That is not to knock the film because I for one still thoroughly enjoyed it, especially for the choreography, Howard Keel's voice and Ann Miller. Just that this version has a little more energy, is more complete and with the audience has more of a spontaneous feel and theatrical spirit which is always thrilling. The camera work doesn't really do the production justice, it is very jumpy and there are too many close-ups instead of being expansive. Talking solely about the production, there is actually no real obvious complaint. The sets and costumes are rustic and colourful and the production is beautifully lit. Cole Porter's score is magnificent and one of his best, and the band/orchestra- very stage performance pit orchestra like- play it with great precision without feeling rhythmically rigid. The brass are dominant in orchestration and give it plenty of welly, while being careful to balance. The conducting is capable of energy and intimacy. The choreography in its best moments is absolutely electric, especially in Too Darn Hot which is the very meaning of a blistering show-stopper, very like the song. The dialogue and story, traditional, updated or whatnot would always be witty and charming with an emotional core, and how they're done in this production is no exception at all, and in this regard it is done better than it is in the film. The performances are really top-notch, admittedly you do miss Ann Miller's dancing and Howard Keel's singing but these performances are still worthy, all spirited dancers, strong singers and able actors. Top honours go to Rachel York, who is outstanding in every way. A beautiful woman, she possesses an even more beautiful voice that sounds capable of a hybrid of lyric opera and musical theatre and a real personal charm and warmth. She is a great actress too, she is hysterically funny in places and her emotional moments do pull at the heart-strings. Brent Barrett is a handsome and appealingly charismatic partner, his voice is not as good as Keel's in the film but there is some truly lovely tone that shows good phrasing and nuances. All in all, terrific and superior to the still very entertaining film version. 9/10 Bethany Cox