Andrew Lloyd Webber brought his road show to China for a concert in 2001 that was big on hits, but seemed lacking at times in terms of talent.

The desire to have Chinese singers represented in the cast hurt the quality of the finished product. Calling it a "masterpiece" might be a stretch. Apparently Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman's visas couldn't be approved before the concert went off.

Don't get me wrong. This is a thoroughly enjoyable concert with many great songs being performed by very talented singers, and a fantastic sonic effort by the China Philharmonic Orchestra. A few of Lloyd Webber's shows get the short shrift in terms of songs played per musical, including the criminally underrated Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, represented here only by "Any Dream Will Do."

But, the main disappointment of the concert is perhaps spawned from high expectations. Anytime I pick up an Andrew Lloyd Webber CD or DVD, or see one of his shows, my presumption is that I will hear wonderfully crafted Broadway hits sung by supremely talented vocalists. At the Beijing concert, only Elaine Page is able to satiate my thirst for thunderous singing.

The concert begins with an explosion of energy from Tony Vincent performing "Superstar" from Jesus Christ Superstar. Unfortunately his electric number is followed by a mediocre performance of "I Don't Know How to Love Him" sung by Sandy Lam, who just doesn't have the chops to pull the number off. The concert then weaves its way through Lloyd Webber's catalogue.

The Evita section of the concert is highlighted by the beautiful and talented Elaine Page who sings a rendition of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" that drips with emotion. She also reprises her Cats role by singing "Memory."

The concert highlights the inclusion of Chinese-American singer Kris Phillips, however his performances are unimpressive. His energy on stage lacked the intensity needed to do some of his numbers justice. His voice is certainly Broadway-worthy, but I would have liked to hear a male singer at the concert with an authoritative authorative vocal style, a la Mandy Patinkin or Michael Ball, which Phillips lacks.

The DVD includes a CD companion with selected songs from the concert.

If your expectations do not exceed that of seeing good singers singing good songs, then you'll enjoy this three-hour concert. If you're expecting the best of what Broadway or the West End has to offer, then you may come away feeling like the concert missed its mark.