OK, so this isn't remotely as funny as Baltar's post below on Alexander (or, of course, his infamous review of Troy), so go read those first, but once you've done that, for those of you who are looking for an encouraging word or two about a possible dvd rental, I humbly submit the following ...
This is a filmed recording of a stage show from February 2000 – a show in which over 30 Stephen Sondheim songs from a host of musicals were strung together. There are several songs from Merrily We Roll Along, Follies, Company and Dick Tracy, along with one or two from many of the other musicals he has written. It mostly lacks a plot, but the small star-studded cast puts on some highly entertaining and compelling numbers, and if you are into Sondheim or musicals I strongly recommend this dvd.
Without question, the star of this production is Carol Burnett. She does a superb job with songs you might not associate with her, like the ennui- riddled and insult-filled “The Ladies Who Lunch” from Company and the deeply sad and resigned “Every Day a Little Death” from A Little Night Music. And of course she shines in the moments when we she gets to play up her comic genius - for example, with the hysterical fear and desperation of “Not Getting Married Today” from Company and the mocking bite of “Lovely” from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. There are also several larger numbers featuring all of the actors in this production that are done very well (I particularly liked those from Merrily We Roll Along). Aside from Burnett, my favorite member of the cast was John Barrowman. He shines in a number of pieces, including a lovely duet from Assassins, and his rendition of “Marry Me a Little” from Company is sublime.
Posted by armand at September 17, 2005 11:20 AM | TrackBack | Posted to Movies