There may only be a handful of shopping days left, but if you have a theater lover on your holiday list, there’s plenty of time to find the perfect gift. TheaterMania has selected a total of 50 DVDs, CDs, books, audio books, and theater-related merchandise to put a smile on the face of any recipient.
Broadway Bares 1992 Solo Strip (www.bcefa.org)
This recently unearthed DVD of now-Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell’s solo strip from the very first Broadway Bares event, held at New York’s Splash Bar in 1992, is sure to be the kind of special gift that will be remembered (and replayed often) long after Christmas day has come and gone.
Beauty and the Beast (Two-Disc Diamond Edition)
(Walt Disney Video)
Viewers are treated to not only the original theatrical release of Disney’s beloved animated film — featuring the gorgeous score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman — but also an extended version and the original storyboard version, along with special audio commentary. A must-have for kids and adults alike!
Evening Primrose
(Entertainment One)
Four decades after its startling one-night appearance on TV, Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s creepy-yet-beautiful musical about a secret society of store dwellers whose existence is interrupted by a wannabe reclusive poet (played by Anthony Perkins) is finally available for home viewing.
Glee: The Complete First Season
(20th Century Fox)
In case you missed any of the first 22 episodes of Ryan Murphy’s landmark television musical-drama — or you simply want to watch them over and over — they’re all here. In addition to the excellent work of regulars Matthew Morrison, Lea Michele, Jane Lynch and company, the set features priceless guest performances by Broadway favorites Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, and Emmy Award winner Neil Patrick Harris.
Great Performances: Macbeth (PBS Direct)
Toil and trouble indeed! Patrick Stewart delivers a titanic performance as the bloodthirsty Thane of Cawdor in Rupert Goold’s striking take on William Shakespeare’s classic drama, which thrilled audiences throughout the UK and on Broadway.
James Levine: Celebrating 40 Years at the Met – DVD Box Set
(Polygram Records)
This 21-DVD set features 11 complete operas conducted by the Metropolitan Opera’s resident maestro — including such star-studded performances as Smetana’s The Bartered Bride with Teresa Stratas, and Der Rosenkavalier with Kiri Te Kanawa — as well as highlights from historic concerts starring such superstars as Leontyne Price, Marilyn Horne, Tatiana Troyanos, Plácido Domingo, and Sherrill Milnes.
Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook
(PBS Direct)
The popular crooner hosts this riveting three-part series about the history of America’s music and his personal experience with some of this country’s greatest entertainers and songwriters.
Slings & Arrows: The Complete Collection
(Acorn Media)
This Canadian TV series about a dysfunctional Shakespearean troupe is a true cult favorite. In addition to watching the work of stars Paul Gross, Don McKellar (co-author of The Drowsy Chaperone), Mark McKinney, and Stephen Ouimette, viewers will be delighted by guest appearances by Rachel McAdams, Colm Feore, Sarah Polley, and the late, great William Hutt.
Sondheim: The Birthday Concert
(IMAGE Entertainment)
This 80th-birthday celebration of Stephen Sondheim, taped live at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall earlier this year, features a who’s-who of Broadway stars performing the composer’s unparalleled work, including Michael Cerveris, George Hearn, Patti LuPone, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald, John McMartin, Donna Murphy, Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, and Elaine Stritch.
The Elia Kazan Collection
(20th Century Fox)
This remarkable 18-disc set features Martin Scorsese’s superb documentary on the legendary, controversial director, along with 15 of Kazan greatest films, including his award-winning version of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, as well as On the Waterfront, Gentleman’s Agreement, East of Eden, and Splendor in the Grass.
Next Page: CDs including Elaine Paige and Friends, Glee: The Music, Volume 4, Josh Groban’s Illuminations, and more…
