Dame Judi Rules!

Posted: 1/21/06 at 10:02pm

I know this is a Theater website but if you want to see a wonderful film about the Theater go see the delightful backstage musical-comedy MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS with the luminous Judi Dench. This wondrous actress can simply do no wrong. She tosses off her witty comic lines with such seeming effortlessness and there are several poignant moments when she'll break your heart. To my fellow Theater lovers - Treat yourself. This is a gem. I've already seen it twice and will definitely buy the DVD as soon as it's released.

[Sluggy]

Posted: 1/21/06 at 10:41pm

Here's hoping she comes back to Broadway soon!

Updated On: 1/21/06 at 10:41 PM

[moljul]

Posted: 1/21/06 at 11:52pm

Couldn't agree more. I saw the movie a couple of weeks ago and she was fantastic. The film itself was a little weak though the backstage aspect of it was great. But Judi just made it all worth while.

"Oh you're American? Strange people but lovely manners"

Posted: 1/28/06 at 3:53pm

Speaking of Dame Judi, today I was in Barnes and Noble and saw a double CD that intrigued me. It's a studio recording of CABARET that the great lady recorded with among others Maria Friedman and Jonathan Pryce. I received a gift certificate for Christmas and was thinking of purchasing it. Is it worth owning? It's expensive and exceeds the money on my gift card. I love Ms. Dench and Maria's no slouch either. Give me your input fellow Theater lovers.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 1/28/06 at 3:59pm

Isn't Wayne Sleep the EmCee on that recording?

Posted: 1/28/06 at 4:07pm

I thought Jonathan Pryce was the emcee. I'm not sure though.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 1/28/06 at 4:08pm

I assume the recording of Dame Judi as Sally Bowles is long deleted?

Posted: 1/28/06 at 4:24pm

I would love to have the recording with Dame Judi as Sally. I remember seeing the record when I was a kid in Mays Department store in Queens. I wish it would be re-released on CD.

[IssaMe]

Posted: 1/28/06 at 4:53pm

Dame Judi intends to do a play in the West End later in the year...who knows if it will come to Broadway.

[EponineThenardier]

Posted: 1/28/06 at 6:24pm

I kind of wish she had been able to be Grizabella in Cats in London (elaine Page took over after Dench had an injury). She would have made it all worth while. Would love to hear her sing Memory.

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 1/28/06 at 6:28pm

by her own admission though, she can't sing, so it would have been a very interesting rendition, that's for sure.

Posted: 1/28/06 at 8:34pm

I had no idea Judi Dench was supposed to play Grizabella. I'm sure "Memory" would have been brilliantly acted.

Her rendition of "Send in the Clowns" on a PBS special a few years ago celebrating Cameron Mackintosh was heartbreaking. Not a great singer but who cares?

[IssaMe]

Posted: 1/28/06 at 10:55pm

Well, she was terrific in Night Music at the National!

[moljul]

Posted: 1/28/06 at 10:57pm

Her play, Hay Fever, opens in April. I don't recall any talk about a transfer to Broadway but you never know. Though didn't I hear something about her not particularly enjoying her experience the last time she was on Broadway so maybe she isn't in a rush to get back. I may have my story incorrect.

Tickets go on sale January 29th.

[andycomposer]

Posted: 1/28/06 at 11:05pm

Dame Judi for UK President!

Posted: 1/28/06 at 11:31pm

I heard she loved being on Broadway during her run in AMY'S VIEW. However I doubt she'll come back here. From what I've heard she likes to stick close to home and be near her family. Our loss. I'd love to see her in HAY FEVER. Great part for her.

Posted: 1/29/06 at 11:19am

I think I'm going to head down to B&N and pick up that recording. I think I have to have it. It's CABARET and it's got Dame Judi and Maria Friedman! Reason enough.