Stop with the Dame Edna insults! She performed with the blessing of Mr. Sondheim - helped sell tickets for an excellent charity - and thrilled both the audience and cast. The cast members filled the wings to hear the Great Dame! The audience was in stitches. The London Philharmonic was in top form. And while one reviewer may not like Michael Ball - he has legions of fans that do love him. Julia Mackenzie's Barcelona is awesome! Admittedly I am biased about this CD - but rest assured, there is something for everyone on this recording. And the sales of the CD benefit the Alan J. Lerner Cancer Charity!

It seems to be a long held maxim that, although the Brits adore Sondheim, they often have little idea how to perform his work. This concert recording of Sondheim's work (I expect that there will one day be more concert recordings of Sondheim's work then cast recordings), with one or two exceptions, seems to bear this out.

The most enjoyable performance on this album comes from the musicians. The opening overture and the Act II Entr'acte, as well as a lovely arrangement of two songs from Pacific Overtures, are given a delightful treatment by the London Philharmonic. Two instrumental obscurities written by the young Sondheim, a violin sonata and a piano theme, are capably played in what I believe is their recorded debut.

And then. I personally can live with Dame Edna's twisted rendition of "Ladies who Lunch," but Michael Ball's tortured singing is a taste which I have not yet acquired (although he does provide one of several amusing anecdotes between songs). Most of the remaining performances are quite forgettable, and although there aren't any major clunkers as there were on the LA cast recording, there aren't any major redeeming performances either.

If you're a Sondheim fan, you've probably heard all these songs done better. It's a bit frightening that the most enjoyable parts of a Sondheim concert are the bits between the songs.

There have been SOOOO many excellent concerts of Sondheim's work....and this ISN'T one of them. Many people hate Dame Edna's LADIES WHO LUNCH, well they are unaware that it is a joke! Maria Friedman disgraces all of Sondheim's beautiful work, as do many of her co-stars. Please consider another compliation of Sondheim's work.

This CD set perfectly showcases the greatness of Sondheim's music and lyrics. As a bonus, it has the privilege of Dame Edna singing The Ladies Who Lunch like it has never been sung before or ever will be again. It has to be heard (and to laugh with and enjoyed). A must for all theatre and music lovers.

I am a devoted Sondheim fan but these discs try my loyalty. Dame (or is it Damn?) Edna is an insult to Sondheim and his music. Now I know why they waited so long to release these discs.