Search - Ron Grainer, Ronald Millar, John Clements :: Robert and Elizabeth (1964 Original London Cast)

They don't write musicals or operettas like this anymore

William S. Oser | Florida, USA | 03/15/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have known this cast album since I was a young one. I borrowed my first copy from the Boston Public Library, played it at least 1/2 dozen times and the searched for my own copy for a long time. When I found it, I didn't have the money for it, so I BEGGED my father to lend it to me, and I paid him back. I have treasured it since. I have recommended this to so many people, over the years and even bought a copy for a very dear friend's birthday not too long ago. I have never been fortunate to have seen the show on stage, but friends who have seen it many years ago in England tell me it was every bit as wonderful as the cast album it produced.



Lets start with the cast, it is led by the incomparable June Bronhill in one title role and the altogether wonderful Keith Mitchell in the other role. For my opinion of Ms. Bronhill, see my review of excerpts from three Offenbach operettas on Classics for Pleasures. She sang mostly operetta for many years and was always stunning. This is by far her greatest achievment, just listen to her open I Know Now, her Soliloquy and finally her high E that ends Woman and Man, the 11 o'clock song. ABSOLUTELY THRILLING! Any lesser performer would have been blown off the stage by Ms. Bronhill, but Keith Michell holds his own (he managed not to be blown off the stage opposite the epervescent Elizabeth Seal in Irma La Douce as well). Mr. Michell is spectacular on Moon in My Pocket, in two duets with Ms. Bronhill and finally in the stunningly gorgeous Escape Me Never. John Clements as Elizabeth's domineering father scores with I'm the Master Here, and Angela Richards as Elizabeth's only sister scores with You Only to Love Me and Hate Me Please.



This is a stunning score, more operetta than musical, but truly one of the greatest scores I've ever heard, and the cast album does is absolute justice. Musical and Operetta Lovers owe it to themselves to get this one, it belongs in any collection."