi5lz
To Purchase Cats (2019) UK only:
www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=B082LGBG...
If you enjoyed that why not check out these other hit musicals! :
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: /fri5lz
Phantom of The Opera:
Love Never Dies: Welcome to The Shows Must Go On the channel bringing you showtunes, backstage access and full performances from some of the best loved musicals in history!
Featuring melodic moments, show-stopping solos and high notes for the history books.
#Cats #AndrewLloydWebber #ElainePaige #Musicals #TheShowsMustGoOn #MusicalTheatre #WestEnd #Broadway #stayhome #withme
What's your favourite Elaine Paige performance? Here she is singing 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita kzhead.info/sun/ptyLXZWlkZeja4k/bejne.html
Yup, Andrew Lloyd Webber is known for recycling his characters into new ones for new productions
Simple, this one. Don't Cry is Julie Covington's song. Julie chose to not do the West End.
All of them
For me the choice is easy Memory this one.
I'm new here. Specializing in headless homophones. Care for one?
Everyone always talks about how well Elaine Paige sings this role -- and she DOES -- but no one ever mentions how well she ACTS it. This is fantastic.
Yes, and that is the difference Paige can also ACT!
It just feels so natural that it almost goes unnoticed!
This is why I believe Elaine is the best Grizabella, she acts it so perfectly. Most other artists I see tend to try and belt as much as they can, but that's not the point of the song at all. It's about the raw emotion of a character that is literally on their last legs, thinking they are going to dye alone and forgotten about, pleading to be accepted again.
I completely agree! She makes perfectly clear how desperate her character is in the song AND on her face. She sounds and LOOKS so heartbroken. Her makeup does a great job to help bring out sad expressions! 😭💔
super. i can cry buckets of tears!
this is one of the thousand resons why Cats are meant to be on stage not a movie.
I’d love to see it done in 2D animation. Just make them look like cats and no human faces. Ugh.
@@sweetcinnamonpnchkin Even computer animation, like Pixar. ANYTHING but the travesty they committed in the film.
They should've just released this again. This should be the only Cats movie to exist
Actually i believe it's more the story that is the problem, this is a concept musical, which means it focuses much more on pure performance and much less on story
Never saw the stage version. Saw the movie and way prefer the look in the movie. That said I love Elaine paige singing. The movie I really liked too, and most people were I watched (at an over 55 showing) seemed to all like it
I love how she does this small smile when she says “I must think of a new life”. I think that’s what separates Elaine’s Memory from many others- she isn’t just singing a sad song, she imbues it with strength and hope before exploding in desperation.
So we’ll said …strength hope exploding in desperation
well
I think that's the reason this song resonates so much with people. There's sadness, yes, but there is overwhelming hope. Watch the other cats turn and face her, as they realize that she alone is the cat who deserves a rebirth. Incredible that this song didn't originally ship with the musical, but was added later on.
when the text failed and the sopranchoir didn't jumped in!?! The tenor and bass passed intotal but jabber the hood sits lucky strike mr
I always thought of her as a rich woman's pampered Persian, but was tossed out when her elderly human died.
For me, this is the best version because of the emotion AND the power in her voice. It’s one thing to sing it well, but you FEEL it when Elaine sings.
for me, this is best version becos theres a cat singing
@@brownie3454makes sense. 😂
The song is about an old cat, remembering youth and days in the sun. Who can’t relate to that.💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
True
You do, I saw it as a kid and she was incredible. The whole show was amazing. I was in awe and I was only young at the time.
whenever elaine sings "touch me, it's so easy to leave me" i can't help but shed a tear
The pathos is profound. In effect, a once truly beautiful and desirable woman has regretfully come to grips with the reality of her forever lost appeal. Where she was once so difficult to tear away from, she is now all too easy to leave. The last shreds of her irresistibility are gone. When this musical premiered in 1981, I was 25 years old and in the flower of my handsome virility. I did not understand this song then, although I thought that I did. Alas, at 64, I understand it all too well.
These days, it hits unbearably close to home.
I cried my eyes out when I saw her singing this in the original production.
So sad! 😢
This moment came up as i read this, i had chills from this line
This song makes me want to go to the city shelter and adopt all their senior cats
Please do that. If not all, maybe 1 or 2!
DEW it
The fact of the matter is, there will not be a lot of senior feral cats around for you to adopt. Most feral cats die at a very young age. They seldom get older than the age of 2. All my three cats are feral cats that I adopted when they were 0 to 3 months old.
Arthur Hau some people do drop their older cats to shelters, so they do have senior cats or dogs.
@@sibelerim7997 But this musical is not about domestic cats that are put into shelters. This musical is about feral cats and people don't really understand the real lives of feral cats. True adult feral cats do not trust people. It took me more than a month to gain trust from one of my feral cats even when I adopted her at the age of 3 months. Even today, I cannot pick her up like my other two cats.
Okay Elaine knocks it out the park everytime, but this singer who plays the other cat has a voice so clear it's like she's only ever breathed clean air. She's amazing!
the actress onstage isn’t the singer, fun fact! the actress has a Dutch accent and they decided to dub over her to ensure her lines would be understandable. It’s a shame for her, but I think the result is very beautiful.
@@frankiebcatt3661false
@@bacon4ndeggs11not false - Veerly Chastleen is Dutch and has a strong Flemish accent so all her lines were dubbed by Helen Massey
All i know is, the 'other' cat is f'ing gorgeous. those eyes and a catsuit never hurts, ladies. hint. could be the makeup? nah.
@@jimcoles3356has no one ever told you to keep it in your pants
The older I get the more this song resonates with me. The lyrics hit hard for different reasons, for me it’s the memory of the old days that I miss & I can’t have them back.
Amen
Same.
Exactly 💯 ❤
Me too.
Same here I grew up watching this musical it was apparently this or Joseph and the techno colored coat were the main two me and my siblings actually sat down and watched when younger
I think this is what my old cat thinks he’s singing when he is howling at 11pm every damn night.
Lol this made me crack up. God bless your old cat 🐈 💜
That was funny. 😁 My cat might be doing the same thing.
Have his thyroid checked. Two of ours had this behavior from hyperthyroidism.
🤣🤣🤣
Ok, you win the internet. I snort-laughed at this comment. 🤣
My dad, while not a fan of musicals, was always brought to tears when this song would play. I couldn't understand why back then, but now that I'm older.....I get it dad...I get it.
My father was not a fan of the artsy farsty stuff too, but he loved Cats
makes sense now
Touch me It's so easy to leave me All alone with my memory Of my days in the sun If you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is Look, a new day has begun
hehe i think mine will to
Another day is dawning
To me, the saddest line of this song is when she sings "if you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is". That line expresses how much suffering she has been through. Life has treated her so bad, made her suffer, extended her agony, that if you touch her, you can understand what happiness is, because no one is more unfortunate than her. Truly, I love this musical with all my heart.
I interpreted it slightly differently. I thought she says "if you touch me you'll understand what happiness is" because she's so alone, neglected and depressed that if somebody would just touch her then it would make her the happiest creature in the world.
Same thing i understood @@cameronhodgetts920
@@cameronhodgetts920 yeah, it’s my understanding that because she’s been ostracised they aren’t supposed to touch her. The young cats go to previously but are pulled away. She’s remembering a time before she was ostracised, before she lost everything, before deprived of even touch.
Anyone here in 2024?
Yo!! Saludos desde México
Yep. And Elaine Page still sends it through the roof.
Me/yo ❤ from Argentina... i love this everitime
Every year 😅
Here in N.C.
I just love how every cat turned their backs to her when she starts singing and by the time you get to the climax of the song, you got to notice that every cat is looking at her. It may be irrelevant when you are intently listening to Grizzabella but taking a step back, you could see that the cats start to listen to her song by the middle as if they felt what Grizzabella has felt for all these years. Such a small touch yet it leaves a remarkable message.
She was The Glamour Cat..I had T.S. Eliots book of Impractical cats that inspired Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to create this Masterpiece. #LegendaryComposerOfMusicals
I love this scene. The Jellicles shunned and were disgusted with her just because she was old and grungy, but the song made them realize the real her within. That's what I got from it 😊
Best scene in the whole play. Not only for the bulk of the song but when Jemima chimes in you can see her ray of light pierce the sadness in Grisabellas heart. She remembers when life was beautiful through the eyes of youth and not through the bitter lense of her own memories. She sings along like it's something she had long forgotten and her heart opens up and as raw as she feels she has that look at the end like maybe she can get through another day.
Grisabela shows that she is MORE than just an aging glamour pus. I love her !
Its important to note the sequence of which the CATS look at her. The ones that look at her last hold the most disrespect for her, so that would be Misto & Bombalurina
the way she sings "if you touch me you'll understand what happiness is" in the last chorus makes me tear up every single time. like, if they touch her and bring her back into the jellicle cats like she's wanted for so long they'll see happiness like they've never seen. it's so lovely
@The Dark OverlordThank you, I´m learning with your coments,
Sameeeeee
@The Dark Overlord i know. that's why they'll see her happiness, because they'll be touching her and bringing her back, I literally said that
Eye acting is the most impressive part of acting for me. Some people can deliver great lines, some can cry on a dime, but there are few actors that when you look in their eyes, it's like a window to their soul. Elaine Paige is one of them, Leonardo DiCaprio is also another.
Playing this for my friend as she is taking her last few breaths. She's 95. She saw the play many years ago with her children and this song always brings a smile.
I'm sorry for your loss.
God bless her!
saw this performance for the first time tonight and I was absolutely blown away by it. Elaine Paige reaches the depth of human emotion in her performance, and it's a gift to her audience that is unforgettable and profoundly touching.
I'm an old folk and as you can see by my name, I definitively am in love with every thing related with the feline world. This the first time I see this production, as I always used to listen to Barbra Streisand's version of this particular song, who's for me an artist with the same soul when she perfoms. But let me tell you that this version from Elaine Paige takes the first step on any podium. She really gets me deep in my heart. Bravo Elaine. You arein my heart😻😻😻
Jennifer Hudson has powerful voice that soar to the universe. But Elaine Paige is the OG, her voice show’s Grizabella’s sorrow and pain, without tears, we just can feel what she had been through.
Elaine Paige's acting is on point too. That solo dancing part was so heart wrenching.
Agree.. Elaine Paige deliver not only the song but also the whole story of Grizabella.
Betty Buckley is also amazing!
Just revisiting this and the emotions it evokes ... a true skill to not just be able to sing and act but to draw the viewer in and make you believe in the character to encompass the story. To be the character and make you believe in what they are saying...truly brilliant the whole set not just Ms Paige.
@@aemilia2313 makes me cry every time I see it. I do cat rescue, I see this song in their faces.
You know what's the problem with the movie version? That instead of having all these amazing Broadway or west end actors they gave the roles to famous people just because they're famous cause I can bet that Jason Derulo or Taylor swift (even though I adore her) have no idea hows the deal on the stage version. Let's be real you can't compare a theater actor to a Hollywood actor. At least that's what I think.
Broadway actors have to perform live on many occassions. They have to sing, dance, and act without any mistake. If you ask me, Broadway stars deserve more recognition
well that and the nightmare fuel cat cgi... you can like the music, but damn that cgi
So true! When I watched the movie trailer of Cats. It was cringey that I didn't even finish it and the CGI to make them look like real cats. That was really bad.
I gotta say, though, Jen Hudson SLAYED this song in the film. It was probably the only highlight.
well Jennifer Hudson might have a powerful enough voice for memory, but she isnt suitable to play Grizabella, I mean, in the 2019 movie, Grizabella is as young and beautiful as Victoria, so when she sing Memory, it feel a bit out of place, especially the line "I was beautiful then"... if only they digitally aged her...
She knew how to take her time with each phrase and word she sang. She believed everything she was singing. This is the difference between a singer and an artist.
Elaine Paige slays as Grizabella. Her performance is so full of emotion and desperation. I was very obsessed with CATS back when I was a tween and first discovered it. I will always be grateful for CATS because it brought such vibrancy and beauty into my life back when things were horrible at home.
The performance to end all performances. No one comes close to the blend of agony, desperation and sorrow that Elaine offers in this number.
People ha very dang this and the performances were great. No one can touch the emotions this performance makes you feel.
nope, not. even. ONCE!
Yes! Her emotion as well as her beautiful voice makes her the best one who ever sang this song. Every time she sings that line, makes me cry... but in a good way.
It’s stunning
Yes she is the best.
It makes me happy to see that The Cats Movie Hate didn't completely overshadow the original musical.
Why would it? We all know deep down that the original is a masterpiece.
@@Eva-cy6kc took the words out of my fingers
Actually the movie is starting to gain a big cult following, it's starting to be looked at as a family friendly rocky horror picture show
Basically, because the stage version slaps
If anything, it just sparked even more love for the musical.
Elaine Paige delivers this. But in her character as grizabella. You feel every emotion grizabella feels . Especially the “touch me” gives me the chills , and it makes me cry every time
3:37 kay but can we appreciate how that girl in the back sounds like an angel
Ik who is she?!
@@Grantico_ Jemima/Veerle Casteleyn
And looks like one. Wow!
Yes she does! Very Angelic.
3:23 “sunlight” is so smooth-
My boyfriend was watching the show when it came out his little baby cousin wasn’t paying that much attention to it until this song she just stood there and her little little mouth was open with wonder and aw
Me and my girlfriend felt the same way as his little baby cousin. Didn't have much of an idea what was going on, only enjoyed the music party before then.
@@bganonimouse2754 This was my first on stage production i was lucky enough to see on the LAST NIGHT in Providence RI..called PPAC. Last 3 seats in the last row balcony. Loved how the cats came out from lower seating and from around audience
A little baby would not understand the concept of aw. Either you where mistaken or this story is a fabrication
@@benhowz26 she not a baby baby we just call her a baby because she was the youngest cousin until her little sister was born
@@blackieandme3647 oh OK cool lol
My Mom and I saw this together in Las Vegas. Best time . Miss you Mommy.
I never tire of hearing Elaine singing this song.
Basically, every theater kid's favorite audition anthem
I think its for a couple of reasons 1- this is song that shows the vocal range of your actor/actress 2-unlike a bunch of songs it doesnt rely on an ensomble to give you a boost. Perfect for auditions
@@dmen7280 And it’s a damn good song
Memory, turn your face to the moonlight Let your memory leave you Open up, enter me If you find there, the meaning of what happiness is Then a new life will begin Memory, all alone in the moonlight I can smile at the old days I was beautiful then I remember the time I knew what happiness was Let the memory live again Burnt out ends of smokey days The stale, cold smell of morning The streetlamp dies, another night is over Another day is dawning Daylight, I must wait for the sunrise I must think of a new life And I mustn't give in When the dawn comes, tonight will be a memory too And a new day will begin Sunlight through the trees in summer Endless masquerading Like a flower, as the dawn is breaking The memory is fading Touch me, it's so easy to leave me All alone with the memory Of my days in the sun If you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is Look, a new day has begun
Bless you for the lyrics
*enter in
쌩유
that is my life first musical box next to my bed during bedtime alone.
Bravo!!!!
Lyrics: Memory Turn your face to the moonlight Let your memory lead you Open up, enter in If you find there the meaning of what happiness is Then a new life will begin Memory, all alone in the moonlight I can smile at the old days I was beautiful then I remember a time I knew what happiness was Let the memory live again Burnt out ends of smoky days The stale cold smell of morning A street lamp dies, another night is over Another day is dawning Daylight, I must wait for the sunrise I must think of a new life And I mustn't give in When the dawn comes tonight will be a memory too And a new day will begin JEMINA: Sunlight, through the trees in summer Endless masquerading GRIZABELLA AND JEMIMA: Like a flower as the dawn is breaking GRIZABELLA: The memory is fading Touch me, it's so easy to leave me All alone with the memory Of my days in the sun If you touch me you'll understand what happiness is Look, a new day has begun
This song brings a tear to my eyes
Thank you so much about the song lyrics
Thanks!
🤩😍😎👍
Everything about Cats makes it feel like it should’ve been a forgettable, weird, small play that never should have gained traction. Except for this song. This song carries the whole piece and brings it together. Beautiful
Rum tum tugger… and the magical mr. Mistoffelees. And the cats who sang about macavity
When Elaine reaches the crescendo of the song at 3:53, it takes you to another place..it takes your breath away. That is her genius.
I think its more Webber's song. She is good, but i had the same feeling as you with other performances, among which the 2019 movie, which i hold very dear
Anyone else literally incapable of watching this without crying? It's like it's got a direct line to my tear ducts.
Ok, glad I’m not alone. I’m bawling. Elaine Paige is magic
Indeed. The first time i saw it as very sensitive young child, it had me in tears. In my mid 30's, hardened by a troubled journey from childhood wrought with tragedy, and a career in the railways, left often incapable of expressing emotions properly, this number is one of the few things that still manages to break me down instantly after all these years. It is quite honestly one of, if not the most powerful pieces of theatre ever produced. Very close in it's company is Colm Wilkinson's astonishing performance of Bring Him Home, in Les Miserables.
This song and “Gus.” 😢😥😿
That’s hilarious
Always! It reaches in and grabs my soul
3:23 I LOVE her voice! Idk the name of the actress, but she has an amazing voice! And when it intertwined with Elaine's, perfect. ❤️
actress - Veerle Casteleyn, sings - Helen Massey
@@VladimirGerasimenko80 Thank you :)
@@VladimirGerasimenko80 Oh, had no idea there were separate actors and singers. What a divine voice she has, like crystal bells.
@@johanna006 They dubbed over Casteleyn because she had a thick accent. She had been brought on from the production in Antwerp for the West End production the year the video was shot. But having it pre-recorded for the production to get very clear vocals meant her accent was a lot more noticeable because of it. Both actresses sound similar, but Casteleyn sounds a little younger, so many people prefer her version as it fits the character more.
@@TakaComics sorry this is really late. But are they not singing live in this production? We had this on video as a kid and I've seen it thousands of times.
Elaine's version never fails to make me cry, what beauty and power.
Do you think Elan Paige realised hitting that one "memories" note she would single-handedly make musical history? P.S teared up a lil bit watching that lol
There are other artists who sing 'Memory' very well BUT, this remarkable piece of music belongs to Elaine Paige.
@@RobertDeMartin Truly. She mastered the proverbial "money note."
Yes I get chills listening to this song EVERY SINGLE TIME!!!
ALW may have written it, but let's be real: Elaine Page is the rightful owner of this song.
Elaine Paige ... NOT Elan Paige
Ms. Paige's facial expressions and physical movement add SOOOOO much more dimension to the video. From the moment of her singing the very first note everyone else was doomed . SHE IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.
This song, more than any other really gets to me. I have a hard time keeping back the tears. My late wife was a cat person and we had at least 10 cats over the 29 years we were married so I remember every cat we had to put to sleep, So it brings up many tearful good byes.
Such passion. You hear many copies of this song, both vocal and instrumental but the passion she sings it has never been duplicated.
I dedicate this song to my Cat “Tobi” who cross the rainbow bridge after 18 years together, I Miss her So Much...R.I.P. Baby Girl..!
RIP 💔🐾
May she rest in peace until the day of your reunion. My cat is waiting for me behind The Rainbow bridge too.
I'm sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace❤
for you, blessings. our Patches left after 17 good years with us. her photo is still on the wall 9 years later. now, we have loving Baxter. old saying: "bringing home a puppy is the first step on a long path to sorrow."
When I was a kid my Grandma had nice little light up decoration with fiber strands and a music box in the base and I loved the tune it played. She past away around 1994 or 95 and my aunts and mother let me have it. I would plug it in and listen to the tune and chill for quite a while. It wasn't until this version came out in 98 and I bought the VHS that I found out it this was the song the little wind up music box played. Been a fan ever since.
What a touching story!💗
you know a song is epic when it is in an old music box
Thats so awesome
7
6
I absolutely cannot get enough of this masterpiece. I get chills every time.
❤ 😍She wasn't just singing this, she was living it! We're all witnessing trauma and heartbreak on stage as she walks us through her past.
For anyone who missed the show while it was up, there are still clips from this performance available on KZhead full time. There's a KZhead channel called "Cats The Musical" and they have clips of most of this show's numbers there as well as from other productions. Enjoy!
Thx
I’m sitting here, just listened to and watched this incredible performance and bawling like a baby. This song hit me like a brick wall. I have memories of once being happy. Of once loving someone and being loved back by that someone. I once walked through life with my beloved wife, of 26 years. I once was a, “Hero Dad”, who’s kids would run to him, eager to be swooped up and lifted into daddy’s loving arms. I once had all of that. I have memories of being...happy once. But, my selfishness and opioids took all that away. I’m now despised by my once adoring wife, hated by my children and shunned by friends and family. I’ve hurt and disappointed anyone whom ever meant anything to me. Hell, I don’t blame them. I can’t stand myself. I’m no good to anyone anymore. Memories, yeah, I got memories. They eat at the core of my being. Life has little meaning to me anymore. Yeah, I got memories.
Hey man, I hope and pray that your life gets better. From what it sounds like you already acknowledge and regret what you've done to alienate your loved ones, and that's already a step in the right direction. I can't promise that things will be perfect or even okay, but I'm sending you care and well wishes all the way across the internet, one stranger to another.
So sorry to hear this. Me too. But I got sick & had to stop working before my career started, lost my relationship after 18 yrs, have been forced to live w my parents my whole life cause I can’t work, & now my beloved dad just died 7 months ago. I was the honors student & over achiever, now I’m stuck in my body & stuck. My meds have also caused me to gain weight so I’m no longer the attractive girl who could get most guy she wanted. I don’t even bother dating.
I can relate. It hurts when you've grown enough to know how much you hurt others. You always have the present; and the fact that you have memories of pain mean it's not quite as painful now. Hang in there.
Lose the opiates, keep the great memories, and rebuild.
@@moonglow630 I'm sorry for you
When I was little, I would “meow-sing” this song to my cat daisy, she died a long while ago, but she was the one who comforted me through nightmares and rough days, this song will always make me cry from how much I miss her, Rest in peace daisy, you wonderful little being
Nobody has ever sung and acted this out as Elaine Paige has. I can't watch it without shedding some tears. She puts all her emotion into this part. I'm 65 now and understand it better than in my younger days. Elaine is truly phenomenal.
Elaine's voice is like pure nectar.
Not only is she singing it perfectly she is also staying in character and acting.... this Hollywood is was real talent is!!!
My wife, daughter and I saw her perform this in 1998.....absolutely stunning...we were all weeping by the end of this song!
Soooo lucky!
I always enjoy seeing CATS when it comes to town -- it's so "different" from most musicals -- but MEMORY is why I'm really there. Elaine Page gives the definitive performance and every time I watch/listen, I cry...
I really grew to love this song more and more as I aged. The lyrics just really resonate with me.
This is my first time watching Cats The Musical and it literally gave me CHILLS. Elen Paige’s eyes-such STRONG EMOTIONS.
I recommend you to watch the clip where Elaine Paige sang "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" as tribute to Sir ALW. Enjoy the chill
no, this singing makes my nose relaxing inside and more air into the breaths
i don't know why wow.
The pure emotion on Elaine's face, it brings me to tears every time 🥺🥺
My parents had a CD with this song on it which I played endlessly as a kid, back then I thought it was just some Song about a Cat abandoned by their owners. Now that I am a parent myself I bought a music Box which plays part of this song, and whenever I turn it on, my Baby stops being a little madman and listens intently for a minute. I hope this beautiful melody will become just as much of a beloved childhood memory for her as it was for me.
I saw Cats on stage, it was fantastic! Never will forget it.❤
For anyone who hasn't had the privilege to see Cats at the theater they have not experienced the great feeling that overwhelms them. When 'Memory' is sung every cell in your body reacts and you sit in your seat frozen with awe. You have the feeling but don't realize till later that you had just witnessed and heard one of the greatest melodies in theater history.
Her ragged entrance, their mix of welcome and arrogance, all hearts transformed by this song to a beauty. As potent as ever.
Ah yes a theater fan as well
Wow! This "touch me" moment, always brings tiers in my eyes... Fantastic performance of a great song and musical.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written.!
Totally agree! Touches your very soul!
3:22 Jemima - (singing) Sunlight through the trees in summer. Endless masquerading.
Amira the sound of music
Amira. The sound of music
Willow
I just wanna cry my eyes out😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
My favourite musical theatre song... it's about so many things... life, death, growing older, the temporality of our existence, our legacy and facing what we leave behind one day, living in the present and embracing it for all its worth because one day it will all only be memories, being grateful for your life because you have the memories no matter how tragically your life may be now or or how tragically it may be ending, our human yearning for connection, the importance of loving one another and being there for people no matter how they live or have lived differently and not judging a book by its cover... there's just so many powerful life meanings in this song... It's truly a lot more than just a song about a lonely, sad cat...
I feel the same way as you do, and after watching it, it will make me feel blown away. Listening to the music, we all felt the meaning of life. As you said, Elaine Paige's singing in this performance has depth (About Elaine Paige, n.d.), and there are many qualities that a good musical needs to have. In terms of visuals, the stage set and the actors' costumes and props, and makeup all make a powerful impact. Even when viewed on a cell phone, this small performance can give us a powerful emotional connection. As a classic musical, "Cats" is one to be savored over and over again, transporting the audience to another dimension to forget about life's troubles. It's not just the music she sings, it's the way she blends herself with the character. The music breathes soul into the performance and one can feel the vibrancy of the characters. The musical actor's rendition injected soul into this music, making it resonate strongly with those of us watching the performance. There were no tears or pain in Elaine Paige's performance, but the pain of the characters could still be clearly felt. This is probably the interpretation that touches the heart of the audience.
I can see why the most replayed part is from 3:11 onwards! Simply stunning music, acting and singing from Elaine Paige and Helen Massey.
Was privileged to see CATS back in the 90s! Fantastic. Love Elaine Paige. No one can sing this song like she does ❤️❤️
Nice one Andrew. The most iconic song in Cats. Thx!
I can’t help thinking “It looks like she’s crying, but she isn’t.”
Tom Hooper, unfortunately, did not take notes 😔
Watch carefully at the 4:18 mark and notice the tears starting to well up just behind her lower eyelids. She is acting along with singing. She is feeling what the character is feeling. That is what any great actor or singer needs to do to make the performance real. Feel the emotions that are supposed to be there and project them into the performance. That is why certain performers seem wooden. Their heart just isn't into what the are singing or acting.
@@treywest268 its also really visible at 4:30 her tears literally give off a little sparkle with the stage lights. such an amazing performance
Eyy, same
Glad I'm not the only one who knows sideways
Her role makes me cry. Even in modern times we see cats in real life that have been abused, are alone, will die without help, and worse than all that, are unwanteds. They desperately cry out for help but in many cases are too afraid to accept it until some kind-hearted soul gets them to a vet for either a forever home or euthanization (a peaceful death to soothe the pain forever).
I always choke up when I watch this. The emotion Elaine Paige conveys is so heart wrenching.
I get chills every time she jumps up! 😍🥺😭
the girl that joins in singing, Veerle Casteleyn, is BEAUTIFUL.
Yes she is gorgeous
All these years I thought it was a young Sarah brightman…whoever it is comes close to stealing the show for 7 seconds. Has her identity been confirmed?
How does she do it? A combat veteran who has seen things no man should see, done things no man should do, and gone places only a fool would venture; still when I hear Elaine Paige sing this song, I am reduced to an inconsolable tear soaked wretch! She is pure magic, and I love her in all she does.
Sensational performance, she might have sung this countless times but it is soul-touching like she does it.. Mrs. Paige you are the one!
I was like 3 years old. Maybe younger, when I watched this musical. I remember Mom having it on her little tube TV at her apartment.
the face she makes when victoria finally touches her.... i got chills
I never noticed before; but at 3:19 the spotlight at that angle, lined up with the moon, is shining down on her. Brilliant!
the first time I saw this musical live, I had no idea about the climax. IT brought me to tears, so unexpected and moving. I love this song. I had no idea a play about cat clans would have me tearing up, but I love story telling. Elaine paige does an incredible job!!
My cat was homeless for a while before she was put into a shelter. When I adopted her, it took me nearly 4 years for her to finally trust me with picking her up. Not a huge fan of the musical but my cat's getting old now and this song makes me feel ways I didn't think I could
Only two words needed for this performance. A masterpiece.
I watch it every night with subtitles,magic, but anything of Andrew Webber is brilliant. I am deaf, but her emotion is life living. Pure music for the soul . Leo salonga is brill too,
I admit that Cats is not my favorite musical but THIS SONG. My god, this song brings me tears every time. And Elaine just nails it. The emotion and pain in her voice, instant tears.
I used to rent this vhs tape nonstop at my local library as a kid 😂 so much they just gave it to me. I was hypnotized seeing this play live as a kid. Just amazing.
What a super story - I was lucky enough to see EVERY West End performance of EP - by far the best was Chess closely followed by Sunset Boulevard - where my I and my girlfriend at the time - now my wife - met her backstage
So they really let you keep it?😹📼
@@FredJensen4745 lol I think they felt I wasn’t going to give it back willingly 😂 late 90s was a great time to be a kid growing up. “Oh you like this tape, here keep it!”
@@nelsonclub7722 that’s amazing! I only saw it when I was a kid but it was amazing. Lucky I had a dad that enjoyed taking his family to see plays!
@@erinburkhart22 Good dad to have had!!! Stay safe
I always heard this song without watching the musical first, so I never actually got the whole meaning of the song... But after seeing the musical during the weekend, it was sublime when I heard the song, tears fell out of my eyes because it had a whole new meaning after I understood why Grizabella felt that way.
Still listening so many years later. When she begins with that first memory it brings me to tears already. I know it’s about Cats but know that many can relate on a personal level. We all smile at the old days when we felt most beautiful and alive and as time goes on, life hits you and it feels like happiness just starts to fade…We’re too easy to love and leave, burnt out and exhausted we hope for new dawn to change things. Exquisite!! ❤❤❤❤❤
While there are other singers who sang this part with greater range, more power and so on, no one, no one, has come close to Elaine's performance here. That's what makes this so spectacular, she doesn't just belt the entire thing out hoping her voice will carry her performance, she imbues the vocals with an emotion and understanding of the character that the others lacked, it's a performance, not just a song. Outstanding.
My favourite songs in musicals are ones like this, where a character is in complete despair, and it's reflected through the power and voice of the actor. It's beautiful, and I love them
Micheal in the bathroom?
3:22…this girl’s voice is so smooth and pure I keep rewinding just to hear it again.
I would like to know her (human) name.
Veerle Casteleyn.
So beautiful
She isnt songing it shes mimeing😂@@powernoodle1224
I am always brought to tears when I hear this and my memories come flooding back.
omfg! why did i watch this.. again? as soon a she belts out ' touch me.. ' I'm a sobbing, shaking, almost hysterical mess strangling my own cats and telling them they are loved.
Elaine Paige is the best Grizabella. I'm glad they cast her for the 1998 video.
I have never watched Cats, and I really don't have any interest in watching it, but this song, and this version in particular are so POWERFUL... the voice is of course beautiful, but the voice acting in it is EXTRAORDINARY, you can hear the regret, the mourning for a lost past, and the weight of all her years in that song... AWESOME.
Give the musical a watch. You never know. You may enjoy it.
I've always known the melody to this song, but I'm just now learning the words, and the fact that it's from Cats. Wow!
Never seen CATS and it has always been a dream of mine and with my daughter having dance and drama as subjects at school, it has been an absolute honor to watch the performance. It was IMPECCABLE !!!! Thank You Sir Webber for the unforgettable experience and opportunity from South Africa
I have never seen cats.
Incomparable!! Is this your favorite song?
Her voices, her acts make me cry so hard every single time when I see or listen her version of Grizabella 😭😭
Thank goodness I'm not the only one!
I saw this cast do this live and thought it was better than anything I ever saw. This song gets me every time, even more so now that I am coming to the end of my days. I find it extremely sad, yet very comforting. This would be my favorite 'Elane Page' performance.
Me too!
God I remember seeing this as a kid. On my primary school trip to London. We saw Cats and starlight express. She was incredible and I just remember my whole body got goosebumps. This song was my favourite….. I was only young but it gave me the feels.
One of my favorite jokes.... ☹️"I went to Broadway, and tried out for Cats, but I wasn't picked." 🤨"Why not?" 😏"I forgot the words to Memory." Seriously, I'm moved to tears every time I watch this performance. We've ALL had this moment in our lives. If you haven't yet, just wait. Your turn will come someday.
@@carol-ann-rosicki3244 It was a joke, lol,
This scene. made my heart break.
Elaine is a national treasure, and an absolutely astounding singer and performer.
The queen, Elaine Paige!
Queen of Musicals! We forget but these shows are modern operas and these talents could just as well be opera singers! Luckily for us we get to hear beautiful music at theatre prices since Operas l hear now in London are upwards of £4/500 a seat. I can't say for sure as l am abroad and haven't been to the Opera for years but the tickets weren't cheap then either.
Look at her eyes as she sings, the emotion really reaches them. She's amazing.