wrdingle Michael Crawford, the English actor whose talented singing voice and acting have entertained me for a very long time. Michael's voice has what is probably the best range out of all living male singers. His lung capacity also impresses me. He is able to hold his notes singing full blast for a very long time, such as in Gehtsemane his opening song. Michael is probably best known for playing the phantom in the original London cast of The Phantom of the Opera. He sings two songs from Phantom in this concert, The Phantom theme and The Music of the Night. If your a fan of Broadway stuff or you just like the sound of a well trained male voice, I think you will enjoy Michael Crawford.

teena_keevers I saw this DVD of the show in the local music place, and I just had to have it. It was Michael Crawford after all - the living, breathing Angel of Music... And I don't just mean this in reference to his role in 'The Phantom Of The Opera'. He is, in my opinion, an angel through and through. His heart, soul and voice is heavenly in origin. Every move he makes, every gesture and every note/word he sings/says is beyond all description. I have yet to meet him, but through the presentation of this concert, it is apparent that it reflects the singer himself. The setting is intimate, sensual, genteel. The songs vary from being gentle love songs to enthusiastic outbursts of joy. There is no other concert like it.

Ophelia1125 I've been obsessed with this TV concert since I was in the 8th grade. The DVD (which I still adore) is a frequent flyer in my apartment. Incidentaly, the only way to calm down my bird is to put on the DVD and place her in front of the television. Seriously, though, any fan of Michael Crawford, or even of The Phantom of the Opera, should watch, if not own, a copy of this show. It truly showcases Michael's broad vocal range and broad stylistic range.

harry-76 What's Michael Crawford got that many of us would like to have? In this 1998 concert Crawford gives an intriguing performance, starting off with a standing audience ovation after his very first number.The first time I became aware of this performer was his Cornelius Hackl in the film version of "Hello, Dolly." I recall rather wondering how he managed to get cast, as he sang the lovely "It Only Takes a Moment" in the park scene. It was certainly not a beautiful voice I was hearing--somewhat raspy, a bit unfocused, and ordinary. I attributed its effectiveness to an extension of his well- played Cornelius character, but I was not at all impressed with his natural vocal instrument. Now, thirty years later he appears in this vocal concert, with full orchestra, chorus, splashy lighting and theatrical effects. Since the 1969 film he's won numerous awards and gained a devoted following from his famous original title role in "Phantom of the Opera."The voice has gained some strength and control, yet it's basically the same instrument heard back in the late 60s. What he does appear to have is an astute sense of theatre, timing, keen ear, and other attributes of professionalism.He also sings with his whole heart, and puts everything he's possibly got into the moment. His fervent desire to communicate enhances his diction and projection, and he obviously loves his craft.The audience responds lovingly and enthusiastically to a well-conceived format and "package." Perhaps his basic "ordinary" instrument is in tune with these times of electronic enhancement; perhaps there's something here that's not overwhelming--a kind of kid-next-door up there making good. Whatver the case, this performer is making the most of what he's been given to work with. All one can say is, more power, Mr. Crawford.