This widely acclaimed show represents a complete departure for Michael Ball. On a bare stage with just a piano, his dramatic and moving performance takes us on a tour of an artist?s life, his struggles and successes. It is... more » a remarkable tour de force that showcases not just one of the great talents of the musical stage, but also an artist of immense courage. A unique moment on the London stage that reveals a new side to Michael Ball. Michael Ball, the best musical theatre tenor of his generation, in a knockout program, splendidly accompanied by Jason Carr on piano. Ball constantly makes us rethink the songs we thought we knew. Sheridan Morley, The Spectator As the performer tightens his grip over the intimate Donmar Warehouse, relying not on chitchat or a handmike but on sheer empathy with his material, an audience can be forgiven for checking his program. Can this really be Michael Ball? Matt Wolf, Variety SONG LIST: Don't Look At Me (Sondheim), I Whistle A Happy Tune (Rodgers & Hammerstein), Anyone Can Whistle (Sondheim), Give a Little Whistle (Washington & Harline), Where or When (Rodgers & Hart), Padam Padam (Glanzberg, Contet & Carr), Sons (J. Brel), Little Pal (Al Jolson), The Man That Got Away (Arlen & Gershwin), If You Were the Only Girl in the World (Grey & Ayer), Mother (John Lennon), I?ve Got No Strings (Washington & Harline), I?ll Build a Stairway To Paradise (Gershwin), Happy Talk (Rodgers & Hammerstein), The Best Of Times (J Herman), Is That All There Is (Leiber & Stoller), There?s No Business Like Show Business (Berlin), MEDLEY: (Berlin, Porter, Newmans, Robbins & Grey, Gershwin), I Wish I Could Forget You (Sondheim), What Now My Love (B. Brown & Sigman), How Can I Lose You (Guettel), Life On Mars (David Bowie), Prelude 8 in E Flat Major (J.S. Bach), Over My Head (Trad.), Glory Goes (Guettel), Alone Together (Dietz & Schwartz), This Is What It Is (La Chuisa), After The Ball (Harris & Schwartz).« less
"Mr. Ball has an absolute success with this endeavor. I found the format and chosen material mesmerizing. Having appreciated the talents of Mr. Ball in his familiar genre, I was not certain I would like the departure. However, I could not stop watching and the second viewing was even better appreciated. This performance shows the depth of his acting as well as his incredible vocal skill. For true Michael Ball fans, this will be another facet of his talent to enjoy."
Michael is AWESOME!!
Michael FAN | Indiana, USA | 03/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must admit there were a few spots of this DVD that I found a bit boring on my first view of the show, but then there are songs on here that are so great that you will never want to stop listening. Michael is great at what he does, and it is really amazing to see how much he puts into this performance. He takes songs to their extreme, everytime. This DVD gets better and better upon each viewing. All of the songs are very well done, but I especially enjoy the songs, "Padaam Padaam," "Nice Dream," and "Life on Mars." I can only imagine how great it would have been to have been in that audience, sitting so close to the stage. If you are a Fan of Michael's you will cherish this DVD."
Now That's Singing!
oznerol | LOS ANGELES | 01/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Have been a Michael Ball fan for a few years now... Don't mind paying the extra $$ when his CD's and DVD's are not available for us USA fans (especially DVD's). I was aware of it's release in Europe in '03 but could not find it to purchase. Now finally, a USA release and at a very reasonable price!...Man what a show..this man can really sing. Gone are the orchestrations,the strings, all the musical instruments that always complement his voice, except for a solo piano. Really, you hardly notice it or mind it at all. Michael still takes you on quite a most outstanding and pleasurable evening of entertainment. And, it's a long one too! It's a real "winner" folks, buy it!"
Must have
Marcelo B. De Freitas | Porto Alegre - RS - Brasil | 12/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Why are you wasting your time reading this review? Click and buy this DVD now. NOW!!!!!"
A Pleasant Departure for Mr. Ball
S. Miller | New Mexico United States | 04/26/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a treat this dvd is. Very personal and low key. In many ways this showcases his voices better than the big productions. (But he shouldn't stop doing those.) A must have for Michael Ball fans!!!"