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I was lucky enough to see this production in its original run on Broadway. Fortunately, the show was recorded before any changes or "tweaks" were done to the script or score, so what you are seeing on the DVD is just what the live audience saw. "Sunday in the Park with George" is arguably one of Sondheim's best works for the stage, and of course having Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin heading an all-star cast is the icing on the cake. I personally am not a fan of Patinkin's acting style or the odd facial expressions he makes while singing. But there's no question that he is at the top of his form vocally in this production. Peters is absolutely radiant as Dot, and equally feisty and cranky as Marie - it's a testament to her amazing talent that she can convincingly portray two characters who are so completely different in every sense, from movement to vocalization. But these two by no means carry the entire show. The rest of the cast are equally strong from top to bottom - Dana Ivey, Barbara Bryne, Brent Spiner, Robert Westernberg, and Danielle Ferland, just to name a few. Several of these were to become familiar faces - some of them returned to the stage with Sondheim for his following production of "Into the Woods." "Sunday in the Park" is a challenging musical - the viewer is expected to think and to "make connections" without having everything spelled out. As a result, you will probably miss a few things the first time; this means only that the musical will be even more powerful and heart-wrenching on a second or third watching. If the video does have a weakness, it's that the recording doesn't do justice to the poignant and lyrical orchestrations. I would recommend buying the soundtrack as a companion piece - this will allow the listener to hear the fullest nuances of each song. If you only see one Sondheim production, this is the one I would recommend. It's one of the most successful musicals by one of the most successful Broadway composers of our generation. It was nominated for ten Tony Awards, winning two ("La Cage Aux Folles" swept most of that year's major awards), and thirteen Drama Desk Awards, winning eight; the show also won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for best musical. Oh yeah, and toss in a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. And as another mark of this show's lasting impact on the literary and musical world, "Sunday in the Park" received the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Drama - one of only seven musicals since 1918 to win this prestigious honor.Read full review
After I had read the new James Lapine book about how he and Stephen Sondheim put together Sunday In The Park With George, I went looking for a video of the show. This was the only option I found. It is from the PBS TV show, and it preceded widescreen so it's just fullscreen layout. Nevertheless it is very enjoyable. My only wish would be for more bonus features. It would have been nice to have it while reading the book so I could go back and forth to see things the book talked about. My favorite song has to be Move On.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Well, it's a Classic and Classics never go out of style. That's why so many generations love Tie-Dye t-shirts, jackets and other Tie-Dye products, because Tie-Dyes are a Classic. Also like old movies and tv shows, too. I mean no one ever goes wrong with a Classic. Like Shakespeare, the Bronte Sisters, Jane Austen and others, are all Classics.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Sunday in the park with George is a movie I saw only once 20 years ago. I loved it then and unlike many things, it has aged well. I love it still. The main character George was one of my favorite painters and so when my theatre professor asked a group of us to come and view it i went. a wonderful love story with Bernadett Peters singing some of the most remarkable songs that have stayed with me for all these 20 years. I have never been able to find a copy so i am of couse delighted to have it.
Beautiful video. In excellent condition.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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