Product Details

• Released on: 2002-10-01
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: AC-3, NTSC, Import
• Original language: English
• Running time: 99 minutes

Additional Features
The video and DVD include the following songs omitted from the PBS telecast: Tony Roberts and Robert Morse's "The Beauty That Drives a Man Mad," Debra Monk's "Everybody's Girl," Dee Hoty's "Could I Leave You?" and Dorothy Loudon's heartfelt "Fifty Percent."

Amazon.com Essential Video
A live concert at Carnegie Hall filmed in September 1998, My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies gathers a glittering lineup of Broadway's best, past and present. Some marquee names such as Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, and Betty Buckley are conspicuously missing, and Julie Andrews hosts but does not sing, but it still has Liza and stars aplenty from the '90s (Bebe Neuwirth, Faith Prince) as well as the '70s and '80s (Elaine Stritch, Jennifer Holliday, Nell Carter). The older stars sing songs from landmark original roles, while the '90s stars tend to sing either songs they've performed in revivals or songs from older shows--curiously, modern headliners such as Audra McDonald and Linda Eder sing older material rather than the contemporary shows (Ragtime, Jekyll & Hyde, respectively, among others) with which they are strongly associated.

A number of these performances might be slightly inferior to those on the original recordings, but there are a number of gems, and the star power of the whole lineup is undeniable. In addition, even though only a few numbers provide action to watch, video is a valuable format for this concert because it gives faces to stars who most viewers outside of New York might recognize only by name or still photographs, and also allows fans to catch up with yesterday's stars. (Those who were dazzled by Andrea McArdle's cameo in the 1999 TV remake of her original star-making vehicle, Annie, will love her sweet, understated performance here.) Furthermore, the 99-minute video program provides more footage than the PBS telecast (85 minutes) or the CD release (61 minutes). This is highly recommended for Broadway fans. --David Horiuchi

Video Details
On a September evening last fall, at New York's venerable Carnegie Hall, a star-studded audience was treated to a concert of Broadway showstoppers performed by the greatest divas of the American theatre. Under the baton of musical director Paul Gemignani, the American Theatre Orchestra accompanied Liza Minnelli, Audra McDonald, Linda Eder, Nell Carter, Andrea McArdle, Jennifer Holliday, Lea Delaria and a host of other Broadway luminaries in what was certainly the event of the fall season. Featuring selections from Chicago, A Chorus Line, Showboat, Guys and Dolls, Ain't Misbehavin', Dreamgirls, Company, Gypsy, Man of La Mancha, On the Town and others, this evening of song and celebrity will live forever, preserved on home video for any time you feel like bringing up the curtain! Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 soundtracks. 100 minutes.

Customer Reviews

Sensational entertainment
This DVD is a real keeper for any Broadway lover. Every performance is first-rate (althought Liza Minnelli certainly looked and sounded better in her younger years). The enthusiasm of these first-rate female Broadway stars is infectious, giving this viewer many hours of pure joy. Production values are superb, as is the choice of performers and songs. First rate all the way.

Jennifer Holliday reigns supreme
Like a previous reviewer I bought this DVD simply for Jennifer Holliday's rendition of her signature song from Dreamgirls.
Ever since I first heard 'And I am telling you'I have been captivated by the awesome emotion she manages to emanate through her voice and since then it has remained my favourite record/song of all time.
I must say I was not dissapointed on playing this DVD.In my opinion she wiped the floor with the rest of the Leading Ladies.
It seems the live audience agreed with this as she was the only singer to receive a standing ovation for her singing abilities as opposed to receiving one for simply being who she was.
Having said that the Lloyd Webber Love Trio was very good and well put together but for singing naturally from the heart Jennifer takes the prize and she is why I rate this with 5 stars.

THIS IS ENTERTAINMENT
Funny how people who have nothing nice to say hide behind anonymous titles like "a viewer". That just tells me that you don't have the conviction to stand behind what you say. Anyway, I was there for the filming and this DVD is even more spectacular with the close ups and excellent dolby sound. I really thought that I had seen it all sitting there in my balcony seat watching such greats as Liza Minelli, Jennifer Holliday, and Nell Carter perform, but this DVD is as intimate as it gets. How can you get better than front and center at Carnegie Hall? This DVD, that's how.
Ignore the ignorant. If you enjoy Broadway, then you will treasure this forever. I promise.