Jan B. from STATEN ISLAND, NY
Reviewed on 5/10/2010...
I really enjoyed this probably because we saw the show on Broadway and enjoyed that. I wish they would record more Broadway shows because once they are over, you can't see them again like a movie or TV show.
David Hasselhoff was a real surprise - I didn't know he could sing and his version of This is the Moment is really wonderful.
I have loaned this to the two friends who saw the show with me and they are enjoying it also.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jennifer B. (jjbrozenske) from LANSDALE, PA
Reviewed on 6/26/2009...
For a fair and balanced review, let's subtract Hasselhoff for the time being. The music is wonderful whether or not you know the show. Captions would have been nice, but I could see how that would become difficult. The cast was amazing. From the principles to the chorus, every person knew their part and their place. The music flows one piece into the next, although the ladies' songs can be a bit long-winded. The story puts a wonderful twist on the traditional Jekyll and Hyde. You can honestly feel for Henry and his obsession to eradicate madness. The set was minimalistic but completely versatile and compelling. The blood-red floor with the black-frame buildings complemented the show rather than detracting from it like a grand set would have done. And the changing camera angles actually helped rather than hindered your watching enjoyment. Now let's put David back into the equation. For a man best known for talking cars and bimbos on the beach, he did an admirable job. No, he isn't the best singer in the world. His vibrato is variable depending on his emotional intent, his tone is decent although sometimes he breaks off his air pressure, but he can certainly hold his own. And honestly, I've seen lesser singers in better roles. His acting can be over the top, but this might have been because the cameras were rolling that night. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt because of his incredible portrayal of Edward Hyde. While he might be a bit grandiose as Jekyll, he was perfectly cast as Hyde. Watching his body movements and those menacing, psychotic eyes gave me the creeps. He certainly had the passion and heart for this role, even if he was a bit of a ham. And with such a wonderful role where you're on stage almost every moment, who could blame him for hamming it up? If David's singing/acting had been a bit better, and he had actually had an English accent like everyone else, I would have given it four stars.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.