The cast spotlights both American and English marquee talent, including both familiar musical troupers and dramatic actors who have proven themselves game, if untutored, singers. Jonathan Pryce (Brazil), who proved himself a latter-day Rex Harrison through 1980s stage hits, is perhaps the most ubiquitous, reprising his turns from Miss Saigon and in Harrison's signature musical role, Dr Henry Higgins, from My Fair Lady (inevitably a set-up for Andrews' arrival onstage). Judi Dench (Mrs Brown) provides one of the dramatic high points in a devastating reading of "Send in the Clowns," from Mackintosh's production of Side by Side by Sondheim. Sondheim himself pops up, as does one of his favourite leading ladies, Bernadette Peters, who basks, as always, in the spotlight and repays the adulation with several of the show's best moments. --Sam Sutherland

I actually bought this video because I'm a huge fan of Maria Friedman. Despite having listened to recordings of the various shows she has been in, I have never actually seen her onstage. I was definitely not disappointed. Friedman gave an inspiring performance of 'How many tears' from Martin Guerre (she has such an expressive face!), and was a member of the 'Side by Side by Sondheim' troupe singing 'You could drive a person crazy' from Sondheim's Company (alongside Millicent Martin, Lea Salonga and Ruthie Henshall - leaves you with a grin!). It was also very special to see Maria with other greats such as Bernadette Peters and Julia McKenzie give a colourful rendition of 'Broadway Baby'.

Other highlights of the show included Michael Ball's 'Losing My Mind' from Follies, and Bernadette Peter's 'You Gotta have a Gimmick' from Gypsy (also performed with Ruthie Henshall and Julia McKenzie, but Peter's definitely stole the show with her trumpet!). The Les Miserables section of the show was outstanding and it was great to see Jonathon Pryce singing a few numbers too. Of course, these are my favourite bits, but I think anyone's taste in musical theatre will be satisfied here. There are excerpts and songs from 26 shows and I was delighted to see 'Nicer in Nice' from The Boyfriend and Cameron MacIntosh himself singing a bit from Salad Days!
Most reviews concentrate on the performers, but I'd like to say that the setting of the orchestra at the back of the stage worked very well, although I have no idea how the performers and orchestra managed to keep perfectly in time with no conductor!

All in all, a great buy and a guaranteed good night's entertainment!


Hey, Mr Producer! You've done it again!   August 3, 2002
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

The best compilation of Musical Theatre the world has ever seen, no doubt. And such a treat, too. Cameron Mackintosh re-stages some of the best musicals around, all of which he has been producing throughout his lifetime, presented by the best array of talent that anyone could wish to see on a single stage! With artists such as Maria Friedman singing a beautiful Martin Guerre song 'How many Tears' , Michael Ball, Bernadette Peters, jazz singer Marion Montgomery... the list goes on and on...quite literally!

The production was a proper theatrical event and staging was immaculatly re-created from its original productions. It's just great to see how many fantastic shows Mr. Mackintosh has actually produced and it is fantastic to just sit back and watch a whole variety of different shows, old and new. Talent couldn't be better; the quality is outstanding. Absolutly no artistic faults.
I only wish it was staged during the London run of The Witches of Eastwick - but you can't have everything!

This is a MUST in any musical library or any household of musical lovers. An entertainment gem!


A MUST HAVE!!   November 28, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

An absolute must have for anyone who likes Musical Theatre. A compilation of so many excellent shows with top performances. Be prepared to be stunned by Send In the Clowns. My copy will soon be worn out - waiting for the DVD!


Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!   November 25, 2001
A must for any Cameron Mackintosh, or indeed, any musical fans. My dad and I watched this from start to finish, listening to the casts belting out each number. An absolute gem of a video that can't be missed!