Customer Reviews

Stairway to the Stars (Original 1989 London Cast)

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This was a charity benefit concert at London's Palladium Theater recorded November 12, 1989. Hosted by Van Johnson, the tracks are

THAT'S DANCING - Stephen Hill Singers, dancers
MA BELLE MARGUERITE / S'WONDERFUL - Georges Guetary
WHO'S SORRY NOW - Gloria De Haven
YOU STEPPED OUT OF A DREAM - Tony Martin
SOUTH SEAS MELODY (sic) - Dorothy Lamour
NOT EVEN NOMINATED - Lorna Luft
A FINE ROMANCE / LIFE UPON THE WICKED STAGE - Virginia O'Brien
THREE LITTLE WORDS - Arlene Dahl
BUTTONS & BOWS/BYE BYE BABY - Jane Russell
I GOT A GIRL IN KALAMAZOO/CHATANOOGA CHOO CHOO/LUCKY NUMBERS -
Nicholas Brothers
BOSOM BUDDIES - Jane Russell & Arlene Dahl
ROSE'S TURN - Dolores Gray
HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD - "Full Company"

I don't know if this is the full concert or just excerpts. Most of the folks here (all but Lorna Luft actually) were all senior citzens at the time so don't expect their voices to be a strong as in the old movies of yore, still it must have been a thrill for this British crowd to see stars from many decades ago in the flesh at long last. I bought this CD because I love Dorothy Lamour and Jane Russell. Lamour's "South Seas Melody" is actually a quite long melody of her famous movie hits, many of them from non-South Seas films. The lady was a month from turning 75 at the time, she would make her last appearances in the next few years before passing away in 1996 at 81. Her voice is frail at times, yet other times lively and charming, clearly the audience is thrilled to see her judging by the huge ovation she receives at the end of the number. Jane Russell has a briefer hits melody which is oddly includes part of "Tall Man" from her movie of the same name but not the chorus which identifies the song! She sings well too at 68 and her duet of "Bosom Buddies" with Arlene Dahl (in quite good voice) is a lot of fun for both the audience and the CD listener. An odd cd but with nearly all these legends either now gone or quite into retirement, one to be rather cherished.

I was fortunate enough to be at this 1989 concert. One of the best shows i have ever had the pleasure to attend.
This CD represents a good portion of the show, although a couple of performances are missing - Gene Nelson and Kathryn Grayson also appeared. Tony Martin, Dolores Grey and Dorothy Lamour permormed more than once from what i can remember. Lorna Luft also sang a touching tribute to her mother Judy Garland.
An evening i will never forget.

This is a hard to find CD of the show at the London Paladium. Some great artists and unusual songs.