Showtime Sunday: Compare versions of “Could I Leave You?” from the Sondheim musical “Follies”

Could I Leave You? is a song written by Stephen Sondheim for the 1971 musical Follies for the character Phyllis who sings to her husband about how apathetic she is to her marriage, yet she decides to stay.

When I came across a video of two-time Tony Award winner Donna Murphy performing the song,I became obsessed with the song – and her.

It’s simply brilliant storytelling and she managed to deliver a stupendous performance during an all-star concert celebrating Stephen Sondheim’s 80th birthday while sharing the stage with the likes of Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, Audra McDonald and the late, great Elaine Stritch.

I think Murphy’s performance is the standard – never seen one better – but there are other solid efforts that I share with you below. I’m especially surprised at Sally Kellerman’s rendition which is sensational.

Enjoy!