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"We said we wouldn't look back...." sang Cameron Mackintosh, but look back we did, from the exciting opening bars of Cats to the uplifting closing ensemble of Les Misérables was a presentation by the most incredible array of stars ever assembled on any stage. This tribute to Producer Mackintosh was offered two nights at the Lyceum Theatre in London, 7 & 8 June, 1998, with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and HRH Prince Philip attending the second night.
The starstudded cast brought us some of the most memorable of musical shows, all of which Mr. Mackintosh has been involved. Each number was impeccably presented, with choreography, musical arrangements, lighting and production values all of the high quality that we have come to enjoy from his productions. This is what professional theatre is all about, and Mr. Mackintosh does it well.
The cast was made up from the ranks of the finest singers and performers in the world, including: Julie Andrews, Judi Dench, Julia Mckenzie, Ruthie Henshall, Maria Friedman, Bernadette Peters, Hugh Jackman, David Campbell, Michael Ball, Colm Wilkinson, John Barrowman, Jonathan Pryce and on and on...
But the man who was worth waiting for that night was Philip Quast, singing his signature role as that of Javert. This man will certainly go down in the history of musical theatre as the finest singer/actor in this part. The two time Olivier Award winner was spellbinding, his voice having grown in such power and beauty that it filled the theatre! Mr. Quast has such a commanding presence and moves with such assurance and panache that he leaves the audience breathless.
The entire cast was the very best in musical theatre, but anytime Philip Quast graces the stage, it is more than that....it is sheer magic. Theatre doesn't get any better than that!
