Woman in White / O.C.R.

I'm a loyal ALW fan and I had read 'The Woman In White' before receiving this soundtrack (I'm not seeing until February). I like to think that I am not biased however since I do dislike some ALW musicals (Evita, Aspects Of Love). The books plot and twists are very much superior. Characters are knocked out, secrets are completely different, questions are left unanswered and the Villains are portrayed the wrong way round. This is to be expected if to be cut down into 20 songs yes? Yes it is. But before I continue let me tell you to read the book, for what really knocks a star off my score is how Count Fosco and Marian Halcombe are portrayed. Not a weakness to Mr. Crawfords (that man is so brilliant) part but on the script. It's frustrating to find that the most complex and brilliant villian to hit literature is not given the recognition of being so in this musical. Marian! Poor Marian! The strongest heroine ever is made out to be rather pathetic. What a shame! People that have the read the books don't understand my complaint here so I'll let it be.Now then, the cast isn't perfect. I can't put my finger on it but (and I know people are going to throw stones at me for saying this) but Maria Friedman seems so out of place sometimes, she has a tendancy to over do it, having said that she shines in 'All For Laura' a sincerely moving siloquy. Who cast Angela Christian and Michael Crawford (got a hunch that ALW himself did that) deserves a medal. Michael, a lovely comedian from 'Some Mothers Do Have 'Em' shows off his roots in this role. I didn't like it when I first heard of him playing the part but he is always full of surprises, our phantom. If you don't laugh at his 'You Can Get Away With Anything' (the bonus track version) you are not going to laugh at anything this musical offers. He is hilarious. Second is the wonderful Angela Christian. As someone that has read of Anne Catherick in great detail to her characterization Angela Christian has her down to a 't'. She has that ill, wary, mysterious voice which sends chills down your spine just as she did down Walters when they first met. I'm so immensely happy with her casting, its just a shame she does not appear much. Other main characters give me no reason for praise but no reason to complain.The songs themselves have their ups and downs. 'I Believe My Heart', the song chosen to promote the musical is actually weak (though the single version is not). 'Lammastide' has absolutely nothing to do with the story but I felt the need for it here, it's just a chance for the cast to get together and to cheer the audience up a bit (did I mention it's not a happy musical?) it's a great feel good song, it's one of my favourites. 'All For Laura' is this Musicals answer to 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again'. It has the fluent emotional texture and is a song I'm looking forward to hear live. The 'Act One Finale' is great because the three female leads singing together and has a beautiful melody. When they are interrupted Angela Christian provides us with a chilling dramatic moment. As I have said before the other memorable song is 'You Can Get Away With Anything' (I think it's worthy noting he doesnt get away with it in the book so don't take that philosophy to heart children).The lyrics are nothing special. The words are not what carry the emotions of the musical but the performances. David Zippel does have some wit about him though and he at least carried the story out though he left vital information out (not a lot just one vital point or two). ALWs music expertise isn't consistent through out however he has his songs that pulls at your heart strings.My main point about this musical IS Michael Crawford and Angela Christian. Get tickets now, don't miss out on seeing them, they may just be the make or break of you enjoying this musical.

Oh dear, I dont think this musical lasted very long in the West End did it? Like a lot of ALW musicals it has a single dominant tune that reappears in variations all through the performance, or, in this case, sountrack.It has maybe the one whistleable tune but nothing stays in the mind. The story is one of such tenuous complexity imbued with repressive Victorian morals that the resulting "musical" is decidedly cheerless.One for fans only methinks

I can't understand why this show isn't still running, or why it never took off 6 years ago. The music is beautiful and haunting. Andrew Lloyd Webber has matched the atmosphere of the novel with the music perfectly. It's mysterious, dark and equally charming. The music is probably most similar to "Aspects of Love", although it is much better! It doesn't have the big showstopping numbers like in "Phantom of the Opera", which probably has something to do with why the show was a success, but it's a sophisticated and quite operatic similar to Phantom. Hopefully ALW revises the show at some point.

Love this cd, the music and story is amazing.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and the really useful company have delivered a new theatrical display and album really worth watching as well as listening to.The woman in white sound track cointains what will and has become "cornerstone" pieces of Andrew Lloyds Webber's collection notably "I believe my heart" and "All for Laura."I'd recommend going to watch the theatrical performance before listening to the CD as it will probably enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of the music. That said, if you are into Andrew Lloyd Webbers music typically then you won't regret purchasing this CD.

An impressive adaptation of a complex novel beautifully scored and sung. The two discs are mostly direct recordings of the first night production and are a remarkable memento of a very professional show.

I saw this in London three times with the original cast and followed it to Broadway and was very lucky to catch Maria Friedman in the show there twice also. The musical has a brilliant score and it certainly does need to be revived! !! You will not be disappointed in this recording !!!!

As a big fan of other Lloyd-Webber musicals, I just had to see this at the theatre. The music was amazing, and had me hooked first time. This soundtrack brings back many happy memories of seeing the show - and is also one of Lloyd-Webber's finest musicals, to be rated up there with Phantom!