- Actors: Julie Andrews, Russ Abbot, Michael Ball, John Barrowman, Peter Bayliss
- Directors: Gavin Taylor
- Writers: Cameron Mackintosh, Julia McKenzie
- Producers: Ian Martin, Paul Kafno
- Classification: Exempt
- Studio: Vci
- VHS Release Date: 9 Nov 1998
- Run Time: 164 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00004CXPH
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 4,582 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Subtitled The Musical World of Cameron Mackintosh, this video compilation is an unapologetic, self-produced valentine by and for Mackintosh, England's most omnipresent theatrical impresario. Conceived and taped as a royal gala for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the production sprints smartly across Mackintosh's long list of hit musicals and revivals including Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, and Oliver! with a huge principal cast, choruses and dancers, and full orchestra, introduced by Julie Andrews. While no substitute for any of the individual shows represented, Hey Mr Producer! offers a fast-paced revue aimed at both casual theatre fans and devotees of both New York's Broadway and London's West End.
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
Product Description
The Royal Gala Performance. The world's greatest concert of musicals. The musical world of Cameron Mackintosh.
Over 200 artists performing songs, from 26 shows in one breathtaking performance.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
If you enjoy the Royal Variety Performances of past and present, then I would urge you to buy this. It's the only chance you'll get to see such an array of talent from the US and UK onstage together singing the music of Sondheim, Lloyd-Webber, Boubil and Schonnberg amongst others. This gala performance celebrating Cameron MacIntosh's work was introduced by Julie Andrews, who appropriately appeared onstage just after the 'My Fair Lady' segment.
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!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
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!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
This show brings together the very best of talent in the world of musical theatre. Every artist gives a first class performance. In my opinion, this show not only celebrates the genius of Cameron Mackintosh, but that of Lloyd Webber, Sondheim and all the great writers and performers who have set a new standard in musicals in the later half of the last century. This video is a must have for all musical fans.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Musical Perfection
This assembly of musical talent is beyond words for those who love it and those who are learning it is a great starting point. Read more
Published on 1 July 2004 by "kate4281"
A MUST HAVE!!
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. Read more
Published on 28 Nov 2001
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!
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. Read more
Published on 25 Nov 2001 by "jaime84"
You'll be in musical heaven...
This video is full of all the greatest musicals on stage ever. It's not to be missed...
Published on 7 Mar 2000 by Henriette
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