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Victor/Victoria (1995 Broadway Production)

Victor/Victoria (1995 Broadway Production)

List Price: $19.99
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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: GOOD, FUNNY AND SOLID SHOW
Review: This is a highly underrated musical that I still don't understand why it got such bad reviews when it played on Broadway. Although, having seen it live on Broadway, I have to admit that it works better on video than on the stage.

The music is good and the often clever and funny lyrics help advance the story smoothly. The book is good and the characters are well constructed. Most of the acting is good, particularly Rachel York as Norma Cassidy, and Tony Roberts as Toddy. I can't say the same about Michael Nouri who mostly phones his lines in, and Julie Andrews who is basically playing Julie Andrews (particularly when she sings she goes completely out of character) But hey, it's Julie Andrews she can get away with it. The sets, costumes, and choreography are merely okay.

I wish this show had been sexier and sleazier, a lá Cabaret, but in general is a good, funny and solid show, and above all it might become the last record of Julie Andrews' singing career.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Beautiful DVD
Review: This is one beautiful looking DVD. Sound and film quality are excellent. It's nice to see Julie Andrews back on stage where she belongs, but look out for a very funny and talented Rachel York who almost steals the show. Overall a very good and fun night at the theater.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A "Must Have" for Julie Andrews Fans
Review: This video of the stage production of "Victor/Victoria" preserves what is likely to be the last Broadway performance of a living legend of the musical theater - Julie Andrews. Complications from vocal chord surgery performed not long after Dame Andrews left this production damaged her singing voice, probably permanently. The opportunity to see her in this historic Broadway performance should therefore not be missed by any of her fans.

The show isn't perfect. It gets off to a bit of a slow start with a moody opening number, "Paris By Night," then it takes a while for the story to unfold. There is a bit more exposition than is necessary, and the show really doesn't get into full swing until Julie and company's notable "Le Jazz Hot." From that point on, however, "Victor/Victoria" accelerates, and the laughs come quickly and often.

The energy boost is thanks in large part to the comic genius of Drama Desk Award Winner Rachel York as the dizzy blond gangster moll, Norma Cassidy. She takes the Oscar-winning role created in the 1982 movie version by Lesley Ann Warren and makes it her own. She finds the vulnerable core underneath the crass exterior and turns Norma into a lovable lunatic. Her timing is perfection, and the unexpected little twists in her delivery and physicality delight at every turn. She almost steals the show, but not quite. What she does accomplish, however, is to give Ms. Andrews a venerable foil. When the two of them are onstage together, the chemistry is electric. They have a tango toward the end of the first act that is one of the funniest pieces of choreography ever staged.

All the dance numbers are stellar, in fact. Credit goes to Rob Marshall, who has now become famous for his direction of the Academy Award winning movie adaptation of "Chicago." Every bit of choreography sizzles as the audience watches and wonders just which dancers are men and which are women.

While Michael Nouri as Victor/Victoria's love interest, King Marchand, may be considered the weak link in this cast (he just doesn't have the befuddled charisma that James Garner had in the movie), he sings and acts well enough to carry his share of the load. Tony Roberts is wonderfully droll as Victor's gay mentor, Toddy, and Greg Jbara is quite likeable as King's bodyguard, Squash. He offers up more than one surprise during the course of the evening.

By the time the last laugh is had, the audience is on its feet cheering for a landmark performance by one of the musical theater's all time greats. This reviewer has to agree with Ms. Andrews' own comments about Victor/Victoria. The entire show, and in particular cast member Rachel York, were egregiously overlooked by the Tony's.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Dame Julie - STAR
Review: To the point - Not a lot of musical will make it form film to stage or visa versa. But Victor Victoria made it on film and on stage. I don't travel as much nowadays but for this show I flew to Broadway to see it and it was worth it. I am glad it's on DVD now and the production is so good, the camera angles is done so well that you can see all the things you missed the first time round. Only Julie can do this part so well.Great book from Blake Edwards,wonderful lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and great songs by Henry Mancini.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: VICTOR-IOUS!
Review: Undoubteby one of the best from "Broadway to your home theatre" experiences EVER -- bar none. Even though the sound suffers, the vocal, visual and "you are there" experience does not suffer. THANK YOU, Ms. Andrews for allowing us to own this. If you, the customer, are having any doubts about purchasing it, do yourself a favor and GET IT! You will not be disappointed. It is among my top 10 favorites of all time.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Bravo / Brava!
Review: Unlike some people, I've adored this show on stage with both Julie and Liza (I didn't see Rachel Welch) This transfer looks and sounds superb, thanks to High Definition videotape

A MUST HAVE for any lover of musicals ... The score, sets, costumes, and cast are all outstanding

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: There's Two Good Words About It: Julie Andrews.
Review: Victor/Victoria could have been the worst musical ever...if not for the wonderful Julie Andrews who brings some light to shine into this. The first act of the show is pleasent...but the 2nd act is where we need Julie most, and as a man...she's just like one of the others. She saves some of the flaws in act 2 from growing, but they're still there, and you can see them. The biggest problem was probably the book for it.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: "VICTOR/VICTORIA" IS A CHAMPAGNE TOAST TO BROADWAY GLAMOUR
Review: While not the classic the film has become, the stage version of "Victor/Victoria" is a treat for those who want to experience a Broadway show without paying $100.00 per seat. It's the next best thing to being there and this show is an extravaganza. "Victor/Victoria" is not perfect; in its attempt to "theatricalize" a movie (traditionally it's been the other way around) it often becomes pedestrian and heavy-handed, particularly in the door opening and closing comedy scenes near the end, and with the addition of flat new songs to round things out. Nevertheless, Nouri, York and Roberts all deliver the goods and the effervesent Julie Andrews is always a delight, in spite of her voice losing its luster (just listen to the cast album of "Camelot" or "My Fair Lady" to get misty-eyed and nostalgic). This DVD is a collectible because real Broadway stars like Andrews are becoming a relic of the past (sorry Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick- you just ain't in the same league, in my opinion!)

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: WHY NOT THE ORIGINAL MOVIE ON DVD?
Review: Why ever in the world would they NOT make the original movie available on DVD? Hello, BLAKE, what's the deal? :) I want the original classic!


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