Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast)
Highlight versions of cast recordings are by definition a compromise, and this reduction of Andrew Lloyd Webber'sPhantom of the Operais no exception. Weighing in at 59 minutes, it's over 40 minutes shorter than thetwo-disc version, excising many musical scenes that convey the flow and impact of the show (which include, admittedly, a lot of patter and screaming). On the other hand, all the hits are here--"Think of Me," "Angel of Music," the title tune, "The Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "Masquerade," and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"--andMichael CrawfordandSarah Brightmanare still on hand to make their distinctive contributions to the original London cast. So if you're looking for a convenient, inexpensive single disc that will let you enjoy Lloyd Webber's scrumptious melodies without having to immerse yourself in the action, this just might be for you.--David Horiuchi