Jekyll & Hyde - The Musical (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm suspecting that there are two types of people who are approaching this DVD, a filmed version of the stage production of "Jekyll & Hyde". One, someone familiar with the show--perhaps saw it and liked it or has the soundtrack--and wants to check out this variation. Or two, someone discovering it anew. It tempts me to write two reviews because while I love "Jekyll & Hyde", it's slightly unfortunate that this is the production most people will get a chance to judge.
So let me preface this by saying that I really am a fan of this show. Some people consider "Jekyll" sort of a "Phantom-lite". I, myself, have never been the biggest supporter of "Phantom of the Opera". It's fine, full of bombast, but hardly the revolutionary experience that people give it credit for. "Jekyll" does play to similar themes, but has a stronger overall soundtrack. Instead of a couple of showstoppers like "Phantom", "Jekyll" is filled with memorable power ballads. Not the most complicated show musically, it is very accessible. And when you have great singers, these simpler and emotionally charged songs become pop opera and quite moving.
So, without hesitation, I recommend the original Broadway Cast recording!!! Robert Cuccioli, Linda Eder and Christiane Noll are superb. You couldn't hope for better.
But here's the problem with this DVD, it's not this great cast--NO, the star is David Hasselhoff. So you see my problem, don't you? Look, I'm not going to be unkind--it's an easy target. Let's just say this. If you're a fan of the show, he doesn't completely ruin it. And it's not like there are any other versions to add to your collections. If you are new to the show, I'm still recommending it provisionally. I wish there were another option. If you like the show, though--and I think you will--please rush over and buy the 1997 Cast recording. Treat yourself to how "Jekyll & Hyde" should really sound.KGHarris, 10/06.

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The longest-running show in the history of Broadway's Plymouth Theatre, Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical brings new life to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story of romance and the epic battle between good and evil. A whirlwind odyssey pitting man against himself is set in motion when the brilliant Dr. Jekyll's medical experiment backfires, giving life to his evil alter ego, Edward Hyde. The show won a legion of repeat visitors (dubbed by the press as "Jekkies") and spawned hit songs on the pop charts with "Someone Like You" and "This Is the Moment."

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Kiss Me Kate (Broadway Revival - PBS Great Performances) (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)`Kiss Me Kate', Winner of 5 Tony Awards, 6 Drama Desk Awards and 4 Outer Critics Awards including Best Musical Revival, is a wonderful production with breathtaking performances from a stellar cast including Brent Barrett and Rachel York. What I want to clear up is the criticism of the DVD. I have to disagree with everything negative said - the sound is fine and a pleasant balance of orchestra and vocal with a crisp clarity.
Secondly, the DVD is widescreen and captures a lot of the onstage `business'. Indeed the cameras do follow the main action, but never misses anything. It has been filmed by people who both appreciate the performance, the art and the intention of Michael Blakemore. Since he directed it and then adapted `Kiss Me Kate' for television, surely he of all people knows what needs to be filmed?
Always, the performance has an `on stage' feel and I urge you to ignore the exaggerated views of others here. Sound is good, video is good, DVD menu is good and I guarantee that you'll be as enthusiastic about the DVD as I was today after watching it. Maybe the others need to appreciate that this is a stage `adaptation' as stated on the DVD case.

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The first Broadway revival in nearly 50 years of the musical comedymasterpiece by composer Cole Porter and book writers Sam and Bella Spewack not onlyenchanted critics and delighted audiences, but went on to triumph as one of the biggestprize winners of the 2000 season. Taking its inspiration from Shakespeare, this hilarious romp recounts the backstage and on-stage antics of two feuding romances during an out-of-town tryout for a musical adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew. Sparkling with 18 classic Cole Porter songs including "Another Op'nin', Another Show," "Wunderbar," "So in Love," "Always True to You in My Fashion," "Too Darn Hot," and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" this is Broadway musical comedy at its irresistible best. Directed by Michael Blakemore, this Tony winner for "Best Revival" stars Brent Barrett, Rachel York (Victor/Victoria), Nancy Anderson and Michael Berresse as the squabbling couples whose offstage disputes entangle them with a pair of song-and-dance gangsters and a pompous U.S. army general.

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Broadway's Best at Pops (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Boston Pops Orchestra under such legendary conductors as Arthur Fiedler, John Williams, and Keith Lockhart is an American musical icon. Now WGBH Boston Video has produced a DVD edition of "Broadway's Best At Pops" showcasing memorable moments enhanced with candid interviews with renowned conductors and Broadway personalities drawn from some 35 years of public television musical history. "Broadway's Best At Pops" features such luminaries as Ethel Merman, Ray Bolger, Kristin Chenoweth, Pearl Baily, Bonnie and John Raitt, Bernadette Peters, Tommy Tune, Carol Channing, Gregory Hines, and dozens of others. Superbly recorded, the DVD format of "Broadway's Best At Pops" has such bonus features as an additional twenty-five minutes of interviews with John Williams, Michael Feinstein, Barbara Cook, and others; printable selections from original Boston Pops Orchestra concert programs, and extended performances not seen on the original television program because of on-air time constraints. with a complete running time of 76 minutes (plus the extra 25 minutes of additional bonus footage), "Broadway's Best At Pops" is a very highly recommended addition to community library DVD collections and a 'must' for the family collections of Boston Pops Orchestra enthusiasts and fans.

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Item Name: Broadway's Best at Pops; Studio:WGBH Boston

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Peter Pan (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have seen Mary Martin in the 60's video and Sandy Duncan live as Peter but when I saw Cathy Rigby live as Peter I discovered she was the best! Now this contemporary version of the musical is captured for all time in beautiful color and stereo sound. (Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound on DVD)
The Tony Award nominee and Olympic gymnast plays the role of Peter with an English accent and "boyish" ways that are just delightful. Miss Rigby's rich trained singing voice will definitely surprise you. Paul Schoeffler's shenanigans as Captain Hook is hilarious. The singing and dancing the pirates and Indians do is just awesome! Watching the extended dancing in the "Ugh-A-Wug" song was breathtaking. There's even an added scene not in the 60's version. And, of course, the flying is out of this world!

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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)Ever since I saw this show on stage in LA about ten years ago, I've been dying to have a copy I could watch over and over and over... Well, that day has come. I saw the video version on a recent trip to London-- and am sold on it's value. The cast is amazing, lead by Donny Osmond's unflappable vocal ability. Unlike the cats video, no songs have been cut out, and no songs have been shortened, with the possible exception of the Joseph Megamix, which has been revamped to serve as an end credit theme. The sets have been built as immersive environments, not a filmed version of the stage show. Also of note-- a preview before the show of the new production of Jesus Christ Superstar set to come to video this Easter!

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JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DR - DVD Movie

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Broadway's Lost Treasures (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)We should be thankful for what we get on this DVD, so by all means, get it. By doing so, hopefully you'll encourage similar Broadway DVDs to be released in the future. (By the way, also consider getting "The Best of Broadway Musicals: Original Cast Performances from the Ed Sullivan Show," which captures some great 1950s-1960s performances.)
However, I have to agree with those who say this set is lopsided, even considering that the producers didn't have the rights to release other footage from the Tonys.
The saddest thing about some of the footage is that, while it claims to capture "sung" performances, in fact a few of the numbers are lip-synched. These include two of the numbers that I was most looking forward to seeing: Angela Lansbury in Sweeney Todd and Robert Preston in The Music Man. While it's great to see these performers in action, the lip-synching makes it an artificial experience.
But enough caveats. These aside, there's still plenty to enjoy.
The great John Raitt sings a definitive "Hey There" from The Pajama Game a couple of decades after its original run. He sounds just as exciting as ever. The song is shortened, but again, let's be thankful for what we have. And there's also a scene from 42nd Street with pre-"Law and Order" Jerry Orbach singing his heart out.
Some of the most enjoyable segments are in the DVD's "bonus extras" section. For example, in what seems the oldest segment on the DVD, the utterly charming Barbara Harris performs a number from The Apple Tree, a 1960s musical that is now essentially forgotten by all but fervent show fans. And to watch those ever-young old troopers Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller singing and dancing in Sugar Babies is a joy.
So, tap your way to Amazon's checkout and get this DVD in your hands ASAP!

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Joel Grey, Carol Channing, John Raitt, Patti LuPone, Yul Brynner, Zero Mostel--these greats are among the original-cast performers featured in this unique filmed compendium of Broadway showstoppers. Seen only once in their original Tony Award® telecasts (1967–1986), these 22 knock-out performances come with new introductions by some of the featured performers, including Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, and Chita Rivera. BONUS: Both DVD and VHS formats feature five extra performances not seen on PBS!
Program includes: BROADWAY DIVAS Vivian Blaine, "Adelaide's Lament," Guys and Dolls Patti LuPone, "A New Argentina," Evita Angela Lansbury, "Worst Pies in London," Sweeney Todd Carol Channing, "Before the Parade Passes By," Hello, Dolly! Julie Andrews, "Send in the Clowns," A Little Night Music
LEADING MEN Zero Mostel, "If I Were a Rich Man," Fiddler on the Roof Yul Brynner, "Shall We Dance," The King and I John Raitt, "Hey There," The Pajama Game Robert Preston, "Trouble," The Music Man Paul Lynde, "Kids," Bye Bye Birdie
DANCIN' Joel Grey, "Willkommen," Cabaret Tommy Tune, Twiggy, "Chasin' the Clouds Away," My One and Only Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, "All That Jazz," "Nowadays," Chicago Jerry Orbach, "Lullaby of Broadway," 42nd Street
RECORD BREAKERS Andrea McArdle, cast, "Tomorrow," Annie Cast, "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile," Annie Betty Buckley and cast, "Jellicle Songs," "Memory," Cats
BONUS PERFORMANCES! Both DVD and VHS formats include five additional performances not seen on the PBS pledge-special broadcasts. Ann Miller, Mickey Rooney, "McHugh Medley," Sugar Babies Patti LuPone, "Buenos Aires," Evita Barbara Harris, "Movie Star Gorgeous," The Apple Tree Bonnie Franklin, "Applause," Applause Dorothy Loudon and cast, "Easy Street," "Tomorrow" (reprise), Annie

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