In Concert

by Robert Lovering Surprising as it may be, Michael Crawford did not release an official live album until the fall of 1998, when In Concert appeared in the stores. Recorded at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, California just two weeks before the release of On Eagle's Wings, this concert, which was initially broadcast on PBS, is an excellent showcase not only for Michael Crawford, the world-class singer, but for Michael Crawford, the world-class entertainer. In Concert contains a skillful, varied selection of tunes, ranging from contemporary show tunes and Andrew Lloyd Webber songs Crawford made famous, to Irish medleys and standards. He punctuates several tracks with monologues and brings Dale Kristien out for backing vocals on "The Phantom of the Opera" and "All I Ask of You." The results are warm, welcoming, and terrifically entertaining -- a perfect testament to a great Broadway singer and showman.