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Sunday in the Park with George | Year: 1986 Classification: Musical Directed: - Terry Hughes - James Lapine Actors/Actresses: - Bernadette Peters - Mandy Patinkin DVD brings Broadway home! With Sondheim commentary! SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE was one of the first Sondheim collaborations with Lapine, and it remains a classic of the stage. Here you get the original cast including Many Patinkin and Bernadette Peters captured for a PBS GREAT PERFORMANCES. The camerawork is tight on them, and you see every nuance in their faces, and even get glimpses of what Mandy is drawing as he plays Seraut in the first act. Some people find this one hard to relate to, and of the three available on DVD that is probably true. PASSION and INTO THE WOODS deal with easier subject matter, and have more elaborate staging to work with. But this is still a handsome production filled with vituoso performances of classic songs such as "Tipping the Hat" and "Sunday". That it is a difficult musical shouldn't stop you by any means. Like a fine wine it grows on you and warms you the more you imbibe. The best part of the DVD is the commentary featuring both lead actors, Sondheim, and Lapine. Mandy Pantinkin seems to dominate the discussion, but all chime in to reveal what a personal labor of love it was for all involved. Sondheim's biggest revelation is that he originally intended George to be played by a BASS, and was skeptical of Mandy in the role! Bernadette Peters good-heartedly remembers all the cast member names, and recalls many backstage stories centered on the performance. Mandy seems most concerned with telling you about auditioning, and developing his "dog" voices. Lapine talks of how dialogue became songs and vice versa. It's a great track, and gives you insight into the show that will make you appreciate it that much more.And as a side note ... why all the problems with Act 2? "Move On", "Children and Art", and "Putting It Together" are some of the most moving songs and moments in the show. The idea that a love can last generations! Sigh! I think it's wonderful. DVD Features Story Behind Sondheim's Musical "But it's warm inside his eyes ... and it's soft inside his eyes ..." Some say Sondheim is cerebral and sophisticated. However, I am always very moved by SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. I especially find the first act to be the best part of the show. And Sondheim constantly warms my heart with his lyrics and beautiful music. The production of the video of the show is very good. Lapine gets some good shots, even though it's basically a taped version of a Broadway show. The editing in spots is very good. Bernadette Peters, a favorite performer of mine, is not in very good voice for the taping. I think I've read that she was having vocal problems at the time. Some dubbing is apparent in spots. Mr. Patinkin is very subdued and subtle in his performance. The DVD is a preferable way to watch this show due to its extra audio track of Sondheim, Lapine, Peters and Patinkin reminiscing about it. There are some great stories told by the group. Mr. Sondheim sheds some light on the earlier drafts of songs and scenes. Remember, this show won the Pulitzer Prize! It is not an "Oklahoma" kind of musical -- it's very artsy and concerns a difficult man obsessed with his art. But it is so sweet and clever. Like Seurat's famous painting that the musical is based on, the stellar talent behind the show blend together to produce a truly luminescent experience. Sondheim at his best This is a must see for any one who has the CD, loves Sondheim, or just loves the musical theater. On the CD there are some lyrics that just dont make sense. Even some songs seem out of place. But buying this DVD will clear them all up. I agree with some of the reviewers that Mandy Patinkin overacts. His hand movements are a bit too drastic sometimes. In the Audio Commentary he basically dominates the conversation. But his vocals and his deliverance are great. Bernadette Peters is most likely the greatest actress alive. In the second act, when she becomes marie, she plays the role to perfection. The supporting cast is great as well. The funniest line (and a catchphrase of mine), is when the boatman is supposed to be giving directions to the Americans who think He cannot understand english. "Why dont you just walk into the water until your lungs fill up and you die". LOL. He should have won a Tony for that. This whole show should have won a Tony, Not "La Cage Aux Follies". Get this and enjoy it as much as I did. You will not be dissapointed. Buy Sunday In The Park With George at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Sunday In The Park With George Search with the Priority Search Engine on Sunday In The Park With George This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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