This version of this musical is OK to watch once, but unlike other musicals I like, I will not watch it a second time. Hasselhoff's singing is OK, but not great. His acting was surprisingly good, though, in this difficult split personality character. Interesting to see the star of "Baywatch" and "Knight Rider" (never saw the former, always watched the latter as a kid) on the stage. He is better on the stage by far.
Coleen Sexton's singing as Lucy was terrific and energized. Andrea Rivette's singing as Emma was wonderful. The supporting cast was very good.
The music was great. The music was the reason why I rented this in the first place. I have a voice studio and several of my students have sung selections from this musical without me having seen it and knowing the context in which they were sung. Very memorable solos and the duet "In His Eyes" really showcases the two leading ladies.
I question the director's artistic interpretation of having people in a surreal or interpretive background. It seemed like it was just busy work with no contribution to the story. This happened five times and three of them really detracted from the scene rather than supplementing it, especially since it was always during a solo. Come on--let the character have the stage all to himself! Also, there was one rainy day scene and one had a red umbrella in the midst of all these black and dark blue umbrellas and dark lighting with a darker set. It really stuck out with no apparent artistic value.
The sets were excellent and I did enjoy the camera work, which was effective, I thought. Sometimes camera work of a live production can be distracting. The choreography many times didn't impress me, however, and I found it to be confusing to the eye.
Just a warning for you fellow conservative parents out there: There were a few times that the choice of language in the dialog and lyrics made me very uncomfortable. And for some of you, the portrayal of the prostitute house might make you fast forward. The murder scenes were done in good taste, however. They were quite effective, but did not contain any bloody gore.
Coleen Sexton's singing as Lucy was terrific and energized. Andrea Rivette's singing as Emma was wonderful. The supporting cast was very good.
The music was great. The music was the reason why I rented this in the first place. I have a voice studio and several of my students have sung selections from this musical without me having seen it and knowing the context in which they were sung. Very memorable solos and the duet "In His Eyes" really showcases the two leading ladies.
I question the director's artistic interpretation of having people in a surreal or interpretive background. It seemed like it was just busy work with no contribution to the story. This happened five times and three of them really detracted from the scene rather than supplementing it, especially since it was always during a solo. Come on--let the character have the stage all to himself! Also, there was one rainy day scene and one had a red umbrella in the midst of all these black and dark blue umbrellas and dark lighting with a darker set. It really stuck out with no apparent artistic value.
The sets were excellent and I did enjoy the camera work, which was effective, I thought. Sometimes camera work of a live production can be distracting. The choreography many times didn't impress me, however, and I found it to be confusing to the eye.
Just a warning for you fellow conservative parents out there: There were a few times that the choice of language in the dialog and lyrics made me very uncomfortable. And for some of you, the portrayal of the prostitute house might make you fast forward. The murder scenes were done in good taste, however. They were quite effective, but did not contain any bloody gore.