rgcustomer I generally agree with the commenter who left a comment titled "TRAVESTY", with the exception of their final few sentences.The hotel spy-caper farce was idiotic and insulting, but the role of Toddy was cast well.A filmed stage play or musical can be a wonderful thing. But this one failed before the cameras ever arrived, because it wasn't a good stage experience to begin with.Similar to the 1933 film, nobody was ever going to mistake this Victoria for a man or boy. They should have found an actor who actually could pass for either sex. Breast-binding probably isn't possible if you're supposed to belt out songs, but that doesn't mean you give up and cast Dolly Parton.I did like the plot tweaks of the stage version, compared to the 1982 film. Things seemed to be clearer, with a positive message that must have been thrilling for some in the audience. But at the same time, so much was wasted on pointless dance numbers, and songs about nothing. Then instead of acting a scene, too much exposition had to be sung as if reading from a book.Don't waste you time. Watch the 1982 film.

tomgauger I think Blake Edwards and the cast of Victor/Victoria knew that Robert Preston would not be around much longer...he was already very ill (and looks it, even sweating a bit near the end.) That last number looks somewhat improvised and I think was a loving tribute to Preston that they got him to do this bit. It makes me cry every time I see it, watching this great actor have fun. It does not appear to have been pre-recorded (except for the orchestra). Everything about that last scene appears to have been done in one take, with cutaways to show audience reaction in the Paris nightclub. The scene, which ends the movie, doesn't really relate to the plot... it is a remarkable Hollywood inside bow to Robert Preston. More than likely, only director Blake Edwards or his wife Julie Andrews could shed more light on this great moment and what happened on the set of Victor/Victoria near the end of the life of a fantastic actor.

Petrushka I had no idea a Broadway version of Victor Victoria existed until I just happened to see it on a shelf at our local video rental store. Having seen the film version in 1982 and being a fan of Julie Andrews, I couldn't wait to get home to view it. Jule Andrews did a remarkable job, tirelessly going through 2 long acts, and at the age of 60! Even her dancing seems improved over the years. I loved her pre-curtain and intermission talks too. I felt I was right there in a front row. At first I thought Tony Roberts would not be as good as Robert Preston in the film version, but he came through with a lovable portrayal of Toddy, the gay drag queen. In the film, Preston did a spoof of Le Jazz Hot near the end that I thought was a bit over the top, in horrible drag and also appeared exhausted. Sadly he died not long after, a great loss. Blake Edwards so improved on this scene by having both Victoria and Toddy appear together in gorgeous gowns. Costumes and scenery were remarkable and the late Henry Mancini music, especially Crazy World, is so memorable and can bring tears to the eyes. All the rest of the cast including some great dancing and choreography have left a marvelous record of this performance. Thanks to them for a wonderful evening of viewing.

ms_sarah What a great movie! I enjoyed the made for the movies version, but this one, a taped Broadway show, is even better. Julie is spectacular - she shows off that incredible voice, dances wonderfully, and becomes her character so you believe what she's feeling. The rest of the cast is wonderful as well, particularly the adorable Tony Roberts as Toddy. Tony is hilarious and owns that character to a tee. I loved Michael Nouri as King Marchand - he's a very handsome man with a very nice singing voice. Finally, Rachel York as Norma Cassidy is delightfully wicked and funny with her "bleached blonde road scholar" grammar mistakes ("Out of my way, pheasant!" "You think, you worry, worry, think... before you know it, you are impudent!")The entire show is put together excellently with beautiful costumes and sets and a terrific display of talent. A must-see!