Search - The Best of Broadway Musicals - Original Cast Performances from The Ed Sullivan Show on DVD

Invaluable

G. Reddick | Brooklyn, NY United States | 10/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pretty much without exception, the original cast performances in Broadway musicals are matchless. However, the ephemeral nature of theatre makes it impossible to relive these performances over and over as we do with film, and often Hollywood translations missed out by hiring "bankable" Hollywood names. How lucky that Ed Sullivan led the way in featuring many of the original Broadway greats on his show. Of course, there are MANY more of these segments which I'd like to see make their way to DVD, but the segments presented here are superlative. The running list follows... Almost every one presents a Broadway star who was replaced with an inferior (and dubbed) Hollywood name in the film adaptation.

1.ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (1966)
"There's No Business Like Show Business" - Ethel Merman

2.OKLAHOMA! (1955)
"Oklahoma!" - John Raitt, Celeste Holm, Florence Henderson & Barbara Cook
"I Cain't Say No" - Celeste Holm

3.FLOWER DRUM SONG (1958)
"I Enjoy Being a Girl" - Pat Suzuki

4.GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1959)
"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" - Carol Channing

5.MY FAIR LADY (1961)
"Wouldn't It Be Loverly" - Julie Andrews

5.WEST SIDE STORY ( 1961)
"Tonight" - Carol Lawrence and Larry Kert

6.CAMELOT ( 1961)
"What Do the Simple Folk Do?" - Julie Andrews and Richard Burton

7.THE ROAR OF THE GREASEPAINT, THE SMELL OF THE CROWD (1965)
"Who Can I Turn To?" - Anthony Newley

8.MAN OF LA MANCHA ( 1966)
"The Impossible Dream" - Richard Kiley

9.SWEET CHARITY (1966)
"I'm A Brass Band" - Gwen Verdon

10.HELLO, DOLLY! ( 1967)
"Before the Parade Passes By" - Pearl Bailey
"

A Great Trip Down Memory Lane

Rube Kaplan | Palm Springs via NYC | 11/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have a real love for the history of musical theatre, this DVD is a must for your collection. There are several highlights that are simply joyous. The Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence "Tonight" duet is heart rendering and a treat for the ears! This alone is worth the price of this DVD. But, add to that the young and beautiful Julie Andrews in her prime as she delivers the quintessential version of "Lovely". And, you will understand why so many raved about Pearl Bailey in "Hello Dolly". When she sings "Before the Parade Passes By", she does not merely sing the music, she also sings the lyrics and this is something Carol Channing never really did. The great Gwen Verdon singing and dancing as only she could from "Sweet Charity", the magnificent voice of Richard Kiley delivering the ultimate version of "The Impossible Dream" and vibrant Pat Suzuki belting out "I Enjoy Being A Girl" make this a special treat. Add to that Celeste Holm's "I Can't Say No" (nobody does it better) and the sight of the legendary Barbara Cook as part of the group (John Raitt, Florence Henderson, Celeste Holm) singing a rousing version of "Oklahoma" and you have one great DVD. The only song that does not come across well is Carol Channing singing a rather forced version of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend". But why quibble. Buy this infectious delight!"