"Mama"

Having ENTIRELY too much time on my hands, I randomly decided to compare Mama Roses, from "Gypsy", singing "Rose's Turn".  (It's a fave).  Who was the best?  This is an impossible choice, given that the greatest names of stage and screen have played the role.  And yet.  

Here is my completely, utterly subjective take on the matter.

Patti LuPone -- My number one.  At its core, this song isn't just a song, it is an expression of some pretty powerful emotions.  Patty LuPone milks that for every inch, showing a vulnerability that is not typical of this powerful, complex woman.  Rage, grief, everything, it's just out there, bleeding onto the floor.  The song doesn't end on a note, it ends in a scream.  Brava.

Tyne Daly -- With a very different take, Tyne Daly comes in at my #2.  With moves that prove she could have been the star if things had been different she starts out with sheer fury then makes a discovery ... and pivots.  During the song.  You can't take your eyes off her.

Imelda Staunton -- Hard to say what it is with this performance from an actress who typically plays much more sedate roles.  You can't put your finger on it but it's a bubbling mix of emotions which explode halfway through the song.  

Rosalind Russell -- It's Rosalind Russell!  One of the people I want to be when I grow up.  She just has to be on the list.  The vulnerability isn't really there but she pretty much chews up the scenery in every scene she's in.  There's a reason she was chosen for this film role.

Bernadette Peters -- Let's face it, Ms. Peters hits every note with precision, grace and talent.  It makes it watchable.  But the recording I saw didn't have the depth of the other performances.

Bette Midler -- Who doesn't love the Divine Miss M???  Her performance is delightful camp.  It's entertaining.  But that's it.  

Chris Colfer -- Honorable Mention.  This wasn't your typical performance but the emotional notes were there in spades.  Infinitely memorable.  Bravo.