Search - Frederick Loewe, Alan Jay Lerner :: Gigi: Selected Highlights (1997 London Studio Cast)

Yet another sparkling recording of GIGI

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 12/13/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This lovely 1997 studio recording in dynamic digital stereo was released on the budget 'Showtime!' line, and has proved to be a popular title for collectors who have been charmed by its fantastic performances.Lindsay Hamilton is a lovely Gigi, singing a particularly-affecting "In This Wide, Wide World" as well as a jubilant "The Night They Invented Champagne" with Graham Bickley (as Gaston) and Sian Phillips (as Mamita Alvarez).Yes, Sian Phillips appears in her second GIGI recording. She played Aunt Alicia in the 1985 original London cast, and appears here as Alicia's kinder sister Mamita. Phillips is fine in both roles but appeals to me more as 1985's bitchy Alicia!Graham Bickley adds his gorgeous, booming yet tranquil voice to the Title Song as well as a sweeping "She is Not Thinking of Me". I absolutely love Bickley as Gaston in this recording.Ron Moody may not be the first choice for the role of the romantic rogue Honore, but on this recording, he is charming. He sings a delightful "I Remember it Well" with Sian Phillips as well as a Gallic-esque "Thank Heaven For Little Girls".The National Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Martin Yates, brings to life the sparkling Lerner-Loewe score that I believe is still on a par with their biggest hit MY FAIR LADY.Highly-recommended. Such a shame that it is out-of-print."