Thursday, February 7, 2008

My Favorite Broadway - The Leading Ladies



Should be entitled "Some Leading Ladies...",

February 25, 2000
By James V. Mcfarland (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
I have to begin by stating that I really enjoy this DVD, and watch it far more than I thought I would. Jennifer Holliday literally brings down the house with her classic rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from "Dreamgirls"; Linda Eder shines on "Man of La Mancha" and contrary to other opinions Elaine Strich gives the definitive "Ladies Who Lunch" from "Company." The best performance came from an unexpected quarter (at least to me) Dorothy Loudon's "Fifty-Percent" from "Ballroom." She is heartbreaking, and moves me to tears every time. The downside is there are no real Broadway Divas...where is Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, Betty Buckley, or (even if she is more West End than Broadway) Elaine Paige? And as much as I love Liza Minnelli, she steamrolls through "Some People" from Gypsy to detrimental effect. To end on a positive note, if you love Broadway and the women who entertain us, this is definately worth your while.

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