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| 11/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
I would imagine it took a lot to impress Noel Coward. When Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray came to him with a musical version of his delightful supernatural comedy Blithe Spirit, he was prepared to dismiss it. After hearing the score, however, Coward not only gave them the rights, but agreed to direct it on Broadway. It is quite brilliant, he wrote to a friend. Who am I to disagree with Noel Coward? High Spirits is indeed a witty and tuneful delight, one of the great forgotten musicals. I don t know if the show actually worked onstage, but the album is pure pleasure, due in large measure to two of its stars, the zany and unique Beatrice Lillie and Tammy Grimes, both of whom are perfection. (OK, here I do dare to disagree with Coward; he wanted Gwen Verdon and Kay Thompson!) Edward Woodward and Louise Troy are also marvelous, bringing strong voices and intelligence to the musical s straighter roles. I haven t replaced all of m ....

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