Search - Hereward Kaye, Robert Longden :: Moby Dick: The Legend Lives - The Complete Show In All It's Glory (Original London Cast)

Brilliantly imaginative musical

06/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brief overview: Cash-strapped British Public School for Girls puts on musical version of Moby Dick. It's such a great shame the live version of this show collapsed under extremely harsh critical reviews when it premiered in London. Taken for what it is, an outrageous blend of St Trinians and Rocky Horror with not a small amount of Monty Python thrown in for good measure, you cannot fail to be hooked by the infectious tunes and sheer enthusiasm the performers put into each and every song. This recording is taken from the last week that the show ran and really captures the atmosphere of being in the auditorium; something we can only dream about now it is no longer running. The main male lead plays the headmistress who in turn plays Ahab; double cross-dressing, who else would think of it? Please don't expect a serious piece of music or you'll be disappointed; though that's not to say that the music isn't well written, it certainly is. If you listen to this and it doesn't get your foot tapping, I'll be amazed. The finale is outstanding, and this musical through and through deserves a higher profile and a live revival."

Too Funny - Too Strange - Two Copies Are Not Enough

Phil Eadie | 11/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Buy it for yourself, buy it for a friend, just buy it. Rarely is musical theatre so silly and so delightful. I bought it because I couldn't imagine Moby Dick as a musical. I listened to it and I still can't. This is a play within a play. Songs range from silly, to fun, to serious, to depressing. It's so contagious, you will find yourself humming in the car on the way to work. Don't expect a somber Les Miz, but more of a light hearted romp in the pool during your high school reunion. Live on the wild side and get it! You won't be sorry."

Best Comedy Musical Ever!!

Phil Eadie | London, UK | 06/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the worst travesties in London theatrical history occurred when this show closed after its short run at the Piccadilly Theatre Savaged by the critics (well most of them) but loved by the audiences this enthralling musical lampoon of Melvilles epic as staged by a "St Trinians" school clone never fails to please. From the opening "Parents Day" which explains the staging of the musical through the wonderful "Forbidden Seas", "Gypsy Dancer" and the fantastically vocal "Man Happens" the lyrics at times bring tears to you eyes for all the right reasons. The only regret is that all the visual gags and mock amateur staging that accompany the songs has been lost. Men playing schoolgirls playing sailors.... hmmm I can see why the snooty critics saw it as a soft target but 12 years on the legend endures. Hopefully Mr Mackintosh will have enough faith in his creation to restage it at some point in the future and until then we at least have a fitting memorial in this recording."