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Cherry Pop

'South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall'
(Alec Baldwin, Reba McEntire. Jason Danieley, et al / DVD / NR / (2005) 2006 / Rhino)

Overview: Broadway, like everyone, loves Reba McEntire. The redheaded Oklahoma firebrand took on the one-night-only concert role of Nellie Forbush on June 9, 2005 — the role Mary Martin immortalized in the 1949 Rodgers & Hammerstein classic South Pacific — and the rialto’s toughest critics, led by The New York Times’ Ben Brantley, instantly surrendered.

DVD Verdict: Firstly, please let me say that what may appear to be an odd casting decision has to be experienced first before any kind of judgment can be made! The entire performance is a delight (I have it also on CD) from beginning to end, and if I had any quibbles or issues, it would be two ... first, it would have been wonderful if some additional background material could have been included (rehearsal sequences, interviews with cast and director) ... second (and a truly minor point), as wonderful a singer as Brian Stokes Mitchell is, it would have been a smoother transition had the DVD menu opened with an instrumental version of 'Some Enchanted Evening'. But the DVD is a wonderful reminder of what happens when you experience live theater. Seeing Reba McEntire as Nellie makes one realize what added depth and heart the part can have. Brian Stokes Mitchell has an 'ab fab' voice, and even Alec Baldwin shows how a momentary lapse on stage can result in something charming and wonderful that makes him seem not so much a casting frill but a necessary part to the cast chemistry. And for those accounting types who think 'canned' music is just as good as live, I defy anyone to listen to the Orchestra of St. Luke's and tell me that singing and interacting with a live orchestra doesn't bring a special flair and sparkle to this performance. Avoid stereotyping ... listen first ... you may be pleasantly surprised and delighted, as I was and still am! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of a 12-page booklet.

www.Rhino.com





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