This live concert from 1997, a benefit for the Gay Men's Health Crisis, was Bernadette Peters's Carnegie Hall debut, and it's a joy. Peters has always had a special affinity for the music of Stephen Sondheim, and she spotl... more »ights some of his best songs, only a few of them from the shows she's best known for, Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George. The program is part career retrospective--including non-Sondheim selections from Mack and Mabel and Dames at Sea--and part wish list, which provides a forum for Peters's pouty humor ("In this movie [Dick Tracy], this song was sung by a blonde bombshell... not me. Although we both have religious names."). She's backed by a full orchestra conducted by Marvin Laird, who also directed Peters's similar program a year later at London's Royal Festival Hall (captured on VHS and DVD). The very appreciative and knowing audience (there's applause at the first words of Dames' "Raining in My Heart") includes Stephen Sondheim himself. No doubt he was very proud. --David Horiuchi« less
This live concert from 1997, a benefit for the Gay Men's Health Crisis, was Bernadette Peters's Carnegie Hall debut, and it's a joy. Peters has always had a special affinity for the music of Stephen Sondheim, and she spotlights some of his best songs, only a few of them from the shows she's best known for, Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George. The program is part career retrospective--including non-Sondheim selections from Mack and Mabel and Dames at Sea--and part wish list, which provides a forum for Peters's pouty humor ("In this movie [Dick Tracy], this song was sung by a blonde bombshell... not me. Although we both have religious names."). She's backed by a full orchestra conducted by Marvin Laird, who also directed Peters's similar program a year later at London's Royal Festival Hall (captured on VHS and DVD). The very appreciative and knowing audience (there's applause at the first words of Dames' "Raining in My Heart") includes Stephen Sondheim himself. No doubt he was very proud. --David Horiuchi
R. W. Holliston | Victoria, B.C. Canada | 02/18/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great CD and I'd still encourage every Bernadette Peters (and Stephen Sondheim) fan to buy it.
But for some reason, the song "Making Love Alone" is no longer included. It was there on the first pressing, but somehow it's disappeared! It's a song about, well....masturbation, and it was written especially for Bernadette when she hosted Saturday Night Live. Needless to say, she sings it incomparably (for some reason, the song also never seems to have been published in sheet music form).
So, if you've been looking forward to hearing Brenadette sing this song, know that the current issue of this CD does not include it.
Perhaps if enough of us complain to Angel/EMI, this situation will be rectified..."
A soon-to-be Classic!!!
Kristin S. | 09/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bernadette Peters at her very best! She is an incredible performer and this CD ranks up there with other career defining live recordings by Lena Horne, Judy Garland and Shirley Bassey. Peters really comes alive when interpreting the sublime compositions of Stephen Sondheim. She gives vibrant readings of "Some People", "Being Alive" and "Move On". She really shines on the 'Into The Woods' material: "No One Is Alone" is heartbreaking and her medley of "Hello Little Girl" and "Any Moment" is masterful. However, her breathtaking "Johanna" is alone worth the price of the CD. I got this CD in summer of 1998 and it has not left my CD player since. Superb!!!!"
Sondheim and Bernadette Peters - what could be better?
Kristin S. | Vermont, U.S. | 01/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bernadette Peters is probably the best (and most famous) actress on Broadway today. She deserves every ounce of her reputation. This CD is a fantastic recording of her sold-out concert. The songs are interspersed with amusing stories -- Bernadette Peters is the consummate performer. With her classic breathy-yet-full tonal quality, she gives new life to these songs. From her coy rendering of "Broadway Baby" to the Ethel-Merman-worthy version of "Some People" to the somewhat bawdy "Making Love Alone" (not listed in the track listing for some reason), Bernadette Peters is in top form. It's really a treat to listen to her.All of the songs on this CD are enjoyable. But, it is when one of Broadway's best singers takes on Broadway's best composer that the CD becomes really stunning. She performs some of Sondheim's best songs, from "Sweeney Todd," "Into the Woods," "Sunday in the Park with George," "Company" and even the movie "Dick Tracy." The highlight for me has to be her performance of one of my favorite Sondheim songs: Being Alive.This CD is excellent from opening to closing rounds of applause."
Finally a recording which does ms. peters justice
matteo leoncini | New York NY | 05/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i think i have every recording of ms. peters from "dames at sea" on. finally, a recording that approximates the fantastic experience of seeing her live. i was at this gmhc benefit concert at carnegie hall and the only thing missing from this recording are a few of her numbers (unexpected song from "song and dance") and the sweet personalized christmas ornaments she handed out to everyone at the end of the performance. as a nice companion to this cd, you should get the video of the same program done in england a year or so later."
Live. Lively. Living. Being Alive. Truly Bernadette.
David L. Tate | Starkville, MS USA | 02/09/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Whether you're buying to support the fabulous GMHC or because you're a Sondheim fan or because you simply love Bernadette, you won't be sorry. Bernadette is in true form here cavorting with the audience, letting that infectious little laugh be heard more than once, and delivering her best. It's live; it's one on one; it's worth it. From her explosive "Broadway Baby" to her hair-raising "Being Alive," the sexy redhead sings her heart out. She can do so because she obviously loves what she's doing, and she obviously loves this material. Peters and Sondheim go together like "hand in glove." She handles his work beautifully and honestly (note especially "Sooner or Later" and "Johanna"). The audience is very much a part of the show. They are not overly loud or distracting as can be the case on other live albums. Bernadette loves her audience, and they return that love full-force. Their presence is just right here. This is a wonderful CD that is energetic almost 100% through, and a portion of the proceeds goes to a fabulous cause. Give it a try; you won't regret it."