On the face of it, this is a good idea to let the talent of Viennese-born
composer Frederick Loewe predominate so that we can fully appreciate his talented
contribution to these great hit musicals. Alas Hayman's arrangements are very
hit and miss and really do not do the music any favours. Granted, occasionally
there is 'just a little bit' of magic, but too often too there's too much rambling,
too much indulgence; sometimes too much oompah, oompah, and many lugubrious
stretches.
An oddity. 'Better to go for the originals and, for my money, include the
brilliant lyrics of Alan Jay Lerner.
Ian Lace