Michael Ball Movies

Curiously, although lyricist William S. Gilbert (1836-1911) and composer Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) now claim legions of fans, they've also drawn just as many detractors, the majority of whom condemn their music as "overblown." This five-part miniseries not only falls into the former camp, but argues that the duo almost single-handedly paved the way for the development of 20th Century musical theater, and have inestimably influenced many neighboring theatrical forms. With observations from such contemporary admirers as Germaine Greer, Michael Ball, Sir Charles Mackerras and Sir Jonathan Miller, this program discusses events from the tumultuous lives of both artists - from their emergence under the aegis and tutelage of producer Richard D'Oyly Carte, who founded the Savoy Theatre in their honor, to their history-making collaborations on The Mikado and H.M.S. Pinafore, to a disagreement over a carpet that nearly brought their relationship to a permanent end. Longtime Gilbert and Sullivan actor and singer Simon Butteriss hosts. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Recorded live at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1995, this tenth anniversary performance of Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil's landmark musical features a one-night-only "dream cast" of Les Mis veterans. Colm Wilkinson reprises his original role as Jean Valjean, the hero imprisoned 17 years for stealing a loaf of bread; Philip Quast is his relentless pursuer Javert. Other stars include Ruthie Henshall as Fantine, Judy Kuhn as Cosette, Michael Maguire as Enjolras, Alun Armstrong as Thenardier, and the inimitable Michael Ball returning to the role of Marius. ~ Sarah Welsh, Rovi

This British biopic attempts to chronicle the life of 17th-century tunesmith Henry Purcell. The filmmakers have had to do much speculating about Britain's first great composer, as little is known about his life back then. It is known that Purcell had been a chorister as a child and then became the court composer for three kings: Charles, James and William. Before his death at age 37, Purcell penned over 1,000 songs and sired a few children, most of whom died at birth. While little is actually known of Purcell, the film successfully recreates the tumultuous era in which he lived. Also running parallel to Purcell's story is a set in the 1960s when English society and values seemed to be rapidly eroding, just as they were in the composer's time. The story concerns a playwright's attempts to research the life of Purcell for his next play. In the last part of the film, several lavish musical numbers from Purcell's vast repertoire are presented. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi