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SO MANY NEW RELEASES,
AND THE QUALITY VARIES
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By Chris Curcio
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Phoenix, AZ (April 4, 2009) - Lots of new cast CDs have been released
since my last update so the reviews below are lengthy. Many old shows
have been re-released and a few chestnut shows are being released as
first time CDs. Most new releases of old musicals come from DRG Theater
in an arrangement with Sony's Masterworks Broadway. Sony now owns almost
all old record company catalogues.
Arkiv Music is also re-releasing old Sony-owned show albums. Arkiv just
distributed a list of show albums to be released on Tuesday. These
include "disinHAIRited," a first time CD and filled with songs
considered but later dropped from the original "Hair" production, "Hazel
Flagg," "Jimmy" starring Frank Gorshin, "The Last Sweet Days of Issac,"
"Let It Ride!" with George Gobel, "New Faces of 1952," "New Faces of
1956" and the 1976 Public Theater revival of "The Threepenny Opera."
Those show recordings not owned by Sony are finding re-release
opportunities on the Kritzerland label. They just released "Anya," a
long out-of-print recording, reviewed below. Their next re-release will
be "Illya Darling" in May with previously unreleased tracks.
Various labels are releasing new Broadway shows but the releases aren't
appearing as quickly after Broadway openings as they once did. "Road
Show" will come out on PS Classics who is co-producing the revised
Stephen Sondheim show with Nonesuch. The new Broadway musical "Next to
Normal" will have a digital release Tuesday and an in-store release May
12 from Ghostlight Records. PS Classics will release "The Story of My
Life" on June 2. This was the two-character Broadway musical that closed
a few days after it opened to bad reviews. The much-heralded "West Side
Story" revival gets recorded Monday for June release, while the poorly
received "Guys and Dolls" will probably not be recorded. Apparently,
there won't be a recording of the recent Roundabout Theatre Company "Pal
Joey" revival. That's a shame because Stockard Channing's Vera Simpson
delivered the best ever "Bewitched."
Footlight Records re-opened under new owner Bruce Yeko of Original Cast
Records and they are getting the kinks ironed out as they ship orders.
It's nice to have this single source back so all cast CDs can be
obtained from a single web site. The web site is easy to check, order,
and navigate.
NEW CD REVIEWS
"ALLEGRO"
Studio Cast - 2009
Masterworks Broadway (88697-41738-2)
Rodgers and Hammerstein's third show, "Allegro," debuted in 1947 and
after the success of "Oklahoma" "Carousel" and the movie musical "State
Fair," the new musical proved to be the team's first flop. The show was
plagued by an unusual book, but the new complete recording released by
Masterworks Broadway is a tribute to the fine score Richard Rodgers
crafted. The cast is composed of contemporary musical theater favorites
and the leads are played by Laura Benanti, Norbert Leo Butz, Liz
Callaway, Nathan Gunn, Judy Kuhn, Audra McDonald, Marni Nixon and
Patrick Wilson with the supporting cast full of other Broadway veterans.
It couldn't be a better ensemble and the score sounds bright and
brilliant. Larry Blank does a fine job conducting the 50-piece
Istropolis Philharmonic Orchestra and the cast. The songs are a
collection of greats with many shadowing later Rodgers and Hammerstein
song creations. The show was created by Oscar Hammerstein II and
represented a new way of telling a story in a musical. The show was so
trend-setting that audiences at the time found it a challenge. It's
unfortunate that the show is rarely mounted today because even though
the storytelling can be perplexing, the score is wonderfully melodic and
it is brilliantly sung here by the impeccable cast. This new and
complete "Allegro" recording may help revive interest in the show.
Grade: A
"SHREK THE MUSICAL"
Original Broadway Cast
Decca Broadway (B0012627-02)
Decca Broadway took a big chance on recording the new Broadway show
"Shrek The Musical." It has met with very mixed reactions on Broadway.
The show has been most criticized as being over produced but the cast CD
reveals a score that is melodic and some of the song lyrics are funny
even if the show is geared to young audiences. Some song lyrics are
quite suggestive and will go over the heads of young audiences so there
is something of interest to the children's chaperones. The cast is fine
with Brian d'Arcy James as the lead and singing "Big, Bright Beautiful
World" very effectively. Broadway charmer Sutton Foster contributes
several winning songs with her usual breezy and relaxed style.
Christopher Sieber's fine "What's Up, Duloc?" is also a CD highlight.
The accompanying booklet has all the show's lyrics and an abundance of
pictures so the entire presentation is nice although the way the CD is
stored is in a cheap paper binder lacking the permanence of a plastic CD
case. Just know that the music is far better than the show I saw in New
York.
Grade: B
"LIZA'S AT THE PALACE..."
Broadway Cast
Hybrid Recordings (HY20053-2)
Liza Minnelli recently created a popular revue and took it to
Broadway. It's great that the show was recorded. "Liza's at the
Palace..." features, in two CDs, her entire show. The first disc
features many renditions of now classic Minnelli tunes. Her renditions
sound solid and good. The second disc features Liza's tribute to her
godmother, Kay Thompson. These songs are new to Minnelli. Liza sounds
better than she has in some time and the first disc has some forceful
and winning new renditions of Minnelli favorites including the
inevitable "Cabaret." It's a smashing demonstration that Minnelli still
has the pipes and charisma to carry a show like this one. The second
disc contains far more interesting songs and Minnelli does the Thompson
tribute with loving perfection. It's good to hear Minnelli sounding so
good and even if she's not quite what she was in her heyday, she's back
in top form.
Grade: A
"FORBIDDEN BROADWAY GOES TO REHAB"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
DRG Theater (12633)
The final "Forbidden Broadway" revue entitled "Forbidden Broadway
Goes to Rehab" is a fitting tribute to the closing show in the 27th year
of Gerard Alessandrini's popular off-Broadway entertainment that
ridicules, with great hilarity, Broadway's latest attractions. The show
uses the actual show tunes but with biting new satirical lyrics that
slam the many musicals and plays "Forbidden Broadway" picks apart. In
this final edition such shows as "In the Heights," the "South Pacific"
revival, Patti LuPone's "Gypsy," "Young Frankenstein" and "Equus," along
with some of the previous editions funniest satires, roast those
Broadway vehicles. Celebrities get roasted, too, including Broadway
stars Kristen Chenoweth, Bernadette Peters, Liza Minnelli and Harry
Connick Jr. The show also spoofs some Broadway failures like "Tale of
Two Cities" and "Xanadu," along with some big slaps at Stephen Sondheim.
It's all very funny and this last edition is one of the best.
Grade: A
"UNBEATABLE"
Original Phoenix Cast
Other Productions, Inc. (No Number)
Those of us in Phoenix had the great fortune to see the world
premiere of the musical "Unbeatable," an outstanding show that dealt in
an amazingly upbeat way with breast cancer. Now, this brilliant new show
has been recorded before it makes a New York debut. The winning score
is by Todd Schroeder and Kevin Fisher in a concept developed by Michael
Barnard, Phoenix Theatre's artistic director and the person who
masterfully conceived the show's first production. The memorable cast
that includes many Phoenix performers is headed by Kristy Cates. This
CD is available by checking the show's online address, www.unbeatablemusical.com.
Grade: A
"ANYA"
Original Broadway Cast
Kritzerland (KR 20012-2)
Kritzerland is releasing that long cherished Broadway flop "Anya,"
the 1965 musical that played a short and troubled New York run but faded
into oblivion except for the cast record that captured the lushly
romantic and melodic score based on Sergei Rachmaninoff compositions.
"Anya" had its music and lyrics by Robert Wright and George Forrest who
had previously adapted major classical composers into past musical
successes including "Kismet" and "Song of Norway" and such failures as
"At the Grand." It's nice to finally have this score available on CD.
The cast included the wonderfully voiced Constance Towers, the rich
baritone of Michael Kermoyan, Irra Petina, and film star Lillian Gish.
This is a cherished cast recording and it is now finally available for
collectors and show music aficionados to hear.
Grade: A
"BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1930"
Original Town Hall Cast
Original Cast Records (OC 6241)
The ongoing Broadway by the Year series continues with the release
of "Broadway Musicals of 1930" that was recorded live in 2006. This show
features the two big and memorable hits, "Girl Crazy" and "Strike Up
The Band," along with a song or two from the myriad of other forgotten
shows including "The New Yorkers," "Lew Leslie's International Revue,"
"Smiles," "Blackbirds of 1930," "Three's A Crowd," "Nina Rosa," "Simple
Simon," "Who Cares?" and "9:15 Revue." As always, creator and host
Scott Siegel provides some pithy comments about the season, other
historic events, and provides a linkage of songs. His cast includes such
Broadway stalwarts as Marc Kudisch, Emily Skinner, and Mary Testa among
the dozen cast members. These Broadway by the Year recordings are
always interesting visits into the year captured and they provide a
sense of that year's shows and why they appeared.
Grade: A
"TO BROADWAY WITH LOVE"
Original Cast
DRG Theater/Sony Music (19122)
The first of DRG Theater's re-releases is actually of a non-Broadway
show, "To Broadway with Love." It was an over-produced revue that
actually played at the 1964 New York World's Fair at the Texas Pavilion.
It ran a short time with two alternating casts. The recording was made
when one cast was performing so this new release only represents half of
the total ensemble. With lavish production numbers, "To Broadway with
Love" hoped to capture Broadway's grandeur. Some of the show's few
original songs were by the popular Broadway composing team of Bock and
Harnick who are remembered more for their more famous Broadway musical
creations. This tribute was conceived and directed by Morton Da Costa
and many of the selected tunes did not come from Broadway musicals. None
of the lavish production numbers were inspired by Broadway creations
either. Of all the show recordings that haven't been turned into CDs,
"To Broadway with Love" is probably not one many fans were waiting for
or were hoping would make it to a CD transfer. Why DRG Theater wasted
its time with this show is a question that will never be well addressed.
Grade: D
"WILDCAT"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Theater/Sony Music (19119)
The Lucille Ball musical "Wildcat" has been available before on CD.
While Ball captivated audiences and her one standout hit, "Hey, Look Me
Over!," is quite famous, the rest of the show is pretty ordinary.
Apparently, when Ball grew tired of the eight weekly Broadway
performance schedule, she got sick and the show closed for awhile but
after she returned, she didn't last long and the show was history. The
piece is rarely revived and without a dominant personality at the center
of it, there's not much to the cast recording except Ball's dynamite
rendition of the title tune.
Grade: C
"TAKE ME ALONG"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Theater/Sony Music (19116)
"Take Me Along" is one of the most refreshing little shows. The
score is excellent, the adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's only comedy "Ah,
Wilderness" is delightful, and the cast album is a treasure with the
impeccable people who are perfectly assigned to their roles. Of course,
Jackie Gleason is actually in one of the play's supporting roles but he
turns the part into a charming guy. Walter Pidgeon certainly can't sing
but turns the small town newspaper editor into a wonderfully warm
characterization and Eileen Herlie is perfect as the wallflower sister.
Robert Morse makes a splash in a small role and with his energetic
singing allows us to see why he was used to star in "How to Succeed in
Business Without Really Trying." There are standouts in Robert Merrill's
score but the title tune is catchy and all the tunes are pleasant
little ditties sung with heartfelt warmth and vivaciousness. "Take Me
Along" has been available before on CD but it's nice to have this little
gem back.
Grade: A
"MAGGIE FLYNN"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Theater/Sony Music (19123)
"Maggie Flynn" has not been available previously as a CD and the
score is a joy for a less-than-successful musical that debuted in 1968.
The leads are played with great fun by the husband/wife team of Shirley
Jones (at the height of her vocal beauty here) and Jack Cassidy as a
Shakespearean actor. The story has Maggie as the headmistress of an
orphanage. Lots of things happen but the story and show were not
popular. The score is a delight and it's really nice to have this show
available as a CD.
Grade: B
"WISH YOU WERE HERE"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Theater/Sony Music (19121)
"Wish You Were Here" had the distinction of being in 1952 one of the
few Broadway musicals that didn't have an out-of-town tryout to work
the bugs out of the new show. The reason was that the show had a
swimming pool used in just one scene and that construction at the
Imperial Theatre made it impossible to tour the new show. The show was
about adult summer camps and also boasted a basketball court. The show
debuted June 25, the hottest day of that summer and, at that time
Broadway theaters weren't air-conditioned. The show didn't get good
reviews but a radio interview with director Leland Hayward saved the
show. The score is cute and catchy and the original cast was filled with
performers who went on to some Broadway fame. The biggest name among
the cast was Jack Cassidy. The show ended with a 598-performance run and
a London production. It's nice to have the original cast recording
available again.
Grade: C
"MR. PRESIDENT"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Theater/Sony Music (19124)
"Mr. President" was Irving Berlin's last Broadway show. It was not a
success but many of the tunes are pleasant, if not distinguished. The
show also marked film actor Robert Ryan's only Broadway musical and he
has trouble carrying a tune. The rest of the cast included the wonderful
Nanette Fabray and the perky Anita Gillette and the entire cast gave
its all to this show about being the U. S. President. The story is inane
and makes the Presidency seem like fun without any of the pressure we
know the job includes. This show has been available on CD before but
since it was Berlin's last Broadway musical, there's a certain nostalgia
in the musical and that's why it's back.
Grade: C
"CAROUSEL"
Music Theater of Lincoln Center Cast
Arkiv Music/Masterworks Broadway/Sony Music (SONY 92871)
The Music Theater of Lincoln Center's 1965 "Carousel" revival
included a still strong-voiced John Raitt recreating his original Billy
role with Eileen Christy's clear-voiced Julie and Susan Watson's
delightfully funny Carrie. The music is lovely and all of it is well
sung here. There are four bonus tracks from two other "Carousel"
recordings and the sound of each from the operatic version with Robert
Merrill and Patrice Munsel to the more natural Raitt and Doretta Morrow
versions are very different. This "Carousel" cast recording has been
available before, too. It is one of the better versions of Richard
Rodgers' fine score.
Grade: B
"OKLAHOMA"
Studio Cast - 1952
Arkiv Music/Masterworks Broadway/Sony Music (SONY 92867)
This vanity "Oklahoma" features movie musical star Nelson Eddy and
other '50s stars including Portia Nelson, Virginia Haskins, and Kaye
Ballard. The score is not particularly theatrical sounding and the songs
are adjusted for the talents singing them. Why this version of
"Oklahoma" was converted to CD remains a question. There are four bonus
tracks featuring John Raitt that are much better renditions of these
popular tunes.
Grade: C
"RODGERS CONDUCTS RODGERS"
Studio Cast - 1954
Arkiv Music/Masterworks Broadway/Sony Music (SONY 92876)
These orchestral versions of Richard Rodgers compositions from both
his musicals and other places are endearingly conducted by Rodgers with
the excellent New York Philharmonic playing the selections lushly.
Included is an orchestral piece weaving together four Richard Rodgers
Waltzes, "The King and I's" "March of the Siamese Children," "The
Carousel Waltz" that opens that show, "Slaughter On Tenth Avenue" from
"On Your Toes" and his symphonic scenario, "Victory at Sea." In addition
some of Rodgers radio promotion material to publicize this mid-'50s
album are included. These were interviews by record producer Goddard
Lieberson with Rodgers. There are many interesting comments but it seems
doubtful that these interviews will be listened to as much or as often
as the musical selections with their robust sound and perfect tempos.
Grade: B
"ON YOUR TOES"/"PAL JOEY"
Studio Cast - 1952/1957
Stage Door Records (STAGE 9002)
Stage Door Records, a British label, has released some more
compilations of early show music recordings. In this release, we get two
'50s studio cast recordings of two Rodgers and Hart shows, "On Your
Toes" and "Pal Joey." "On Your Toes" is more authentic sounding with
two major musical performers featured, Portia Nelson and Jack Cassidy.
The "Pal Joey" features big band vocalists Martha Tilton and June Hutton
and the songs sound less like they are from a Broadway musical and more
from a swing era band. The accompanying booklet has interesting
information about the shows. This recording is not a must for show music
collectors but the familiar songs sound solid and professional.
Grade: C
"HANSEL AND GRETEL"/"THE YEOMAN OF THE GUARD"
Original Television Casts
Sepia Records (SEPIA 1125)
Back in the 1950s, television produced its own versions of several
Broadway musicals and there were also musicals written exclusively for
the television audience. Two of these for television-only shows featured
a young Barbara Cook. The 1957 television version of Gilbert and
Sullivan's "The Yeomen of the Guard" also starred popular Broadway
performer Alfred Drake. The version presented on this two-show CD
conversion doesn't include all of the score but just the most popular
and recognizable tunes from the score. The other show, "Hansel and
Gretel," featured Red Buttons in a comedic version of the popular
children's story. It's really nice to have two of Cook's early singing
appearances and these recordings remind us of how important Broadway
musicals and Broadway's most popular performers were to the American
entertainment industry. You wouldn't see a current Broadway star
featured in a television musical today. Cook sounds fresh and wonderful.
It's amazing that this stalwart singer is still so outstanding today in
similar repertory. Buttons, too, makes it sound like the "Hansel and
Gretel," if available, would make a wonderful DVD. In addition, there
are several bonus tracks featuring Buttons, Cook, Stubby Kaye, and Rudy
Vallee from this early television period.
Grade: B
"JULIE ANDREWS MUSICALITY"
Stage Door Records (STAGE 9012)
Julie Andrews had a socko Broadway voice and created some of our
most famous leading roles in classic Broadway musicals. I feel lucky to
have seen her in her last Broadway triumph, "Victor, Victoria," just
before her ill-fated vocal operation that destroyed her singing voice.
Now, on Stage Door Records comes a tribute to her "Musicality." Featured
are a collection of selections from her first two Broadway hits, "The
Boy Friend" and "My Fair Lady." Also are tunes from her two television
musicals, "Cinderella" and "High Tor." Following these groupings come
several songs from many other shows Andrews did but which aren't as
famous. Many are from recordings she made of other Broadway musicals. I
find it interesting that this tribute to Andrews includes nothing from
her other two big Broadway successes, "Camelot" and "Victor, Victoria."
It's great to sit back, though, and listen to Andrews in her prime float
through song after song with her pristine voice. Too bad that the CD
isn't more complete of her entire career but it is still a joy to
treasure even though we've heard most of these song renditions many
times before.
Grade: B
NEW DVD REVIEWS
"RENT- THE FINAL PERFORMANCE"
Closing Broadway Cast
Sony Pictures (29791)
What a treasure "Rent - The Final Performance" is. The show took
Broadway by storm and this record of the fabulous final Broadway
performance is a historic gem that will long be a treasured part of
Broadway musical theater history. Being able to see the original
production with a few of the original cast members rejoining the final
Broadway company is a wonderfully faithful record of what will become a
classic Broadway musical. The accompanying bonus features, "Rent: The
Final Days on Broadway," "The Final Curtain Call," "The Wall," and "The
Final Lottery" for tickets to that closing performance are all fabulous
bits of theater history here preserved for the ages. If you love
American musicals and/or "Rent" buy this DVD and skip the show's awful
movie version. Seeing and having a record of what "Rent" looked and
sounded like on Broadway is something very special.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (February 28, 2009) - The biggest show music news is the
revival of Footlight Records. The original store was devoted to Broadway
cast, movie soundtracks and personality recordings. It later branched
out to DVDs related to these topics. The New York City store was an
institution and was always a stop on any Broadway trip. When the
landlord raised the rent, the store closed and became an Internet outlet
for show music lovers. It moved to the Brooklyn house of the owner.
After running as an Internet store for a while, it announced a closing
about a year ago only to stay open when demand soared for the product
they sold.
Over the course of 2008, Broadway cast CDs slowed as did Hollywood
product. With so many ways now to purchase CDs and DVDs including
downloads directly from the Internet offering competition, the store
decided to close in early December. I miss the weekly chats with my two
friends at Footlight, Ron and Arnold, as well as the weekly shipment
plus the ease with which it was to get current show music product.
However, the good news is that Original Cast Records has now taken over
and revived the Footlight Records brand. It will be interesting to see
how the new management will handle Footlight Records.
Now for some reviews of some recent recordings:
"RAINBOW 'ROUND MY SHOULDER"
BARBARA COOK
DRG Records (94782)
There's nothing more glorious than hearing a new Barbara Cook album.
Her latest, "Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder," is a stunning collection of
pop and show tunes sung exquisitely and complimented by Cook's new music
director and arranger, Lee Musiker. Listening to the CD, one would
never guess Cook's age - 81. She sounds years younger and, like so many
singers of her age, she has none of the raspy vibrato that gives away
one's age. Musiker takes over where the brilliant late Wally Harper left
off, arranging songs for Cook that compliment her current voice and
making the songs sound fresh and alive. Nothing on Cook's current CD
sounds dated or old fashioned. As usual, Cook tells each song's story
with impeccable insight and meaning. Cook has perfected telling a
complete and total story with each song she sings. It's impossible to
pick highlights although her "Old Devil Moon" from "Finian's Rainbow" is
a stunner as is the album's title tune. There isn't one of the 15
tracks that you won't love and adore Cook's impeccable way with the song
and the lushness of her vocal sound. Barbara Cook is a true phenomenon
and there will never be anyone quite like her.
Grade: A
"13"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (8-4413)
The Broadway musical "13" featured a young cast of teenagers. It had
a brief, unsuccessful Broadway run, but it kept Broadway current with a
show about the trials and tribulations of growing up as a teenager
today. The music, by Jason Robert Brown, has a contemporary music sound
and will be a challenge for lovers of conventional musical theater. The
story follows several teenagers through standard growing up difficulties
and challenges. The show has its own sound but it's not a standout as a
great new musical. There have been many better plays about growing up.
Grade: C
"BROADWAY'S GREATEST GIFTS - CAROLS FOR A CURE"
10TH Anniversary Collector's Edition
Rock-It Science Records (RSRO2)
The annual "Carols for a Cure" is a two-CD set that has current
shows represented with different and familiar holiday classics plus hits
from past editions. The first CD contains the current Broadway casts'
contributions and, like always, some are better and more enjoyable than
others but all are interesting and make these tunes sound pleasant and
different. The second disc contains past gems and they are the best of
previous releases. The two CD set is pleasant music for Broadway lovers
holiday celebrations.
Grade: A
"THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES"
Off-Broadway Cast
PS Classics (PS-874)
"The Marvelous Wonderettes," an off-Broadway musical hit, is a girl
version of "Forever Plaid" without the diversity of musical styles and
sounds. The cast is fine and the collection of '50s pop hits is pleasant
and easy to listen to but there's not the rich diversity of tunes like
"Forever Plaid" so the cast doesn't get chances to showcase each member.
I was debating whether or not to see this show during my annual January
trek to New York but based on this cast CD, the show seems to be one
that could be passed by. The show will no doubt become a staple of
community and regional theaters but few casts will be able to rival the
off-Broadway group. "The Marvelous Wonderettes" is a pleasant little
show with nothing particularly striking to set it off.
Grade: C
"WHEN THE WIND BLOWS SOUTH"
PHILIP CHAFFIN
PS Classics (PS-870)
Philip Chaffin's easy and relaxed vocal style is well showcased in
his latest CD, "When the Wind Blows South." The CD and its selections
are influenced by the singer's Southern roots. Many songs are from
musicals and his pleasant arrangements are perfect for his rich voice.
Favorites include his sultry and sexy "Old Devil Moon" from "Finian's
Rainbow," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," and the title tune. There's not a
track, though, that isn't good, relaxing, and a pleasant listen. Chaffin
has perfected a straightforward and distinctive vocal style that is
showcased well in his new CD with an excellent band and some fine backup
singers.
Grade: A
"BROADWAY UNPLUGGED 4"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
Original Cast Records (OC 6237)
Scott Siegel has supplemented his "Broadway by the Years" series
with "Broadway Unplugged" where he features leading contemporary
Broadway artists singing a wide range of past Broadway hits without any
microphones. His latest, "Broadway Unplugged 4," was recorded November
19, 2007 and features 18 tracks from a wide ranging assortment of
Broadway musicals, some big hits, others less famous, featuring such
talent as Sarah Uriarte Berry, David Burnham, Marc Kudisch, Emily
Skinner, Martin Vidnovic, and Barbara Walsh among the 17 artists on the
recording. The songs come from such hits as "West Side Story," "Kiss Me,
Kate," "Guys and Dolls," "South Pacific," and "Camelot," plus such
unfamiliar shows as "Steel Pier," "The Gay Life," "Happy End," "Fine and
Dandy," and "Spring Is Here." All the songs are beautifully sung and
the collection will be of interest to any show music lover.
Grade: A
"HOWARD SINGS ASHMAN"
PS Classics (PS-869)
This two-disc set "Howard Sings Ashman" includes 17 tracks on the
first CD from Howard Ashman and Alan Menken song collaborations. Of real
interest, though, to show music lovers is the second CD, which includes
15 demos from the legendary 1986 Broadway musical, "Smile," sung by
Ashman and Marvin Hamlisch, that show's composer. The "Smile" CD is a
fascinating record of a fabled show that few saw or heard but is
discussed among show music lovers all the time. The songs are solid and
make one yearn for a production of the show just to see if it is as bad
as was reported. Based on the songs, it doesn't sound like a complete
failure.
Grade: B
"ZORRO"
Original London Cast
First Night Records (CASTCD103)
The London cast recording of "Zorro" by The Gipsy Kings captures the
story's swashbuckling sound and feel. It's been a London hit and will
no doubt get to Broadway in the future. Judging by the cast photos the
show has a big "Les Miserables" look that seems appropriate for this
story. The cast sounds forceful and good if not distinguished. The
musical numbers will not set a new trend in musical theater song styles
but seem adequate if not all that interesting.
Grade: C
"WHERE'S CHARLEY?"/"CHRYSANTHEMUM"
Original London Casts
Must Close Saturday Records (MCSR 3044)
Norman Wisdom's London appearance in "Where's Charley?" netted one
of the few complete recordings of Frank Loesser's score. It's now
available on CD and it is a delightful show with a succession of clever
and winsome songs. Wisdom is perfect as the masquerading title
character. With "Where's Charley?" comes a lesser known 1956 musical,
"Chrysanthemum." The second show is set in 1913 London during the age of
ragtime and the Bunny Hug. The show never clicked and was not
successful either in its original 1956 staging or in its subsequent 1958
revival. The score is undistinguished.
Grade: A for "Where's Charley?"
C for "Chrysanthemum"
"THEN & NOW"
SHIRLEY JONES
Stage Door Records (STAGE 9008)
Shirley Jones' "Then & Now" is interesting collection of old
Jones' classic musical theater gems from her films and studio recordings
plus some current tracks that repeat some of her old chestnut songs,
along with some new tracks from contemporary shows. Jones voice isn't in
the pristine shape it was back when the original recordings were made
and her vibrato and transposed songs make one yearn for the old Jones
tracks and skip the new ones.
Grade: C
Here are reviews of the latest DVDs related to Broadway musicals.
"MAMMA MIA - THE MOVIE"
2-Disc Special Edition
Universal (61107917)
The movie translation of the ABBA musical "Mamma Mia" was perfect
and now it is available in several DVD editions that range from just the
film to a two-disc special edition with many interesting extras. The
film, crafted by the creative team that created the successful stage
musical, is exquisite. The Greek island setting is beautiful and the
cast is superlative. Especially winsome is Meryl Streep as Donna, the
unwed mother of Sophie who runs a small but dilapidated hotel. As she
prepares for her daughter's wedding, the three possible fathers are
invited and make a surprise appearance a day before the celebration. The
wonderful ABBA tunes are perfectly integrated. Streep is relaxed and
perfect both vocally and in spirit for Donna. The three dads are well
played and even if some have criticized Pierce Brosnan's vocals, he is
passable. The musical explodes all over the little island and the
supporting cast couldn't be better. Especially good are Donna's two girl
friends played by Julie Walters and Christine Baranski. The specials
include deleted scenes, alternative takes, the making of the film,
director's commentary, and a sing-along. This is a feel good musical
brought brilliantly to life by the superlative cast, impeccable
direction, superb integration of the songs, and the stunning scenery.
Grade: A
"MAMMA MIA"
The Movie Soundtrack plus a Bonus DVD "Behind the Music"
Decca Broadway (B0012311-00)
Decca Broadway is cashing in on the "Mamma Mia" movie DVD release.
They released the excellent soundtrack recording, which has been
repackaged with a DVD tracing "Behind the Music." The DVD provides
insight into the original creation of the songs plus much footage from
the stage productions. It's a nice collection for show lovers.
Grade: B
"LET THE SUN SHINE IN - HAIR"
Documentary
Alive Mind (ALV-DV-16)
With the recent Broadway revival of "Hair," the "Let the Sun Shine
In - Hair" documentary is perfect. It traces the original "Hair," its
impact, and why the show has received renewed interest today. There's
footage from the movie version. For lovers of "Hair," this new DVD is an
interesting record worth seeing.
Grade: B
"MITZI GAYNOR - RAZZLE DAZZLE! THE SPECIAL YEARS"
City Lights Home Entertainment (DV600159)
Mitzi Gaynor splashed to fame in the movie version of Rodgers and
Hammerstein's "South Pacific" but she was a talented entertainer who
never received her due. The new DVD "Mitzi Gaynor - Razzle Dazzle! The
Special Years" contains some of the spectacular musical numbers from
Gaynor's television specials that showcase Gaynor's dancing and singing
talent. She's also gowned elegantly in Bob Mackie gowns and there are
documentary excerpts with Mackie and Gaynor today that are very
interesting insights into what went into Gaynor's television specials.
It's too bad no Broadway producer ever saw fit to showcase the talented
Gaynor in a big musical. It would have no doubt been quite the thing to
see.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (November 16, 2008) - There are lots of new cast recordings, and lots of re-issues, so let's get right to them:
"GYPSY"
Original 2008 Broadway Cast
Time Life (M19659)
The 2008 cast recording of "Gypsy" is outstanding. It's the first
cast version since the original Broadway cast recording with Ethel
Merman to give the old standard version a run for its money. Starring
Patti LuPone, this version is a stunning retelling of the show which
features the manipulative conniving of Mamma Rose who tries first with
Baby June and then with Baby Louise to create stars in her image. Of
course, Louise becomes Gypsy Rose Lee and she soars to stardom as the
now infamous stripper. LuPone creates a masterful portrayal and the
first completely unique version since Merman. LuPone's Rose is lusty,
bawdy, and she soars musically singing the collection of Jule
Styne-Stephen Sondheim masterpieces. LuPone's stunning "Some People,"
"Small World," "Everything's Coming Up Roses," and a magnificently
heartfelt "Rose's Turn" are outstanding as are this version's bonus
tracks which feature complete renditions of seven songs cut from the
1959 original version. Not only is LuPone stunning but Boyd Gaines
stirring Herbie and Laura Benanti's adult Louise stop the show as does
the entire cast which perfected these roles in last summer's Encore
revival that marked this production's premiere. This "Gypsy" is first
one collectors can proudly display next to Ethel Merman's original cast
recording of the legendary show.
Grade: A
"MARGUERITE"
Original London Cast
First Night Records (CAST CD102)
The world premiere recording of Michel Legrand, Alain Boublil,
Claude Michel-Schonberg, Jonathan Kent, and Herbert Kretzmer's sprawling
new musical "Marguerite" is interesting. It was not successful in
London and has closed but the new cast recording features the
fascinatingly original score sung by the superlative original cast.
Ruthie Henshall is superb in the lead role as is Julian Ovenden as her
lover Armand, a jazz musician. The story has the 23-year-old Armand
falling in love with 40-year-old Marguerite, a top Nazi general's kept
woman. The love affair sets in motion a series of dangerous liaisons
that ultimately leads to the woman's death. The score is full of lush
melodies and even if the story kept the show from being a big success,
the cast album is intriguing.
Grade: B
"LEGALLY BLONDE" -
"So Much Better"
Ghostlight Records (No Number)
The new single "So Much Better" from "Legally Blonde" features the
Elle Woods replacement, Bailey Hanks. Based on this one song CD, Hanks
sounds great and seems more forceful and in charge than the original
Elle, Laura Bell Bundy. The selection of Hanks was the result of a MTV
national search. The show itself remains an odd piece destined to appeal
only to teenagers and the show's score is nothing special.
Grade: C
"JERRY HERMAN'S BROADWAY"
(RCA 58476)
"THE GRAND TOUR"
(SONY 60001)
"DEAR WORLD"
(SONY 59995)
"HELLO, DOLLY!" (MARY MARTIN)
(RCA 48849)
Original Cast Recordings
Arkiv CDs
Arkiv Music has released nine re-mastered CDs from the Masterworks
library of Jerry Herman shows. Most of these recordings have been
available before on CD and these new versions aren't particularly
impressive. The accompanying booklets about the shows are mediocre at
best and in most cases include condensed versions of previously
available liner notes. The booklets have few, and in many cases, no
pictures from the original casts. Of the nine, I received four review
copies and await my order of the other five. The CDs are only available
from the Arkiv web site and the CDs can be downloaded directly from the
web. Of the four I received, only one, the Mary Martin version of
"Hello, Dolly!" is new to CD. The original London cast production was
available on LP and Martin's production also toured Vietnam during the
Vietnam War. Martin is a bit too cutesy as Dolly and very different than
Carol Channing's original performance and also diametrically diverse
from the other recorded Dollys, Pearl Bailey and Ethel Merman. The
Martin "Hello, Dolly!" is probably the weakest one recorded. The series
also includes "The Grand Tour," "Jerry Herman's Broadway," an orchestral
treatment of Herman's best song hits, and "Dear World" that were part
of my review package. In addition, "Milk and Honey" (recently made
available again on CD by DRG Records), Channing and Bailey's "Hello,
Dollys," "Mame" and "La Cage aux Folles" are also on hand. The Bailey
"Dolly" includes excerpts from all the recorded "Dolly" recordings,
including those rare Ethel Merman tracks of the songs reinstated when
Merman made her Broadway farewell appearance in the show. It would have
been nice if there were more previously unreleased tracks on these CDs
and if the accompanying production booklets had been better.
Grade: C
"MILK AND HONEY"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Theater (19114)
Jerry Herman's first Broadway show was the popular "Milk and Honey,"
a 1961 musical rarely seen today on stage. The big, explosive score was
a good indication of the grandly accessible music that has since come
from Herman in his many Broadway shows. "Milk and Honey" was a tribute
to the then newly founded Israel. It captures the sound of the land and
the customs of the people. It has a rather far-flung plot that
highlights a widow's tour through the nation and the kinds of people
they met. It had a commendable cast that included two opera stars,
Robert Weede and Mimi Benzell, along with the ever popular Molly Picon
who resurrected many of her old and standard routines for the show. The
melodies are wonderful and the songs are typical Herman. The show
boasted a large cast and was an expensive production, so even though it
ran a long while, it still lost money. The show was converted to CD
years ago and hasn't been available for a longtime so it's nice to have
this great score available again.
Grade: B
"PASSING STRANGE"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (8-4429)
"Passing Strange" introduced a whole new sound to Broadway. It's the
rap, heavy rock, throbbingly-loud sound that the young generation knows
and loves but that the show music crowd doesn't always get. The
original Broadway cast recording is a live recording taped over several
performances. The Stew musical is loud and raucous but at lower volume
levels reveals several thoughtful songs with poignant lyrics and nice
melodies. The show captured a certain audience but it has since closed
because enough of its audience never showed up to support the show. The
cast gets right into the show and two songs stand out to me. "Come Down
Now" is probably the show's best number and the song that will probably
have the greatest appeal to traditional show music lovers. The other
tender and amazingly touching song, "Passing Phase," is also a winner.
The entire score isn't as difficult to listen to as I had thought it
would be based on the one number shown on the annual Tony Awards show.
It's too bad the "Passing Strange" audience wasn't given more time to
find this show. The audience it attracts holds the future of the musical
theater as we know it and if that audience doesn't become familiar with
Broadway musicals, I wonder what will happen to the form as we know and
love it today.
Grade: B
"MAMMA MIA!"
Original Soundtrack Cast
Decca Records (80011439-02)
When "Mamma Mia!" first hit the stage, it was an excitingly vibrant
show with a simple plot hung around many popular ABBA tunes. The stage
version has played lengthy runs in London, New York and Las Vegas while
the American touring production continues to do boffo business in cities
around the nation. Now, the original stage producer, director, and
writer adapted their popular show for film. The movie soundtrack,
though, doesn't have the same throbbing intensity and I wasn't as
involved as I was the first time I heard the stage version, also prior
to actually seeing the show. There are many famous Hollywood stars in
this film version and they sing their own vocals but none of the
performances tantalize as much as those in the stage version. Many of
the songs that started as solos in the stage version are assigned to an
impressive chorus but this takes away most of the tunes personal
attraction. Nonetheless, the cast is perfect - headed by Meryl Streep's
explosively dynamic Donna. Her vocals are amazing and her antics are
perfect for the role. It's been a longtime since I've seen a film
musical I liked better than the stage version but "Mamma Mia!" is it.
The soundtrack doesn't capture the exciting vocals of the film and many
of the songs seem to be other than direct transfers from the soundtrack.
Wait until the movie comes out on DVD to have the show in this most
enjoyable film.
Grade: C
"BOULEVARD!"
Original Concept Cast
Stage Door Records (STAGE 9005)
Andrew Lloyd Webber wasn't the first person who thought the popular
1950 film "Sunset Boulevard" would make an excellent musical. The
original star, Gloria Swanson, who had her career rejuvenated with the
film, also thought it would make the perfect musical and she saw herself
as the star and thought it would be the perfect vehicle to bring her to
Broadway. She was so committed to the show that the creators, Dickson
Hughes and Richard Stapley, wrote the show and Swanson did the role in a
concept recording that has just been released after being safely tucked
away on tape for all these many years. The results are decidedly second
rate. Not only is Swanson is a weak singer, the songs created lacked
the necessary punch and intense pitch necessary to convey the story of
the has-been Hollywood star who hopes to make her comeback. Lloyd Webber
wrote big song hits that captured the old star's stature and provided
the musical's star with several stellar moments that appropriately
stopped the show. Swanson talk/sings her way through a collection of
mindless and not very imposing songs and the result on CD is to ask why?
The film was far more dramatic and Lloyd Webber's musical version
worked so well on stage because it made the has-been star an interesting
and dynamic personality. The stage concept that Swanson championed was a
feeble, pale affair and it is easy to see why it never made it. The
recording is interesting only from the failed bit of musical theater
history it chronicles.
Grade: D
"ANNIE"
30th Anniversary Production Cast
Time Life (M19538)
Why was another "Annie" recording needed when the original with the
truly definitive cast has already preserved the original show's sound so
beautifully? The new Time Life release, celebrating the popular show's
30th anniversary, is mediocre and ordinary. This two-disc set includes a
recent cast recording of the show that is not bad but certainly doesn't
endanger the original as being better. The second disc includes the
stories and songs from "Annie 2," a sequel that never took off. This
disc also includes four bonus tracks from other versions and an
introduction by the show's original star, Andrea McArdle. There's
nothing special here and if one "Annie" is all your show music
collection can include, the original version is vastly superior.
Grade: C
"ME AND JULIET"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Theater (19115)
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein wrote some the most
trend-setting and now classic musicals ever penned. But the team's big
hits were all for shows adapted from other stories. For their original
musicals, they failed. Their least successful show, "Me and Juliet," has
long been out-of-print as both a recording and as a CD conversion, but
is now again available. The 1953 musical tried to capture the backstage
antics of creating and presenting a Broadway musical. The score contains
its share of hit tunes but the idea of moving back and forth between
the show and the backstage dramas wasn't put together seamlessly and
never really worked. The cast was top rate representing the best of the
musical theater at that time but no cast member was a true star so they
were unable to sell the show. The large production proved very expensive
and show ran only ten months, a success for lesser talents but a fiasco
for Broadway's popular musical theater writers. It is interesting to
have this pleasant score and the original cast's fine performances again
available even if the show is now forgotten and is almost never done.
Grade: C
"ARABIAN NIGHTS"
Original Jones Beach Theatre Cast
Sepia Records (SEPIA 1116)
Jones Beach was a popular summer theater in the '50s and the large
outdoor facility created a few original musicals that it introduced in
seasons full of classic Broadway musical classics. In 1954, the theater
and its producer Guy Lombardo created "Arabian Nights." The show has a
pleasant enough score but there are no standout numbers and the score
doesn't really convey the show's setting or the grandeur of the time and
locale. The cast is largely operatic with musical comedy favorites as
well. Lauritz Melchior and his extravagant voice headlines along with
the excellent Helena Scott, Ralph Herbert, Hope Holiday, and William
Chapman. The songs and lyrics were penned by Carmen Lombardo and John
Jacob Loeb, with the stodgy book crafted by George Marion, Jr. The show
was created to be elaborate and Jones Beach was known for its elaborate
water effects since the stage was separated from the audience by a large
expanse of water. The scenes shown in the accompanying booklet show
just how massive these effects were. This score isn't a winner and is
interesting primarily for the bit of musical theater history it
represents.
Grade: C
--
Phoenix, AZ (June 30, 2008) - There are lots of new cast recordings, and they are reviewed below.
"A CATERED AFFAIR"
Original Broadway Cast
PS Classics (PS-864)
"A Catered Affair" didn't get great reviews but the cast album
reveals a charming score well performed by the original cast that
includes Faith Prince in her first Broadway role in several seasons, Tom
Wopat, and Harvey Fierstein, who also authored the book. The score, his
first for Broadway, is by John Bucchino and includes several pleasing
tunes suggesting that his Broadway musical theater career will be rich
and long. The show, set in 1953, poses the standard question confronted
by all mothers and daughters, whose wedding is it? Prince, playing a
Bronx mother, struggles to give her only daughter the wedding she never
had. Leslie Kritzer makes an impressive showing as the daughter, while
Matt Cavenaugh plays the soon-to-be-son-in-law well. The performances
are genuine, the music is solid and interesting, and so "A Catered
Affair" sounds impressive on its cast recording.
Grade: B
"SOUTH PACIFIC"
New Broadway Cast - 2008
Masterworks Broadway (88697-30457-2)
The first Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1949 classic
"South Pacific" received glowing notices and the new cast album is
impressive. It made this listener want to get on the next plane for New
York to see the show live. The CD includes more of the score than has
ever been previously recorded and the cast is superlative. Kelli O'Hara
sounds relaxed, natural, and has the appropriate bouncy and bubbly
effervescence that makes her Nellie commanding and perfect. Her singing
is effortless and stunning and these song hits have never, even in Mary
Martin's original cast recording, sounded so lovely. Opposite her as
Emile is Paulo Szot and his strong voice sounds less like Enzio Pinza's
operatic work on the original recording. Szot is the perfect island
plantation owner. The rest of the large and impressive cast glistens.
The young love affair between Joseph Cable and Liat are lovely with
Matthew Morrison and Li Jun Li's fine performances. Danny Burstein's
Luther Billis is sharply comedic and the rich story, set in World War II
on two Pacific islands, has never been better sung. An impressive, must
-have cast album.
Grade: A
"THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1962"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
Original Cast Records (OC 6228)
The Town Hall Broadway By The Year series continues with an
excellent representation of 1962. The 23 tracks represent 10 major shows
from that year including "All American," "A Funny Thing Happened on the
Way to the Forum," "Mr. President," "Little Me," "I Can Get It For You
Wholesale," "Stop The World - I Want To Get Off," "Bravo Giovanni," "A
Family Affair," "Nowhere To Go But Up" and "No Strings." Like most of
these tributes, it includes several popular and well-known shows, but
also mixes in some songs from less successful and unrecorded shows. The
cast includes the best of current musical theater stars and the tracks
are well sung and represent the shows well. Picking favorite tracks is
silly because all the numbers represent the sound of Broadway during
1962. This recording nicely captures the era and belongs in any musical
theater collector's library.
Grade: B
"EVENING PRIMROSE"
Original Television Soundtrack Cast
Kritzerland (KR 20011-6)
This CD release of the original television soundtrack of Stephen
Sondheim's "Evening Primrose" is a treasure. The release is limited to
just 3,000 copies so if you haven't purchased it yet, buy it quickly.
The songs are a prelude to later Sondheim shows and the cast that
top-lined Anthony Perkins and Charmian Carr is perfect for the songs.
The CD is short but captures the songs Sondheim penned and that have
become so well known by earlier tracks from this television musical. The
recording makes one hope that the television show could be made
available as a DVD so we could all enjoy it again.
Grade: A
"ANYTHING GOES"
Selections From Various Casts
Stage Door Records (STAGE 9006)
The Stage Door "Anything Goes" is an interesting compilation of
several old recordings of the famous Cole Porter show that was sparked
originally by the commanding performance of Ethel Merman in the lead
role. Some of the stellar performances include Merman, who recorded
several songs from the show but there is no original cast recording, as
well as Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Mitzi Gaynor, Mary Martin, and Cole
Porter himself. All these stars bring something unique to their
interpretations of these fun and recognizable songs. The performances to
treasure are Merman and Martin and this recording will play a prominent
place in most cast album collectors.
Grade: A
"HAPPY HUNTING"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Theater (19108)
It's sure nice to have "Happy Hunting" back on CD. This 1956 show
starred Ethel Merman and while it wasn't a huge hit, Merman's
performance made the show worthwhile and the cast album reveals Merman
at her best. The show also featured the only Broadway musical
performance of Fernando Lamas. The feud between Merman and Lamas is well
documented in several Merman biographies but the strong performances of
both performers are commanding on the cast album. The show marked
Merman's return to Broadway after a partial Denver retirement during her
unsuccessful marriage to Robert Six, Continental Airlines president.
The musical, with book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse with music by
Matt Dubey and Harold Karr, was based on the wedding of Philadelphia
socialite and Hollywood star Grace Kelly to Monaco's Prince Rainer. It
includes the classic hit "Mutual Admiration Society," which Merman
twists into her own anthem. The pleasant score isn't memorable but the
performances sell the songs.
Grade: B
"THE BEST OF BROADWAY VOL.1 - "SOUTH PACIFIC" & "KISS ME, KATE"
Studio Casts
DRG Theater (19113)
This double recording release by DRG Theater includes two popular
studio cast recordings of two big 1940s shows, "South Pacific" and "Kiss
Me, Kate." The performances by popular singers of the day are not
traditional and the results don't sound like these songs do on the
original cast recordings but it reveals the popularity of Broadway music
during this period. There's nothing distinctive about this recording
and this is not a big item for show music collectors.
Grade: C
"ADDING MACHINE"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
PS Classics (PS-865)
Like the Elmer Rice play, this new off-Broadway hit is based on, the
music that accompanies this adaptation is very odd sounding and
musically adventurous. Featuring a score by Joshua Schmidt and book by
Jason Loewith and Schmidt, the musical is a dark comic adaptation of
Rice's incendiary 1923 play. It relates the story of Mr. Zero, who after
25 years of company service is replaced by a mechanical adding machine.
The music captures the tone and style of the play and the performances
are strong. While most unusual, this new sounding show represents some
new approaches to musicals.
Grade: B
"SHOW BOAT"
Studio Cast - 1932
Studio Cast - 1936
Broadway Cast Revival - 1946
Naxos Musicals (8.120789)
There's a new "Show Boat" recording that includes excerpts from two
studio cast albums and the 1946 Broadway revival that starred
"Carousel's" Jan Clayton. The sound on the two studio recordings is
antiquated and very old fashioned. The 1932 cast includes Helen Morgan
recreating her original Julie role but the sound of her voice today is
not pleasant and isn't the sound contemporary audiences have come to
expect in this pivotal role. Paul Robeson is the Joe on both studio
recordings and his commanding voice is the best of those selections.
Most of the other 1932 selections sound ancient and the only reason for
the inclusion of one selection from the 1936 studio cast album was that
it was a song, "Ah Still Suits Me," added to that year's Hollywood film
version. The 1946 revival sounds more contemporary although the casting
is not strong. Clayton is a fine but unexceptional Magnolia. This new CD
captures some early recreations of the great "Show Boat" but the sound
is old fashioned and the CD will have appeal only for those most
dedicated collectors.
Grade: C
--
Phoenix, AZ (March 3, 2008) - Having recently returned from Broadway,
it's well known that this is the season of plays not musicals. Three of
this update's reviews are of new Broadway musicals and one is an
off-Broadway success. There are also many releases of old Broadway shows
that have never been on CD before or have been unavailable for a long
time. A new British label, Stage Door Records, promises reissues of old
Broadway tuners in their original cast recordings or in solid studio
versions. Many of these are first time CD releases. There were also some
re-releases of old movie versions of Broadway musicals, the new
"Sweeney Todd" soundtrack as well a London version of a popular Broadway
musical, "Parade," and a new musical bound for Broadway, "Happy Days,"
as well as Betty Buckley's new solo album.
Now to this update's show music recordings reviews.
"THE LITTLE MERMAID"
Original Broadway Cast
Walt Disney Records (D000103302)
"The Little Mermaid," Disney's newest Broadway show, doesn't sound
bad on the recording. The songs are melodic and pleasant but none of the
score is very interesting and none of it pushes the envelope to a new
musical theater sound. The entire score is predictable and is standard
musical theater fare that stopped being featured on Broadway years ago.
The original songs from the film are obviously the best and the
strongest. The myriad of new tunes, added to fill out the stage version
so it can pass as a full Broadway show, are listless and ordinary. They
tend to be pale copies of the better original songs from the film. When
they run concurrent with the superior original songs, they sound even
more bland and uninteresting. There aren't any strong performances on
this cast album except Sherie Rene Scott's gutsy Ursula. The leads,
Sierra Boggess as Ariel and Sean Palmer as her intended, Prince Eric,
are, like the whole show, mediocre. Their big voices boom through the
tedious songs but they bring nothing special to their vocals. The score
is lengthy at over 75 minutes and it all sounds similar and much like
the composers' earlier success, "Beauty and the Beast." The pictures of
the production included in the generous accompanying booklet make the
whole show look cheap. It's easy to see why this latest Disney creation
is struggling to find an audience on Broadway. Even the children it is
intended for are probably bored. If you are a serious musical theater
collector, "The Little Mermaid" doesn't belong in your collection.
Grade: C-
"YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN"
Original Broadway Cast
Decca Broadway (B0010374-02)
Yes, Mel Brooks newest Broadway creation "Young Frankenstein" is a
real let down as it fiddles with mediocrity and never soars like Brooks'
stage version of "The Producers" did. A lot seems to be attributable to
mediocre casting but Brooks' own tunes this time around sound blah and
mediocre. Susan Stroman's uninteresting and routine staging also leaves
much to a remembrance of the far superior film and never finds anything
unique or funnier than Brooks did years ago when this show was a
successful comedy film. The casting is pretty ordinary starting at Roger
Bart's bland take on the show's lead, Frederick Frankenstein. Megan
Mullally's comic turn as his girlfriend Elizabeth is funny but the stars
of the cast album are Shuler Hensley's Monster, Sutton Foster's
understated Inga and Andrea Martin's slyly hysterical Frau Blucher.
There's not a distinguished song hit here and disappointing seems best
to describe this overrated tuner.
Grade: D
"SWEENEY TODD"
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Nonesuch (368572-2)
Johnny Depp is indeed a sensation as Sweeney Todd in the very dark
movie version of Stephen Sondheim's darkest of dark musicals. You
wouldn't recognize the show from the soundtrack which sounds even
bleaker and more somber than did the stage version. Helena Bonham
Carter's foreboding take on Mrs. Lovett is sure different than Angela
Lansbury's Music Hall vaudevillian approach but the darkness works and,
like Depp, she sounds amazingly good in Sondheim's anything but easy
score. She's a real delight dreaming "By the Sea" and she makes "The
Worst Pies in London" a hoot even though her vocals are dour throughout.
The dark tone of the film translates effectively into the soundtrack ,
which makes Sondheim's wonderful score anything but fun. It's a whole
new sound to the familiar stage show but the uniqueness of the
interpretation works beautifully. Having seen the film, I can say that I
never thought a different approach would work as effectively as the
brilliant original Broadway concept, but this is a genius approach to
the piece.
Grade: A
"FORBIDDEN BROADWAY - RUDE AWAKENING"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
DRG Records (12632)
"Forbidden Broadway - Rude Awakening" is hysterically funny as it
points a sharp, dagger finger at all the recent and current Broadway
tuners. It finds something irreverent and amusing about them. The
off-Broadway hit has played 25 years and each new edition really slaps
the new shows with Gerard Alessandrini's sharp wit. That this talented
humorist can use the actual show tunes and find the humor and insults
that cut through to each new show's worth is amazing. This latest
version returns the show to the funny vehicle it always was but hasn't
been in several recent editions. The latest version slams "Mary
Poppins," "Curtains," "Company," "Grey Gardens," "Jersey Boys," "The
Little Mermaid," "Spamalot," "Les Miserables," "A Chorus Line," "Wicked"
and "Spring Awakening," along with assaults on specific well known
personalities who appear on Broadway. There's not a misstep anywhere in
this new edition and be prepared to die laughing at the pointed jabs and
hysterical humor.
Grade: A
"PARADE"
Original London Cast
First Night Records (CASTCD 99)
"Parade" is a touching and very emotional musical about the
unfairness of the Leo Frank murder trial in Georgia in the early 1900s.
The show brought me to tears when I saw it at Lincoln Center in the
wonderfully rich original Broadway production. The show hasn't been done
much because it is so demanding and the cast has to be flawless.
Finally, the show premiered in London at the Donmar Warehouse in a
rethought version that sharpens the original. The London recording is
powerful and exemplary and the CD draws you into the piece. Bertie
Carvel is a fine Leo and Lara Pulver matches him as Lucille. Perhaps the
pair isn't as vocally pristine as the original Broadway cast but they
bring the piece to vibrant life. The Jason Robert Brown score still
haunts in its depth and beauty and the Alfred Uhry book comes across
even in the cast recording. The London recording includes a
PAL-formatted DVD and while this format won't play on American DVD
players, I'm told that it will play on American computers. I haven't had
time yet to try this but I'm sure the DVD will reveal even more about
the fine London version.
Grade: A
"XANADU"
Original Broadway Cast
PS Classics (PS-858)
The less said about the original Broadway cast recording of "Xanadu"
the better. The pop movie hit and its music have been adapted and the
orchestrations updated for the Broadway version. The sound is like
ancient history musically. The cast album was enough of a downer to keep
me away from the Broadway version on a recent New York trip. The movie
was the thing at the right point in history. Now, the new show looks
back on mediocrity.
Grade: F
"NEW FACES OF '56"/"MRS. PATTERSON"
Original Broadway Casts
Stage Door Records (STAGE 9003)(No Number)
Stage Door Records is a new English label dedicated to release of
pristine CD versions of past Broadway scores and personality recordings
from leading musical theater artists. The first three releases include a
joint CD of "New Faces of '56" and "Mrs. Patterson." The "New Faces"
revue is a format long ago abandoned on Broadway but these Leonard
Sillman shows introduced lots of new musical theater artists in revues
with decent enough musical contributions. The 1956 version featured T.
C. Jones, the era's leading female impersonator, playing his/her famous
Tallulah Bankhead. Jones narrates the revue that features such future
Broadway stars as Jane Connell, John Reardon, Maggie Smith, Virginia
Martin and Inga Swenson. The score is catchy and clever and it's nice to
have this show and the stars it introduced available. "Mrs. Patterson"
was an Eartha Kitt vehicle and she's dynamite in the play with music.
The show hit Broadway at the height of Kitt's career and she sounds
delicious throughout in the selections included on this CD. A successful
entry for a new label devoted to show music.
Grade: B
"ON YOUR TOES"/"PAL JOEY"
Studio Casts
Stage Door Records (STAGE 9002)
Two great studio cast recordings of the Rodgers and Hart hits "On
Your Toes" and "Pal Joey" mark the content of the second Stage Door
release. Both shows have typically beautiful scores and the singing by
Portia Nelson and Jack Cassidy heading the "On Your Toes" cast is fine
as is the somewhat less interesting vocals of Martha Tilton and June
Hutton on the "Pal Joey" tracks. There are far better "Pal Joeys"
available. Both studio recordings are representative of the importance
of show music during the 1950s and it's a solid CD to own.
Grade: B
"WISH YOU WERE HERE"
Original Broadway Cast
Stage Door Records (STAGE 9001)
The most interesting of the three initial Stage Door Records
releases is the 1952 "Wish You Were Here." The Harold Rome songs are
wonderful and the cast is sharp and sounds great in this show set in a
giant, on-stage swimming pool. This release has some interesting bonus
tracks including the composer singing one of his tunes from the show as
well as some pop treatments of show song hits. The feeble booklet
doesn't tell a lot about the show and this is regrettable but it is a
wonderful show and is one rarely heard today. It would be nice if these
Stage Door releases had more pictures of the original productions and
more text about the show, its creation, and where it places in the world
of American musical theater. It's nice to have it available again,
though.
Grade: A
"THE KING AND I"
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Delta Leisure Group Pic (CD6695)
"OKLAHOMA"
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Delta Leisure Group Pic (CD6696)
"THE WIZARD OF OZ"
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Delta Leisure Group Pic (CD6694)
Another new English label has re-released three movie version
soundtracks from classic shows that started or have played on Broadway.
Of the trio, the best is, of course, "The King and I," one of Rodgers
and Hammerstein's greatest works. The rich movie version is perhaps the
finest film version of a Broadway musical ever created and the casting
of the original King in Yul Brynner is exemplary. Deborah Kerr made a
definitive Anna and even though Marni Nixon sang for Kerr, the vocals
were exquisitely matched to Kerr's impeccable performance. These three
releases that also include Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma" and "The
Wizard of Oz" include many bonus tracks. In the case of "The King and
I" bonus tracks come from the original Broadway cast recording and
several pop versions of show hits. Comparing the mediocre singing of
Gertrude Lawrence in the original "The King and I" with Nixon's sharp
vocals, is an obvious plus. Several Judy Garland hits add as some of the
bonus tracks on "The Wizard of Oz" release.
Grades: A -"The King and I", B -"Oklahoma", A -"The Wizard of Oz"
"ALL AMERICAN"
Live Backers Audition
Harbinger Records (HCD-2401)
The live backer's auditions for the ill-fated Broadway musical "All
American" are interesting for true show lovers. There is little else on
this CD for the more casual listener of show music as the musical's cast
album was turned into a CD and is still available. The release does
contain some numbers that were cut from the show before it opened and a
song added after the opening night.
Grade: C
"HAPPY DAYS"
Paper Mill Playhouse Cast
PS Classics (PS-860)
The peppy stage musical version of the popular television hit "Happy
Days" sounds refreshing and spunky in the Paper Mill Playhouse
production. Rumors of a Broadway production are regularly heard
throughout the industry and judging by the upbeat cast album, the show
would probably find a welcoming audience. The songs include the popular
television theme song and Paul Williams tunes that sound like and well
represent the times the show portrays.
Grade: C
BETTY BUCKLEY "QUINTESSENCE"
Masterworks Broadway/Playbill Records (88697-22058-2)
Betty Buckley's new solo album is a mellow, jazzy affair that
includes several Broadway tunes that have been re-orchestrated into the
upbeat but very relaxed jazz style Buckley uses for this release. This
new CD is perhaps the most enjoyable from Buckley in many years. The
non-Broadway tunes carry the same mellow mood and feel as the Broadway
standards and the entire CD is a joy to listen to as it serves as
excellent background music. Buckley may be doing what Barbara Cook has
done so successfully and she might be bridging her Broadway career into a
successful cabaret act.
Grade: B+
--
Phoenix, AZ (December 23, 2007) - The original cast recording to the new
Mel Brooks musical "Young Frankenstein" gets released on the Decca
Broadway label on Wednesday. I am anxious to hear the score that the New
York critics lambasted as being ordinary and routine. The cast also
received mixed notices, especially the lead, Roger Bart. The dearth of
new Broadway shows is netting a limited number of releases and more and
more new cast albums are releases of previously unavailable shows in the
CD format. Now to this update of new show music recordings:
"LOVEMUSIK"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (8-4425)
"LoveMusik" was one of the most creative new Broadway musicals last
season and now we can hear the show that closed relatively quickly. It
sounds a lot like "Cabaret" and contains songs penned by Kurt Weill. The
story surrounding the music was suggested by the letters between Weill
and Lotte Lenya, the great interpreter of Weill's work. The book was
penned by Alfred Uhry. It's a dark show but the score is fascinating and
contains many of Weill's standards that all musical comedy lovers know
and appreciate. The excellent Broadway cast features the wonderful Donna
Murphy and the equally talented Michael Cerveris, who made such a
memorable splash in the "Sweeney Todd" revival. Because "LoveMusik" is
creative and unusual, I think it is one of the most exciting new
Broadway shows in several seasons.
Grade: A
"NEW GIRL IN TOWN"
Original Broadway Cast
Flare Records (SPEC1032)
You can't go wrong with any Gwen Verdon musical and "New Girl in
Town" has been re-released by Flare Records. The Bob Merrill score isn't
memorable but has a few catchy tunes and when such musical theater
veterans as Verdon, Thelma Ritter, George Wallace, and Cameron
Prud'Homme sing with great flair and tremendous style. The musical's
plot is based on Eugene O'Neill's heavy "Anna Christie" and it is a bit
foreboding and dark but Verdon makes the central role her own and
imprints it with her usual unique style. Bob Fosse created the dances
and musical numbers so the show was probably great to watch. It's nice
to have this Verdon stunner available again in a pristine recording with
the great story of the show and wonderful pictures of the original
production.
Grade: B
"BUSKER ALLEY"
York Theatre Company Cast
Jay Records (CDJAY 1400)
"Busker Alley" was the ill-fated musical that starred Tommy Tune and
took a lengthy route to a Broadway opening that never happened. Tune
broke his ankle and the New York opening was scrapped and the show was
largely forgotten until a one-night benefit for the York Theatre Company
gave the show a New York airing with a stellar cast. The benefit
performance was captured by Jay Records and it now has been released and
we can hear it for the first time. The story is a tribute to the street
entertainers who entertained London theatergoers in the streets before
audiences headed to theaters for the night's show. The Sherman brothers,
Richard and Robert, have written a breezy, lightweight but thoroughly
charming score that is a joy to hear. The cast, under Tony Walton's
direction, includes the fabulous Jim Dale in the lead role and the
impeccable Glenn Close as the narrator of sorts, Dame Libby, and has
such musical theater stalwarts as George S. Irving and Anne Rogers who
has been reviving her career of late. This recording makes me hope that a
revival of this show is soon scheduled so that it can reach Broadway
and we can all have a chance to see this refreshing and entertaining
show.
Grade: A
"GREASE"
New Broadway 2007 Cast
Masterworks Broadway (88697-16398-2)
The new Broadway cast of "Grease" makes me wonder how successful the
competition for the leads really was. The show has received weak
reviews and the cast album is disappointing because it is so ordinary
and introduces nothing new into this overly familiar and way too
mediocre musical. Even the pictures, generously included in the
well-illustrated booklet, make the production look exceedingly mediocre.
The CD is disappointing because none of the cast sounds particularly
memorable and, in some cases, sounds really blah. If you have another
"Grease" recording, that's fine and there's no need to get this new
version. It's really ordinary.
Grade: D
"PORGY AND BESS"
Studio Cast
Decca (475 8663)
George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" is a masterpiece and the Studio
Cast recording that features such outstanding singers as Willard White,
Leona Mitchell, and Barbara Hendricks among others, bring this complete
version to glorious fruition. The Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus, under
Lorin Maazel's expert conducting, give the score a vibrant life that
makes this one of the best "Porgy and Bess" recordings available. It's
nice that this fine 1976 version has been re-released by Decca along
with an informative and well-researched booklet about the piece.
Grade: A
"BETTY BUCKLEY 1967"
Playbill Records/Masterworks Broadway (88697 17320 2)
When Betty Buckley was 17, she recorded her first album that had
never been released. It's now available and it presents a Buckley with a
lovely, very high placed voice that lacks the distinctive huskiness
that we are now more familiar with in Buckley's recent recordings and
live appearances. There's a good cross section of show tunes in the
scant 11 tracks but most of the arrangements are distinctly jazzy and
many of the show tunes don't sound like the songs from the shows they
represent. This new album is interesting because it gives us a glimpse
of a great musical theater performer at the beginning of her career but,
as an album, you will play over and over, it won't be this one.
Grade: B
JULIE ANDREWS
"ONCE UPON A TIME"
Sepia Records (1103)
The new Julie Andrews compilation CD, "Once Upon A Time," is a nice
look back at Andrews's career and gives you a good feeling of what
Andrews's voice sounded like at the beginning of her memorable career.
Some of the tracks are early recordings when Andrews was a child
performer. Others re-create her early hits from "The Boy Friend" and "My
Fair Lady" but others are nursery rhymes tunes sung with Martyn Green.
Quite frankly, I would rather hear the hits from her early shows on the
cast albums rather than in these versions but the compilation is a nice
history of her early career.
Grade: C
"BROADWAY'S GREATEST GIFTS: CAROLS FOR A CURE, VOLUME 9"
Rock-It Science Records (No Number)
The annual "Carols for a Cure" is a lovely fund-raiser for Broadway
Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the organization that makes generous
contributions to performers afflicted with AIDS. This year, like in
years past, the two-disc CD features current Broadway casts in
interesting renditions of popular and unusual Christmas songs. The first
disc has some standard tunes but has more interesting and unique
Christmas carols. The second disc is full of traditional carols but most
have very interesting arrangements. The most interesting here are the
"Wicked" cast's take on various ways of singing "Jingle Bells" and a
funny rendition of "The 12 Days of Christ-Miz" done by the current "Les
Miserables" cast. This year's "Carols for a Cure" certainly puts you in a
joyous holiday mood as you contribute to AIDS and appreciate the
talents of current Broadway musical casts.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (October 28, 2007) - Let's get right to new show music recordings:
"WEST SIDE STORY"
Studio Cast
Decca Broadway (1733909)
Decca Broadway has made release of this new "West Side Story"
recording quite important and since it is this trend-setting show's 50th
anniversary, the recording is welcome. The crisp and melodious Leonard
Bernstein score sounds great in the hands of a cast of unknowns
including Hayley Westenra, Vittorio Grigolo, and Connie Fisher. The
renditions are faithful to the Broadway original and there's nothing new
explored here. The voices are strong and the memorable score is sung
with great emotion and sweeping range and depth. The big songs are here
as are some of the show's famous dance breaks. There are more complete
recordings of this famous score with its heavy emphasis on dance. If you
have other recordings of this show, this is a strong one but certainly
not a unique interpretation. If you're a "West Side Story" novice, I'd
pick one of the earlier and more complete versions over this new one.
Grade: B-
"A PLACE FOR US - A TRIBUTE TO 50 YEARS OF 'WEST SIDE STORY'"
Various Artists
Masterworks Broadway (88697-12161-2)
Another CD takes advantage of "West Side Story's" 50th anniversary.
This recording is a compilation featuring a variety of artists who have
sung songs from the score, including Julie Andrews, Brain Stokes
Mitchell, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Hugh Panaro, Andy Williams
and Kristin Chenoweth. The list of artists is impressive and the
selections all have a bit of uniqueness to their interpretations
including altered pacing, different music emphasis, and special
orchestrations. The collection of artists makes this recording
interesting but these aren't always the best of the song arrangements if
you like the songs to sound as they did on Broadway.
Grade: C
"FANNY"
Original Broadway Cast
Flare Records (ROYCD 258)
The original "Fanny" had a remarkable cast and the original Broadway
cast recording is again available thanks to Flare Records, which has
remastered this great sounding show. This 1954 show featured the great
Ezio Pinza, Walter Slezak, William Tabbert and a very young Florence
Henderson. The plot was a popular one during this time. It takes place
between the two World Wars in Marseilles and is set among the city's
ordinary working folk along the waterfront. Although Rodgers and
Hammerstein had originally been approached about crafting the score,
Rodgers took a strong dislike to producer David Merrick and when the
flamboyant Broadway impresario wouldn't sell the work, Harold Rome was
commissioned to write the rich score and Joshua Logan staged the show
that had many of his "South Pacific" alumni in this show. The score is
filled with complex and beautiful songs all sung gloriously by the
excellent cast. Like so many musicals of this era, "Fanny" is rarely
staged today and it would be interesting to see this show and realize
what may be wrong with it for contemporary audiences.
Grade: B
"ME AND JULIET"
Original Broadway Cast
Flare Records (ROYCD 257)
Rodgers and Hammerstein's least successful musical, "Me and Juliet,"
is again available on CD from the British company Flare. The show was
an early look at the backstage machinations of a big Broadway musical.
The score has an excellent collection of the lush melodies this team
contributed to all their shows. And the original Broadway cast has
excellent performances from Isabel Bigley and Bill Hayes but the whole
cast is winning. It's a shame this show has never been a big success
because it sounds like an interesting look at the backstage side of show
business and I'd love to see it. At least the winning score is now
available again.
Grade: B
"BY JUPITER"
Revival 1967 Cast
DRG Theater/Sony/BMG (19105)
Rodgers and Hart's breezy "By Jupiter" in the excellent 1967
Broadway revival is now again available and the score is delightful,
very peppy, and quite melodious. An impeccable cast has great fun with
the wonderful score. Bob Dishy, a name from the past, stars and sounds
great as does the entire cast. The tunes that stand out include "Jupiter
Forbid," "Wait Till You See Her," and "Ev'rything I've Got" but the
entire score is a delightful listen. The cast is sharp and the songs are
all well sung.
Grade: B+
GWEN VERDON
"THE GIRL I LEFT HOME FOR"
DRG /Sony/BMG (91502)
Great musical comedy star Gwen Verdon didn't do a lot of solo
albums. Now comes one of the rare ones that hasn't been available for
years. From 1956, "The Girl I Left Home For" came early in Verdon's
career and doesn't have several of the big songs she introduced in the
many Broadway musicals where she starred and created roles that have
become associated with her. The 12-track album includes musical songs
and other popular favorites of the day. Verdon does nothing special with
any of them and does most rather conventionally. She still has her
unique voice and her treatment of all the songs is memorable. The best
tracks include "Lady in the Dark's" "Jenny" and "Babes in Arms'" "The
Lady Is A Tramp" where she sings them with her famous sexiness. It's
great to have this early Verdon recording again and it's good to hear
Verdon early on in her remarkable Broadway career.
Grade: B
"THE MIKADO"
Bell Telephone Hour Cast
DRG Theater/Sony/BMG (19106)
The Bell Telephone Hour did a major showcase production of Gilbert
and Sullivan's "The Mikado" in 1960 and that treasured recording is
again available on the newly remastered CD released by DRG Theater. As
might be expected, Groucho Marx stars as Ko-Ko, and he sounds just like
he always did but the rest of the recording is an excellent reading of
the popular show with such Broadway veterans as Robert Rounseville as a
wonderful Nanki-Poo, Stanley Holloway as a raucous Pooh-Ban, Barbara
Meister as a delicious Yum-Yum, and the great opera star Helen Traubel
as a staunchly regal Katisha. Buster Davis' brisk tempos keep the music
zipping along.
Grade: A-
--
"THE PIRATE QUEEN"
Original Broadway Cast
Masterworks Broadway (88697-11810-2)
After the first two big hits, "Les Miserables" and "Miss Saigon,"
the team of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, has hit a
creative drought. Their more recent shows haven't been big successes and
their latest creation, "The Pirate Queen," met with disastrous reviews
on Broadway and a short run. Listening to the cast album makes one see
why the show was such a disappointment. The tunes try to capture the
Irish music clogging dance style made so famous by "Riverdance," but the
score sounds like bits and pieces from the team's earlier successes. It
easy to listen to the new show and name the song it parallels from
their earlier shows. The new show celebrates the real-life story of
legendary Irish Chieftain Grace O'Malley, an interesting character who
led the life of a pirate in 16th century Ireland. The cast is glorious
and sing the routine and ordinary songs as if they had something
revolutionary to convey. It's easy to see why "Pirate Queen" was a quick
Broadway flop. It's not the new show that will save the team and set
London and New York on their ear.
Grade: D
"STREISAND LIVE IN CONCERT 2006"
Live Concert Recording
Columbia (88697019222)
Barbra Streisand's brilliant 2006 concert tour made use of many
musical theater classics as she returned to her roots with many fine and
touching renditions of Broadway songs, including several "Funny Girl"
hits. Not only did Streisand look dazzling, but she sounded amazingly
youthful when I saw her during the Phoenix tour stop and the recording
captures the wonderful renditions glowingly. The double CD recording
captures the entire concert and includes many of Streisand's movie song
hits as well as her Broadway hits. It's a great CD and a wonderful
reminder of the grand concert Streisand gave during her 2006 tour.
Grade: A
"HAIRSPRAY"
Original Movie Cast
New Line Records (NLR39089)
The "Hairspray" movie changes the Broadway hit a bit as it stresses
the script's political commentary more than the just-for-fun Broadway
version did. There are some new songs and some that have been
re-orchestrated so they sound new. It takes star John Travolta a long
time to get going in his portrayal of Edna, the blowsy housewife raising
teenage daughter Tracy, while accepting the love of her long time
husband. Once Edna comes out to become Tracy's manager, Travolta and the
movie soar. Until this point, about a third of the way into the movie,
the film is successful because of newcomer Nikki Blonsky who sings
gloriously as Tracy. She soars in every song she sings and she is great
playing the role. There's lots of dancing in the film and the big
numbers are captured well on the soundtrack recording. Like the movie,
the recording is a joy, a pleasant, diverting entertainment.
Grade: B+
"LEGALLY BLONDE"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (8-4423)
"Legally Blonde" has done well on Broadway although it hasn't become
a huge hit and is not in the sell-out class of a true triumph. The cast
album tells why. The score is cute, some of the songs are witty and
clever, but this is not a show you will remember a few years down the
road after the newness wears off. The show is about a UCLA college girl
who pursues her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School. The new musical is
based on a novel that was turned into a successful movie. The music and
lyrics of Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin are serviceable and
pleasant enough but aren't stellar and don't prophesize a big musical
theater career in this team's future. The cast recording is unusually
long and captures much of the show's music but it also drags through
much mediocrity. The cast is stellar and has great fun with the roles.
"Legally Blonde" is a pleasant show but it isn't a great new musical.
Grade: C
--
Phoenix, AZ (July 21, 2007) - The biggest news for show music collectors
is the announcement recently that New York's Footlight Records will be
closing for good. This New York store was the only one dedicated to show
music CDs and even the old vinyl long-playing records. They also
featured movie soundtracks, DVDs of show-related movies and show music
personality recordings. They had all the latest show music CDs
immediately and they even imported all the London cast recordings along
with show recordings from other countries. Footlights had earlier closed
its longtime New York store and moved its operations base to the
owner's house in Brooklyn where they became an Internet-only operation.
According to the announcement posted at www.footlight.com, costs became
too much. They tried to maintain the New York store in the face of
dramatic rent increase and incurred debt and, along with all the
competition from lower priced Internet sites, they decided to throw in
the towel.
I discovered Footlight back in my youth when I began collecting show
music recordings. It was great to make a weekly call and hear all the
latest show music recordings and to just have them sent to me. I can
never thank salesman Arnold Wittenstein who, for years, has been my
primary source of show music recordings, for his weekly stash with my
name on them. Even those cast recordings that Footlight got just a few
copies, he and owner Ron Saja would allow them to be sold to me. They
often got one-of-a-kind cast recordings or CDs sold only at the Broadway
theaters and they would save one for me. I will miss my weekly calls
and my weekly shipment package that kept my collection one of the finest
in the country.
Yes, there are new Internet sites that list the latest show music
recordings but getting them from the sources they recommend will not be
as easy as that weekly call to Footlight. I will miss the many friends I
have made over the years of various Footlight salespeople and
especially my long personal friendship with Arnold and owner Ron. Let's
hope some other distributor or show music collector decides to brave the
odds and open a CD and DVD store dedicated to the music we grew up on
and love. Goodbye, Footlight Records. I will always remember fondly my
dealings with your store.
Now to this updates new show music recordings.
"CURTAINS"
Original Broadway Cast
Broadway Angel (0946 3 92212 2 6)
What a refreshing surprise "Curtains" is. The Fred Ebb/John Kander
musical is about a new Broadway musical premiering in 1959 in Boston.
It's an affectionate love appeal to old Broadway and yet it is tellingly
caustic about producing big Broadway musicals. It slaps the genre and
points out many of the weird eccentricities of musical theater
productions. The show being premiered in "Curtains" is "Robbin' Hood"
and the cast is perfect from stars David Hyde Pierce and Debra Monk to
all the lush supporting performances of such Broadway stalwarts as Karen
Ziemba, Jason Danieley, Jill Paige and Edward Hibbert. The Kander score
is rich with wonderful, old-fashioned melodies and Ebb's pointed lyrics
are pithy assaults on the art form we all love. The "Curtains" CD is a
treasure and one any show music lovers will thoroughly enjoy.
Grade: A
"THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1945"
Town Hall Cast 2005
Bayview Recording Company (RNBW039)
Scott Siegel's brilliant tribute series to various years in Broadway
history continues with his fine "The Broadway Musicals of 1945." The
year was full of great shows including "Billion Dollar Baby," "Up in
Central Park," Lerner and Loewe's first creation, "The Day Before
Spring" and, of course, the year's most famous creation, Rodgers and
Hammerstein's "Carousel." But the year also brought such delicious
goodies as "Polonaise," "Are You With It," "The Firebrand of Florence,"
"The Girl From Nantucket," "Markinka" and "Carib Song." The selections
are tuneful and delightful. The cast is flawless when such fine
performers as Karen Mason, Marc Kudisch, Christiane Noll, Eddie Korbich,
Kerry Butler and Scott Ailing are included. It's a great collection of
musical theater songs and enough of Siegel's telling commentary is
included that you get a wonderful musical theater look at 1945.
Grade: A
"FACE THE MUSIC"
Encores! Cast 2007
DRG (DRG-CD-94781)
Irving Berlin wrote several wonderful and well-known musicals that
boasted his fine song compositions but he also penned several lesser
shows and "Face the Music" is a fine example. The 2007 Encores cast give
new life to this 1932 show. Oh, the story isn't great but the tunes are
and the wonderful cast does them full justice. Judy Kaye heads a cast
of masterful performers who breathe life into this show that "tells what
sweet hell it is to put up a musical." The show's plot actually is
similar to the more recent "The Producers" as it deals with a
Ziegfeld-like producer, Hal Reisman, brilliantly essayed by Walter
Bobbie, who sets out to lose a lot of money on a show. "Face the Music"
sounds like a 1930s show, but the tuneful songs and the fine
performances, make this CD another treasure in several recent show music
releases.
Grade: A
"LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS"
Original London Cast
First Night Records (CASTCD97)
"Little Shop of Horrors" is a bright and breezy little spoof that
has an outlandish plot about a man-eating plant and a skid row florist
who ends up with the plant. It has an upbeat, peppy soft-rock score and
lots of familiar tunes that have become part of musical theater history.
The original London cast recording, available on CD from London's First
Night Records, is a respectable version that does nothing unique or
special with the score. Su Pollard is a fine lead and the renditions are
all good, if not great or outstanding. If you have the American
versions, this is not one to fight to add to your collection and, quite
frankly, I'd advise show music lovers who don't have this show to
purchase one of the better American versions.
Grade: C
"WONDERFUL TOWN"
Original Cast
Prism Leisure (PLATCD 1242)
"Wonderful Town" is a great Leonard Bernstein show with his
masterful score and the original Broadway cast version is a fine one.
This new release in The Broadway Musicals Series has the strong original
cast recording in total with six bonus tracks from the original
Broadway cast recording of "On the Town," another Bernstein masterpiece.
It's nice to have these two original cast recordings combined with
decent notes on "Wonderful Town" but nothing about "On the Town." I
really think having the original releases of both shows is better unless
money is a problem, then this combined release is not a bad
alternative.
Grade: B
--
Phoenix, AZ (June 23, 2007) - With cast recordings to the Broadway bomb
"The Pirate Queen" and the surprise hit "Legally Blonde" due out soon,
let's look at some recent releases, beginning with "110 in the Shade,"
starring Audra McDonald:
"110 IN THE SHADE"
2007 Broadway Revival Cast
PS Classics (PS-754)
As one of the few around who saw the original "110 in the Shade"
back in 1963, it was with great hesitation that I approached the new
Broadway cast recording of this lushly romantic musical by Harvey
Schmidt and Tom Jones, with a book by N. Richard Nash based on his play,
"The Rainmaker." After all, how could the original cast ever be
bettered? Inga Swenson was a stunning Lizzie, Robert Horton was a
dashing Starbuck, and Stephen Douglas was a forcefully stable File. But
the stunning, newly orchestrated, and brilliantly cast revival is a true
triumph. I only wish I had plans to get to New York and see it before
it closes its already extended limited run on July 29. As the Broadway
reviews suggest, Audra McDonald is a glowing Lizzie, the fragile woman
who has never experienced the love she yearns for until conman Starbuck,
arrives to sell her parched town on his ability to bring rain. That she
ends up getting attracted by Starbuck and the more predictable local
sheriff, File, who can't get over his failed marriage to see Lizzie's
inner beauty, makes for a tearful tale about the strength of true love.
The plush score has been beautifully re-orchestrated by Jonathan Tunick.
He makes these very '60s sounding songs appear fresh and alive.
McDonald sings each of Lizzie's songs with an amazing passion and
intensity. She weaves a rich story with each song that adds touching
dimension and depth to Lizzie's lovely tunes. She's brilliant. So is
John Cullum as her father, H. C. Curry. Steve Kazee is an oilier and
slimier Starbuck and his voice is higher than Horton's. It works
beautifully. Christopher Innvar is a pensive and reflective File. This
is a stunningly telling and brilliant "110 in the Shade" and, for the
first time, I recommend this new PS Classics version over the original
cast recording.
Grade: A
"HIGH FIDELITY"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (8-4421)
"High Fidelity" was a Broadway bomb and one can see why when
listening to the cast album. The derivative rock score isn't very good
or very interesting. The show was based on the best-selling novel by
Nick Hornby and represents the first Broadway score by composer Tom Kitt
with lyrics by Amanda Green and book by David Lindsay-Abaire. It tells
the story of Rob, an owner of a record store and the person who knows
everything about pop music. His love of music doesn't translate into
affection for any woman. After being dumped by his current girl, Laura,
the show goes into dream override relating their top five romantic
comebacks. The score is hard to listen to although the cast gives their
all to these nothing roles. It's easy to see why this dud closed and
just why the producers felt there was a need to release a cast album
remains confusing.
Grade: D
"NO ONE IS ALONE"
BARBARA COOK
DRG Records (91501)
Barbara Cook can do no wrong. Her latest album, based on her
November 2006 Carnegie Hall appearance, is a gem. She sticks completely
to musical theater and she uses her impeccable musical storytelling to
bring new interest and new meaning to a collection of familiar show
tunes. Some of the shows she's starred in during her long and successful
Broadway career but most of the songs are new for Cook's repertory. The
best tracks are hard if not impossible to single out as everything she
selects and does with great aplomb works beautifully with her mature and
rich voice. Cook is wondrous and her latest album stuns as another in a
long string of great albums.
Grade: A
"MARTIN SHORT: FAME BECOMES ME"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (8-4420)
Martin Short is a funny man and his latest Broadway show, "Fame
Becomes Me," makes one wish his latest Broadway show had played longer
and was planning a tour. The material is very humorous and takes several
fabulous slams at the Broadway musical and the pompous nature of too
many Broadway performers. If you know Broadway musicals and Broadway
plays, this show will be richer and funnier to you. In many of the 28
tracks, Short appears and is very funny. If one song must be singled
out, though, it would be "A Big Black Lady Stops the Show." It's
stunningly performed by cast member Capathia Jenkins, who relishes every
delicious slam and word in this very funny tune that hits at enough
truth that it makes it even funnier. There are lots of cute backstage
stories and gossip and many direct assaults at specific shows both
contemporary and historic. "Fame Becomes Me" is a funny toast to
Broadway and its humor is packed with truths.
Grade: A
"GREY GARDENS"
Original Broadway Cast
PS Classics (PS-642)
The success of "Grey Gardens" on Broadway after its successful
off-Broadway triumph led PS Classics to record new tracks and fix its
off-Broadway cast recording to reflect all that is new, changed, or
updated in the show's brilliant Broadway transfer. Most wonderfully, the
new recording (which will completely replace the formerly available
off-Broadway cast recording) features Mary Louise Wilson's brilliant
second act performance as the strangely vacant 1973 Edith Bouvier Beale,
the recluse of the Kennedy clan who lived in a dilapidated Long Island
mansion with her erratic daughter "Little" Edie Beale, played
brilliantly by Christine Ebersole. Ebersole plays the mother in the
first act's 1941 view of this same family. New songs added for the
Broadway production have been included on this new CD and the Broadway
performances are all captured here. The new CD comes with a well
illustrated and thoughtfully written show commentary. Ebersole and
Wilson both give superb performances full of rich nuance and depth. The
entire cast is quite exemplary and having this new and faithful Broadway
version captures one of the great Broadway musicals of recent years.
Grade: A
"BROADWAY SCENE STEALERS - THE MEN"
Masterworks Broadway/Playbill Records (88697-07236-2)
This compilation album, "Broadway Scene Stealers - The Men," draws
on the vast collection of Masterworks Broadway archives and takes some
of the best songs for men over the years and puts them on a single CD.
This album is a wonderful recollection of great Broadway shows and
revivals of great shows. The collection includes "Giants in the Sky
("Into the Woods"), "All I Need Is The Girl" ("Gypsy"), "Dream
Drummin'/Soft Music" (Over Here), "The Viper's Drag" ("Ain't
Misbehavin'"), "Franklin Shepard, Inc." ("Merrily We Roll Along"), "The
Lees of Old Virginia" ("1776"), "Bigger Isn't Better" ("Barnum"),
"Miracle of Miracles" ("Fiddler on the Roof"), "I've Got Your Number"
("Little Me"), "Joey, Joey, Joey" ("The Most Happy Fella"), "Captain
Hook's Waltz" ("Peter Pan"), and "Mr. Cellophane" ("Chicago"). It's an
easy and breezy collection and features many classic tunes from Broadway
history.
Grade: B
"BROADWAY SCENE STEALERS - THE WOMEN"
Masterworks Broadway/Playbill Records
Like its counterpart, "Broadway Scene Stealers - The Women" features
classic songs by Broadway greats. This collection includes many similar
shows to "The Men" album. Here, the songs include, "Ooh! My Feet,"
("The Most Happy Fella"), "Cash For Your Trash" ("Ain't Misbehavin'"),
"Deep in the Night" ("Inner City"), "He Plays the Violin" ("1776"), "The
Miller's Son" (A Little Night Music"), "Gooch's Song" ("Mame"), "Miss
Marmelstein" (I Can't Get It For You Wholesale") featuring Barbara
Streisand, "Little Girls" ("Annie"), "Everybody's Girl" ("Steel Pier"),
"Mr. Monotony" ("Jerome Robbins' Broadway"), "When You're Good to Mama"
("Chicago"), and "You Can Always Count on Me" ("City of Angels"). It's a
nice collection although true show music lovers already have all the
individual cast recordings.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (April 5, 2007) - A couple of new Broadway cast CDs are on
the immediate horizon. On May 8, 2007, DRG Records will release the
first CD version of the Broadway cast recording of "Illya, Darling." On
June 5, 2007, EMI/Angel Broadway will release the original cast
recording of "Curtains," which just opened on Broadway. A couple of
movie musicals will be available on DVD for the first time when
"Dreamgirls" is released May 1 followed by "A Little Night Music" with
Elizabeth Taylor on May 8. And Lucille Ball's dreadful movie version of
"Mame" will be available in May on DVD for the first time.
Now to reviews of new show music releases.
"INTO THE WOODS"
Original Broadway Cast
Masterworks Broadway (82876-68636-2)
The long promised re-releases of four Stephen Sondheim cast albums
are finally here from Masterworks Broadway. The first is "Into the
Woods," the wonderful fairy tale fantasy featuring an outstanding cast
headlined by the great Bernadette Peters. The show is impeccable but the
three bonus tracks include three top show songs sung by other popular
musical theater artists. The new booklet is jammed with fresh and
valuable information on the show.
Grade: A
"MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG"
Original Broadway Cast
Masterworks Broadway (82876-68637-2)
"Merrily We Roll Along" is one of Sondheim's most interesting works
as it traces the lives of several characters in backward age order. The
score is rich and the storytelling is fabulous. Bonus tracks here
include Bernadette Peters doing a brilliant "Not A Day Goes By" along
with Sondheim himself doing "It's A Hit." Great show music in an
interesting story.
Grade: A
"SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE"
Original Broadway Cast
Masterworks Broadway (82876-68638-2)
Perhaps my favorite Sondheim show is "Sunday in the Park with
George" - especially because of the brilliant first act closer when the
wonderful by Georges Seurat painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island
of La Grande Jatte" is re-created on stage with the cast and appropriate
set pieces. The show's second act, a more modern look at art, is not as
dramatically effective but the scoring is quite brilliant as is the
same cast that makes the first act so wonderful reappear, especially
Mandy Patinkin who does a strong George in the first act, and Bernadette
Peters who is a fine Dot, his mistress, in the first act and makes a
fine Marie, the grandmother, in the second act. Bonus tracks include a
great "Putting It Together" from the Julie Andrews musical of the same
name, and a solo "Sunday" from Peters' 1992 Carnegie Hall appearance.
Another superb Sondheim show.
Grade: A
"SWEENEY TODD"
Original Broadway Cast
Masterworks Broadway (82876-68639-2)
Probably Sondheim's most recognized hit, "Sweeney Todd," was a
masterwork in the brilliant original Broadway cast recording that
featured the perfect title character in Len Cariou and the best Mrs.
Lovett ever with the brilliant performance of Angela Lansbury, who curls
up around the part and turns in an amazing portrayal. Bonus tracks here
include a wonderful "Symphonic Sondheim: Sweeney Todd" featuring Jerry
Hadley, Eugene Perry, and Herbert Perry. This new version is, of course,
the full version complete on two CDs. Amazing.
Grade: A
"THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1929"
Broadway Cast
Bayview Recording Company (RNBW038)
Another release of "The Broadway Musicals" series this time the year
is 1929 when 52 shows opened including such great shows as "Bitter
Sweet," "Fifty Million Frenchmen" and "Spring Is Here." The selections
on the new Bayview CD is loaded with hits and they are all impeccably
sung by a cast featuring Leslie Anderson, Nancy Anderson, Christine
Andreas, Bryan Batt, Ron Bohmer, Mary Bond Davis, Jeffry Denman, Noah
Racey and Emily Skinner. Scott Siegel does his usual wonderful job
narrating and providing many succinct facts about the shows before the
wonderful versions presented by these excellent artists. Another
enjoyable hit.
Grade: A
"COMPANY"
Broadway Revival Cast
Nonesuch/PS Classics (106876-2)
The new "Company" cast sounds great on the CD, but not as good in
person. After seeing this new cast in the theater, I wasn't too excited
about the CD. In person, the show sounded mediocre; as if director John
Doyle got so possessed with having the cast play the superb Stephen
Sondheim music that his casting wasn't anything special. But on the CD,
the show sounds great. The Sondheim score sounds fresh and alive,
something that didn't happen when I saw the show on Broadway. Raul
Esparza is a great Bobby and his version of "Being Alive" is definitive.
This cast version provides insight into this bachelor Bobby and the
only person in the show who isn't happily married. "The Ladies Who
Lunch" is also well sung by Barbara Walsh in a haunting version of this
insightful look at the frustrations of marriage. The rest of the large
cast sounds wonderful in both solo numbers and in ensemble efforts. The
show looks askew at marriage and is a harsh slap at married life. George
Furth's marriage view is slanted and negative but here Sondheim's rich
score gets a wonderful treatment. Oh, the new cast recording can never
replace the original cast version that is so fresh and so alive.
Grade: A
"LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
DRG Theater (19099)
It's nice to again have the wonderful off-Broadway cast recording of
"Little Mary Sunshine" available. This pristine Rick Besoyan musical
spoof affectionately tackles the rapturous old musicals of Victor
Herbert, Rudolf Friml and Sigmund Romberg. "Little Mary Sunshine" takes a
fun swipe at "Rose Marie" complete with a nice slap at the Mounties
although this show is set in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The breezy
score spoofs "Rose Marie" right down to the "Colorado Love Call" and the
wonderfully reflective "Do You Ever Dream of Vienna?." The off-Broadway
cast is a rich one with John McMartin and the wonderful Little Mary
Sunshine of Eileen Brennan but the entire cast is bright and sharp. The
score is a delightful listen and it's nice to have this show available
again.
Grade: A
"MUSICALS THE ESSENTIAL ALBUM"
Union Square Music (ESNDCD220)
The two CD collection "Musicals The Essential Album" is a
compilation of the best current Musical Theater artists in a collection
of the finest show music available today along with a smattering of old
classic singers in winning show music selections like Judy Garland's
definitive "Over the Rainbow" and Cleo Laine's rich version of "A Little
Night Music's" "Send in the Clowns." The two CD collection is a
wonderful collection of show tunes. There are great musicals from
Broadway history along with the best of the current crop of fine
renditions of definitive current shows.
Grade: B
"RAW AT TOWN HALL"
EMILY SKINNER/ALICE RIPLEY
Kritzerland (KR 20011-0)
Emily Skinner and Alice Ripley pair in a wonderful collection of
tunes in "Raw at Town Hall." The two CD set has a wonderful collection
of current and past Broadway musical hits along with a fine sampling of
the pair's recent Broadway success, "Side Show," when these two fine
singers joined forces in a definitive Broadway musical triumph. There
are rich solos and wonderful duets. All are well sung and are in
brilliantly alive versions supported with wonderful instrumentals from a
definitive band. This "Raw at Town Hall" CD is a rich and wonderful
collection that features these two fine singers in a definitive
collection that make the pair sound fabulous.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (February 25, 2007) - Very little show music news this
update. 2007 will be a slim year for strong new editions of show music
classics. It will be interesting to see if the record labels that have a
host of shows that haven't been officially adapted to CDs will show up.
DRG Records has several new conversions scheduled but lists through the
year show no other major conversions suggesting that Sony that now owns
most of the old record labels isn't planning any great releases. There
are always a few interesting things coming out and a couple of these are
reviewed below. Foreign cast albums of popular Broadway shows will
remain big news and a few labels like Ghostlight Records are still
finding unusual things to bring us.
Now to reviews of new show music releases.
"HAPPY END"
American Conservatory Theatre Cast
Ghostlight Records (7915584418-2)
The first English language recording of Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht's
"Happy End" occurred when San Francisco's American Conservatory Theatre
mounted a critically acclaimed production that was recorded in all its
pristine glory by Ghostlight Records. The score sounds like other shows
this talented German team completed. But the differences are fascinating
and the cast is wonderful both in portraying the complex characters and
in singing Weill's rich score. Three classic Weill tunes mark this show
including "Surabaya Johnny," "The Bilbao Song," and "The Sailor's
Tango," all brilliantly realized on the recording. Like most Ghostlight
releases, this one has a very complete booklet filled with production
pictures that portray the rich production ACT mounted. The show is
particularly interesting in light of the Broadway production of
"LoveMusik," a new musical based on the romance of Weill and his love
who starred in many of his shows, Lotte Lenya." This recording is a
choice and prime addition to any show music lover's collection and is a
must buy of 2007, a year that doesn't promise much of interest in show
music recordings.
Grade: A
"PRODUCEREK" ("THE PRODUCERS")
Original Hungarian Cast
Metro (RET047)
"The Producers" is a huge hit on Broadway and was successful on the
road in this country. Foreign language production continues to pop up
and all have been well cast and sound identical to the Broadway version -
just in a foreign tongue. The Hungarian version of this show is
wonderful and very complete with the recording exceeding the normal
maximum running time for CDs. The songs sound bright and funny and the
cast seems strong. Max and Leo play off each other well just as Nathan
Lane and Matthew Broderick did on Broadway. The big production number
still has the glitzy and rambunctious sound we have come to expect from
this comic musical masterpiece. The Hungarian cast of "The Producers" is
a strong and vibrant one and if you like the show and collect foreign
cast show music this is a good one to get.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (January 23, 2007) - I'm currently in New York on my annual
Broadway pilgrimage, seeing nine new shows in six days, including "The
Apple Tree," "Tarzan," "Spring Awakening," "Mary Poppins," "Company" and
"Grey Gardens." There has been little new released in the way of show
music during the early weeks of the new year but a new series, "Legends
of Broadway," came out with four tribute albums just as 2006 ended. I
review those below along with a revival of a Rudolf Friml show by The
Ohio Light Opera:
"THE FIREFLY"
The Ohio Light Opera Cast
Albany Records (891/92)
Rudolf Friml wrote delightfully silly but melodically lovely
operettas during the early part of the last century. His shows didn't
push musical theater and he pleased loyal audiences with his tuneful
scores. Such is the case with one of his lesser-known shows, "The
Firefly." In a brilliant new recording - said to be the first complete
recording of the show - his beautiful songs flow easily when executed by
the richly talented Ohio Light Opera cast. This show was Friml's first
Broadway success and the piece has a fractured love tale that doesn't
play well today. But the songs are what make this show interesting and
they are given brilliant renditions in this recording. "The Firefly" is a
step back in time when love interests dominated most musical theater
plots and everything always worked out so favorably for everyone.
Getting through all the silliness with such beautiful music is a chore I
will endure anytime.
Grade: A
"LEGENDS OF BROADWAY - BARBARA COOK"
Masterworks Broadway (82876-88398-2)
Now that Sony Music owns so many old labels, its stock of Broadway
treasures is rich, so the label has decided to use all the old show
recordings they have in a new series, "Legends of Broadway." The first
four releases pay tribute to four of Broadway's finest female stars. Of
the new collection, my favorite is Barbara Cook's album. The collection
of songs come from her Broadway triumphs - "Candide," "The Music Man,"
"The Gay Life" and "She Loves Me," with extra tracks from her concert
versions of songs from other Broadway hits and others from her
recordings of classic Broadway musicals that she's played in during
various revivals. These include "The King and I," "Follies," and "Show
Boat." Cook's young voice here is a marvel but there's nothing wrong
with the richer, fuller sound her more mature voice produces today, so
some of the later concert version recordings are the finest. The album
traces her career and the sound of her stunning voice at key points
throughout her long and fruitful career are a rich and rewarding
tribute. There's nothing in the new album I don't enjoy and hearing her
voice go through its natural evolution is a treat. What a great new
series Sony has developed. The accompanying booklet on Cook's career is
filled with interesting pictures and a current interview that gives this
great artist a chance to comment on her career.
Grade: A
"LEGENDS OF BROADWAY - ANGELA LANSBURY"
Masterworks Broadway (82876-88397-2)
No less brilliant than Cook is Angela Lansbury. The selections here
show the diversity of Lansbury's Broadway musical career. There are
selections from three Sondheim classics she first played on Broadway,
"Anyone Can Whistle," "Gypsy" and "Sweeney Todd." There's also the
requisite selections from "Mame," her first huge stage success, and
"Dear World," another Jerry Herman show she first introduced to
audiences. The accompanying booklet is loaded with facts and pictures.
What this series does is put highlights from these artists career on one
disk. We all have these recordings but linking them together allows us
to hear a person's career, her biggest shows, and the changes in these
performers' voices that make them so right from the roles they play as
their careers mature and prosper. Another triumph for this series is the
Angela Lansbury "Legends of Broadway" tribute.
Grade: A
"LEGENDS OF BROADWAY - BERNADETTE PETERS"
Masterworks Broadway (82876-88399-2)
Bernadette Peters is a big Broadway star and she's taken some new
directions in recent years. Her career sounds great in this tribute
album. There are some of her recent hits including "Annie Get Your Gun"
and "Gypsy," along with earlier achievements like "Dames at Sea,"
"Sunday in the Park With George," "Song and Dance," "Into the Woods" and
"Mack and Mabel." It's a diverse and interesting collection of shows
that Peters has been in and this album is a good representation of her
rich career.
Grade: A
"LEGENDS OF BROADWAY - CHITA RIVERA"
Masterworks Broadway (82876-88402-2)
The final winner in this new series is devoted to Chita Rivera and
the album goes all the way back to the excitement of "West Side Story"
and "Bye, Bye Birdie," along with one of her less successful but still
fascinating early shows, "Bajour." Her more recent hits including the
original "Chicago" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman." The selections here
show the range and changes in her voice. An enjoyable delight, the
"Legends of Broadway - Chita Rivera" album is a wonderful listen as it
shows the length and breadth of Rivera's long and richly rewarding
Broadway reign.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (December 26, 2006) - Lots of news about cast-related
recordings. First off, Sony will release four CDs today in the first
entries of the Legends of Broadway series. This year's winners are
Angela Lansbury, Barbara Cook, Bernadette Peters, and Chita Rivera. They
will be the first four artists in this continuing new series.
Speaking of Cook, she was named Vocalist of the Year by Musical America. She received her award December 20.
The new Broadway "Company" recorded their version of the Stephen
Sondheim score for a joint production between Nonesuch and PS Classics.
Apparently, the just closed "High Fidelity" may record a cast album on
Sh-K-Boom.
To all my loyal readers, a wish for a great holiday season and to a
wonderful 2007 full of exciting new and long out-of-print cast albums.
Now to reviews of new show music releases:
"DREAMGIRLS"
Original Soundtrack Cast
Sony Music (82876-88953 2)
The movie version of "Dreamgirls" is supposed to be a big hit. It
didn't open in Phoenix until Christmas so I haven't seen it yet, but the
soundtrack is one of the most exciting sounding movie versions of a big
Broadway hit in years. Created by the same team that adapted "Chicago,"
the "Dreamgirls" soundtrack has all the familiar music by in exciting
new orchestrations and sung by a great cast. Especially impressive is
"American Idol" veteran, Jennifer Hudson, who sings the great
showstopper, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," with the most
plaintive soul-searching depth that the song vibrated every time I put
on the album. But the entire cast is impressive and the vocals are
superb. The scenes in the accompanying booklet make the film look lavish
and I can hardly wait to see it if for no other reason than to see
Hudson's performance as Effie White, the singer whose singing career
almost gets sidetracked by her personal struggles. This film musical
appears to be a huge winner and the album is a dynamic treasure.
Grade: A
"SPRING AWAKENING"
Original Broadway Cast
Decca Broadway (B0008020-02)
I wasn't impressed by what I had read about "Spring Awakening" but
when I heard the cast album, I'm looking forward to seeing the show
during my annual Broadway trip next month. The show, a real rock show,
traces the struggles of young adolescents, a perplexing and difficult
subject to deal with on stage. The score takes some time to understand
and enjoy, but repeated hearings help bring the score's brilliant songs
by Duncan Sheik and the perceptive lyrics of Steven Sater vividly to
life. Like so many modern shows, this one is blatantly truthful and has
some raucous and explicit language. It's nice to hear a completely
original show that isn't an adaptation of an old movie or play and that
presents life in a challenging and enlightening new way.
Grade: A
"THE SOUND OF MUSIC"
2006 London Palladium Cast
Really Useful Records (1718876)
The new London production of "The Sound of Music" is famous because
it is produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and features Connie Fisher as
Maria, a role she won in a hugely publicized British popularity contest.
The result is a typical and none-too-revolutionary treatment of the
saccharin musical about a novice nun's shift away from the Church to a
traditional marriage with a built-in brood of kids. Fisher isn't
anything special and her voice often runs out of steam at big musical
moments suggesting she doesn't have the pipes for a sustained musical
theater career. The supporting cast, except for a wonderful group of
children, is nothing special either. Like so many recent stage versions
of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, the version combines the stage
and movie version and includes some of the songs Rodgers wrote for the
screen adaptation. There's nothing special here and if I was headed to
London, this "The Sound of Music" revival wouldn't be high on my list of
shows to see. So the cast album isn't a must purchase even for show
lovers.
Grade: C
"THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW"
Original Vancouver Cast
No Label or Number
The Vancouver "The Rocky Horror Show" is a bland and lifeless
version of the popular cult musical. The cast breathes no special life
into the campy of fun material and the reason for this recording seems
to relate to the vanity of some cast members who must have wanted their
nothing interpretation saved but for what reason. There are wonderfully
exciting recorded versions of this show, but the Vancouver cast is not
one of them.
Grade: F
"JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS"
2006 Off-Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (7915584416-2)
"Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris" is one of those
shows that rarely sounds the same from version to version. The
treatment of the Brel songs is unique and so each interpretation makes
the music sound different and unique. The new off-Broadway version is
such a case. The cast is strong and includes Robert Cuccioli, Natascia
Diaz, Rodney Hicks, and Gay Marshall. They all sound great and make
these plaintive and haunting songs their own. The show is wonderful look
at life and the new version does a rich job of making the songs telling
statements about various aspects of everyday living. Nothing beats the
original cast version, though, and I can't say the new cast does a
better performance than the definitive first group.
Grade: B
--
Phoenix, AZ (December 3, 2006) - The copies of the three new DVD
releases of 20th Century Fox film versions of Rodgers and Hammerstein
musicals arrived but I've only had a chance to watch a few of the
"extras" on "The King and I." These bonuses are fantastic as is the
commentary about the film that can be listened to while the excellent
movie plays. I'm still awaiting a chance to enjoy similar features on
the newly released "Carousel" and "South Pacific."
Of course, "The King and I" movie version is one of the finest transfers
of a Broadway musical to the screen. It faithfully recreates the show
minus a few songs and preserves the brilliant Jerome Robbins "The Small
House of Uncle Thomas" ballet. But the film's most outstanding feature
is the extraordinary performance of Deborah Kerr (with Marni Nixon's
singing voice) as Anna and Yul Brynner's unbelievably sharp King. Kerr
displays the character's fortitude, determination, and her sharp nut
clever one-upmanship of the King. Nixon's vocals are coordinated
perfectly and it's hard to believe that Kerr isn't actually singing.
Brynner's brilliant portrayal of the King made his career. He played
this role on the stage throughout his lengthy career and he won an
Academy Award for his movie portrayal.
I also got the first time DVD release of Rodgers and Hammerstein's
"Flower Drum Song." It proves a solid if undistinguished film adaptation
of this lesser R&H show. There's an abundance of interesting
"extras" on this one.
These new versions of these great Broadway musical film adaptations are a
treasure but each one is so rich with a pristine version of the film
plus the many "extras" you must devote lengthy viewing periods to each.
Most of them also include interviews with cast members and scenes from
the original Broadway productions, extras that musical theater lovers
will treasure. These are an excellent holiday gift giving idea.
Now to reviews of new show music releases.
"THE FANTASTICKS"
New 2006 Off-Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (8-4415)
A new and more complete "The Fantasticks" is always welcome and
Ghostlight Records has preserved the current off-Broadway cast. The
singing is strong and is consistent with the original production. Burke
Moses is a commanding and lushly sung interpretation, Santino Fontana
has a welcome mature sound as Matt, Sara Jean Ford's pretty soprano is
perfect for Luisa and the comic supporting players all add strong vocal
renditions. The performance is very complete. At the end, there's a
bonus track, "O Have You Ever Been To China?," performed by composer
Harvey Schmidt back in 1959. The accompanying booklet has interesting
background articles on the show and a full inclusion of all the song
lyrics along with nice pictorials of the new production. I wouldn't say
this new version is better than the famous original cast recording that
is still available but it has more music and is well performed.
Grade: B
"BROADWAY UNPLUGGED 2"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
Bayview Recording Company (RNBW037)
Scott Siegel's impressive series of concerts devoted to various
years of musical theater history are a wonderful record of the best
songs from the years selected and are always performed by leading
contemporary musical theater stars. In addition to the standard series
that all have CDs that preserve the performances, Siegel also does a
"Broadway Unplugged" series and the second installment of this series
has just been released. It is one of the best and most interesting of
Siegel's shows. The cast includes Bobby Belfry, Ron Bohmer, Brandon
Cutrell, Bill Daugherty, Mary Bond Davis, Sutton Foster, Peter Gonyo,
Cheyenne Jackson, Eddie Korbich, Jenifer Kruskamp, Marc Kudisch, Norm
Lewis, Deven May, William Michals, Euan Morton, Christiane Noll, Emily
Skinner, Anne Steele, Barbara Walsh, Steven Ray Watkins, and Lennie
Waits. All have been on Broadway recently and all have wonderful vocal
pipes that do full justice to the 18 tracks, all performed without
microphones, and from a wide range of classic musical as well as current
hits. It's hard to pick favorites but Skinner's rich "Raunchy" from
"110 in the Shade," Jackson's stunningly lovely "Joey, Joey, Joey" from
"The Most Happy Fella," Liz Callaway's fun "Be A Lion" from "The Wiz,"
and a playful "Anything You Can Do" from "Annie Get Your Gun" with
Kudisch and Foster, are highlights. Siegel's commentary is tight and
short but adds some interesting insights on the shows included.
Grade: A
"FAVOURITE THINGS"
CONNIE FISHER
Really Useful Group/Polydor (FASC007)
The reviews on the current London revival of "The Sound of Music"
have been strong and most comment positively on star Connie Fisher's
strong vocals as Maria. In conjunction with the new show, comes Fisher's
premiere solo album, "Favourite Things," and she displays a strong if
not particularly distinctive voice. She does two big "The Sound of
Music" songs, "My Favourite Things" and Something Good" and the back of
the accompanying booklet boasts the coming recording of the revival. The
other 10 selections here are mostly from musicals and all are
competent, solid, but nothing particularly unique or special. I'd wait
for the revival cast recording to hear Fisher's singing. Fisher's solo
CD is nothing out of the ordinary.
Grade: C
"ESSENTIAL MUSICALS"
ELAINE PAIGE
Universal Music (1709789)
Elaine Paige is a reigning London musical theater star and she's
developed an American following with her Broadway "Sunset Boulevard"
performance. Her newest solo album, "Essential Musicals," includes
selections that are all from shows but not necessarily from musicals in
which she's starred. All the arrangements are enhanced from the original
versions from the shows these songs are taken and Paige sounds dynamic
and sultry throughout. She also does several songs assigned to male
roles and she does them with poise and distinction. Her "Edelweis" from
"The Sound of Music" is lovely, her "Bring Him Home" from "Les
Miserables" is full bodied and strong, but her ending number, "Broadway
Baby" from "Follies" is a fitting and rich finale. Paige is a strong and
wonderful musical theater star and she doesn't forget her musical
theater roots. "Essential Musicals" is a nice recording for musical
theater lovers.
Grade: B
--
Phoenix, AZ (November 12, 2006) - A new DVD was just released called
"The Making of Miss Saigon." It's a documentary of the Broadway show and
includes much footage from the original London and Broadway cast
productions. I haven't had a chance yet to view my copy but it is
something that should interest musical theater lovers. I'm awaiting my
copies of the three anniversary editions by 20th Century Fox of Rodgers
and Hammerstein movie versions of their Broadway hits. This time we get
"Carousel," "The King and I" and "South Pacific." There's also a boxed
set that includes the previously released anniversary versions of
"Oklahoma," "State Fair" and "The Sound of Music."
Many of the new CDs reviewed below are re-releases of old shows that
have been available before. A couple of completely new shows are also
included. Also this week comes this year's "Broadway's Greatest Gifts:
Carols for a Cure Vol. 8" that has current Broadway show casts singing
holiday songs.
Interestingly, with weekly shipments from publicists and Footlight
Records, I get 15 to 20 new show music CDs each week. I can only review a
few of every two weeks, so I try to pick the most interesting of the
new items.
Now to reviews of new show music releases:
"BROADWAY'S GREATEST GIFTS: CAROLS FOR A CURE - Vol. 8"
Rock-It Science Records (No Number)
The popular Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS series of holiday
releases that feature current Broadway musical casts in popular and
unusual songs that celebrate the season has released the eighth volume
and it's the best of these releases in several years. The two-disk set
features a variety of holiday music types and styles all featuring
unique and clever arrangements and sung by the excellent casts of
current shows, including "Jersey Boys," "The Drowsy Chaperone,"
"Wicked," "Mary Poppins" and "The Color Purple." This year's album is
far more festive and has several welcome non-traditional songs from
other holiday celebrations beside Christmas. I listened to this year's
recording in late October before Halloween and it immediately started my
annual process of getting in the holiday spirit. This year's
"Broadway's Greatest Gifts: Carols for a Cure Vol. 8" is a treasure.
Grade: A
"MAMMA MIA! 5TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR ON BROADWAY"
Original London Cast
Decca Broadway (80007645-00)
"Mamma Mia!" has been on Broadway for five years. In an effort to
cash in on the show's tremendous success and ongoing popularity, Decca
Broadway has re-released the cast recording with some new tracks and a
Special Edition DVD that tries to explain the musical's phenomenal
success with a myriad of scenes from the original and subsequent
productions. The interesting thing is that the cast recording is from
the original London cast as the original Broadway cast never recorded
the score. It's too bad that we don't have a true Broadway cast
recording. The DVD is a welcome delight because it captures so many of
the stage show's successful moments for posterity.
Grade: A
"NUNSENSE A-MEN!"
National Cast
Nunsense (No Number)
"Nunsense" has become quite a phenomenon spawning a myriad of
variations all using the wacky nuns of New Jersey's The Little Sisters
of Hoboken and their variety show to raise funds when they discover that
their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned some
of their sisters and they don't have enough for the burials. The latest
incarnation, "Nunsense A-Men!," features an all-male cast parading as
the nuns using the show's original version. There is some
unintentionally funny stuff when men play these roles, and the original
material is still fresh and funny. I'm sure the latest variation will
make it around the country in productions during the next few years as
theaters use the new version to raise money.
Grade: B
"LIVE FROM THE CAFE CARLYLE"
EARTHA KITT
DRG Records (91499)
At almost 80 years old, Eartha Kitt still possesses her
characteristic sultry voice and mellow way with a song in her latest CD,
Eartha Kitt "Live from the Cafe Carlyle." She knows how to use what's
left of her voice as she incarnates several wonderful songs with
brilliant arrangements and her still rich voice. There's no standout
song in the 17 tracks because they are all so rewarding and the new
album is a treasure. Like Barbara Cook, Kitt hasn't let the years
detract from either her voice or her unique song styling.
Grade: A
"CALL ME MADAM"
Original Broadway Cast, Studio Recording, and Radio Broadcast 1950
Naxos Musicals (8.120794)
Irving Berlin's "Call Me Madam" was a huge hit for Ethel Merman. The
show is rarely seen today because of the difficulty of finding a star
to play the central role of Mrs. Sally Adams, a fictional composite of
Ambassador Perle Mesta. The show is full of witty political commentary
and Merman's huge personality carries the show. Naxos Musicals has
combined the long available Broadway studio cast that featured Merman
along with the cast album that featured Dinah Shore because of Merman's
contractual terms that prevented her from recording the cast album on a
competing label. The comprehensive CD also includes excerpts from the
film that starred Merman and a 1950 radio broadcast that also featured
Merman. It's a wonderful collection of the various "Call Me Madam"
versions and a real tribute this fine Berlin show and Merman's stellar
performance in the lead role.
Grade: A
"SINGIN' IN THE RAIN"
Studio Cast
JAY Records (CDJAY 1262)
"Singin' in the Rain" was one of Hollywood's most successful
musicals both artistically and economically. The movie's success made it
the ideal transfer to the stage. The show wasn't the big success on
stage that it was as a movie, but the score is winsome and the cast
featured on the JAY Records release is infectious and sings the songs
with welcome luster. There were few changes in the conversion from film
to stage so the pleasant and predictable story is intact as are the
excellent songs. The four leads - Michael Gruber, Nancy Ringham, Randy
Rogel, and Christina Saffran - couldn't be better and the National
Symphony Orchestra under the lusty conducting of Craig Barna brings the
vibrant score to brilliant life.
Grade: B
"CABARET"
Studio Cast
JAY Records (CDJAY2 1311)
JAY Records has put together some fine casts for its many studio
recordings of the best musicals. Such is the case with its complete
"Cabaret" that features Jonathan Pryce as the M.C., Judi Dench in the
small Fraulein Schneider role, lyric writer Fred Ebb as her love
interest Herr Schultz, Greg Edelman as Clifford and Maria Friedman as
Sally. The score is presented excellently by this distinguished and
accomplished cast. The completeness of the recording allows us to have
on CD some music never before available. The characterizations of the
performers couldn't be better or more perceptive. The recording also
includes three tracks from the successful 1987 Broadway revival that was
not officially recorded and four tracks from the film featuring songs
not heard in the stage versions. This "Cabaret" is a gem.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (October 29, 2006) - Two new releases, the new Broadway cast
recording of "A Chorus Line" and "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," are
worthy of adding to your CD collection:
"A CHORUS LINE"
2006 Revival Broadway Cast
Masterworks Broadway (82876-89785-2)
There have been many opinions of the new "A Chorus Line" revival
production currently on Broadway. Now comes the cast recording of this
version and the chance for those of us not in New York to hear the new
cast. The revival is touted as being a re-creation of the original
production in its look, sound, and staging and, based on the CD, that's
exactly the case. There's nothing new here in terms of interpreting the
show and many of the current performers duplicate the sound of the
original cast member. But that's not bad and there's lots of energy and
gusto from this cast. All the songs are impeccably handled and the
production is no doubt a treat for those who missed the original
production. Each performer makes their part distinctive, unique, and
telling. Some of the songs contain more introductory material and a few
get extended treatments of songs that got abbreviated on the original
cast recording. Since the original cast recording is still readily
available, it's hard to recommend this new version over those original
performers who were the actual characters they played but the extra
material and the dynamic performance make this a version that should be
beside the original cast recording in any true show music lovers
library.
Grade: A
"IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS"
Original San Francisco Cast
Ghostlight Records (7915581225-2)
After a summer 2000 tryout at the St. Louis Municipal Opera, a stage
version of the always popular "Irving Berlin's White Christmas" seemed
inevitable. It seemed the perfect holiday show to compete with the
overdone "The Nutcracker" and the twisted Dickens look at the holiday in
"A Christmas Carol." In 2004, the reworked stage version of "White
Christmas" debuted in San Francisco to great success where it remains a
regular holiday offering. Other productions were tried last year and
this year promises the show in even more cities. The first recording of
the stage version is now out and it features the original San Francisco
leads including Anastasia Barzee as Betty, Brian d'Arcy James as Bob,
Jeffry Denman as Phil, and Karen Morrow as Martha. The stage version
features the familiar Irving Berlin collection of wonderful tunes and
the show on this recording, brings back rich family memories of watching
the movie as part of holiday traditions. The color pictures of the
production reveal it to be an eye-filler and the cast sounds impeccable
crooning the warm and tuneful score. I can hardly wait to add this show
to the holiday show collection when it finally debuts here in Phoenix.
Hopefully that will be soon.
Grade: A
"BROADWAY LOVE"
ANDREW HELLER
Heller Records (AH3305)
As a show music critic, I receive lots of CDs featuring performers
singing collections of Broadway tunes. Some of these reveal singers who
have the ability to vary their voices and interpretations so that each
song has the feel intended in the show it came from. Sometimes
performers with pleasant voices try Broadway music unsuccessfully and
sometimes I get anthologies from performers who have no particular knack
for Broadway music. The later is the case with Andrew Heller in his
"Broadway Love." Heller's voice isn't a beautiful instrument and he
struggles with many of the high notes in the various songs he's picked
from several popular shows. And all the song renditions sound the same
in terms of the mediocre orchestrations and in Heller's treatment of
them. Heller's biography of shows he's actually performed isn't
including suggesting that perhaps this album is his attempt to sell
himself to musical theater producers. This CD is one to skip and Heller
needs to spend lots of time working on interpretation and basic vocal
technique before he can ever hope to successfully star in a stage
musical.
Grade: D
--
Phoenix (October 15, 2006) - The new Broadway cast recording to "A
Chorus Line's" is now out and I'll have a review in my next report.
Later this month, JAY Records will release the first recording of the
off-Broadway musical hit "Summer of '42." On November 7, Rhino will
release the original cast recording of the off-Broadway hit, "Shout! The
Mod Musical." Two musical theater stars are readying new show music
oriented CDs. Elaine Paige's "Essential Musicals" will include 13 tracks
including some unusual selections of male song hits. The CD will be
available in Great Britain on October 23 and will no doubt show up in
the United States shortly thereafter. Andrea Burns, who starred in the
national tour of "Parade," just recorded her first solo CD for PS
Classics. No list of tracks as yet but the CD should be available in
early 2007.
Now to reviews of new show music releases.
"I LOVE YOU BECAUSE"
Original Off-Broadway Casts
PS Classics (PS-643)
What a refreshing listen the new Off-Broadway musical "I Love You
Because" is. The richly melodic songs have pithy, pointed, and
articulate lyrics and the songs reveal the show's premise and plot
clearly. The cast is bright and talented adding meaning and gusto to the
wonderful songs by Joshua Salzman with lyrics by Ryan Cunningham. The
six-person cast includes Farah Alvin, David A. Austin, Colin Hanlon,
Jordan Leeds, Courtney Balan and Stephanie D'Abruzzo, who is becoming
quite a respectable Broadway star, and they all bring warmth and mellow
intensity to the roles they sing and to their wonderful interpretation
of the tellingly pointed songs. The show's subtitle, "A Modern Day
Musical Love Story," tells what this charmer is about as it explores the
complexities and commitments of modern love affairs. Look for this
talented team to be a major new voice in the contemporary musical
theater scene.
Grade: A
"CHICAGO - THE MUSICAL 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION"
Revival and Foreign Casts
Masterworks Broadway (82876-89784-2)
For the 10th anniversary of the successful Broadway revival of
"Chicago," Masterworks Broadway has released an attractive two CD/DVD
collection as a tribute to the Tony Award winning and Broadway's longest
running revival. The package includes a nice collection of pictures and
commentary about the revival plus the revival cast recording of the
musical that took Broadway by storm. Featuring Ann Reinking's definitive
Roxie Hart and Bebe Neuwirth's haughty Velma Kelly, the recording is a
gem. The other CD is a collection of "Chicago" songs, including demo
recordings by Fred Ebb and John Kander, the genius writers behind this
now classic musical and a selection of songs by other stars of the
revival as well as selections by a couple of foreign casts plus two
numbers by the show's original cast, Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, and
Jerry Orbach. Songs by stars who have been paraded in and out of the
continually playing Broadway revival cast, such as Lynda Carter, Brooke
Shields and Melanie Griffith, are undistinguished and uninteresting and
none match the revival's original cast. The DVD is short and features
rather bland interviews with the revival's stars and some international
performance footage from productions playing in Holland, Italy, Brazil,
Germany, Mexico, and Russia. While a nice collection in a very
attractive package, I was dismayed that no footage from the original
production was included.
Grade: B
"ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER DIVAS"
Really Useful Records/Decca Broadway (B0005990-02)
Although I reviewed "Andrew Lloyd Webber Divas" recording when it
was released in Europe, the American edition is now out and includes
several different tracks. It's a nice collection of the composer's
biggest hit songs sung by an array of the artists who have played roles
in his shows. All these songs have been available previously including
several from cast albums of Lloyd Webber's shows. It's a nice recording
to play as background music for show music lovers.
Grade: C
"THE GERSHWINS' PORGY & BESS"
Studio Cast
Decca (B0007431-02)
Another recording of "Porgy & Bess." With so many wonderful
recordings already available, this seems like an unnecessary addition.
There's nothing special here, just straightforward renditions by
contemporary artists with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
conducted by John Mauceri. It's a fine version of the show but how many
"Porgy & Bess" recordings do you need. This new one is certainly not
distinctive enough to add.
Grade: B
--
Phoenix, AZ (September 24, 2006) - The cast recording of the Broadway
revival of "A Chorus Line" comes out on CD October 10. Now to reviews of
new show music releases already available:
"GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES"/"HIGH BUTTON SHOES"
Original Broadway Casts
Naxos Musicals (8.120793)
Naxos continues to release old shows often combining two musicals on
a single CD. Unfortunately, these releases are not well-produced
versions and they are rarely re-mastered so they sound old. They are
often not in stereo. But they are making old shows that may be
out-of-print again available. These chestnut shows are often only of
interest to real show music lovers but they remind us of lovely old
shows and the fine performances that made these shows the big hits that
they became. Such is the case with the latest release, a combination of
"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "High Button Shows." These shows, both
from the late 1940s, include catchy songs by Jule Styne. Both shows are
filled with familiar tunes that show music lovers adore and many of the
performances on both shows are classics. Carol Channing gave Lorelei a
much gutsier and earthy feel than Marilyn Monroe did in the film version
of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Her raucous "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best
Friend" is something wonderful. "High Button Shoes" features warm
performances by Nanette Fabray and a lusty Phil Silvers. The show's most
famous song hit, "Papa, Won't You Dance With Me?," is wonderful.
Unfortunately, the sound on this CD is not great and doesn't enhance the
original recordings.
Grade: B
"SIMPLY SONDHEIM - A 75TH BIRTHDAY SALUTE"
San Francisco Cast
Kritzerland (KR 20010-8)
San Francisco staged a big celebration concert to celebrate Stephen
Sondheim's 75th birthday, "Simply Sondheim - A 75th Birthday Salute,"
and the complete recording on two CDs reveals a rich tribute to the
master Broadway composer that features a wide range of his finest songs.
The cast includes Lisa Vroman, the longtime Christine in the San
Francisco "The Phantom of the Opera" production, and Guy Haines. The
singing is top drawer, the arrangements are winsome and are true to the
sound Sondheim wanted in the shows the songs come from. The songs are
arranged into themed medleys that group interesting collections of the
composer's hits. There are songs from his big hits but also a nice
collection of lesser-known tunes from his less successful creations and
some of his early songs that have never been heard on Broadway. For
Sondheim lovers, the tribute is a wonderful trip through the master's
rich collection of songs.
Grade: B
"SHOPPING! THE MUSICAL"
San Francisco Cast
AWAT Productions (No Number)
A San Francisco musical revue, "Shopping! The Musical," is a parody
of shopping and I thought it would be a clever and pointed jab at those
of us who love to spend hours in malls. Even the list of songs -
"Nordstrom," "Hardware Heaven," "Costco," "What Am I Doing Here?" among
the 22 selections - seemed promising. But the show is ordinary and the
humor in each of the songs is strained and awkward and often not
particularly funny. The melodies that accompany the parodies are really
ordinary and far from memorable. The performances of the four performers
and pianist are nothing special either. I listened a couple of times
hoping I had missed something but got very little enjoyment out of
"Shopping! The Musical."
Grade: D
--
Phoenix, AZ (September 10, 2006) This week is catch up time. All those
wonderful old shows that were released on CD have all arrived and I will
review those along with a few new shows that have arrived recently as
well:
"THREE WISHES FOR JAMIE"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Records (19086)
"Three Wishes for Jamie" had a troubled initial debut in Los Angeles
and then closed for a year to be re-tooled by Abe Burrows but his
efforts didn't make the show a success. It had a delightful score by
Ralph Blane and a superlative cast headed by John Raitt in his prime and
Anne Jeffreys. But the far-fetched story about an Irish dreamer who is
granted three wishes by a fairy queen and, even against all logical
odds, clings to his belief that the wishes will come to pass. The score
sails along and is beautifully sung. This show is a '50s treasure
musically but it never became a success and will probably never be heard
from again.
Grade: B
"CABIN IN THE SKY"
Original 1964 Revival Cast
DRG Records (19088)
"Cabin in the Sky" is an early African-American musical and it
boasts a melodic score by Vernon Duke and a stellar cast who sing the
songs glowingly. The show has the richly popular song, "Taking a Chance
on Love" and tells the story of relationships in impoverished locales.
The revival cast has a stirring and biting push that gives the score its
due.
Grade: A
"KISMET"
Studio Cast
DRG Records (19094)
The studio cast version of "Kismet" starred Gordon MacRae and opera
star Dorothy Kirsten. The pair is featured in almost all the fabulous
songs that were adapted from Alexander Borodin musical themes. The
singing is proficient and perfect but uninspiring and just singing these
richly varied and lushly melodic songs seems like a waste. The question
I have is why bother wasting time and money on this ordinary recording
of this great score when other much richer versions including the
original Broadway cast recording exist?
Grade: C
"SALVATION"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Records (19087)
Salvation" is an early rock musical of questionable importance or
value. It was about music and it slapped organized religion. The score
is loud and obnoxious and has no particular value. The cast does the
singing chores with little appeal or sparkle and the entire effort is an
interesting look at early rock musicals but it has little other worth
today. I wonder how DRG Records can justify remastering and re-issuing
these old shows of dubious value. The costs must be outweighed by the
few copies that will be sold to us musical theater nuts and few others.
Grade: D
"THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1963"
Town Hall Broadway By The Year Cast
Bayview (RNBW036)
The year 1963 had only one "hit" musical, "Oliver," but the new
Broadway By The Year that is devoted to that year is filled with great
songs from shows with superlative scores. Who can't love an album that
features songs from such shows as "110 in the Shade," "She Loves Me,"
"The Girl Who Came To Supper," "Tovarich" and the hit show as well. The
performances are all exquisite and there's no way to pick memorable
songs or the best when such wonderful contemporary musical theater
artists as Nancy Anderson, Stephen Bogardus, Liz Callaway, George
Dvorsky, Euan Morton, and Julia Murney lend their fine voices to the
wonderful collection of songs. Scott Siegel's comments are filled with
interesting insights to the year and the shows. Another in this series
wonderful tributes to bygone years of musical theater history.
Grade: A
"[title of show]"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (7915584414-2)
"[title of show]" is a show that parodies musical theater but
without the wonderful insightful pithiness of "Forbidden Broadway"
classics. The music is not lifted from shows being spoofed as is the
case with "Forbidden Broadway" and the songs are ordinary although some
of the lyrics are catchy and pointed. The show was quite popular
off-Broadway and moves to Broadway this season to resume its run. It
will be interesting to see if this small, pleasant little spoof can make
it on Broadway.
Grade: C
"EVITA"
2006 London Cast
Really Useful Records (9855975)
There are few really unique or original interpretations of "Evita."
Revivals are always some variation of the original production with the
performers recreating the original cast performances. Such is the case
with the ordinary and uninteresting new London cast recording of the
show. None of the cast stands out and the music sounds like it always
has except here and there where a slightly new orchestration takes a
slightly different sound. The recording is on just one CD and although
it is long and almost complete there's nothing to recommend adding this
new version to your library if you already have the original and still
definitive version.
Grade: C
"THE KING AND I"
Music Theater of Lincoln Center Cast
Masterworks Broadway (82876-88400-2)
For several years, Richard Rodgers produced large and elaborate
revivals of Broadway hits at Lincoln Center. Many of his own shows found
their way into his offerings and many of the productions starred
has-been stars past their prime or young and emerging musical theater
artists. Such is the case with "The King and I." Opera star Rise
Stevens essays Anna and her voice has neither the power nor the luster
it had when she sang operatic repertory at the Met. She brings nothing
special to Anna. Darren McGavin was an excellent King when I saw him in
San Francisco long before this New York revival was mounted. He gave the
King an interesting characterization that wasn't an exact copy of Yul
Brynner's original. This release includes "The Small House of Uncle
Thomas" ballet music and "Western People Funny," a song often excised
from recordings. The supporting cast is competent but far from brilliant
and the cheapness of producers makes this one of the few "The King and
I" recordings without the kids that add so much interest to the show.
Interpretations are superficial and this is far from the best "The King
and I" recording.
Grade: C
"MY FAIR LADY"
Original 20th Anniversary Cast
Masterworks Broadway (82876-88392-2)
It seems like the classic musical, "My Fair Lady," is always done
with a pretty traditional and standard interpretation. Such was the case
with the 20th anniversary version that starred Ian Richardson,
Christine Andreas, George Rose and Robert Coote. Richardson, in
particular, gives none of the depth of interpretation that Rex Harrison
did in the original nor that others have instilled in other revivals.
Richardson also rushes some of the tempos and has less than perfect
diction, an interesting criticism considering Henry Higgins careful
teaching of English. Andreas has a welcome young sound and she sings
with purity and excellent diction especially as the transformed Cockney
guttersnipe. Rose and Coote played their respective roles repeatedly and
do nothing special to make neither Col. Pickering nor Doolittle stand
out. You can't go wrong with the original cast version still readily
available so I don't recommend this long out-of-print version.
Grade: C
"SOUTH PACIFIC"
Music Theater of Lincoln Center Cast
Masterworks Broadway (82876-88393-2)
This Music Theater of Lincoln Center "South Pacific" revival is
pretty standard fare with Florence Henderson sounding too young and
inexperienced to give Nurse Nellie much depth or punch. Giorgio Tozzi's
Emile is solidly sung although not as well as he did in the movie
soundtrack when he sang voiceovers for the movie star that played the
role. Of the supporting cast, Irene Byatt gives her Bloody Mary some
depth and brilliance but Justin McDonough's Lt. Cable is nothing
special. This is far from the best recorded "South Pacific" and it lacks
any of the new interpretations that have given this show such a vibrant
rebirth in recent years.
Grade: C
"CANDIDE"
1974 Broadway Cast Revival
Masterworks Broadway (82876-88391-2)
Of the four Masterworks Broadway releases, this 1974 Broadway
revival cast of "Candide" is best. It shows some new interpretations of
the Leonard Bernstein score and even the recording suggests the
distinctive new Harold Prince staging ideas. The music is complex and
lovely and the cast is filled with able singers who do it justice. The
release is on two CDs that preserve most of the massive score. This
recording is has been long out-of-print and it is a welcome addition to
the many fine recordings available for "Candide." Indeed, this score is
brilliant and only seems to improve with time and exposure.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (August 19, 2006) - The first three releases of old shows on
CD for the first time has occurred from DRG Records with the studio
cast "Kismet," plus the original Broadway cast recordings of "Salvation"
and "Three Wishes for Jamie." Several Sony releases follow at the end
of the month. I haven't received my copies of the new DRG releases but
hope to review them in my next update.
Now to reviews of new show music releases:
"GREY GARDENS"
Original Playwrights Horizons Cast
PS Classics (PS-642)
The long awaited cast recording of "Grey Gardens" is now available
from PS Classics. The album was made during the show's world premiere
spring engagement at the Playwrights Horizon. It was a huge hit and will
reopen in October on Broadway. The show stars Christine Ebersole in a
shatteringly detailed and wonderfully fascinating performance in two
central roles. The show is based on the now legendary 1975 documentary
of the same title. It concerns Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' aunt and
cousin. The pair was originally part of the pre-"Camelot" social
register in and around New York but later became notorious recluses
living in a rundown mansion in East Hampton. The documentary and musical
focus on the two fascinating characters, Edith Bouvier Beale, and her
adult daughter, Edie. The show is set in two periods - 1941 and 1973 -
showing the family's extremes at the height of their popularity and as
reclusive ne'er-do-wells. Ebersole plays Edith initially and Edie at the
end. The show, with book by Doug Wright, music by Scott Frankel and
lyrics by Michael Korie, marvelously captures the two distinct
historical periods in the sound of the music and in the wonderful
lyrics. And then there's Ebersole's triumphant performance, which shows
the characters extremes of style and living in a glowingly remarkable
way that comes through brilliantly on the recording. It's easy to see
why this show has meet with such stellar reviews and why the wise
producers have decided to take the Broadway plunge with it. What a
marvelously expressive show that is captured so winningly in this richly
rewarding cast album.
Grade: A
"BLUES IN THE NIGHT"
ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY
Telarc Jazz (CD-83641)
Ann Hampton Callaway is a wonderfully expressive jazz singer with a
mellow, luxurious voice. She has a wonderful way with a song. Her new
CD, "Blues in the Night," is an enjoyably easy listen with a rich
selection of jazzy song hits. The recording features Callaway and
highlights drummer Sherrie Maricle, the backup band, Diva Jazz
Orchestra, and the songs feature wonderful Tommy Newsome arrangements. I
can't pick any one selection as a highlight as they are all so perfect
with Callaway. This great artist has been scarce on Broadway but the
shows she's done have all been winners. Until her triumphant return to
the great White Way, her new album is a winner that reminds of how great
a way with a song she has.
Grade: A
"JEKYLL & HYDE - THE CONCERT"
Studio Cast
Koch Records (KACD 0610)
Frank Wildhorn's "Jekyll & Hyde" made a big splash on Broadway
and revealed the composer as a rich songwriter who could spin
wonderfully melodic song hits. The original cast was superb and set the
high standard for the show. The new concert recording is a sad and
pitiful version that lacks the strong singing of the original cast and
leaves the songs without the richness they should have. The new
orchestrations are raucous and loud taking away the music subtle beauty.
Rob Evans does nothing with the dual central character and never lets
us see the torture his two personas create. His singing lacks the
stirring stature this role demands. Neither of the female leads, Kate
Shindle as Lucy and Brandi Burkhardt as Emma, do anything special with
their roles or the many song hits they are assigned. I listened to this
new recording with much anticipation but after the initial spin I never
want to listen to it again.
Grade: F
--
Phoenix, AZ (August 6, 2006) Nothing new to report on show music albums
this update. We all anxiously await the many new releases of old musical
recordings that will appear on CD for the first time this month. Check
the last update for all the titles and the scheduled release dates. It
will be a memorable month for old show music recordings.
Now to reviews of new show music releases.
"BERNARDA ALBA"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (7915584412-2)
Turning the dark Federico Garcia Lorca play "The House of Bernarda
Alba" into a musical was quite the undertaking but composer/lyricist
Michael John LaChiusa tackled the challenge with exemplary results. His
version, "Bernarda Alba," opened to glowing critical raves in March at
Lincoln Center. Now that production's recording has been released for
those of us who didn't get a chance to see the production. It's a
difficult and complex play and the musical demands attention. The tunes
are not your typical Broadway show music hits. The show grows on you as
you listen to it repeatedly and hear the deliberate and fascinating
takes on making the play's vivid story even more powerful with the
addition of the excellent score. The lyrics are telling. The story is
set in the 1930s Spain where a matriarch isolates herself and her five
adult daughters from the outside world as she mourns her second
husband's death. Her dictate keeps the women from experiencing any male
companionship or love and the five daughters are a frustrated and
perplexing group. The complex score allows expansion of each character's
uniqueness and the way each handles their mother's ridiculous
lifestyle. LaChiusa is one of our contemporary theater's most gifted
musical theater writers and he amazes constantly with each new score he
delivers and usually within rich dramatic vehicles. "Bernarda Alba" is
quite an artistic accomplishment but it is easy to see why the show
wasn't overly popular. It challenges a musical theater audience to think
and follow a richly detailed plot.
Grade: A
"THE VERY BEST OF MUSICALS VOL. 1"
Universal/Sony&BMG (DC8976/982 795-5)
"THE VERY BEST OF MUSICALS VOL. 2"
Universal/Sony&BMG (SB30051C/520524 2)
"THE VERY BEST OF MUSICALS VOL. 3"
Universal/Sony&BMG (DC9184)
These three well produced and nice looking CD sets contain two CDs
each and are a pretty standard and dull collection of popular show
music. There's little of interest here and the same shows are
represented repeatedly in the sets instead of introducing songs from
other shows. There's no theme attached to any of the collections and
they all seem random gatherings that took little thought. Show music
lovers won't be impressed and trying to find song titles and the shows
they come from is a snap requiring little real knowledge. These CDs are
available domestically but were really released for the Korean market.
That audience has been seeing more and more recent Broadway musical hits
and perhaps that's why the selections are so standard with nothing of
real interest. Bottom line here is that these expensive imports have
little relevance to American show music lovers.
Grade: D
--
Phoenix, AZ (July 16, 2006) - August will bring the release of several
significant archival cast recordings and many of those announced have
not been available previously in the CD format.
DRG Records starts the busy month on August 8 with the 1964 Broadway
cast recording of "Cabin in the Sky." On August 22, DRG continues with
three more shows including the 1964 studio cast "Kismet," the 1969
Broadway cast "Salvation," and the 1952 Broadway "Three Wishes For
Jamie," starring John Raitt and Anne Jeffreys.
August 22 also is the release date for the original off-Broadway cast
sensation "Grey Gardens" that is set to move to Broadway soon.
Sony/BMG releases four show recordings on August 29. The 1974 Broadway
revival of "Candide" will be available for the first time on two CDs.
The 1964 Music Theater of Lincoln Center production of "The King and I,"
starring Rise Stevens and Darren McGavin, will include the previously
unreleased "Western People Funny" song. Columbia's 1976 Broadway revival
of "My Fair Lady" starring Ian Richardson and Christine Andreas comes
out as does the 1967 Music Theater of Lincoln Center revival of "South
Pacific," starring Florence Henderson and Giorgio Tozzi. It's quite a
month for old show releases.
Now to reviews of new show music releases:
"TARZAN"
Original Broadway Cast
Walt Disney Records (61541-7)
As all Broadway followers know, the new Disney Broadway musical
"Tarzan" was panned by critics and audience attention has been limited
although the show is doing acceptable business. People are amazed at how
unaffecting this big extravaganza is at making the well-known story
into a viable musical. The cast recording reveals a show loaded with
Phil Collins pop tunes that give little of the show's atmosphere or
setting. It's Collins' first musical and he deserves praise for trying a
new place to showcase his catchy songs. It's just that a Broadway
musical score should reflect the show's action and the plot. Here most
of the songs sound like pop tunes and many of them have melodic
similarities to past Broadway shows. I heard "West Side Story," "My Fair
Lady" and other shows throughout the score. A couple of the songs are
lovely. The best one that weaves throughout is "Two Worlds." The cast
gives its all to their characters. Especially good are Shuler Henlsey
who plays Kerchak, the ape who raised Tarzan, Merle Dandridge as his
ape-mother, Kala, and Josh Strickland as an imposing Tarzan. Jenn
Gambarese is a romantic Jane, Tarzan's love interest. Collins did lift
five of the musical's songs from his earlier work on Disney's 1999 film
of the story. I wish "Tarzan" was a runaway hit but based on the cast
album, the show parallels conventional musicals without making a unique
sound or feel for the well-worn story.
Grade: C
"GEORGE M. COHAN TONIGHT!"
Irish Repertory Theatre Cast
Ghostlight Records (791558441024)
What a delight "George M. Cohan Tonight!" is in the stellar Irish
Repertory Theatre production starring Jon Peterson as that
bigger-than-life showman extraordinary. The show contains all of Cohan's
big, well-known hits and Peterson delivers them with a sparkle and
panache that turns him into the character he is playing. Through the
familiar songs, Cohan's life is traced and explained. It's a masterful
and fascinating portrait. What a treat it would be to have Peterson tour
the country in this delightful show. The cast album is a joy.
Grade: A
"THE PAJAMA GAME"
Original London Cast
Sepia Records (SEPIA 1072)
Today, all Broadway musical replacement casts are hired to sound and
look just like the original performers. There's not much reason to go
back to a Broadway show unless you want to hear a faint carbon of the
original version or if you missed the original and usually the best
cast. London is no exception to this duplication trend but years ago
exact duplications of Broadway wasn't the primary goal in a London
version. "The Pajama Game" sounds different than the original Broadway
cast version and there's different emphasis on parts of several songs.
All in all, this London cast recording sounds solid if not dynamic. The
cast re-release includes several bonus tracks that feature "The Pajama
Game's" original London cast. There's nothing that interesting or
unusual on these bonus tracks and the old version and dreadful sound
system here distorts the cast recording portions of the show and the
great songs that populate this chestnut score. This is not an inspired
cast recording.
Grade: C
"HALF A SIXPENCE"
Original London Cast
Must Close Saturday Records (MCSR 3035)
"Half A Sixpence" is an underrated show charmer and even though the
London cast recording sounds significantly different than the Broadway
version, the singers are still stirring with the pop-pleasant song
stylings. The show is a lovely romantic tale about a shoemaker who falls
in love with a more sophisticated and wealthy lady. The romance goes
through its ups and downs throughout the show that is filled with fine
if undistinguished songs that are very pleasant and easy to enjoy. The
original show was a refreshing delight and it's good to have this solid
London cast interpretation available along with the original Broadway
cast recording.
Grade: B
20TH CENTURY MASTERS "THE BEST OF BROADWAY"
Hip-O Records/Decca Broadway (B00069-02)
20TH CENTURY MASTERS "THE BEST OF MUSICALS"
Universal Music (0249836291)
There have been a bunch of recent recordings that regurgitate old
show song hits and package them in inviting ways to make money on them.
Two recent releases, "The Best of Broadway" and "The Best of Musicals,"
do this and both rather badly. They pick hackneyed song hits with no
thematic relationships to the other songs selected. For show music
lovers, these CDs are pleasant but true show music lovers already have
these cast recordings and in most cases, there are other songs from each
show that are as good or better than those selected for these two CDs.
The credits are weak and, in the case of "The Best of Musicals," the
songs aren't even credited to the show's that introduced these hit
songs.
Grade: D
COMPOSERS ON BROADWAY
Irving Berlin (B0006709-02)
Leonard Bernstein (B0006710-02)
George Gershwin (B0006708-02)
Cole Porter (B0006707-02)
Rodgers & Hammerstein (B0006711-02)
Rodgers & Hart (B0006712-02)
Decca Broadway
The Composers on Broadway series boasts six CDs devoted to
successful composer/lyricists. The sets include some unusual selections
from the original Broadway cast recordings that aren't readily
available. Those selections that don't come from the original cast
recordings are often weirdly arranged pop versions of popular Broadway
songs sung by big pop stars of the era when Broadway songs all hit the
pop music charts. Again, these CDs are an enjoyable listen but they are
designed to cash in on old recordings from the vaults of Decca Broadway.
All the albums are skimpy and fill only about half the available time
on a CD. Since these are old songs why not fill the CDs to capacity by
including old treasures that show music lovers would love. All the
composer/lyricist teams have far more songs worth including in these
celebrations of their work. True show music aficionados shouldn't be
buying these potpourris of medleys because true collectors will have the
entire cast albums. These CDs are a good excuse to cash in on old
songs. There's little contemporary show music songs here and many of the
selections are not the best versions of the show's original cast.
Grades: D
--
Phoenix, AZ (June 30, 2006) - The summer is usually slow and most of the
new Broadway shows have issued CDs. "Tarzan" is the most recent release
with "Grey Gardens" and "[title of show]" due out later this summer.
Now to reviews of recent show music releases:
"THE DROWSY CHAPERONE"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight (7915584411-2)
I saw "The Drowsy Chaperone" in Los Angeles during its pre-Broadway
tryout. I thought the silly show a real waste and that's from a musical
theater lover who should have been enamored of the Canadian tribute to
old-fashioned musicals. Something miraculous must have happened after
Los Angeles and before this show became the darling of Broadway where it
garnered rave reviews and is selling tickets quickly. On the Tony
Awards telecast, the featured number looked bright and breezy and star
Sutton Foster dazzled. The Tony number looked much better than in the
Los Angeles run and the cast looked sharper and more dynamic. The score
is a fetching one that is reminiscent of old tuneful shows and seeped in
nostalgia. It's hard not to fall in love with the show and the CD
certainly is an effective marketing tool for the show.
Grade: B
"BARBARA COOK AT THE MET"
DRG Records (91497)
Barbara Cook dazzles in her Metropolitan Opera House debut
performance and the live recording is a wonderful tribute to the
77-year-old singer and her wonderful way with a song. She's joined by
special guests Audra McDonald and Josh Groban and both sing glowingly
both in solos and in duets with Cook. It's interesting that Cook's show
also had a guest appearance by Elaine Stritch that isn't acknowledged in
the written material on the show and there are no tracks representing
Stritch's contributions. Cook sings many old familiar songs plus a
smattering of new tunes and a wonderful representation of Stephen
Sondheim, a composer Cook sings gloriously. If there's a stellar moment
on the CD, it's Cook's touchingly tender rendition of "Losing My Mind"
from "Follies," a song Cook has practically trademarked. But there isn't
a dud in the entire CD and this fine CD just proves how continually
amazing this longtime musical theater and cabaret star always is. It's
hard not to have Wally Harper as musical director since his untimely
death, but Cook's new musical accompanist, Eric Stern, and his winsome
band, do Cook justice with stellar arrangements on the many fine songs
Cook sings so wondrously.
Grade: A
"THE WEDDING SINGER"
Original Broadway Cast
Masterworks Broadway (82876-82095-2)
"The Wedding Singer" didn't do well in this year's Tony Awards and
the cast CD is peppy and lively but the score is repetitious and bland.
Set in the mid-'80s, the music by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin is
derivative and reflective of the times without showing any dazzling
creativity or flair. The cast sounds peppy and lively but does nothing
special with the songs and neither does Irwin Fisch's orchestrations
make the music soar. The silly story sounds inane as described in the CD
booklet and that it's a happily ever after ending makes the show
sterile. There's nothing special in "The Wedding Singer." It isn't
destined to last long on Broadway.
Grade: C
"SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE"
2006 London Cast
PS Classics (PS-640)
One of the most stirring and emotionally moving moments in any
Stephen Sondheim show occurs at the end of Act One in "Sunday in the
Park with George." It is a stunning visual moment when the cast of this
musical about painter George Seurat recreates the artist's title
painting on stage. It is a stirring visual and musical moment and it
takes the audience's breath away. The new London production of the
Sondheim work splashed on the scene in 2005 and dazzled theatergoers.
Now comes the cast recording of that defining version and it's a
masterpiece. With two discs, it preserves almost the entire score and
the cast is perfection. Perhaps there are times when one wishes for the
original Broadway cast, but this version is staunchly original and
definitive. This revival recording just reminds us of this show's
brilliance and it's a shame it isn't redone. Perhaps this version will
come to Broadway. Until then, this recording is a wonderful addition to
Sondheim's legacy.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (May 25, 2006) - The new Broadway musical "Lestat" by Elton
John and Bernie Taupin will record an original cast album May 22 for
release in July on Mercury Records.
Now to reviews of new show music releases.
"THE PAJAMA GAME"
New Broadway Cast
Columbia Records (CK 99035)
"The Pajama Game" revival arrived in New York to excellent reviews
and sold-out crowds. The show has proved so successful that it will
reopen on Broadway this fall but with a different cast. The revival has
been recorded by Columbia and is now available in a two disc set with
"Songs from 'Thou Shalt Not,'" a show written by "Pajama Game" star
Harry Connick, Jr. "The Pajama Game" is a delightful show about labor
relations at a factory but it really focuses on a typical musical comedy
romance between supervisor Sid Sorokin (Harry Connick, Jr.) and union
organizer Babe Williams (Kelli O'Hara). The show is loaded with several
hit songs including "Hey There," "Once A Year Day," "Steam Heat," and
"Hernando's Hideaway." The new version has a lot of pep and sparkle but
doesn't sound much different than the original Broadway cast recording
except that several of Connick's songs have been re-orchestrated to
sound a bit more contemporary. This cast is sharp; the recording is long
and includes much music not previously available on other "Pajama Game"
recordings.
Grade: A
"THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1949"
Town Hall Cast
Bayview Recording Company (RNBW035)
Another in Scott Siegel's retrospective series on Broadway By The
Year has been released. "The Broadway Musicals of 1949" boasts the usual
top flight cast singing song hits from familiar and not so familiar
songs from that year's crop of new Broadway musicals. 1949 was a winning
year that included "South Pacific," "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "Miss
Liberty," "Lost in the Stars," and "Texas Lil' Darlin'." But the year
also included such forgotten shows as "Along Fifth Avenue," "Regina,"
"Touch and Go," and "All For Love." It's the unfamiliar show songs that
prove most interesting and the representative tunes are all good. Of the
popular shows, Martin Vidnovic and Karen Ziemba do several wonderful
"South Pacific" tunes, and Cady Huffman does some sexy work with
"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" songs. Especially nice from the less familiar
show songs is "What Will It Be?" from "Regina" sung lovingly by Marla
Schaffel. Another interesting collection with some nice commentary about
the year makes "The Broadway Musicals of 1949" another treasured entry
in this popular series.
Grade: A
"PORGY AND BESS"
Studio Cast
DRG Records (8501)
For some strange and unexplained reason, DRG Records has re-released
the studio cast recording of "Porgy and Bess" featuring Diahann
Carroll. This odd and short album features vocals by Carroll in all the
songs and the arrangements are jazzy and sound nothing like the original
orchestrations. There's nothing worthy on this recording and it is one
best left out of any collection.
Grade: D
--
Phoenix, AZ (May 6, 2006) - After all the good news about new and
recovered cast album conversions and new show music labels last time,
this update is quiet. As the summer dawns here in Phoenix, the hot
weather has arrived.
The only major bit of news is the release of a new four DVD set of
"Broadway's Lost Treasures Collection." The set contains the previously
released three volumes of Tony Awards segments devoted to musicals. The
set also contains a new fourth disc, "The Best of the Tony Awards: The
Plays." This disc is not available singly and has several great segments
from great Broadway plays.
Although not show music related, there's also a wonderful new DVD set of
Tennessee Williams plays. Called "Tennessee Williams Film Collection,"
the set includes eight discs with the film versions of "Cat on a Hot Tin
Roof," "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Baby Doll," "The Roman Spring of
Mrs. Stone," "The Night of the Iguana" and "Sweet Bird of Youth." In
addition, there's "Tennessee Williams' South," a feature about the
playwright's life. Several of these Williams' films have not been
previously available on DVD and both "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Cat
on A Hot Tin Roof" are special deluxe editions with loads of extras.
It's a wonderful set. Now, all I have to do is find the time to watch
all these wonderful movie versions of these Williams masterpieces.
Now to reviews of new show music releases.
"THE GREAT WALTZ"
Original Los Angeles/San Francisco Cast
DRG Records (19084)
With the exception of "The Great Waltz," all the Capitol cast albums
have been previously released in re-mastered CDs. Now, from DRG
Records, comes that one show. The recording was made of the Los
Angeles/San Francisco Civic Light Opera's 1965 production. It was an
exquisite staging that I was lucky enough to see and will never forget.
It was a stunningly beautiful show with Oliver Smith sets and Freddy
Wittop costumes that were dazzling. The cast was a collection of the
greatest opera singers of the day, Giorgio Tozzi, Jean Fenn and Frank
Porretta. Anita Gillette played the ing�nue and master stage comedian
Leo Fuchs added comic delight. We all must thank DRG for bringing this
lost treasure back. The music is all Johann Strauss Sr. and Jr. waltzes
and the score is played by an unusually large theater orchestra. The
singing is lovely and stirring. Playing this cast album brought back
memories of the production and even though the story was silly about the
rivalry between the talented father and son, the magnificence of the
production was overwhelming. The finale alone was worth the price of
admission. The entire orchestra was brought on stage to sit at the back
of a huge mirrored Viennese ballroom. Eight gigantic chandeliers
decorated the set and the gorgeous costumes made the visual effect
stunning. To the strains of "The Blue Danube," the fight between father
and son was magically resolved and the strains of the waltz brought down
the curtain on the loveliest scene imaginable. To hear this cast album
again is a special thrill and anyone who loves Strauss waltzes should
purchase this superb recording. DRG had to recall the initial release
due to a skipping problem on one track. They are working hard to get the
corrected discs out.
Grade: A
"THE KING AND I"
Original Broadway/London/Studio Casts
Naxos Musicals (8.120792)
"The King and I" is another of my favorite shows. The starchy but
respectful relationship between English governess, Anna, and the King of
Siam is dramatically winning. The score is one of Rodgers and
Hammerstein's best, and the exquisite ballet, "The Small House of Uncle
Thomas," is a masterpiece. Naxos Musicals has released a single disc
that includes the entire original Broadway cast version, four tracks
from the original London cast, some fine selections from a 1951 studio
recording, and concluding with a Richard Rodgers conducted version of
"March of the Siamese Children" featuring the New York Philharmonic
Orchestra. This one disc compilation of this great show is another
winner in this fine Naxos series. The booklet contains much information
about the show.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (April 22, 2006) - Some big news this update for show music lovers.
Masterworks Broadway is a new label formed by the combination of Sony
Classical/Columbia Masterworks and RCA Victor. They will release their
first Broadway cast recording with the new musical, "The Wedding
Singer," on June 6.
Playbill, the publisher of Broadway programs, has joined forces with
Sony BMG's Legacy and Sony BMG Masterworks to create Playbill Records.
The first release of this new label will be Brian Stokes Mitchell's solo
CD June 6. Future plans for the label include releases in three
categories. The first group is of original music like the Stokes CD. The
second will be great compilations under the heading of Playbill
Editors' Choice. With the vast catalogue of Sony, Columbia, and RCA
Victor, these recordings can draw on a huge collection of Broadway's
best show music. The final category is re-releasing remixed and
re-mastered Broadway recordings.
The new Broadway musical "The Drowsy Chaperone" will be recorded by Ghostlight Records for release June 13.
The successful Broadway revival of "The Pajama Game" starring Harry
Connick, Jr. will be released by Columbia Records as part of a two-CD
set titled "Harry on Broadway, Act I." Along with a complete CD of the
new revival, there will be a CD of songs from the Connick musical "Thou
Shalt Not," sung by Connick and "Pajama Game" co-star Kelli O'Hara.
Polydor plans to release the new London cast recording of "Evita" on
June 19. The web site for "Tarzan" reveals that the cast recording for
the new Disney show will be in stores in June although the label has not
been announced.
After a long dry spell, it appears that show music is again taking focus
with record companies and in the next few years, we might see many long
out-of-print shows again available along with most new shows that hit
Broadway.
Now to reviews of new show music releases.
"SOUTH PACIFIC"
2005 Carnegie Hall Concert Cast
Decca Broadway (80006462-02)
New recordings of old shows often pale when compared to original
cast recordings but, on occasion, a re-thought version with a special
cast can equal or better the original cast's recording. Such is the case
with the brilliant new "South Pacific" that was recorded live during
the 2005 Carnegie Hall concert. Starring an inspired cast that features a
near-definitive Nellie from Reba McEntire, a stunningly sung Emile from
Brian Stokes Mitchell, a funny comic take on Luther Billis from Alec
Baldwin, an inspired Bloody Mary by Lillias White, and a beautifully
voiced Lt. Cable by Jason Danieley, this recording gives the classic
Rodgers and Hammerstein show new depth and dimension. The 70-minute plus
recording is very complete and listening to the concert cast will make
you want to see this cast in a fully staged version of the show. The
score is lovely, of course, and it is played by a lush musical ensemble
under the sure and steady conducting of Paul Gemignani. I wasn't able to
play any other Broadway show album for days after receiving my review
copy of this disc. This is the "South Pacific" that Rodgers and
Hammerstein intended. Never has the show sounded so compelling and
beautiful. This version will be shown on PBS on April 26. My guess is
seeing these artists sing these songs will give the stunning recording
even more meaning.
Grade: A
"THE LADY WITH THE TORCH"
PATTI LUPONE
Ghostlight Records (7915583303-2)
Patti LuPone is one of our current Broadway superstars and her new
solo album, "The Lady with the Torch," shows off her voice gloriously.
The selections include sultry pop tunes and several musical comedy
classics and most of the material is new for LuPone. She has a nice way
with a song and weaves each song's theme and story with sincerity and
her lovely singing. It's hard to pick any special hits from the 14
tracks as all are wonderful and the CD is a rich jewel. Patti LuPone is a
great Broadway singer and her new album tells listeners why she is so
popular.
Grade: A
"THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE"
1963 Revival Cast
DRG Records (19085)
Rodgers and Hart shows were some of the most sophisticated of their
time and "The Boys from Syracuse" uses a Shakespearean play brilliantly
in a fun show with a memorable score. The 1963 revival cast is a playful
one and DRG has made this long unavailable cast recording again a
reality. The cast sounds great, the songs sell themselves and this is a
solid cast recording of a great show.
Grade: A
"CHARLES STROUSE/ARTHUR SCHWARTZ/STEPHEN SCHWARTZ"
16TH Annual S.T.A.G.E. Cast
Kritzerland (KR 20010-6)
The annual Los Angeles S.T.A.G.E. concert features the best talent
in a loving tribute to a great Broadway composer. The 16th annual
concert takes on a bit bigger tribute by combining the best songs of
three composers whose last names all start with S. Charles Strouse's
shows are combined with Arthur Schwartz and Stephen Schwartz. There are
nice songs representing each composer and some of the numbers combine
tunes of more than one of these prolific composers. Strouse represents
the Golden Age of musical comedy, while Arthur Schwartz goes a bit
farther back, and Stephen Schwartz is the most contemporary of the
group. Each composer's biggest shows are represented and there is a nice
turn by Bonnie Franklin recreating her original performance of
"Applause." This annual concert is always a delightful listen and the
latest is no exception.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (April 9, 2006) - Lots of news about cast recordings this update.
Decca Broadway will release the Carnegie Hall concert of "South Pacific"
that starred Reba McEntire and Brian Stokes Mitchell on April 18 just
before the PBS telecast airs on April 26. Since McEntire's huge Broadway
success in "Annie Get Your Gun," it will be wonderful to see and hear
her in another classic Broadway musical role. Like most PBS specials,
this version may also be available on DVD.
Ghostlight Records just recorded the acclaimed Lincoln Center Theater's
production of Michael John LaChiusa's new musical, "Bernarda Alba,"
based on Federico Garcia Lorca's famous work.
"Barbara Cook at the Met" will be released June 6 by DRG Records. The
delayed 20-track recording of Cook's January Metropolitan Opera House
debut concert appearance also features guest stars Josh Groban and Audra
McDonald but apparently doesn't feature Cook's duet with additional
guest star Elaine Stritch. New York reviews for the concert were mixed
but it's always special to add another Cook recording to the musical
theater library.
Finally, Karen Akers will release a new solo CD in May although advance
copies will be available during her Oak Room engagement to perform the
songs of Kander and Ebb from April 4-May 13. This will be Akers ninth
solo recording. The release will be on DRG Records but the specific
release date hasn't been announced.
Now to reviews of new show music releases.
"JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT"
2006 Revival Cast
Really Useful Records (314 516 754-2)
When the Broadway in Arizona series here announced that "Joseph and
the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" would be part of the current season,
the news was greeted with little enthusiasm here as well as in other
cities nationwide that will showcase the touring revival production. The
show has been included in these Broadway seasons many times and local
productions of made people tire of seeing this early Andrew Lloyd Webber
show. But the recent cast recording of the revival is quite something.
Patrick Cassidy is dynamic in the lead role and the energetic cast and
fine singing make this a winsome version of the show. If the show is as
good in person as it is on the recording, the many people who are giving
away their tickets may be disappointed. It's certainly one of the
finest and most complete of the many "Joseph" cast albums.
Grade: A
"BUSH IS BAD"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
Original Cast Records (OC-6160)
It's rare that a musical is as topical as "Bush Is Bad," a currently
running off-Broadway roast of our president. The show capitalizes on
all the faux pas' of this presidency and uses current news and Bush's
reaction to those events to create a hysterical humor piece. The cast is
crisp and sharp. The music is catchy and cute if not distinguished.
Writer Joshua Rosenblum finds funny stuff everywhere.
Grade: B
"PAINT YOUR WAGON"/"CAN-CAN"
Original Broadway Casts
Sanctuary Records/Living Era (CD AJA 5600)
Combining two old Broadway shows on a single CD is a new phenomenon
that makes sense. Since shows that were originally recorded to fit on
the old long-playing records are pretty limited to about 45 minutes of
play time, putting two shows on a CD works. Where there is additional
archive material though, this new concept doesn't have extra room for
the additional tracks. The cleanup of the original tapes on these Living
Era releases isn't anything pristine or special but for collectors who
can't get recordings of old shows, this is a nice trend. The latest
release combines 1951's "Paint Your Wagon" with 1953's "Can-Can." There
doesn't seem to be much that relates the two shows but both are tuneful
and typical of the Broadway musicals Golden Era.
Grade: B
LESLEY GARRETT SINGS "THE BEST OF THE MUSICALS"
Demon Music Group (MCCD582)
Lesley Garrett is a major British opera star and her new solo album,
"Lesley Garrett Sings the Best of the Musicals" is well sung and is
composed of an interesting collection of popular and familiar musical
theater song hits with several lesser known songs from unusual old
musicals. The strange thing about the release is that the accompanying
booklet and album cover nowhere feature a picture of the artist. Her
selections include interesting tunes from "The Enchantress," "Spring Is
Here," "Gipsy Love," "Wuthering Heights," "Perchance To Dream," and
"Bitter Sweet" along with more recognizable hits from such contemporary
classic shows as "The Phantom of the Opera," "Cats," and "Porgy and
Bess." On all 18 tracks, Garrett performs strongly and this is a
pleasant and rewarding listen to musical theater history.
Grade: B
"SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
Ghostlight (7915584408-2)
playing. Although many of his shows don't have lengthy runs, most
are critically acclaimed and push musical theater in new and innovative
directions. His current show, "Bernarda Alba," is playing at Lincoln
Center now. His last show, "See What I Wanna See," played at the Public
Theatre in the fall of 2005. It moves from a mysterious Central Park
murder to the rebirth of New York City while chronicling stories of
faith, loss, and Redemption. The score is fascinating although not
always easy and pleasant to listen hear. The songs tell the story with
amazing insight and the melodies reflect the thoughts of the person with
brilliant clarity. "See What I Wanna See" is a challenging new show and
it's exciting to have a composer like LaChiusa to push the art form and
to use it to say different and interesting things.
Grade: A-
"SONGS FROM AN UNMADE BED"
World Premiere Recording Cast
Ghostlight (7915584409-2)
"Songs From an Unmade Bed" features Mark Campbell's lyrics to the
music of 18 eclectic artists. The cast recording features Michael
Winther. It is an innovative musical song cycle centering on a modern
urban romance and the heartache it brings. Winther plays a smart,
resilient, wry but ultimately optimistic gay New Yorker. The workshop
production attracted strong reviews and the recording is an interesting
mix of different musical sounds that convey the characters thoughts as
he proceeds through his life. The recording is well produced and the
piece sounds like it would make viable and alive theater.
Grade: B+
--
Phoenix, AZ (March 19, 2006) - Recently got some new releases that I
haven't had a chance to listen to as yet, so look for future reviews of
"See What I Wanna See" (Ghostlight), "Songs From An Unmade Bed"
(Ghostlight), and "December Songs" (PS Classics).
Still trying to find the time to watch the DVD of "Rent" and since I
missed the short run of "The Producers" film, I'm looking forward to its
release on May 15 as well. Both film versions of current Broadway hit
musicals were less than smashing successes at the film box office.
Now to reviews of new show music releases:
"GOLDEN BOY"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Records (19079)
"Golden Boy" in 1964 featured a smashing performance by Sammy Davis
in a tuneful musical adaptation of Clifford Odets play about fighter Joe
Wellington. The score, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee
Adams, is full of delightful tunes. Davis sang them with his special
�lan and lusty style. This original cast recording has been available on
CD before but it has been re-mastered and a thorough booklet added to
this new DRG release. It's nice to again have this wonderfully tuneful
'60s musical available again.
Grade: B+
"THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1935"
Town Hall Cast
Bayview (RNBW034)
The Broadway By The Year series had a wonderful concert of 1935
musicals back in 2004. That performance is now available on Bayview. It
focuses on the major shows of that year including "Porgy and Bess,"
Rodgers and Hart's "Jumbo," Cole Porter's "Jubilee," "May Wine," "At
Home Abroad," "Parade," "George White's Scandals," and "Earl Carroll's
Sketchbook." The tunes are all rich in melody and brightly written with
sharp lyrics. It's a reminder that Broadway shows were tuneful in years
past, something many contemporary shows lack. Narrator and writer Scott
Siegel provides lots of bits and pieces of history about the shows and
their authors in between the wonderful performances of today's
contemporary musical theater stars. Especially memorable are
performances of several "Jumbo" songs and powerful renditions of three
songs from "Porgy and Bess." The "Porgy and Bess" songs are sung
beautifully by Chuck Cooper and Laurie Williamson. The other interesting
songs come from the last three shows mentioned above and are scores
that were not previously recorded. Another hit in this ongoing series.
Grade: A
"SHOW BOAT"
Opera North/Royal Shakespeare Company Cast
JAY (CDJAY2 1394)
It's always nice to have another version of "Show Boat" available.
This recording of a production that played in 1989 and 1990 in England
is based on the 1946 version of the popular musical. It is well sung and
complete on two CDs. This version is not quite as spectacularly
produced as the popular recent Broadway revival that was based on the
show's original production with musical additions from several versions.
The cast of this version sings well and there's not a weak performance
among the leads. If you collect all the versions of this most popular of
Broadway musicals, this recording belongs in your library. If you are
looking for just one recording of the classic score, this is not the
most outstanding version available.
Grade: B
"FALLING IN LOVE IS WONDERFUL - BROADWAY'S GREATEST LOVE DUETS"
RCA Red Seal (82876-75892-2)
Broadway musicals often have love as their theme so this latest
compilation recording from RCA, "Falling In Love Is Wonderful -
Broadway's Greatest Love Duets" has a host of fine performances of
classic love songs from classic and contemporary musicals. It also
includes performances by many of Broadway's biggest musical theater
stars in their most famous appearances. The show selections range from
"Annie Get Your Gun" to several recent shows including "Parade" and "A
New Brain." It is interesting that some of the selections of the most
famous love songs aren't original cast recordings but come from
revivals. Some of these revivals include one or more original stars but
usually aren't from the complete original casts. My favorite track is
the stunningly beautiful "All The Wasted Time" sung with devoted passion
by Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello. This song represents the
realization of these two characters, married for years but never truly
in love, who discover that they do indeed love each other with great
fervor. It was a touching moment in the show and it plays wonderfully
here among these many classic Broadway love songs.
Grade: B+
--
Phoenix, AZ (February 12, 2006) - Lots of new Broadway show music albums
have been arriving in the last month and below are featured reviews of
five. Some are of new Broadway shows; others are re-releases of old
shows that have long been unavailable in pristine new CD re-masterings.
There are also a couple of musical theater artist solo albums with some
material that's never been available.
Word has been slow on future re-releases of old shows and that market
seems to be so small that the few planned are often delayed. The only
big news is the coming Sony release later this month of four classic
Stephen Sondheim shows in honor of his 75th birthday. All four contain
bonus tracks that should make them particularly interesting.
Now to reviews of new show music releases:
"THE COLOR PURPLE"
Original Broadway Cast
Angel Records (0946 3 42954 2 0)
The motion picture treatment of the touching "The Color Purple" has
been translated into a Broadway musical. It's a lot of plot to cram into
a musical. The story of Celie, an African-American woman, and her
troubled life from 1909 to 1949 is emotionally gripping as she takes her
dismal life in her hands and rids herself of her challenging domestic
partner and stakes out on her own. While the story has a positive
ending, her life is complex and fitting the entire story into a musical
is problematic. The music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis,
and Stephen Bray is derivative and only occasionally as gripping as
Celie's story. LaChanze is magnificent as Celie and her stirring
performance is captured eloquently on the cast album. The rest of the
large cast also conveys the story's emotionalism and pathos through the
ordinary songs resulting in a rousing and engrossing if not stellar cast
album.
Grade: B
"SWEENEY TODD"
Broadway Cast Revival 2005
Nonesuch (79946-2)
The revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" seemed weird. Could
we accept a version of this macabre piece that had Patti LuPone playing
the lovable Mrs. Lovett as a tartish flirt and that painted Todd even
bleaker and darker than usual in Michael Cerveris performance? The
answer, on the basis of the revival cast recording, is a glowing "yes."
The stark production throws focus on Todd's tragic story of his wrongful
imprisonment and ultimate escape only to return to London so changed by
the injustice that he becomes a murderer as a way to right the wrong
done against him. The music is stunningly delivered by the revival cast
that also serves as the show's orchestra and the performance is moving
and quite colossal. While the original Broadway cast recording is quite
special, this is the first departure from the show's original
interpretation and it's welcome and appropriate. The two-CD set includes
almost the entire score and it is magnificently performed. The new
"Sweeney Todd" is a wonderful new recording of a classic Broadway show
by master composer/lyricist Sondheim.
Grade: A+
"BAKER STREET"
Original Broadway Cast
Decca Broadway (B0005971-02)
The 1965 musical "Baker Street" was adapted from the Arthur Conan
Doyle stories and placed the famous detective Sherlock Holmes in an
elaborate musical that also featured Dr. Watson and the evil Moriarty.
The lovely and melodic score was created by Martin Grudeff and Raymond
Jessel with the book the work of Jerome Coopersmith. Actor Fritz Weaver
played Holmes and sang well but, even more significant, this show marked
Inga Swenson's Broadway musical return after "110 in the Shade." She
plays an American actress appearing in London and she is woven through
the plot and ends up romantically attached to Holmes. She sings
gloriously and glistens through her opening song, "I'm In London Again,"
and does lovely work throughout this long unavailable cast recording.
The pristine re-mastering is wonderful and two additional tracks have
been added including Richard Burton's take on the show's "A Married
Man." The score of "Baker Street" and the impeccable cast make this new
CD release a treasure for show music collectors and even those with just
a passing interest in old Broadway shows.
Grade: A
"HUGH SINGS MARTIN"
PS Classics (PS-9535)
Hugh Martin created several Broadway musicals including "Best Foot
"Hugh Sings Martin" is a tribute to every phase of his lengthy and
distinguished songwriting career. This CD contains Martin's own versions
of his song hits as performed on radio and on private recordings. The
collection shows the composer's talent and diversity and it's a delight
to listen to the song hits. Some of the old recordings are not pristine
and no tinkering could have made them sound much better but the treasure
of hearing a composer and his own versions of his songs are nonetheless
special.
Grade: B
"SEASONS OF LOVE"
MICHAEL BALL
Demon Music Group (MCDLX019)
Michael Ball has had an illustrious career in London musicals, and
has most recently starred on Broadway in "The Woman in White." He's
played a variety of important roles and the new compilation of all his
hits both from musicals and from popular songs is quite impressive in
"Seasons of Love," a two-disc, 36-track collection. He sings several
musical theater songs usually assigned to women and does them with
conviction and feeling. He does wonderful versions of his own show music
hits and this collection is a strong addition for Michael Ball's fan
list.
Grade: B
--
Phoenix, AZ (January 28, 2006) - Just back from my annual whirlwind trip
to see the latest Broadway shows. On this trip, all nine shows were
musicals. As I try to get back into the latest show music recordings,
visions of those musicals - "The Color Purple," "Dirty Rotten
Scoundrels," "Monty's Python's Spamalot," "The Light in the Piazza,"
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," "Forbidden Broadway,"
"Sweeney Todd," "Jersey Boys" and "The Woman in White" - remain with me
as I balance listening to new show music recordings with chances to
relive my Broadway experiences through the cast recordings of all the
shows I saw but "Sweeney Todd."
Speaking of that Stephen Sondheim revival, the cast was in the studio
recently and the complete "Sweeney Todd" revival cast recording that
puts a different but logical take on the macabre show will be released
Tuesday.
Arrived in New York the day that Barbara Cook made her first solo
appearance at the Metropolitan Opera House. The reviews were glowing but
some words from fans on various web sites suggested that her memory
lapses were frequent and not well handled. DRG recorded the performance
and will release the CD and possibly a DVD next month. It will be
interesting to see what trickery is used to disguise the awkward moments
but I'm sure the final recording will be another treasure in Cook's
continuing legacy. At 78, she may forget her lyrics but her voice and
her way of telling a story through each song she performs remains
undiminished.
Now to reviews of new show music releases:
"YOURS, ANNE"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
JAY Records (CDJAY2 1391)
In 1985, Enid Futterman wrote the book and Michael Cohen wrote the
music for "Yours, Anne," the only one of several musical theater
treatments of the Anne Frank story that was authorized by Frank's
father, Otto. The work was recorded and is now available on CD. It is a
powerful and moving musical treatment of the touching story of survival
that Frank committed to a diary that was found after she and her family
were incarcerated after being found in their hidden Amsterdam living
space. The music and performances of a fine cast convey the emotional
struggle that the family endured in their attempt to evade the Nazis.
The music is melodic and haunting and highlights the familiar story that
Frank told of her family's difficult ordeal. The work has been
performed frequently and this touching musical is a brilliant testament
to the power and wonder of the Frank family's challenging circumstances.
Grade: A
"THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
Sh-K-Boom Records (7915586051-2)
"The Great American Trailer Park Musical" is the result of music
writer David Nehls's childhood experiences of delivering a daily
newspaper to a trailer park, long considered to be the living location
of society's down and outs. Along with Betsy Kelso's book - she met
Nehls while on a tour with him - the show is an affectionate view of the
camaraderie found in the enclaves of people who call manufactured
housing home. The music is breezy contemporary, some of it rock
inspired, some of it more traditional and melodic, but all of it
enjoyable and telling as the show relates the story of these characters.
It's easy to see that this will be a popular show and should easily
done by theater companies throughout the country in versions that can
add a few local references to this loving tribute of these nomadic
people.
Grade: B
--
Phoenix, AZ (January 15, 2006) - The new Broadway musical "The Color
Purple" gets a cast recording on the Angel Records label on January 24.
The same day Sh-K-Boom Records releases the world premiere cast
recording of "The Great American Trailer Park Musical." This past week,
PS Classics released the Off-Broadway cast recording of "Lone Star
Love," which is reviewed below.
The latest DVD release of the "Chicago" film has lots of extra features
including extensive interviews with the original Broadway stars, Chita
Rivera and Jerry Orbach. Some of the footage includes snippets of the
original Broadway staging that are a treasure to musical theater lovers.
Plus the latest "Chicago" has lots of cut footage from the film as well
as a pristine version of the film.
"Cabin in the Sky" has been released on DVD as have three Rodgers and
Hammerstein musicals: "Oklahoma," "State Fair" and "The Sound of Music,"
with lots of interesting extra features. "State Fair" has both film
versions. The Bell Telephone Hour cuts of Carol Lawrence are now
available and include the star in television versions of several of her
original songs from her Broadway musical successes. Like the recent
Barbara Cook Telephone Hour collection, this is an interesting DVD.
Just got the two-CD "Billy Elliot" from London. It's nicely packaged,
has the original cast recording on one CD and a second CD featuring
Elton John, the show's composer, in three songs from the show. There are
also extra photographs from the upcoming book chronicling the show's
stage debut.
Now to reviews of new show music releases.
"DESSA ROSE"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
JAY Records (CDJAY2 1392)
"Dessa Rose" is a fascinating character study of two strong women
living in the South in the early 1800s. The show portrays a slave and a
Southern Belle both young and then old. They are both gutsy and live by
their own rules. The score is by Stephen Flaherty with the lyrics by
Lynn Ahrens who also penned the book from the Sherley Anne Williams
novel. The score, like this team's earlier works, is complex and
amazingly telling about the characters, what they think, and how they
react to various diverse situations. The performances, preserved in an
almost complete two-disc set, are exquisite even on CD. LaChanze plays
the title character and Rachel York plays Ruth. LaChanze has done
complex roles like Dessa before and she is telling and plaintive. York
has often taken over roles and often played parts that weren't terribly
complex. Here, she moves up to multi-dimensional character and gives the
part an insightful reading even through the music. It's too bad this
rich show didn't catch on as the recording makes me yearn to see a good
production of it. It's nice that we have this unique show in such a
complete recording.
Grade: A
"LONE STAR LOVE"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
PS Classics (PS-531)
"Lone Star Love" was a surprise off-Broadway hit last season. Plans
are still underway to bring it to Broadway next season. The cast album
reveals a raucous score by Jack Herrick illustrating John L. Haber's
interesting transposition of Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor"
to post-Civil War Texas. The cast includes the amazing Red Clay Ramblers
and the twangy and lusty score fits the bawdy tale perfectly. The
attractive 40-page booklet has interesting articles about the show and
all of the song lyrics plus generous pictures of the original production
that whets one's appetite to see the show when it reopens on Broadway.
"Lone Star Love" is not your typical musical, to be sure, but it is an
interesting score that fits the story.
Grade: A-
"DEFYING GRAVITY"
DEBBIE GRAVITTE
JAY Records (CDJAY 1393)
Debbie Gravitte has done many Broadway roles in her remarkable
career and she shows us why she has been so well received in her new
solo album, "Defying Gravity." The new CD is a rich and wonderful
collection of Broadway show tunes including several songs she has
introduced. The collection leans to the classics with less contemporary
representation but the she sounds great in all of them. Although she's
never done "Wicked," she opens the album and takes its title from that
show's big song and she spins it well. She does a couple of wonderful
Jerry Herman ballads, "Time Heals Everything" and "If He Walked Into My
Life Today, as well as her "Les Miserables" signature, "I Dreamed A
Dream." She's lusty and playful in "Chicago's" "When You're Good To
Mama" and "Gypsy's" "Some People." She delivers a haunting "Memory," a
stirring "Don't Rain On My Parade," and ends with "Zorba's" "Only Love."
A great album for show music junkies like me.
Grade: A
"ANNIE GET YOUR GUN"
Original Broadway and Soundtrack Casts
Naxos Musicals (8.120790)
Naxos Musicals has released a comprehensive version of "Annie Get
Your Gun" that contains the classic Broadway version plus the film
soundtrack coupled with an exciting extra "There's No Business Like Show
Business" from 1953 that featured original star Ethel Merman and the
first touring Annie, Mary Martin. It's easy to see that the film version
suffered when original star Judy Garland had to leave and was replaced
by Betty Hutton and the original cast version hits closer to the intent
Irving Berlin wanted in his near-perfect score. It's interesting to have
this rich treasure of multiple versions available on one CD so
comparisons are easy. A nice addition to this label's ongoing series of
Broadway musicals.
Grade: A
--
After a holiday hiatus that was predominated in my house with seasonal
music, it's nice to return to show music and reviews of the latest
releases in my favorite musical arena.
Not a lot of news about show music releases over the holidays except
that the sensational London hit musical, "Billy Elliot," will be
released in the United States in February or March in both the single
and double CD sets. In today's reviews, I give my opinions of the newly
released London cast CD that I received as an import.
I'm also looking forward to my annual January trek to Broadway to see
the latest shows. This year, the nine shows I will see during my week
in New York City will all be musicals due to the unprecedented number of
new Broadway musicals coupled with the several big hits that opened
toward the end of last season that I haven't yet seen.
Here's hoping that 2006 brings continued show music releases including
the vast treasure trove of old shows that have yet to be turned into CDs
as well as new studio cast recordings of older shows and releases of
new Broadway shows. Although the number of show music lovers is small,
we are a dedicated and faithful group who anticipate each new release
with enthusiasm.
Now to reviews of new show music releases:
"BILLY ELLIOT"
Original London Cast
Polydor (987 521-6)
The movie "Billy Elliot" was a big hit as it eloquently traced the
life of a young British lad from a rural town who fought stereotypes and
negative images to become a brilliant dancer. The sensitive story and
the boy's determination to become a dancer enraptured audiences. It was
just a matter of time before the film was turned into a musical and the
show debuted to great acclaim in London. A New York production is
planned next season. The long awaited cast recording is finally
available and it's easy to see why the show is such a success. The Elton
John score with lyrics by Lee Hall is a wonderful collection of fine
contemporary songs that add depth to key scenes in the story. John's
diverse songs allow the rough and tumble workers of the small city where
Billy grows up to sound dominant and macho while Billy's songs provide
eloquent insight into the boy's incredibly complex life and the pulls
and pushes he must tackle to realize his dream. The casting is
impeccable. With three boys rotating as Billy, the cast album uses only
Liam Mower for the lead role. It would have been nice if the CD could
have had alternate tracks featuring the other performers in this complex
and pivotal role but that is the only criticism of this wonderfully
rich cast recording.
Grade: A
"SWEET CHARITY"
Original 1986 Broadway Revival Cast
DRG Records (19077)
The 1986 Broadway revival of "Sweet Charity" featured Debbie Allen
in the vulnerable title role. She sounds good but certainly adds nothing
new or different the role that was tailored to original star Gwen
Verdon. The revival introduced the alternate number for the male lead,
impressively played by Michael Rupert, "Sweet Charity," a song where he
waxes enthusiastically about his new found love for Charity. It's nice
to have another recording of the catchy score available but it is
interesting that DRG released it along with the new Broadway revival
recording. The 1986 version is definitely better than latest production
that closes tonight after an unsuccessful run with Christina Applegate.
Grade: B
"ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER DIVAS"
Really Useful Records/Polydor (9875388)
"Andrew Lloyd Webber Divas" is a collection of the composer's
biggest and greatest tunes as sung by various stars that have appeared
in the shows or recorded them. It's a great listen if you like Lloyd
Webber's musical scores and the artists each bring their own
personalities to the songs. There are some selections that seem
questionable because there are much better recordings of the songs. The
disc opens with Elaine Paige's now famous rendition of "Cats" "Memory"
from the original London cast recordings. There are some male numbers
included that are here sung by women and the sound is very different
from anything heard previously. "The Phantom of the Opera's" "The Music
of the Night" suffers due to these gender changes because Katherine
Jenkins version is pale and wanting. In other cases, like the title tune
from "Whistle Down the Wind," the change works because of Tina Arena's
sensitive vocals. This album is good background music for show music
lovers.
Grade: B
"STOP THE WORLD - I WANT TO GET OFF"
Original London Cast
Must Close Saturday Records (MCSR 3028)
The Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley musical "Stop the World - I
Want to Get Off" has long been available in the Broadway cast recording
but now the original London production's version is again an alternate
option with Must Close Saturday Records re-mastered and restored
version. Newley also starred in his show playing Littlechap, as the
clown who faces life with resolute determination and drive. The score is
nice with the hit tune, "What Kind of Fool Am I?," a standout. I
prefer the Broadway version and there's nothing really different on the
London interpretation but it's nice to have a choice if you plan to add
the show to your collection.
Grade: B
--
Phoenix, AZ (December 3, 2005) - No major news about Broadway show
recordings this week so I'll get on to this week's new CD reviews.
"JERSEY BOYS"
Original Broadway Cast
Rhino (R2 73271)
"Jersey Boys" is a big Broadway hit. As one of many recent jukebox
musicals, the show seems to have captured the story of Frankie Valli and
The Four Seasons" effectively while using the group's popular '60s
music well. Like the model for all these recent shows, "Mamma Mia,"
"Jersey Boys" doesn't make the songs into a wonderful discovery for me. I
grew up when these songs premiered but because I was so focused on
musical theater and classical music, I never heard this "pop" music at
the time. It's a pleasant enough listen but the show, on record at
least, doesn't have the mesmerizing power of "Mamma Mia." The Broadway
cast is solid and the show is destined to succeed. If you loved The Four
Seasons, "Jersey Boys" will bring back the joy of the music but I'll
hold final judgment on this show until I see it on my next Broadway
trip.
Grade: B
"STOP THE WORLD - I WANT TO GET OFF"
Original London Cast
Must Close Saturday Records (MCSR 3028)
"Stop The World - I Want to Get Off" was a new style musical that
introduced Leslie Bricusse to the musical theater as it told a universal
story about living in the complex world we inhabit. The score is filled
with several lovely melodies and Anthony Newley's now legendary
performance as Littlechap is captured glowingly in the original London
cast recording that has been made newly available by Must Close Saturday
Records. The show's famous anthem "What Kind of Fool Am I?" is the
standout number but all the songs focus on Littlechap and his life in
the world as seen through a clown's eyes. It's a great score. It's nice
to again have the first production's original recording available.
Grade: B
"FINIAN'S RAINBOW"/"BRIGADOON"
Original Broadway Casts
Living Era - Sanctuary Records (CD AJA 5530)
Along with Must Close Saturday Records, Living Era, a division of
Sanctuary Records, has been releasing old Broadway shows in pristine CD
re-workings. Combining two of the mid-'40s biggest Broadway hits with
their magical, fairytale stories about mythical places is inspired. It's
great to have both "Finian's Rainbow" and "Brigadoon" available in such
a bargain priced CD release. The original cast performances of both
shows are legendary and especially "Finian's" has some several memorable
interpretations of the great Burton Lane score. Ella Logan's great and
genuinely Irish Sharon is outstanding as is David Wayne's lively
leprechaun, Og. In "Brigadoon," long forgotten musical theater stars
David Brooks and Marion Bell sing glowingly. The first Lerner and Loewe
hit show has some classic song hits including the lovely romantic
ballads, "The Heather on the Hill" and "Almost Like Being in Live" along
with such rich comic tunes as "My Mother's Wedding Day" and "I'll Go
Home with Bonnie Jean." The CD has two bonus tracks including Dick
Haymes' "How Are Things In Glocca Morra?" and Frank Sinatra's "Almost
Like Being Love" that add because, in their day, musicals created the
day's song hits. This CD is a rich look back at two of Broadway's
classic shows.
Grade: A
"OPPOSITE YOU"
MARIN MAZZIE/JASON DANIELEY
PS Classics (PS-536)
Jason Danieley and Marin Mazzie are both current Broadway stars and
in their first album as husband and wife, "Opposite You," they combine a
winning collection of musical theater standards and pop tune hits into a
richly rewarding new CD. Both winning singers, they do justice to all
16 tracks of excellently arranged songs that showcase their voices
gloriously. The stars are relaxed and winsome in a lush "Honeysuckle
Rose," and brilliant in some musical theater classics like a
well-arranged Stephen Sondheim medley and classic Irving Berlin and
Jerry Herman tunes. An excellent band sounds great and highlights the
couple's vocal strengths glowingly as conducted with musical
arrangements by David Loud. This is a lovely CD and great background to a
romantic evening or just for the enjoyment of hearing such wonderfully
sung versions of a fine collection of classic songs.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (November 20, 2005) - The big news this update is that the
new Broadway "Sweeney Todd" revival has been recorded for release on the
Nonesuch label. The recording, a big hit with New York critics, is
being produced by Tommy Krasker, who has previously recorded several
Sondheim shows both for Nonesuch label and his own PS Classics label.
The release date for the album has not been announced. Because this
small-scale production is so different than previous productions and
because the cast is the orchestra as part of their work in the show, it
should be an interesting take on the popular score. The New York cast is
headed by Michael Cerveris and Patti LuPone and their interpretations
of the vengeful barber and Mrs. Lovett are garnering superlative
notices.
Two big Broadway musicals - "The Producers" and "Rent" - are to be
released as movies in upcoming weeks. The soundtrack recordings are now
available:
"THE PRODUCERS"
Original Movie Soundtrack
Sony Classics (82876-74691-2)
"The Producers" was one of Broadway's biggest recent hits and much
of its success rests on the dynamic chemistry between leads Nathan Lane
and Matthew Broderick. When the movie was being developed pairing the
Broadway team was critical and that's exactly what the producers did.
The movie will be released in major markets December 16 with broader
distribution to follow through January. The score sounds much like the
Broadway original albeit with a bigger sound from the expanded movie
orchestra. Many of the smaller character songs have been eliminated and
more emphasis has been placed on the big production and comedy numbers.
The same charm between the leads is apparent in listening to the
soundtrack but one wonders how the importance of their personalities
will transfer on screen. The soundtrack makes one want to see the film
and it does preserve the big numbers that made "The Producers" such a
delightful joy on stage.
Grade: A
"RENT"
Original Movie Soundtrack
Warner Bros. (49455-2)
I have never been in love with "Rent" and the movie version based on
the soundtrack that will be released in theaters over the Thanksgiving
holiday doesn't cause me any additional bond with the rock inspired
retelling of the popular "La Boheme" story. The story is transposed to
contemporary New York City and filled with the current issues being
faced by young people today. The score's best song, "Seasons of Love,"
is well presented on the two CD soundtrack, as is the rest of the score.
The cast includes many of the Broadway stars and the few new cast
members all fit in seamlessly. It will be interesting to see how this
show with its suggestive sets and atmospheric feel on Broadway will
transition into the reality imposed by the film. If you like Jonathan
Larson score and the way the famous story is adapted, the soundtrack is a
fine rendition. If you were lukewarm toward the show on Broadway, the
movie soundtrack introduces no further inducements to love this
translation.
Grade: C
"A FAMILY AFFAIR"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Records (19068)
"A Family Affair" was a big Broadway bomb in 1962 but it did
introduce John Kander to the musical theater, although this was before
he teamed so successfully with Fred Ebb. The show tells the story of
what happens after the boy wins the girl leading up to the wedding. The
story was not well told but the score is a delight and is charming. The
long out-of-print original cast recording has been converted and
restored by DRG in its continuing series of CD releases of old shows.
The cast features several non-singers Shelley Berman, Eileen Heckart,
and Morris Carnovsky but it also marked Larry Kert's Broadway debut and
such Broadway stalwarts as Rita Gardner and Bibi Osterwald carry the
singing burdens. It's a fresh, melodic, and pleasant score and having
the cast album again available is another glimpse into Broadway history.
Grade: B
"SONDHEIM SINGS VOLUME II 1946-60"
PS Classics (PS-9533)
The second volume of private Sondheim recordings of his compositions
is out and it's full of rare and unusual material much of it never
before available. Sondheim is not the best of singers but he can
certainly carry a tune and this release includes many of his earliest
works. It includes songs he wrote for high school and college shows as
well as early unproduced professional work. The CD is accompanied by a
wonderful booklet full of lyrics and background material providing
further insight to the genius musical theater composer of our
generation. These recordings provide musical theater lovers with a
glimpse into Sondheim's formative years and it allows us to see where
trends the composer used in his popular scores began. Many of these
early songs are more melodic than his more famous work. It seems safe to
conclude that his early influence by mentor Oscar Hammerstein and the
more romantic tunes that Hammerstein and Richard Rodgers created started
Sondheim on his own path to the brilliance he has created in his
biggest and most popular scores. PS Classics is creating a unique
treasure with this Sondheim Sings series. Another fascinating winner.
Grade: A
"THE 3 BROADWAY DIVAS"
JAY Records (CDJAY 8014)
Debbie Gravitte, Jan Horvath, and Christiane Noll are all current
Broadway stars and their new album, "The 3 Broadway Divas," is a
delightful collection of well-sung arrangements of popular famous
Broadway hits. The collection ranges from Rodgers and Hart's "Sing for
Your Supper" to several contemporary songs from current and recent
musical hits. Standout moments in this wonderful CD are Noll's "Till
There Was You" from "The Music Man," Gravitte's "Defying Gravity" from
"Wicked," and Horvath's "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from "Evita." The
most unique selection is Gravitte's "Don't Rain on My Parade" from
"Funny Girl," a song rarely heard today. The trio does an interesting
take on "Cats'" "Memory" and "A Chorus Line's" "At the Ballet."
Accompaniment is provided by the lush sounding National Symphony
Orchestra. This is great collection of Broadway hits sung by three
glorious Broadway stars.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (October 23, 2005) November will be a big month for cast
recordings and DVDs of musical shows. On November 1, volume seven of
"Broadway's Greatest Gifts - Carols for a Cure" will be released.
There's not much information at this point about what will be included
but I anticipate new and unique holiday songs sung by casts from current
Broadway musicals, the usual format. Also that day, the cast recording
of new Broadway show, "Jersey Boys," made in late August, will be
released.
A DVD of Whoopi Goldberg's recent Broadway show, "Whoopi Back on
Broadway 20th Anniversary," will also be available as will "Carol
Lawrence Bell Telephone Hour," a 50 minute DVD of the star's appearances
on that popular television show from 1960 to 1967.
November 8 will see the domestic release of the London cast recording of
"Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Apparently, no Broadway cast recording is
scheduled. "Yours, Anne," the 1985 off-Broadway cast recording, will
also be released that day. The DVD of the London cast of "Jerry Springer
The Opera" will be also be available.
On November 15, Kritzerland will release the recording of the 2004 New
York production of "The Last Starfighter." On that date, new DVD
releases of three Rodgers and Hammerstein films will be available
including the 40th anniversary "The Sound of Music," the 50th
anniversary "Oklahoma," and the 60th anniversary of the first "State
Fair." All three DVDs will have special features.
November 21 brings the long awaited London cast recording of "Billy
Elliot the Musical" and the next day the 1986 revival recording of
"Sweet Charity" will again be available.
I watched the "Barbara Cook Bell Telephone Hour 1960-67" DVD and it's a
delight. This period is when Cook was at the height of her Broadway
career. Her voice is lovely and she looks like she did in the original
"The Music Man." There are several segments including one with her
singing two of her "Music Man" songs and another featuring songs from
1962 Broadway musicals. It's easy to see the start of Cook's mastery at
telling a story with each song, a technique she's refined so winningly
since she turned to cabaret performances. What an experience to see Cook
in her early career and marvel at how her career has lasted and
prospered to today. We're so lucky to have this great artist's
performances and her devotion to musical theater songs.
Ghostlight Records has just announced that they will release the
original cast recording of "See What I Wanna See" and a cast recording
of "The Great American Trailer Park Musical." No release dates for
either recording has been announced.
A domestic release of the London cast recording of "Mary Poppins" is now
available and although I reviewed it when the London edition was
released, it was wonderful to listen to this charming score again.
Now to this week's CD reviews.
"FOREVER PLAID - THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY RECORDING"
Las Vegas Cast
DRG Records (12630)
The delightful harmonies of all those familiar '50s tunes are
brought out glowingly in the new Las Vegas cast recording of "Forever
Plaid," the 15th anniversary version of the popular and breezy revue
that features four guys who were killed and were allowed to return for a
day to present the show that their death never allowed. Such wonderful
song hits as "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Moments to Remember,"
"Perfidia," "Sixteen Tons," "Catch a Falling Star," "Matilda," and "Love
Is a Many Splendored Thing" are just some of the music you'll enjoy,
reflect upon, and cherish in this fine show. The Las Vegas cast sounds
just as good as earlier productions and this show and album are a
lasting tribute to an era of great songs.
Grade: A
"CAROUSEL" AND "ALLEGRO"
Original Broadway Casts
Naxos Musicals (8.120780)
When the early Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, "Carousel" and
"Allegro," were recorded, cast albums were new. Songs were squeezed and
shuffled to fit on multiple sides of the old 78 rpm record format and
sacrifices were made in preserving the shows. Naxos has been re-issuing
cast albums and they spend time cleaning up the old recordings and then
arrange the songs in the order they were presented in the show and
sometimes they add additional material. The latest in the series is a
double CD containing the two shows and the pristine sound and corrected
order of the songs gives us the best representation of these shows
original recordings. Of course, the shows were wonderful, rich in
melody, strong in performance, and that goes even for the less
successful "Allegro" that was an experiment on the authors' parts.
Pairing these shows is inspired and the fine result proves a wonderful
look at what these shows sounded like when they first opened.
Grade: A
"LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING -- THE ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER COLLECTION: VOLUME TWO"
SARAH BRIGHTMAN
Decca Broadway (B0005570-02)
Sarah Brightman's lovely voice played a special role in her then
husband, Andrew Lloyd Webber's successful "The Phantom of the Opera"
when she essayed Christine in both London and New York. She has the type
of lyric soprano voice that works well on many of Lloyd Webber's songs
and she uses her gifts magically in "Love Changes Everything." She sings
many of Lloyd Webber's biggest hits wonderfully and does brilliant solo
work in several of the 14 tracks. She's joined where necessary for
duets by some of musical theater greatest contemporary stars including a
rich pairing with Cliff Richards for "Only You" from "Starlight
Express," an inspired "Seeing is Believing" from "Aspects of Love" with
Michael Ball, a fabulous "Think of Me" from "Phantom" with Steve Barton,
a stirring duet with John Barrowman, "Too Much In Love To Care" from
"Sunset Boulevard," and the title song from "Phantom" with Steve Harley.
Her solos include a phenomenal Spanish language version of "Don't Cry
for Me Argentina," "Love Changes Everything," and "I Don't Know How to
Love Him" among others. This is a delightful collection of Lloyd Webber
hits sung beautifully by Brightman and company.
Grade: A
"DANCING IN THE DARK"
JEFF HARNAR
PS Classics (PS-534)
Cabaret artist Jeff Harner has a delightfully warm and wonderful
collection of older tunes in his new album, "Dancing in the Dark." The
songs selected include compositions by the greatest songwriters of
Broadway and Hollywood, many with hauntingly unique arrangements
including the title track and "Flower Drum Song's" "Love Look Away," a
song usually done by women but here touchingly delivered by Harner. The
vocalist has a warm and smooth sound that makes the songs he selects
mellow and beautiful. This is a wonderful recording to play as
background music for a romantic dinner or date. "Dancing in the Dark" is
another winner from PS Classics, a small label that is dedicated to
both the musical theater and fine cabaret singers like Harner.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (October 9, 2005) - Little new on cast recordings but this
update includes reviews of four interesting new releases.
"TRIBUTE"
BARBARA COOK
DRG Records (91493)
The best of the four new releases is Barbara Cook's subtle new
masterpiece, "Tribute," a touching and beautiful album devoted to her
longtime musical director and arranger Wally Harper, who died last year.
Cook's voice grows more and more mellow and her ability to use the
songs she picks to tell wonderful little stories is stunning.
The new album, with fine music direction and arrangements by Michael
Kosarin, first reveals that Cook has found herself a replacement for
Harper who knows how to highlight Cook's voice and how to arrange songs
that fit her storytelling style.
Cook says in the liner notes that she selected the songs. Several are
Harper compositions, including "Sing A Song With Me" that Cook has made
one of her standards. The new arrangement gives the longtime favorite
song a new sound but Cook wraps her luscious voice around the notes and
delivers it with great passion to her mentor.
She also does a nice job with "The World Must Be Bigger Than An Avenue,"
a song Harper wrote for Debbie Reynolds to sing in the "Irene" revival.
She also uses 2005 being the centennial year of Harold Arlen's birth to
celebrate several of his song hits and she selects lots of delicious
song hits from long forgotten shows that she's never done before. It's a
wonderful CD and Cook's fabulous voice remains amazing.
Grade: A+
"THE WORLD IS YOUR BALLOON" - THE DECCA SINGLES 1950-1951
ETHEL MERMAN
Decca Broadway (B0005109-02)
Ethel Merman is known for several of her big, famous shows and she
wasn't known to try lots of different music during her career. But back
in 1950 and 1951, she recorded several singles of tunes not generally
known as Merman standards. These have been collected by Decca Broadway
into "The World Is Your Balloon," and she sings several tunes with Ray
Bolger and Jimmy Durante. Several of the songs are from shows she never
did and are especially interesting to hear her take on others big show
tunes.
Opening the disc are two songs from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and
Merman gives her unique and gutsy take on "A Little Girl From Little
Rock" and "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend." She also does two from "A
Tree Grows In Brooklyn," a show Shirley Booth made famous. Merman does a
nice job with the poignant "Love Is The Reason" and "Make The Man Love
Me." The album's title tune is from "Flahooley," a show Barbara Cook
originally did, but Merman's big version works, even if the song will
never be a memorable one. The duets are all fun if not terrific and the
time period is during Merman's peak so her voice sounds flawless and
booming. Nice surprises are these long forgotten singles featuring one
of our Musical Theatre's biggest stars.
Grade: A
"INSIDE U.S.A."/"THE BAND WAGON"
Original Broadway Cast/Studio Cast
Sepia Records (SEPIA 1056)
The English record label, Sepia, keeps digging up unusual old cast
recordings and releasing them on remastered CDs with informative
booklets. The latest brings "Inside U.S.A." to us. Starring Beatrice
Lillie and Jack Haley, the Arthur Schwartz/Howard Dietz musical revue
has a breezy, pleasant score. The 14 selections from this 1948 show
include both original cast recordings and studio renditions of show
songs. The cast recorded many of the songs before the actual Broadway
opening. The cast also included Thelma Carpenter. The show was suggested
by John Gunther's book and sketches were developed by such legendary
theater persons as Arnold Auerbach, Moss Hart, and Arnold B. Horwitt.
The rest of the CD includes "The Band Wagon," an earlier revue by the
same Schwartz/Dietz team that originally starred Fred and Adele Astaire.
Their dance routines from this show are legendary and the score is
lovely. The songs include some tracks by the original cast and later
recordings by other artists. This album is a nice combination of two
memorable historic musical revues.
Grade: B
"BROADWAY UNPLUGGED"
Original off-Broadway Cast
Bayview (RNBW032)
Scott Siegel's "Broadway By The Year" series is quite popular.
Featuring the best of today's Broadway talent, he picks song hits from
the musical hits of a specific year and links them together with his
interesting commentary and narration. His newest series, "Broadway
Unplugged," looked good on paper but the first recording is
disappointing. Lots of today's stars don't sound great without the now
familiar sound reinforcement so neither the people selected nor the
tunes get the best renditions. The collection ranges from old chestnuts
from such early shows as "The Desert Song," "Anything Goes," "The Band
Wagon," "Lost In The Stars," and "Lady in the Dark" to more contemporary
standards from "Funny Girl," "Anyone Can Whistle," "Sunday in the Park
With George," "Ragtime," "Miss Saigon," and "Dreamgirls." None of the
solos are particularly impressive but the company together sounds fine
in "Carousel" stirring "You'll Never Walk Alone" as the concert's
finale. Stephanie J. Block's "Don't Rain On My Parade" from "Funny Girl"
doesn't hit the heart the way it should. Cady Huffman, cute in "The
Producers," can't soar with "Anything Goes." Ann Harada doesn't stop
things cold with "Anyone Can Whistle's" "There Won't Be Trumpets,"
Christine Andreas does well with "Lady In The Dark's" "My Ship" but Alix
Korey can't deliver "Gypsy's" "Everything's Coming Up Roses"
stirringly. Disappointing is the best quick review of the first
"Broadway Unplugged."
Grade: D
--
Phoenix, AZ (September 11, 2005) - The cast album of "Monty Python's
Spamalot" on Decca Broadway has sold more than 100,000 copies since its
May 3 release. Although not a huge number of copies when compared with
show music albums released in the '50s and '60s, these are record sales
for a contemporary cast CD. The show is a huge box office hit and that
is no doubt fueling the large cast album sales.
This past week, Barbara Cook released her new CD on DRG. Called
"Tribute," it is Cook's salute to her longtime collaborator and
conductor, Wally Harper. Cook is also planning for her January solo
appearance at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Tickets for
that show are now on sale with best seats fetching $95 and $125.
Another recent release is Decca Broadway's "Ethel Merman: The World Is
Your Balloon - The Decca Singles 1950-1951." Any of Merman's old
recordings are always interesting in revealing bits and pieces of the
star's career and song selections. On September 25, a new book by
Geoffrey Mark, "Ethel Merman: The Biggest Star on Broadway," arrives
with an in-depth portrait of Merman's career, life, and loves.
Also ahead, on September 27, Sony/BMG finally releases the promised four
Stephen Sondheim original cast recordings with added material in honor
of his birthday. The shows include "Into the Woods," "Merrily We Roll
Along," Sunday in the Park with George," and "Sweeney Todd." On the same
day, the "Rent" soundtrack will be available on Warner Bros. Records in
advance of the film's late November release.
Now to this installment's CD reviews.
"LEONARD SILLMAN'S NEW FACES OF '68"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Records (19070)
Leonard Sillman's famous New York revues introduced many of
Broadway's biggest stars and his "New Faces of '68" was no exception. In
that year's show, two Broadway greats, Madeline Kahn and Robert Klein,
appeared along side Brandon Maggart with an appearance by Sillman
himself. The show was a collection of musical numbers not linked by any
theme that showcase the performers Sillman used. Some of the songs are
funny, others are romantic ballads, but all use the cast's talents
perfectly. Kahn is in many of the ensemble numbers but she also has an
outstanding solo in "Das Chicago Song," and Klein gets a hysterical
parody, "Love in a New Tempo," in a section on Broadway love songs. The
cast album is a bit a history and while not outstanding it is pleasant
and gives listeners a chance to hear Kahn and Klein in their early
Broadway days. I wonder if DRG plans to release all the recorded "New
Faces." Let's hope so.
Grade: B
"SONDHEIM, ETC., ETC. LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL: THE REST OF IT"
BERNADETTE PETERS
Angel Records (7243 4 74748 2 8)
In 1996, Bernadette Peters made her solo Carnegie Hall debut with an
acclaimed show featuring musical theater treasures and other pop tunes.
The show was recorded live but the initial release, "Sondheim Etc.,"
was edited to fit on one CD eliminating 12 selections. Now, Peters and
Angel Records has issued a second CD, "Sondheim, Etc., Etc. Live at
Carnegie Hall: The Rest of It," filling in the gap. It's Peters at her
best and some of the tracks are amazing. Her "Children Will Listen" is a
showstopper, while her "Song and Dance" solo, "Unexpected Song," and
her lovely "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," all make this CD
worth purchasing. Peters' unique voice wraps itself around the tunes she
selects and lovingly delivers them with the warmth and tenderness that
her voice possesses. This "rest of the show" release will take its
rightful place next to the first CD so that this whole concert can be
relived over time.
Grade: A
"NUNSENSATIONS! THE NUNSENSE VEGAS REVUE"
Original Minneapolis Cast
Nunsense, Inc. (No Number)
"Nunsense" is a phenomenon. The show is a clever take on Catholic
rigidity and it's full of funny jokes. The latest version is a cast
recording featuring a Las Vegas version, which is a bit bigger and
splashier than other variations on the show's theme. Here, the Little
Sisters of Hoboken have been offered a $10,000 donation to their school
if they will play a Las Vegas showroom. The characters are the same five
nuns we have known and loved in past "Nunsense" versions but the songs
are new and parody not only the Church but the Nevada gaming capital.
It's peppy and fun just like the earlier versions but, like so many
sequels, the best version remains the original.
Grade: C+
"BLITZ!"
Original London Cast
EMI (00946 311282 2 6)
Lionel Bart hit his musical stride with his wonderful "Oliver" but
he penned other shows and some of them showed potential for greatness.
Bart's 1962 London hit was "Blitz!" that recaptures London's East End
during World War II presenting the way of life during the dark days of
that war. The score is catchy and clever but certainly brings back
memories of "Oliver." The new CD adds three songs that were recorded but
could not be included in the show's original recording. These songs
include "As Long As This Is England," "Bake a Cake," and "Leave It to
the Ladies." The score's best known song is the touching "Far Away"
delivered by Grazina Frame but made more famous in the Shirley Bassey
single. The original cast is sprightly and effervescent in delivering
the show's musical numbers and it's nice to have this show available
again to remind us that Bart created more than just one big musical hit.
"Blitz!" is not superior to "Oliver" but it is an interesting show
nonetheless.
Grade: B
--
Phoenix, AZ (August 14, 2005) - Little news again in this update. Show
music CD releases are scarce this time of the year and this summer is no
exception.
Things are getting crazy at New York's Footlight Records. The announced
late July store closing has been delayed as the final sale to sell
remaining records plus store decorations and equipment continues. The
operation is moving to Brooklyn where it will be an Internet and
telephone order only store. While some staff is headed this week to the
new Brooklyn location, the New York store remains open until later this
month when it closes permanently. Thank goodness this prime supplier of
show music recordings will still be accessible via the phone and the
Internet. They promise a revised web site soon with new features but
don't plan to see the changes until the move is complete and the new
Brooklyn operation settles down.
Now to this week's CD reviews.
"WHOOPI, THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW"
Original Broadway Cast - Live
DRG Records (94778)
Be warned, Whoopi Goldberg's recent Broadway show is peppered with
really raunchy language. If you don't like naughty words, stay away from
this cast recording. But for those who can get through the colorful
descriptive words and terms, Goldberg's show, "Whoopi, the 20th
Anniversary," is fast and funny. Of course, Goldberg's liberal politics
influence her political humor so if you're conservative that might be
another reason to avoid the recording. But several segments deal with
daily life and have nothing to do with the war in Iraq or the current
President in the White House. Several segments deal with various issues
of being a woman and, even for the men, they are clever and humorous
looks at the bodily functions that rule of lives each day. The cast
recording is complete on two CDs. Goldberg would have a broader audience
if she could tame her speech but then maybe the colorful language helps
make her unique and so funny.
Grade: B
"TRES BROADWAY - SONGS FROM THE STAGE"
TRES HANLEY-MILLMAN
Everview Records/On My Way to You Production (No Number)
Tres Hanley-Millman's Broadway tribute, "Tres Broadway - Songs from
the Stage," is lovely. The performer has a sweet and pliable voice that
goes from a formal sound in such Broadway stalwarts as "Funny Girl's"
"Don't Rain On My Parade," "My Fair Lady's" "Show Me" and a touching
medley from "Cinderella" to more a more fun and relaxed voice with
noticeable inflections of humor in "Bye Bye Birdie's" "How Lovely To Be A
Woman" or "Once Upon a Mattress'" "Shy." She picks some unusual songs
and then does them beautifully like "Mama A Rainbow" from "Minnie's
Boys" or "Is It Really Me" from "110 in the Shade." She handles the old
classics well and she also does equally well with Sondheim creations,
"For Good" from "Wicked" and "Jekyll & Hyde's" "In His Eyes." For
show music lovers, the 14 tracks are a joy to listen to and the
diversity of her selections makes this CD a gem for a Broadway solo
tribute.
Grade: A
"NEW GUY IN TOWN"
GUY HAINES
Kritzerland (KR 20010-0)
Guy Haines' jazzy and fun "New Guy in Town" is a winner. Many of the
15 tracks are show tunes and he does them well. There are several
unique show tunes like "I'm Past My Prime" from "Li'l Abner," the
usually female torch song "Love Look Away" from "Flower Drum Song," and a
wonderful "Little Red Hat" from "110 in the Shade" that is a duet with
Juliana A. Hansen. There's a big rich band that accompanies Haines
conducted with relish by Grant Geissman, who also does the
orchestrations and arrangements with album producer Bruce Kimmel. This
is the second release from Kimmel's new label and, just like "After the
Ball," this is a classy album suggesting a bright future for the new
company.
Grade: A
--
Phoenix, AZ (July 31, 2005) - Not a lot of news about show music
recordings but some definitive release dates have been announced for
expected show CDs in the next few months. Some we've reported on before
but others are new entries in the expected lineup.
Tuesday:
"Bernadette Peters: Sonheim Etc. Etc. (The Rest of It)" on Angel: This
release includes previously unreleased material from Peters 1996 New
York concert.
August 23:
"New Faces of 1968" on DRG Records: The original Broadway cast recording in a first time CD release.
"No For An Answer: An American Opera" on AEI: The 1941 New York cast recording of the Marc Blitzstein show.
August 30:
"Ethel Merman: The World Is Your Balloon - The Decca Singles 1950-1951"
on Decca Broadway: Singles from the Broadway legend never before
available on CD.
September 6:
"Tribute" by Barbara Cook on DRG Records: Barbara Cook's recording
saluting her longtime musical director, the late Wally Harper.
September 20:
"Forever Plaid" on DRG Records: The Las Vegas cast recording of this popular off-Broadway show.
September 27:
The Four Sondheim original Broadway cast re-releases on Sony/BMG. All
have bonus tracks: "Into the Woods," "Merrily We Roll Along," "Sunday in
the Park with George" and "Sweeney Todd."
October 18:
"A Family Affair" on DRG Records: The original Broadway cast recording never before available on CD.
Now to this week's CD reviews.
"AFTER THE BALL"
Irish Repertory Theatre Cast
Kritzerland (KR 20010-1)
It's nice to have Bruce Kimmel back producing show music albums and
the debut show on his new Kritzerland label is the excellent Irish
Repertory Theatre cast recording of Noel Coward's 1954 "After the Ball,"
a witty and clever adaptation of Oscar Wilde's "Lady Windermere's Fan."
When the show opened, the signed star, Mary Ellis, once a musical
theater legend, had lost most of her voice and the show was altered
during tryouts eliminating much of Coward's excellent score for the
role. For this version, Barry Day edited a new version from the original
with some extrapolations. The show's music is lovely, some of Coward's
best, and the lyrics include Coward's renowned wit and sparkle. The
production's cast is excellent. Even though the production wasn't a
fully staged one because the show's size would have made it cost
prohibitive, this recording gives us a wonderful record of what Coward
intended with this show and it's a delightful listen. As expected,
Kimmel produces a classy recording with a well-illustrated and
informative booklet that explains the show well. It's nice to have
Kimmel back with such a nice recording and we know he will capture many
interesting shows that would otherwise be overlooked for recordings.
Grade: A
"LUCKY TO BE ME"
BRUCE DOW
Bruce Dow (no Number)
Vanity recordings are a real drag. Canadian Bruce Dow must surely
love the musical theater but his solo recording, "Lucky To Be Me,"
doesn't do justice to any of the 12 songs he ruins from several popular
musicals. His voice is mediocre at best and downright terrible in too
many of the tracks. He has no ability to tell the stories included in
the songs. Even though there are new and old show music in the songs,
and even though there are different styles and tempos, nothing here
sounds even passable. This vanity recording is best avoided and Dow
should find other ways to pay tribute to the musical theater. Singing
song hits is not something he should ever attempt again.
Grade: F
"ELECTRICITY"
ELTON JOHN
Mercury Records (9872184)
The first song to be released from the new London musical sensation,
"Billy Elliot," is composer Elton John's own recording of
"Electricity." The song is intriguing and makes one hope that the cast
album for the popular new show will soon be available. Like most
singles, there's little about the show it comes from and the recording
shares a second song, "Indian Sunset," that doesn't come from the show.
"Electricity's" song lyrics suggest that this tune might be a big second
act torch song when Billy discovers how dance allows him to escape his
drab and bleak life. It's a good teaser for the show.
Grade: B+
--
Phoenix, AZ (July 17, 2005) - Bruce Kimmel, who made his name producing
for the Varese Sarabande label before launching the Fynsworth Alley
label has founded a new label devoted to theater - Kritzerland. A new
web site, www.kritzerland.com,
is up and has info on the initial two releases: "After the Ball" (the
Noel Coward musical featuring the recent Irish Repertory Theatre cast as
staged by Tony Walton) and the Guy Haines album "New Guy in Town,"
which features duets with Kerry Butler, Juliana A. Hansen, and Jessica
Rush. These debut recordings mark a welcome debut for the new label.
Kimmel is well known in the field and should make his new creation a
success. On the Haines CD, there's a new Craig Carnelia song as well as a
never heard before tune from Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones. Other
musical theater composers are featured as well. Both CDs will be in
stores July 21 but will be available a week earlier if ordered on the
web site.
Rumors have it that poor sales may end Decca Broadway releases of old
show recordings. Through the many mergers of music labels, Decca now
owns the biggest library of Broadway show recordings and they have many
interesting titles that have long been unavailable and have never been
released on CD. This is sad news for show music lovers and let's hope
the rumor is not founded in fact.
Footlights, the New York store devoted to show music, has extended its
closing sale through the early part of August before the famous store
becomes an Internet and mail order only business.
Now to this week's CD reviews.
"THE BOY FRIEND"
1970 Broadway Revival Cast
Decca Broadway (B0004736-02)
There are many available recordings of Sandy Wilson's delightful
spoof of the roaring 20s, "The Boy Friend." Decca Broadway has now
released the first CD version of the 1970 revival starring Judy Carne,
then a big television star. Of course, the definitive version of this
show is the original Broadway cast featuring the luminescent performance
of Julie Andrews as Polly Browne. Even the earlier original London cast
recording with Anne Rogers is also notable. The 1970 revival wasn't
particularly unique and Carne is not a memorable Polly. There are two
standout performances, Sandy Duncan as Maisie, Polly's school classmate,
and Harvey Evans as her dashing suitor, Bobby Van Husen. Their numbers
are delightfully energetic. The show is a charmer and affectionately
plays with the era's many stereotypes. The silly story isn't much except
as an excuse for the wonderful musical numbers. I'm not sure why Decca
Broadway decided this recording was worth the investment when they have
so many more unique and original shows that have never been released as
CDs.
Grade: C+
"WHERE IS LOVE & OTHER GREAT SHOW TUNES"
GARY WILMOT
Fabulous/Acrobat Music & Media (FABCD 259)
Musical theater star Gary Wilmot has put together a well-sung
recording with lots of interesting musical theater gems. His big voice
sounds fine and the arrangements all suit his voice to a tee. Of the 16
selections, he does four duets. Two are with Barbara Dickson - "I've
Never Been in Love Before" from "Guys and Dolls" plus "Oliver's" "Who
Will Buy." Focusing on "Oliver," he even does "Consider Yourself" with
composer Lionel Bart. His other solo is "Sunset Boulevard's" big "The
Perfect Years" with a commanding Carol Kenyon. Other highlights include a
forceful "Younger Than Springtime," an interesting twist on "Bali
Ha'i," a couple of nice and easy "Wizard of Oz" tunes, and "Beat Out
That Rhythm On A Drum" from "Carmen Jones." Wilmot's CD is a worthy one.
Grade: B+
"LADY IN THE DARK" PLUS "DOWN IN THE VALLEY"
Original Television Casts
Sepia Records (SEPIA 1052)
Back in the '50s, musical theater was still big and several well
received television productions of major Broadway shows occurred. Long
unavailable, Ann Sothern's charming performance in a 1954 version of
"Lady in the Dark," the excellent Kurt Weill/Ira Gershwin/Moss Hart show
about the inner thoughts of a major women's magazine editor, Liza
Elliott, has been released. The sequences of her journeys through her
deep thoughts are fascinating and the television production has a nice
dynamic. Sothern sounds good as does her co-star, Carleton Carpenter.
The show's standout number, "My Ship," is a wonderful solo for Sothern.
The Sepia release is paired with a 1950 production of Weill's American
Folk Opera, "Down in the Valley." Featuring a wonderful cast that
includes Marion Bell from "Brigadoon" original cast, and William McGraw,
the show tells a love story with flashbacks to help set the scene.
These chestnuts from early television are rare jewels so it's good to
have them back. Two bonus tracks from other musicals feature the
delightful soprano of Marion Bell.
Grade: B+
--
Phoenix, AZ (July 2, 2005) - No news, just reviews:
"SWEET CHARITY"
New Broadway Cast
DRG Records (94777)
We've all read the negative publicity surrounding the Broadway
"Sweet Charity" revival with television star Christina Applegate. So
when the show's newly released cast album arrived, I could hardly wait
to listen to it and see for myself just how good or bad Applegate and
the show changes sounded. The answer is simple. It's a very
disappointing and dispirited recording of a show that centers on the
star's success. Applegate, as the dance hall hostess Charity Hope
Valentine, can't sing very well and much of the music has been
re-orchestrated to accommodate her limited vocal abilities. You can tell
she is hard working and trying to create a unique take on the lovable
central role. The orchestration sounds thin and the new arrangements of
several familiar songs aren't improvements. The supporting cast,
including Denis O'Hare's weird take on Charity's love Oscar, sounds
feeble and lacks any standout performances. There are some interesting
bonus tracks featuring composer Cy Coleman and lyricist Dorothy Fields
singing hit songs from the show. This isn't a "Sweet Charity" for the
ages but one to quickly dismiss as a good intentioned attempt that
failed.
Grade: D
"PETER PAN"
Studio Cast
Koch International Classics (KIC-CD-7596)
The Leonard Bernstein "Peter Pan" was almost lost. Written in 1950,
the Broadway production was stripped of most of Bernstein's brilliantly
lyrical and wondrously melodic songs due to the casting of non-singing
leads, Jean Arthur as Peter Pan and Boris Karloff as Captain Hook. This
version of the popular J. M. Barrie play came before the more popular
one that featured Mary Martin and was both a stage and television
success. Just five of Bernstein's songs remained in the original
production and the background music used throughout the show was by
another composer. Now, through the diligent and hard work of conductor
Alexander Frey, Bernstein's score has been recreated from old
manuscripts and put together in a brilliant recording by Koch
International Classic that features two major musical theater stars,
Linda Eder as Wendy and Daniel Narducci as the evil Captain Hook. The
score reveals melodies and musical phrasing heard throughout Bernstein's
other, more successful musicals. There's wonderful background scoring
that tells the story with insight and gusto. Eder's voice is perfect for
Wendy's sincerity and compassion, and Narducci is an appropriately evil
and vicious Hook. This labor of love is a treasure and makes one hope
that some producer will take a chance and mount a revival of this
version using the materials gathered for this recording.
Grade: A
"THE IMMIGRANTS"
World Premiere Cast Recording
Razor & Tie/Ghostlight Records (7915584404-2)
The World Premiere recording of "The Immigrants" will be released
July 26 but I was lucky to get an early copy of this revealing and
insightful musical that I saw staged in a brilliant Arizona Theatre
Company production in Phoenix. The story tells what it was like for an
immigrant family, Haskell and Leah, to come to a small Texas town and
try to fit into the new American culture while retaining their Russian
Jewish heritage. When Haskell arrives, he is taken under the wing of a
banker, Milton, and his very Protestant wife, Ima. The couples remain
friends in an up-and-down relationship for years. The struggles on both
sides to accept and understand the cultures and traditions is both
moving and touching. The score, written by the husband/wife team of
Steven M. Alper (composer) and Sarah Knapp (lyricist) does an amazingly
effective job of explaining this difficult and trying clash of cultures.
While the songs are not melodious, they are intellectually probing and
penetrating looks into what these characters think and why they react
the ways they do to various situations. The recording has a flawless
cast in Adam Heller as Haskell, Jacqueline Antaramian as Leah, Walter
Charles as Milton, and Cass Morgan as Ima. It's so good to have this
wonderful show preserved in such an effective and winning recording.
Grade: A
"ALTAR BOYZ"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
Razor & Tie/Sh-K-Boom Records (7915586050-2)
"Altar Boyz" has been a huge off-Broadway hit apparently because
audiences love these "with it" guys and their hot music. I'm sure that
listening to the show's recording sacrifices the excitement of seeing
these five guys go through some pretty jazzy and hip dance moves and
lacks the in-person dynamic they no doubt create in the theater.
Listening to the cast recording doesn't do much for me because I don't
particularly care for these overly loud and beat heavy songs. The five
guys do sound wonderful together and get rich harmonies out of the songs
by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker. The songs and the boys are
influenced by the Catholic Church even though one of the singers is
Jewish. "Altar Boyz" is an acquired taste that I haven't obtained after
several listens to this swinging but undistinguished score. Perhaps this
is a show you must see to fully appreciate the creativity everyone
claims is apparent in the theater.
Grade: D
--
PHOENIX (June 19, 2005) - There's little news in this update. Releases
continue as listed last time and three are reviewed below. There's still
more to come. No big announcements about any cast recordings. It is
interesting to note that sales of original cast recordings jumped after
the Tony Awards and the shows that got the big prizes were the big
winners. It's nice to see cast recordings hit the lists of best sellers
once in a while. It will be interesting to see if the sales pickup
continues or was it just quick and fast after the Tony Awards. No
musical films are scheduled for release either. The rest of the summer
will be slow other than the announced recordings I included last time.
Now to this week's CD reviews.
"HAIR"
The Actors' Fund of America Benefit Cast
Ghostlight Records (1968-2)
There have always been "Hair" recordings available and the show
marked the first big push for rock music into the musical theater. I
wondered why the Actors Fund "Hair" concert made it to a recording. The
answer is that it's a very complete recording and it features lots of
contemporary musical theater stars who weren't around during the show's
original run. The recording is pristine, well sung, and well played by a
generous band. Some of the roles are shared and it's certainly
interesting to hear different performers take on different songs
assigned to one character. There's some unique casting like Jai
Rodriguez of "Queer Eye" singing "Sodomy" and Harvey Fierstein's "Air."
Many of today's stars who have tended to appear mostly in revivals or
old fashioned shows appear here. And everyone does a good job with
several outstanding tracks among the 31 that duplicate the show's full
score, something that earlier cast albums never did. I especially
enjoyed Liz Callaway's "Good Morning Starshine" and Sherie Rene Scott's
"Walking in Space." Author James Rado has some interesting observations
about his show and the concert in the accompanying notes and there are
generous pictures of the benefit performance although this is not a live
recording but one done in the studio after the show finished the one
public performance. The score is the same early rock sound we all know
and remember and the recording is a faithful, complete, and good
rendition of a show we rarely see today.
Grade: A-
"THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1926"
Town Hall Broadway by the Year Cast
Bayview Recording Company (RNBW031)
I love the Broadway by the Year series Scott Siegel creates, writes,
and narrates. Each season, several of these shows appear and they are
all fascinating glimpses into a long ago year on Broadway. We can always
research the shows that played any year and find recordings of some of
the older shows and most of the newer shows but nowhere do these clever
overviews of a year on Broadway exist. Siegel's commentary is always
interesting, never intrusive, and always on target by historically
putting the shows and the year itself into context. He always finds the
best of current Broadway stars to sing the wonderfully generous
collection on the recordings. "The Broadway Musicals of 1926" is another
winner and more interesting than more recent years that we lived
through and remember the shows. Populating 1926 were such biggie talents
as Rodgers and Hart, Irving Berlin, Sigmund Romberg, George and Ira
Gershwin, and a few forgotten names plus some huge shows like "The
Desert Song," "Oh Kay!," and "Castles in the Air." The songs are the old
fashioned melodies that we recognize and the lyrics aren't always as
sharp as today's except when Hart penned his thoughts to Rodgers' tunes
or when Ira Gershwin created memorable words to go with his brother's
wonderful melodies. This recording also displays what it was like back
then without sound reinforcement as three renditions are sung without
microphones. This year also marked the gradual decline of the musical
revue and the stronger emphasis placed on a show's book. This year
included four Rodgers and Hart shows in the same year, "Peggy Ann," "The
Girl Friend," "Betsy," and "The Garrick Gaieties." More than one of the
Gershwin's shows premiered, and it marked the debut of several old
favorites. The cast assembled give their all to the succession of
beautiful songs and include Nancy Anderson, Bill Daugherty, Marc Kudish,
Eddie Korbich, Nancy Opel, and Sutton Foster. It's a wonderful overview
of a long ago time when Broadway shows sounded very different than
today.
Grade: A
"ALL SHOOK UP"
Original Broadway Cast
Sony BMG (82876 69124-2)
I freely admit I have never been a fan of Elvis Presley tunes or his
renditions of those songs. The new jukebox musical, "All Shook Up,"
uses Presley's songs to tell a simplistic story penned by Joe DiPietro
about a 24-hour period during the summer of 1955 in "a small
you-never-heard-of-it town" in the Midwest. Playing the leads are
Cheyenne Jackson, who rocks and rolls just fine simulating Presley, and
Jenn Gambatese, who plays his love interest. They and the rest of the
cast do justice to the tunes and give us a feel for those bygone days of
the '50s. The orchestra plays the songs authentically but if you don't
care for Presley's music, "All Shook Up" is a hard listen even though it
is well produced. Yes, I grew up in these times but my interest in
musical theater songs kept me away from Presley and that then new sound
of rock-n-roll. I didn't like it then and I don't like it now. Not my
favorite show music album.
Grade: C
--
Phoenix, AZ (June 8, 2005) - The new "Candide" DVD of the recent Lincoln
Center production is a delight. The score is expertly played by the New
York Philharmonic as conducted by composer Leonard Bernstein's protege,
Marin Alsop. The orchestra is able to play the lushly orchestrated
score in all its glory. The singers, under the fluid and spirited stage
direction of Lonny Price, all have a wonderful voices and have great fun
with the exaggerated roles they play in this "best of all possible
worlds" Voltaire story adapted for the stage. Kristin Chenoweth is a
delightful Cunegonde and her "Glitter and Be Gay" solo is masterful if
not quite up to the superb perfection of Barbara Cook on the original
cast recording. Paul Groves strapping Candide is also commanding and
Patti LuPone has fun with The Old Lady even if the music is a bit out of
her normal singing range. The large chorus adds and the many supporting
players are all tops. The playful staging is a plus for a concert, and
this is a commendable version of the ill-fated musical with the
stunningly beautiful score. This is certainly a "Candide" to treasure.
The end of the many new original Broadway cast recording releases is in
sight. Several more are reviewed below and the rest are target for the
next update. Upcoming releases of Broadway-related recordings.
June 14:
"Hair" - Actors Fund September 20, 2004 Concert on Ghostlight
"Lady in the Dark"/"Down in the Valley" - Original Television Casts on Sepia
June 21:
"Bright Lights, Big City" - Off-Broadway Cast on Ghostlight
"Peter Pan" - Leonard Bernstein's version on Koch International Classics
June 28:
"The Boy Friend" - Broadway Revival Cast on Decca Broadway
July 12:
"Sweet Charity" - New Broadway Cast on DRG Records
July 25:
"The Immigrant" - World Premiere Recording on Sh-K-Boom
August 9:
"Back to Broadway: The 20th Anniversary" - Whoopi Goldberg's Broadway show on DRG Records
August 23:
"Ethel Merman: The World Is Your Balloon - The Decca Singles 1950-1951 on Decca Broadway
Now to this week's CD reviews.
"THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA"
Original Broadway Cast
Nonesuch (79829-2)
"The Light on the Piazza" is perhaps the best sounding of this
season's new Broadway musicals. The ambitious score is a rich one full
of great songs by Adam Guettel, grandson of Richard Rodgers and mentored
by Stephen Sondheim. Guettel's score has some of Rodgers lush
romanticism but it also has its share of Sondheim-inspired creations
that challenge our ideas about musical theater tunes. The score seems
especially appropriate considering the show's touching story. Set in
1953, it takes place in Italy during Margaret Johnson's trip with her
daughter Clara, a childlike woman. Clara, in a stroke of fate, loses her
hat that is retrieved by a dashing Italian, Fabrizio Naccarelli. A
spirited romance takes place before the inevitable truth about Clara is
revealed. The music picks up the spirit of the Italian period setting.
The lyrics help define character thinking and plot development
stunningly. It's one of the finest new scores I've heard in years for a
Broadway show.
Grade: A
"SONDHEIM SINGS VOLUME I: 1962-72
PS Classics (PS-9529)
To celebrate Stephen Sondheim's 75th birthday, PS Classics is
releasing several recordings of Sondheim singing his own creations. In
some cases, the songs are as they ended up in one of his shows. In other
cases, the songs were cut during the show's tryout before the Broadway
opening. In some cases, songs show up in later shows, and in some cases,
the songs have never been heard again. Sondheim is not the best singer
but he certainly puts great emotionalism into his scratchy renditions
and he lets listeners hear how he intended these songs to be sung. The
first volume, "Sondheim Sings Volume I: 1962-72," contains songs from
"Follies," "Company," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,"
"The Thing of It Is," "The World of Jules Feiffer," "Anyone Can
Whistle," and "A Little Night Music." The development of the many
recognizable songs we all know from Sondheim is fabulous and the
conviction with which the composer sells his songs lets us see what he
was thinking and what we should expect when we see productions of the
shows. Thanks to PS Classics for giving interested musical theater
observers this rich and fascinating insight into Stephen Sondheim and
his shows.
Grade: A
"THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (7915584407-2)
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" came from an
off-Broadway triumph and just captured Broadway by storm. Many consider
it the most creative of all Broadway musicals this season. The show may
be better live because on the cast album you can hear the clever jabs at
societal norms but I didn't find myself laughing during my several
listens of the score. It reveals much about the children's psychological
development and the thinking kids do as they approach life situations
and how they recall the spelling of challenging words. William Finn
wrote the score and it's not as complex and pointed as his work on "A
New Brain" or "Falsettos." The music isn't memorable but it fun and
certainly clever. I'm sure this show is best live.
Grade: B
"WARM SPRING NIGHT"
PHILIP CHAFFIN
PS Classics (PS-527)
Philip Chaffin partnered with Tommy Krasker to start PS Classics, a
label devoted to preservation of Broadway music. Chaffin's first solo
CD, "Where Do I Go From You?," featured music from the Big Band era. His
second solo album, "Warm Spring Night," is a wonderful collection of
Broadway show music from musicals as far back as 1924 up to recent show
tunes. Chaffin's mellow and lush voice is rich and wonderful as he
glides pleasantly through many unfamiliar but lovely songs from unusual
shows. The orchestrations are romantic and the 28-piece orchestra under
Kevin Stites fine conducting blends flawlessly and beautifully with
Chaffin's fine vocals. The wonderful Rebecca Luker duets with Chaffin on
a stunning "Sailing at Midnight" from 1944's "Sadie Thompson," written
by Vernon Duke and Howard Dietz. There's not a bad song in the 14 tracks
and the many unique songs are all lovely finds that should prompt
musical theater lovers to search for the complete scores from such shows
as "A Family Affair" (1962), ""Sweet Adeline" (1929), "Very Warm for
May" (1939), "Lady Be Good," (1924), "Jumbo" (1935), and "Wildcat"
(1960), along with such contemporary and familiar shows as "King David,"
"Oklahoma," "A Little Night Music," and "My Life With Albertine." Two
tracks aren't from shows but fit wonderfully with the songs Chaffin
sings so beautifully. Chaffin is a dynamic musical theater singer and
"Warm Spring Night" is a lovely listen.
Grade: A
"THE PAJAMA GAME"
Original Broadway Cast
Prism Leisure (PLATCD 1323)
"The Pajama Game" is a fine Golden Age Broadway musical that opened
in 1954. The catchy score is full of memorable pop tunes of the day and
the original Broadway cast is filled with top-notch performers who
created memorable characters in this show about strained union relations
in a pajama factory. The main love interest is between the new factory
boss, Sid, and union organizer, Babe. There's friction because of their
opposing sides but, as in all good musical comedies, everything turns
out rosy in the end. This pristine entry in the new Broadway Musicals
series produced by Prism Leisure contains the familiar Broadway cast
score featuring the late John Raitt in one of his best performances and
the wonderful Janis Paige as Babe. Many Broadway stalwarts surround the
stars. As in all these Broadway Musicals recordings, three bonus tracks
have popular entertainers' interpretations of the show's biggest hits.
The accompanying booklet has the pertinent material about the show and a
picture collage. "The Pajama Game" is a valuable treasure from American
musical theater history although the cast album has long been
available.
Grade: B
"PETER PAN"
Original Broadway Cast
Prism Leisure (PLATCD 1324)
Mary Martin's most famous appearance was in "Peter Pan" because of
the huge television exposure the Broadway cast version received. The
Broadway Musicals series has released the charming "Peter Pan" cast
recording. Starring with Martin was the wonderful Cyril Ritchard as the
evil Captain Hook and the 20 tracks reveal the range and charm of the
dreamy material. The bonus tracks here are a great collection of rare
recordings from two of Martin's other hit shows including her now
classic "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" that made her a Broadway star in
"Leave It to Me," and a collection of original excerpts from Martin's
"Lute Song." The accompanying booklet has information only on "Peter
Pan's" story with some pictures but nothing about "Leave It To Me" or
how it made Martin a star and there's nothing about "Lute Song," a
different and unique show that marked Yul Brynner's Broadway debut many
years before his "The King and I" triumph. The booklet doesn't even give
the years of those two shows. A wonderful collection but this series
could use improved information especially on the interesting bonus
tracks.
Grade: C
--
Phoenix, AZ (May 22, 2005) - Nonesuch has delayed the original cast
recording of "The Light on the Piazza" for a week so it will now hit
stores May 31. May 24 is the American release date of the new Andrew
Lloyd Webber London show, "The Woman in White," on EMI Classics. The
show is scheduled to hit Broadway next season. Look for my review of
this appealing show in the CD review archives.
An interesting DVD this week is the New York "Candide" concert. My copy
is on its way and I'll let you know about it after I get to watch it.
Received a review copy of the first in the new Stephen Sondheim series
on PS Classics, "Sondheim Sings - Volume 1 1962-72." I've only had a
chance to listen to it one time but my interest is certainly high to
really digest this release. Sondheim sings his own tunes from several of
his shows. Some of the songs are identical to what ended up in his
well-known shows; in other cases, we hear songs that were later cut from
the shows. His voice isn't great but he puts great feeling into his
scratchy renditions and the glimpse into his career is fascinating.
Watch for more on this release in future updates.
Now to this week's CD reviews.
"FORBIDDEN BROADWAY"
"SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT"
"VOL. 8"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
DRG Records (12629)
Back in 1982, Gerard Alessandrini wrote the first "Forbidden
Broadway" revue that speared Broadway musicals and plays using tunes
from the shows he affectionately attacked. His revised lyrics to the
familiar songs got at all the laughable things about Broadway shows,
their stars, and the productions. Over the years, he's created several
new editions that take off after the latest Broadway hits and misses.
The latest version, "Forbidden Broadway - Special Victims Unit, Vol. 8,"
is the funniest and sharpest in several years and you'll laugh
uncontrollably at all the humor Alessandrini drags out of the current
crop of Broadway shows. His four-person cast of Ron Bohmer, Jason Mills,
Megan Lewis and Jennifer Simard, with a special appearance by Christine
Pedi, do some right-on imitations of today's Broadway stars. It's
impossible to pick favorites among the 23 tracks as all are amusing and
pointedly wicked. No one and no show is spared. I'm sorry I didn't see
the revue when last in New York. You'll love the cast recording if you
know the current collection of Broadway shows and even if your knowledge
isn't complete, there's much fun and lots of humor to enjoy in this
exemplary spoof.
Grade: A
"DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (4406-2)
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is trying to create interest in the show
by giving away 50,000 copies of the new CD cast recording to
ticket-holders at the Imperial Theatre. The album hits stores Tuesday if
you aren't in the New York area where the giveaway is going on. The
recording should succeed in creating much buzz about the show as it is
quite good and very interesting. It's David Yazbek's second Broadway
score and it's just as solid as "The Full Monty," his first. The songs
capture the feel of the show that is based on the popular film. The cast
is exemplary with stars John Lithgow, Norbert Leo Butz, and Sherri Rene
Scott all having big solos that showcase the performer and their role.
Scott's first solo "Here I Am" is a showstopper. Butz, said to be the
show's true star, has several socko numbers, and Lithgow has his moments
as well. It's quite a pleasing and pleasant score that makes one want
to see the show.
Grade: A
"PACIFIC OVERTURES"
New Broadway Cast
PS Classics (PS-528)
"Pacific Overtures" is one of Stephen Sondheim's most interesting
and unique shows. He looked at the American arrival in Japan back in
1853 and traces the sometimes smooth and sometimes tumultuous relations
between the countries up to contemporary times. He shows the integration
of the cultures from the Japanese perspective. The original production
by Harold Prince was a fascinating approach but certainly far from the
minimalist Noh staging of the recent Broadway revival staged by Amon
Miyamoto, a major force in Japanese musicals. The new cast recording of
that production is long at over 75 minutes and very complete. There is
much to admire with the excellent cast and their commendable
interpretations of Sondheim's telling and insightful songs. As in the
production, the Reciter of B. D. Wong, the show's narrator, disappoints
in its blandness but this is the only weakness in a strong and forceful
cast. The production is conducted by Paul Gemignani, the prime Sondheim
musician today, so the score is played with care and rich detail. This
cast album is very different than the other versions of the show
available and provides different interpretations of the score. It's a
wonder that PS Classics decided to record this production that had a
limited and not too successful Broadway run at Studio 54. I'm glad they
did.
Grade: A
"MAN OF LA MANCHA"
Original Soundtrack
Varese Sarabande (302 066 648 2)
The less said about the miserable movie version of "Man of La
Mancha" the better but, for some reason, Varese Sarabande has recently
re-released the movie's score on CD. Peter O'Toole's bland Don Quixote
and Sophia Loren's disappointing Dulcinea cause the problems but none of
the cast is inspired to rise above the stars mediocrity. I haven't a
clue why the label went to the trouble and expense of releasing this CD
and it's one to avoid as is the DVD version of this dreadful film
version of a great musical.
Grade: F
"KISS ME, KATE" AND "LET'S FACE IT"
Original Broadway Casts
Naxos (8.120788)
Cole Porter's "Kiss Me, Kate" was his greatest Broadway show and the
appearance of it late in his career after he was assumed to be washed
up is an interesting footnote to his up and down career. The show's
original cast is brilliant with Alfred Drake, Patricia Morison, Harold
Lang, and Lisa Kirk all perfect in the wildly funny and yet moving story
of a theatrical troupe and its problematic production of Shakespeare's
"The Taming of the Shrew." The cast album has long been available so the
new Naxos release doesn't bring anything new to the table other than a
pristine version of the old tapes. What is most interesting about the
release are the last nine tracks that come from another Porter show,
"Let's Face It." The pre-"Kiss Me, Kate" show is a bit of theatrical
history. The 1941 show was a popular wartime romp based on a 1925 farce,
"The Cradle Snatchers." While the show was popular, it certainly
doesn't possess the brilliance of music or lyrics of "Kiss Me, Kate" and
shows how inconsistent Porter's many Broadway shows were. This fine
Naxos release gives you a nice contrast of Porter on one CD.
Grade: B
"A TIME OF HOPE - BROADWAY 1935-1946"
"CENTER STAGE - BROADWAY 1947-1958"
"PUT ON A HAPPY FACE - BROADWAY 1959-1967"
"BROADWAY MAGIC - BROADWAY 1968-1980"
"THE BRITISH INVASION - BROADWAY 1981-1992"
"BROADWAY TODAY - BROADWAY 1993-2005"
Original Broadway Casts
Decca Broadway (B0004472-02, B0004476-02, B0004477-02, B0004474-02, B0004473-02, B0004475-02)
Decca Broadway has one of the largest and most extensive collections
of Broadway original cast recordings in its archives. They were a
leader in cast recordings back when they started with "Oklahoma" and
Decca stayed a leader in the field until the '60s when Columbia (now
owned by Sony) and RCA Victor took the leads in new show recordings.
Decca Broadway was born several years ago to take advantage of this
extensive collection and they have released newly re-mastered versions
of old shows on CDs. The label has also shown a renewed interest in
recording new shows and they have preserved several recent musicals. A
new bargain series of six recordings traces the history of Broadway
shows from 1935 to now through Decca's show collection. The recordings
are all short - many are less than 35 minutes - and all include about
ten tracks. Many of the selections are standards and are shows that are
still available but a few selections are actually unique. There are also
some glaring omissions on the series and, of course, any collection
like this is always subject to individual likes and dislikes. The first
volume, "A Time of Hope - Broadway 1935-1946" includes many popular
shows and stars but also has a Carmen Miranda track from her 1939
triumph, "Streets of Paris." Ethel Merman is represented by a "Panama
Hattie" track rather than any of her more popular shows from this
period. "Center Stage - Broadway 1947-1958" features many big shows from
this period during the American Musicals Golden Age but also includes
unique tunes from "Texas, Li'l Darlin'," "The Golden Apple" featuring
Kaye Ballard's "Lazy Afternoon," "Arms and the Girl," and "The Amazing
Adele." Merman's "You're Just in Love" from "Call Me Madam" made the
cut. "Put on a Happy Face - Broadway 1959-1967" features several
standards although "Consider Yourself" is not from the original "Oliver"
cast recording. The unique song is "Henry Sweet Henry's" "Poor Little
Person" featuring Alice Playten. My gripe with this album is that a "She
Loves Me" selection doesn't feature Barbara Cook who is absent from the
entire series. "Broadway Magic - Broadway 1968-1980" has nothing
terribly unique except that Carol Channing's rendition of "Diamonds Are A
Girl's Best friend" comes from "Lorelei." "The British Invasion -
Broadway 1981-1992" but British musical tunes account for only half the
tracks. Finally, "Broadway Today - Broadway 1993-2005" includes not all
Broadway tracks and nothing that unique. The six albums are a fun listen
and prompt a "name that tune and show" game with fellow listeners.
There are just a few really unique tracks and lots of familiar
standards.
Grade: C
--
Phoenix, AZ (May 8, 2005) - A couple of new DVD movies capture the feel
of the original Broadway musical productions on screen. "The Pajama
Game" used the entire original cast except for Janis Paige who was
replaced by Doris Day. It is great fun and most interesting to see so
many Broadway cast members recreate their roles. The screen version uses
Bob Fosse dances and most of the songs are intact. "Li'l Abner" doesn't
have the entire Broadway cast but the film, shot in Hollywood studios,
captures the intent and feel of the original production. Again, most of
the songs are included. Both films have been released in the widescreen
format preserving the look of these movies when presented in theaters.
Haven't received my copy of "The Phantom of the Opera" film DVD with all
the extras but I look forward to seeing the documentation of the
original stage production rather than the mediocre film adaptation.
Last week and this week I've included reviews of most of the new cast
albums from current Broadway musicals. Below is a schedule through the
rest of the month with the rest of the cast albums of current or recent
shows.
Tuesday - "Pacific Overtures" and "Captain Louie"
May 17 - "Altar Boyz"
May 24 - "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"
May 31 - "All Shook Up"
Next update will also include reviews of several re-releases of classic
shows plus several new Decca Broadway compilation recordings.
Now to this week's CD reviews:
"DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (4406-2)
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is trying to create interest in the show
by giving away 50,000 copies of the new CD cast recording to
ticket-holders at the Imperial Theatre. The album hits stores Tuesday if
you aren't in the New York area where the giveaway is going on. The
recording should succeed in creating much buzz about the show as it is
quite good and very interesting. It's David Yazbek's second Broadway
score and it's just as solid as "The Full Monty," his first. The songs
capture the feel of the show that is based on the popular film. The cast
is exemplary with stars John Lithgow, Norbert Leo Butz, and Sherri Rene
Scott all having big solos that showcase the performer and their role.
Scott's first solo "Here I Am" is a showstopper. Butz, said to be the
show's true star, has several socko numbers, and Lithgow has his moments
as well. It's quite a pleasing and pleasant score that makes one want
to see the show.
Grade: A
"LITTLE WOMEN"
Original Broadway Cast
Ghostlight Records (4405-2)
I didn't like "Little Women" when I saw it in January but I must say
that the cast album is pleasant and well performed. The show definitely
sounds like an old-fashioned musical from the Golden Age with humable
songs. The story, based on the popular novel, is quaint and charming if
not exactly an up-to-date musical. The performances are top-notch giving
the generally mediocre material a better airing than they deserve.
Sutton Foster shines as Jo. Her voice and buoyant spirit are perfectly
suited to the sharp and clever character. I'm sorry I missed her
performance in January when I saw a mediocre understudy instead. Maureen
McGovern is also perfect as Marmee, warm and compassionate just as the
head of the household should be. The show is far from a big hit but it
does have a pleasant score that is very well performed. "Little Women"
may not be the best musical but it certainly sounds good on the cast
album.
Grade: B+
"THE BROADWAY MUSICALS CUT-OUTS"
Town Hall Broadway By The Year Cast
Bayview (RNBW030)
The Broadway Musicals By The Year series has produced several
interesting cast recordings of unique and expected selections from the
years the shows represent. Casts are solid and often inspired. Now comes
a CD of cut-out songs from past shows that weren't heard on the cast
albums of the respective years. The collection showcases songs from the
shows devoted to 1925, 1939, 1940, and 1951. From 1925, five selections
represent several remembered and forgotten shows. The highlight is
Stephanie J. Block's showstopping "Love For Sale" from "The Vagabond
King," a Friml operetta. There are five songs from 1939, all from less
than huge hits and all are tuneful and fun. 1940 features two songs, one
from the forgotten "Two For The Show" that is well sung by John
Dossett. The other comes from Irving Berlin's "Louisiana Purchase," a
show rarely staged today. It reveals the Berlin style. 1951 is
represented by two "The King and I" songs, both romantic and big solos.
Alison Fraser doesn't quite give "Hello Young Lovers" the lush feel it
must have but Rebecca Eichenberger gives a big and bold sound to
"Something Wonderful," a song style heard in each of Rodgers and
Hammerstein's shows. Chip Zien delivers "I'll Buy You A Star," the first
act finale from "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn," with touching sincerity.
All the shows in this series have been recorded but it often takes quite
awhile for the CDs to hit stores. Too bad they can't release each much
faster. Let's hope more of the deleted songs get included in future
cut-out albums.
Grade: B
--
Phoenix, AZ (May 1, 2005) - Lots of cast CDs are to be released in the
coming days and weeks. "Monty Python's Spamalot" and "Little Women" are
due out Tuesday, but it's "Spamalot" that gets reviewed in this piece:
"MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT"
Original Broadway Cast
Decca Broadway (B0004265-02)
I admit that I'm not a Monty Python fan so the new Broadway musical
"Monty Python's Spamalot" had little interest. When the cast album
arrived, what a surprise awaited me when I played it! The clever songs
are funny and the melodies aren't bad. It's not a great score but there
are some amusing slams at musical theater conventions hidden cleverly as
the plot progresses. The songs "You Won't Succeed On Broadway" and
"Diva's Lament (Whatever Happened To My Part?)" are hilarious and get to
the heart of today's Broadway musical problems. The show is "ripped off
from the internationally famous comedy team's most popular motion
picture, 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail.'" The show tells of King
Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they take their quest to
find the Holy Grail. The accompanying booklet provides great background
on the show and plenty of pictures to give listeners a good idea of what
you'll see when you attend it. If you keep your expectations about the
new hit show in check, there's a lot to enjoy in "Spamalot" and the cast
recording gives you a good idea of the show's humor and inanity.
Grade: A-
"MARY POPPINS"
Original London Cast
First Night Records (CAST CD93)
The 1964 "Mary Poppins" movie remains a classic. It marked Julie
Andrews' Academy Award-winning film debut. It seemed like a stage
adaptation of the popular P. L. Travers and the Disney film would be
anti-climactic. The stage version, produced by Disney and Cameron
Mackintosh, opened in London late last year receiving unanimous rave
reviews. Now, the cast recording is available and what a refreshing new
look at the charming tale about the magical nanny. The popular Richard
M./Robert B. Sherman movie score has been used with some deletions and
some new twists. There are also lots of new songs by George Stiles and
Anthony Drewe that have been successfully integrated seamlessly into the
show. It's hard to tell where old songs end and new ones begin because
the new music's character fits so well into the familiar classic tunes.
Laura Michelle Kelly is an effervescent Mary, charming and caring but
sounding not a bit like a Julie Andrews clone. She's bubbly but she
makes the role her own at least through the cast album and her treatment
of the songs. The rest of the large cast, including the children, sound
fine and all have the charm and sparkle necessary to bring off this
sweet but pleasant tale with distinction. Based on the recording, "Mary
Poppins" on stage is a winner.
Grade: A
"PROMISES, PROMISES"
Original Broadway Cast
Varese Sarabande (302 066 647 2)
Years ago, Varese Sarabande released a CD version of "Promises,
Promises," the popular Burt Bacharach musical adaptation of the "The
Apartment" film. Unfortunately, sound quality wasn't good and the CD
soon went out-of-print. The label has now corrected the problems in a
new pristine release of the original cast version. Not only is the sound
great, the new booklet has better art and more show information. The
score was one of the newest sounding scores on Broadway in 1968 and the
cast was superb. It's great to have the show again available on such a
good sounding CD.
Grade: A
"DISNEY ON THE RECORD"
Original Cast
Walt Disney Records (61249-7)
The touring "Disney on the Record" sputtered and failed on its brief
national tour due to weak business and lack of audience interest in the
show that presents a hit parade of Disney music. Surprisingly, Disney
produced a cast album. The show had a format and sketchy story. It was
set in a recording studio but nowhere in the accompanying booklet does
the reported feeble story linking the tunes get outlined. The recording
is continuous Disney melodies. The cast sounds good but the medleys
aren't particularly interesting and there's nothing terribly creative
about them and nothing unique is done to link the songs together. The
show must have been deadly to watch as audiences were small and critical
reviews were negative. If you love Disney music, this recording may be a
joy but if you like familiar music like all these Disney tunes used in
clever and creative ways, "Disney on the Record" is best skipped.
Grade: C-
"ROBERTA"
Studio Cast
DRG Records (19073)
You can't go wrong Jerome Kern's lovely "Roberta" score and the 1952
studio cast recording is wonderfully produced by Goddard Lieberson and
well sung by a cast that includes several Broadway regulars - Joan
Roberts, Jack Cassidy, Kaye Ballard, who went on to fame in "Carnival"
and other shows, Portia Nelson and Stephen Douglas. The excellent Lehman
Engel conducts and the 12 selections including all of the show's big
and familiar hits that frame a simple story about an American college
football player who inherits a Parisian dress salon. This "Roberta" is a
beautiful listen, a '50s treasure from the time when there were many
now famous studio cast albums of major Broadway shows.
Grade: A
"L'HOMME DE LA MANCHA"
("MAN OF LA MANCHA")
Original French Cast
DRG Records (8485)
The original French cast of "Man of La Mancha" featured Broadway's
original Aldonza, Joan Diener, and French composer/entertainer Jacques
Brel as Don Quixote. This foreign language recording is thrilling. The
singing is glorious, the recording contains music not on the original
Broadway cast version, and even Diener sounds far better than she did in
the Broadway recording. Here, she a lusty but touching Aldonza in the
climatic scenes. Brel's Don Quixote is stunning. He's theatrical,
lively, and quite stirring. This "La Mancha" is one of the most exciting
and dynamic I've ever heard and I will treasure the addition of this
recording to my collection. Thanks to DRG Records for realizing the
worth of this version and releasing it on this pristine CD.
Grade: A
"TWO'S COMPANY"
Original Broadway Cast
Sepia Records (SEPIA 1047)
In 1952, Bette Davis' Hollywood career had taken a sharp downturn
and she was no longer in demand for films. She turned to Broadway to
revive her sinking career and starred in an ill-fated musical revue,
"Two's Company." The show was a failure but its recording becomes a
prize among collectors. Now, Sepia Records has remastered the long
out-of-print recording and presents it in a newly issued CD. It's easy
to see why the show and Davis failed. She sounds awful and has
absolutely no musical sense in the four short numbers in which she
appears including a horrible opening called "Turn Me Loose on Broadway."
Vernon Duke's score isn't bad, lyrics by Ogden Nash and Sammy Cahn
aren't horrific, and the supporting cast around Davis is full of
Broadway stalwarts including Hiram Sherman, David Burns, Nora Kaye,
George S. Irving, and Maria Karnilova. When Davis took "ill," the show
closed. Nothing can save the show, though, but this CD is a hoot and it
is an interesting record of one of two Davis' attempts to star in a
Broadway musical. The 13-track show is followed by several bonus tracks
from "Vernon Duke Plays Vernon Duke" and all of these selections are
better than "Two's Company."
Grade: D
"SEVENTEEN"/"HIGH BUTTON SHOES"
Original Broadway Casts
Sepia Records (SEPIA 1048)
Sepia has also released an interesting CD with two complete Broadway
shows, "Seventeen" and "High Button Shoes." Only "High Button Shoes"
has been available as a CD previously and then only for a short time. Of
the two, "High Button Shoes," with a winning score by Jule Styne, his
first for Broadway, is the better score and the fine performances of
Phil Silvers and especially Nanette Fabray are outstanding on the
recording. The story came from Stephen Longstreet's adaptation of his
own short stories about his childhood. The show ran for an impressive
727 performances beginning in 1947. It also had fine direction by George
Abbott and early Jerome Robbins choreography. Two bonus tracks include
two songs from the show done in pop arrangements at the time. The show's
best tune, "Papa, Won't You Dance with Me" is great in the cast version
with Fabray and also in Doris Day's bonus track. Gordon Mac Rae offers
another Fabray tune from the show, "I Still Get Jealous," in an
interesting rendition. "Seventeen," about adolescent love, has a
delightful score by Walter Kent and has wonderful star turns by a very
young Kenneth Nelson and Ann Crowley. This double CD is a quite a
treasure.
Grade: A
--
PHOENIX, AZ (April 3, 2005) - They will record the off-again, on-again
"Sweet Charity" Broadway revival. They haven't decided a record date so
at this point it's anybody's guess who will star on the recording. The
show begins New York previews April 11 and for the first week,
understudy Charlotte d'Amboise will star while Christina Applegate
continues to recover from her broken foot. If the recovery and return of
Applegate stays on track, she will open the show on May 4. My guess is
that Applegate will do the recording even though d'Amboise is said to be
a better singer. One hopes the recording will include all the show's
dance music plus any new material added for this revival. It could be
the most complete "Sweet Charity" recording ever.
DRG has purchased the cast albums of Q Records that include "Footloose,"
"The Music Man," "42nd Street," and off-Broadway's "Fame on 42nd
Street." DRG will reissue these CDs with new packaging and bonus
material in 2006.
DRG announced a recording of Whoopi Goldberg's recent Broadway show,
"Whoopi." The show was recorded live for a future HBO airing (that is
rumored to become a DVD release after the initial showing) so the DRG
release will include the entire performance.
DRG promises "many surprises" in its continuing reissue program of
Capitol/United Artists, Sony/BMG, and Warner Bros/Atlantic shows from
those labels extensive show collections. No specific titles have yet
been released. DRG's past reissue schedule has included both shows
previously available on CDs and those that are new on CD. Most of the
DRG releases do include previously unavailable material.
With the announcement of the "Sweet Charity" recording, most of
Broadway's current new musicals and revivals will be recorded except for
the "La Cage aux Folles" revival, which recently fired star Daniel
Davis who will be replaced in mid-April by Robert Goulet. Perhaps
Goulet's arrival will prompt a recording of this show.
The London cast recording of the new hit stage version of "Mary Poppins"
will be available domestically at Footlight Records beginning April 8.
They are accepted pre-orders now so you will get the first copies when
they get their shipment.
Now to this week's CD reviews.
"SOUTH PACIFIC"
Original Broadway Cast
Naxos Musicals (8.120785)
Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific" is a classic and Naxos
Musicals has just released a new CD version of the original Broadway
cast recording that includes the original tracks previously available
plus eight bonus tracks that include several interesting entries. Sandra
Deel is heard singing "A Cock-Eyed Optimist." Deel was star Mary
Martin's understudy and she has a charming and vibrant sound. Two tracks
from Ezio Pinza's understudy, Dickinson Eastham, reveals that even in
1949, understudies were expected to carbon the performances of the
original star. He sounds rich and sure in both "Some Enchanted Evening"
and "This Nearly Was Mine." Star Pinza sings Bloody Mary's signature
tune, "Bali Ha'i" with the expected richness of his booming voice.
Martin sings two ballads dropped from the show, "Loneliness of Evening"
and "My Girl Back Home," both solid Rodgers tunes. Both were deleted not
because of the melodies but to give the show an appropriate running
time. Two show medleys are also included. This is a very complete and
wonderful sounding record of one of Broadway's greatest shows.
Grade: A
"SIMPLY HEAVENLY"
Original London Cast
First Night Records (CASTCD 92)
The wonderful London cast recording of "Simply Heavenly," a raucous
African-American show, sounds great. The musical is new with book and
lyrics by Langston Hughes and music by David Martin. The Young Vic cast
is inspired with strong voices as they soar through the gospel, jazz,
and blues musical that was nominated for the Olivier Award. If one can
complain, the skimpy booklet that accompanies the CD contains almost no
show information leaving listeners to fill the gaps about the show's
story or the background of the impressive sounding cast. Rumors that
this show may come to New York are welcome as it would be nice to have a
strong African-American musical again grace Broadway.
Grade: B+
"BURGERTOWN"
Original Cast
Group Effort Studio (No Number)
"Burgertown" is a cute little show with a simple plot about the
evils of corruption and the temptations and allures of big franchise
money. Set in a lonely Chicago diner that has hardly any business, one
of its employees invents the Triangle Burger that sweeps the town and
turns the business into a big success. The original owner dies, passing
the business to the inventor and his longtime love, a waitress. A sexy
new Miss Burgertown arrives and pushes the boss's old flame out as she
woos and wins the gullible guy. She later tries to take over the huge
franchise business leaving the inventor with the original diner. He
reunites with his old flame and every thing ends happily. The score, by
Jamey Strawn with lyrics by Christine Jones and a book and story by Ken
Jones, in a cute country western style, is breezy and fun. The cast is
solid and the show looks to have a future throughout America where we
can relate to the concepts the show reminds us of so lovingly.
Grade: B
--
PHOENIX, AZ (March 20, 2005) - Not much news this update. The many
releases discussed in this column over the past few months are starting
to show up in stores. There are lots of new releases to review and I'll
pick and choose from the vast selection to keep you abreast of the
newest and the best.
The only interesting news is the announcement by DRG Records that they
plan to release foreign cast recordings along with the many Broadway
cast albums they produce. The first two announced are both French casts
with "The Man of La Mancha" starring Jacques Brel and Joan Diener due
April 12 followed by "Sweet Charity" starring Magali Noel, Sidney
Chaplin, and Collette Marchand but no release date on that one.
Apparently, some of the French casts are some of the finest for several
Broadway shows. It will be interesting to hear these CDs and let's hope
they give us some new unrecorded material from these popular shows.
DRG also plans to record the new Broadway "Sweet Charity" that may be
starring Christina Applegate or Charlotte d'Ambroise when it is recorded
depending on whether Applegate recovers from her broken foot.
Now on to this week's CD reviews.
"CYRANO"
Original Broadway Cast
Decca Broadway (B0004083-02)
Sometimes a show will not be a big success but a cast recording
catches your fancy and it becomes a show you wished you'd seen. Such is
the case with the 1973 "Cyrano" that ran just 49 performances. With such
a poor critical reception and such a short run, it's amazing the show
was even recorded but it is a delight. Based on the popular Edmond
Rostand play about the man with huge nose and a love of his cousin
Roxana, the show boasts a dashing score by Michael J. Lewis with lyrics
by Anthony Burgess. It also had a larger than life Cyrano in Christopher
Plummer who sounds so grand on the recording. The score adds life and
spark to the story. The song lyrics are witty and bright in keeping with
the play's script and the panache the lead talks about. The show has
never before been available before on CD and the single disc set
includes all the music contained on the original two record set that
captured much of the show's infectious score. The accompanying booklet
is loaded with pictures and much about the production as well as the
musical's source material. I've always loved this score and the new CD
has been played to death since its arrival. It may not have been a
successful Broadway musical but the recording is a winner to treasure.
It's nice that Decca Broadway is willing to release a minor show so new
listeners can hear "Cyrano's" delightful score and the fine Plummer
performance.
Grade: A
"THE MAD SHOW"
Original Off-Broadway Cast
DRG Records (19072)
The off-Broadway cast recording of "The Mad Show," the successful
1966 revue that ran 871 performances has long been treasured by musical
theater aficionados because the fine cast included such performers as
Linda Lavin, Paul Sand, and Jo Anne Worley. The revue sketches and the
songs capture the irreverent style of the off-center "MAD" Magazine and
most of the score is clever and witty. The song parody "The Boy From..."
was an early Stephen Sondheim creation and is a delightful jab at bossa
nova songs like "The Girl from Ipanema." The cast is bright and clever.
It's nice to have this long out-of-print cast recording again
available. It's a fun listen.
Grade: B
"BRIGADOON"
Studio Cast
JAY Records (CDJAY 1387)
This update includes reviews of two new CD recordings of Lerner and
Loewe's 1947 hit, "Brigadoon." The first comes from JAY Records in a
version previously available but with new tracks by George Dvorsky as
Tommy. The score is lovely and the recording captures much of the score
in a delightful and spirited version conducted royally by Martin Yates
featuring the National Symphony Orchestra. This is a stellar version of
"Brigadoon" although the still available original cast recording will
always have an edge.
Grade: B+
"BRIGADOON"
Studio Cast
DRG Records (19071)
During the 1950s, Columbia recorded studio cast versions of many
major Broadway musicals that weren't in its catalog. They were produced
by Goddard Lieberson who was responsible for most of the Columbia cast
recordings of this period. His studio cast "Brigadoon" was one of his
best featuring the then husband-wife team of Shirley Jones and Jack
Cassidy. Jones makes a lovely Fiona and Cassidy sounds stalwart and in
excellent voice as her lover Tommy. The supporting cast boasts a fine
performance by Susan Johnson as a rakish Meg and her two comedy songs,
"The Love of My Life" and "My Mother's Wedding Day" are both comic
charmers. Also in the supporting cast is Frank Porretta, whose booming
voice as Charlie is especially good. This is another fine "Brigadoon."
This CD is due Tuesday.
Grade: B+
--
PHOENIX, AZ (March 6, 2005) - At 75, Stephen Sondheim is the dean of
living American musical theater composers and two record labels plan to
release several recordings in conjunction with his birthday as a
tribute. Sony BMG Broadway Masterworks will re-release four of his
original cast albums - "Sweeney Todd," "Merrily We Roll Along," "Into
the Woods," and "Sunday in the Park with George" - with lots of extra
material never before available. This series starts May 17.
PS Classics will release a series titled "Sondheim Sings." It consists
of Sondheim singing and playing the songs he's written from the
beginning of his composing years in 1946. On May 10, the first CD will
be released consisting of songs written between 1962 and 1972 and
including songs from "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,"
"Anyone Can Whistle," "Company," "Follies," and "A Little Night Music."
Song tracks include those that ultimately made it into the shows and
several songs that were cut before the shows were finalized.
These two series promise much new material from Sondheim's rich career and should be of great interest to lovers of his works.
PS Classics recorded the off-Broadway musical "Lone Star Love" last week for release at a date to be announced.
Now on to this week's CD reviews.
"THE VAGABOND KING"
Ohio Light Opera Cast
Albany Records (TROY 738-39)
Rudolf Friml's "The Vagabond King" is filled with rich melodies and
the Ohio Light Opera complete recording, the first on CD, is a
delightful listen. The score is packed with familiar songs we've all
heard through the years and they are sung with great affection and
dedication by the fine cast. The story features Francois Villon, a 15th
century poet, who is added to a "king-for-a-day" plot that allows him to
defeat France's enemies and win Lady Katherine. It's all swashbuckling
fun and the songs are lush with spirited lyrics. "The Vagabond King" is
one of his best shows - he also wrote "Rose-Marie" and "The Firefly" -
and it represents the lovely operettas that came early in the 20th
century on Broadway. "The Vagabond King" is a winner.
Grade: A
"OKLAHOMA"
Original Broadway Cast
Naxos Musicals (8.120787)
"Oklahoma" set the trend of recording Broadway musicals back in
1943. Originally just a partial score was recorded and released on the
old 78 recordings. Later, the success of the initial release caused more
songs to be recorded and an entire package was released. The recording
was a best seller and was converted into a LP and later into a CD. The
show was also Rodgers and Hammerstein's first show and established their
place as leading creators of Broadway musicals. Now, Naxos Musicals has
re-released the wonderful original Broadway cast recording of
"Oklahoma" along with seven bonus recordings from the era. Included is
the "Oklahoma: Symphonic Suite" arranged by Robert Russell Bennett and
recorded in 1944 by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Los Angeles. There are
also four selections from an "Oklahoma" recording featuring opera stars
James Melton and Eleanor Steber plus two tracks featuring John Charles
Thomas from the same recording. The score is without flaw and the
original cast is perfect. The added tracks are also wonderful
reflections of the score with different interpretations and the
Symphonic Suite is also a choice representation of the score and one
often heard in symphonic pops concerts. You owe it to your Broadway
collection to add this excellent compilation of prime "Oklahoma"
recordings even if you have other versions of the Broadway cast.
Grade: A
"MY HEART BELONGS TO DADDY"
MARY MARTIN
Sanctuary Records (CD AJA 5513)
Mary Martin was one of Broadway's greatest musical theater stars and
a new compilation of her best recordings from her career through 1951
is a wonderful collection of her finest musical theater moments. On "My
Heart Belongs To Daddy," she also sails through other pops and blues
tunes with her impeccable style and panache. There's even a song, "Get
Out Those Old Records," that she sings with her son, Larry Hagman. There
are many Cole Porter selections including her first triumph, "My Heart
Belongs to Daddy," plus a flip and fun "I Get A Kick Out of You." There
are also songs from musicals Martin never performed. Of course, her four
famous "South Pacific" songs are a feature of the CD. For Mary Martin
lovers, this is a must CD.
Grade: A
"OUT OF THIS WORLD"
Original Broadway Cast
Prism Leisure (PLATCD 1276)
It's hard to imagine now, but Cole Porter's "Out of This World" was
not a hit when it first opened in 1950 because it was compared with
Porter's great "Kiss Me, Kate," a huge hit. The original cast recording
has been re-released as part of a continuing series of Broadway shows
from the British label Prism Leisure. The score is wonderful and
includes some of Porter's finest work. The plot was set on Mount Olympus
and was silly requiring the willing suspension of disbelief but the
cast was top rate and the score is now considered a fine one. The CD
includes two bonus tracks including "From This Moment On," a song cut
from this show but added to the film version of "Kiss Me, Kate." There's
also a Frank Sinatra recording of one of this show's biggest hits, "I
Am Loved." Sometimes it's years later before a score is appreciated and
"Out of This World" is one such Cole Porter classic and having it
available again is a joy.
Grade: A
"BARK!"
Original Coast Playhouse Cast
Barbarian Records/No Number
It was with some trepidation and disdain that I put on the new cast
recording of "Bark!" I thought this would be a cheap takeoff of "Cats"
featuring a different pet. The score isn't perfect but some of songs are
clever views of humans by perceptive dogs. There's also a funny view of
opera by a dog that enjoys the weekly Metropolitan Opera broadcasts
with her master. The show is a big hit in Hollywood where this cast
recording comes from, the Coast Playhouse. Based on this recording, one
assumes the show is fun in person.
Grade: C+
--
PHOENIX, AZ (February 20, 2005) - For the last update, I listed an
extensive list of show music CDs anticipated in the next few months. For
this update, I preview upcoming DVD releases of musicals. The list is
long and impressive with many releases featuring "extras."
On Monday, "A Night on the Town," a 1983 television movie starring
Elaine Paige and featuring Cole Porter songs, will be released.
Unfortunately, this is a Region 2 DVD and won't play on American DVD
players. Tuesday is the release date for the movie version of "On A
Clear Day You Can See Forever," starring Barbra Streisand, the 1955
musical "My Sister Eileen," plus the 1945 film of the Broadway play that
later became a musical, "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn."
March 1 brings the HBO special, "Kathy & Mo Show: Parallel Lives," a
show that played New York and has life in regional theaters. On March
15, five movie musicals, "The Band Wagon," "Bells Are Ringing,"
"Brigadoon," "Easter Parade," and "Finian's Rainbow" will be available.
These titles will also be released as a collection. The 1993 television
"Gypsy" starring Bette Midler will also be released March 15. March 22
brings the film version of Tom Stoppard's play," Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern Are Dead." March 29 will see two musicals released in
original cast filmings, "Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies" and the
off-Broadway revue, "Tintypes."
April 19 brings "Darling Lili" starring Julie Andrews, "The Grass Harp,"
and "L'il Abner," with "Billy Rose's Jumbo" set for April 26.
On May 3, the film version of "The Phantom of the Opera" will make its
DVD debut as will the 1946 "Anna and the King of Siam," and "Long Day's
Journey Into Night," starring Jack Lemmon and Kevin Spacey. The New York
Philharmonic concert of "Candide" starring Kristin Chenoweth arrives
May 17.
Planned but without specific release dates are a special edition "An
American in Paris," "Blithe Spirit," and 50th anniversary editions of
"Oklahoma!" and "The Sound of Music." A 60th anniversary edition of
"State Fair" is also in the works.
Now on to this week's CD reviews.
"THE GAY LIFE"
Original Broadway Cast
DRG Records (19069)
In the liner notes to the DRG release of "The Gay Life," a 1961
Broadway musical failure, star Barbara Cook states that she's not sure
why the show failed although she reiterates that the weak book and a
male star, Walter Chiari, who couldn't act might be the culprits. Cook
also states that the show was her first which featured her name above
the title and that the Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz score provided
her with several wonderful song hits including "Magic Moment," "Who Can?
You Can!," "The Label on the Bottle," "This Kind of Girl," "Something
You Never Had Before," "You're Not the Type," and "I Wouldn't Marry
You." Her lovely, lilting soprano, at the peak of her Broadway reign,
sails through these charming and melodic tunes. The show was based on
Arthur Schnitzler's "The Affairs of Anatol," the role played by Chiari,
and the script details his many loves. What a charming score from the
bygone Golden Days of the Broadway musical. Cook sounds lovely. The cast
album was briefly available on CD years ago and it's nice to have it
back even if you are never likely to see a revival of the show.
Grade: B+
"THE BOY FRIEND"
Original London Cast
Sepia Records (SEPIA 1042)
The London cast of "The Boy Friend" may not have made the splash
that the later Broadway version featuring Julie Andrews did, but the
charming show and it's affectionate parody of the roaring '20s is
delightful. Anne Rogers played Polly in London and later played Andrews'
big role in "My Fair Lady" in the United States. The CD includes a
collection of selections from other London shows including "The Girl
Friend," "Hit the Deck," and "No, No Nanette."
Grade: B
"WEDDING IN PARIS" & "CAN-CAN"
Original London Casts
Sepia Records (SEPIA 1041)
It's an unusual pairing: the London cast recordings of the Broadway
musical by Cole Porter, "Can-Can," and a show that never made it to
America, "Wedding in Paris." They are still delightful hits, both from
the 1954 season. "Wedding in Paris" is about a Canadian lass who travels
to Paris to marry. On the ship to France, she meets many interesting
people and learns more about life. The score is charming and pleasant if
undistinguished. The London "Can-Can" sounds different than the
Broadway version but it still preserves Cole Porter's wonderfully
Gallic-influenced score. There is a bonus track from "Wedding in Paris'"
lead Anton Walbrook and several from "Can-Can" star Edmund Hockridge.
Grade: C+
"AFTER THE BALL"
Original London Cast
Sepia Records (SEPIA 1043)
Noel Coward wrote many London operettas through the early '50s. Most
were not well received and his 1954 adaptation of Oscar Wilde's
marginal play "Lady Windermere's Fan," "After the Ball," was no
exception. Oh, the melodies are lovely and his words are sharply witty
but the addition of tunes just slowed down a very meandering play and
the entire thing was not successful. It's good to have the London cast
album again available because the songs are fun and clever plus the cast
sings them charmingly. The show never made it to America and it's easy
to see why. The CD has eight bonus tracks from other Coward and
Melville/Novello shows of this period and they are interesting to listen
to if undistinguished.
Grade: C
"BROADWAY'S FABULOUS PHANTOMS"
Lucky Lai Productions (LLP10000)
Featuring 11 actors who have played the lead in Andrew Lloyd
Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway, this CD presents one
song from each artist. None of the selections are from the "Phantom" but
many are from other Broadway musicals. All these artists sound
wonderful even though they each have distinctive voices. That they have
all successfully played "The Phantom of the Opera" is interesting as
there isn't just one type of voice that can handle the demanding score.
It's hard to pick favorites from the many fine performances here but I
especially enjoyed Gary Mauer's "This Is The Moment" from Jekyll and
Hyde," Davis Gaines' stunning "Ol' Man River," Mark Jacoby's "So In
Love" making me wish he would do "Kiss Me, Kate," and Kevin Gray's "It's
My Time To Shine." Michael Crawford does "Charlie" from his musical
triumph during his pre-"Phantom" career. If there's an objection here,
it's that the CD is so short - less than 40 minutes long, and it doesn't
include all the Broadway Phantoms.
Grade: B
"FRANC D'AMBROSIO'S BROADWAY"
LML Music (LML CD-176)
Franc D'Ambrosio boasts in his solo CD, "Broadway," that he's played
the Broadway Phantom longer than anyone else. While this may be the
case, his singing is not distinguished in the 16 selections here that
include many musical theater favorites. His voice isn't that pleasant
and his accent is distracting. He creates no definitive versions of the
songs and even the one number from "Phantom," "The Music of the Night,"
is a letdown. I find it interesting that the longest running Broadway
Phantom isn't included on the previously released disc suggesting that
perhaps his lengthy run isn't an indication of the quality of his
performance. This solo CD is definitely best left unplayed.
Grade: D
--
PHOENIX, AZ (February 6, 2005) - Lots of thrilling news this update on
new Broadway and London musicals that will be released this spring.
There are also lots of old shows set for new or first-time CD release:
PS Classics recorded the just closed Broadway revival of "Pacific
Overtures" and plans to release the CD in May. With recordings of the
original Broadway cast, London cast albums, and, now, this latest
version, there will be several nearly complete versions of this
interesting Stephen Sondheim show about the opening of Japan to the
west. Financing for this recording was unsure until just recently so
it's good that the resources were secured.
Decca Broadway promises to record "Monty Python's Spamalot" before the
Broadway opening for a May release. This show promises to be the biggest
Broadway hit since "The Producers" so this cast recording is most
welcome.
Ghostlight Records will record the new Broadway musical of "Little
Women" on February 28 for a promised early April release. The show
received lukewarm reviews and its long-term status isn't yet known but
at least a cast recording will preserve it.
Frank Wildhorn's "Dracula" isn't getting a cast recording but a studio
version is planned so this season's big dud show will be available.
Details are sketchy about when this recording will be made.
A recording of the new edition of "Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit" is planned by DRG in April.
Bayview will release "The Broadway Musicals of 1960" in its continuing
series of the Broadway concert tributes to various past Broadway
seasons. The label also has "The Broadway Musicals of 1926," "The
Broadway Musicals of 1935," "The Broadway Musicals of 1949," and The
Broadway Musicals of 1963" planned as well. The September "Hair" Actors
Fund concert is set for release on Sh-K-Boom later this month.
First Night Records will release the London cast recording of "Mary
Poppins" in March. The show is a huge hit and a Broadway staging is
being planned.
A selective list of old shows set for CD release includes "The Gay
Life," "The Mad Show," the 1957 Columbia studio "Brigadoon" album
featuring Jack Cassidy and Shirley Jones, "Roberta," also with Jack
Cassidy, and "A Family Affair" all on DRG; "Cyrano," the 1973 Broadway
cast "Cyrano" and "The Consul" on Decca Broadway; JAY's long-promised
complete "Brigadoon;" "Georgy" on Original Cast Records; plus "Jubilee,"
"Whoopee," and "Spring is Here" on PS Classics.
Who says Broadway show recordings aren't popular if this list of new and old show releases comes to pass.
On to this week's reviews of new cast recordings:
"THE FROGS"
Original Broadway Cast
PS Classics (PS-525)
The expanded Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim's "The Frogs"
includes several new songs by the composer and a new book by star Nathan
Lane. The show was received tepidly by New York critics and my opinion
of it was similarly mixed. Some of the show was fun and witty but much
of it seemed long and drawn out as the Aristophanes 405 B.C. comedy was
expanded to accommodate Lane's character Dionysos, the Greek God of Wine
and Drama, as he traveled to the underworld where he witnesses a debate
between George Bernard Shaw and William Shakespeare about theater's
future. Susan Stroman's staging was exaggerated tomfoolery and much of
the show was silly. The Sondheim score, both the original compositions
and the new ones, weren't the composer's best creations and the cast
album plays blandly and is lackluster since the material wasn't the
greatest. It's good that PS Classics preserved the show so historians
can point to a good example of a lesser Sondheim work and even comic
master Lane comes across as sparklingly antic with mediocre material.
The CD does include a generous 48-page booklet with production photos
and several interesting essays. The large cast is strong but wasted. For
Sondheim lovers, it's an important recording but most show music lovers
will find it disappointing.
Grade: C
"NEWSICAL"
Off-Broadway Cast First Edition
NEWSical, LLC (No Number)
The off-Broadway topical revue "NEWSical" does for contemporary
headline news what "Forbidden Broadway" does for current Broadway shows.
It's a funny, breezy, and clever look at current news and the bright
humor and creative twists on news leaders is amusing. The recording
boasts "First Edition" suggesting that if the show runs for long it will
have to be updated with references and reflections of the latest
headlines. This edition goes after the recent election with slaps at
George Bush and John Kerry plus many references to Hillary Clinton's
political ambitions. Martha Stewart gets her own segment that turns her
well publicized life into a musical, while Dr. Phil, America Online, the
latest drug crazes, and Liza Minnelli get their own witty spoofs. It's
all very humorous and it lets us laugh at the nonsense of our headlines.
It will be interesting to see if this revue weathers an extended run
and if the author can keep the satirical material fresh with attacks on
future news.
Grade: B
"MARY POPPINS"
SPECIAL EDITION
Original Soundtrack
Walt Disney Records (61202-7)
The Special Edition release of the "Mary Poppins" soundtrack is a
two-disc set with a wonderful booklet about the charming film and lots
of beautiful pictures of the restored print that was recently released
on DVD. The first disc includes the lovely score featuring the fine
movie cast featuring Julie Andrews' Academy-Award winning performance as
the clever governess. Included are several new and extended tracks that
have not previously been released. The second disc is a real waste.
It's titled Bonus Material and includes rather boring discussions of the
"Mary Poppins Story Meetings" plus interviews with Andrews at the time
of the film's original release plus the composer's reflections about
their work on it. Too bad a single disc release isn't available so you
can skip the dull added material. The film's re-release on DVD just
intrigues theatergoers waiting for the American arrival of the stage
musical version of the show that is so highly touted.
Grade: A for the Soundtrack, D for the Bonus Material
--
PHOENIX, AZ (January 23, 2005) - Three new recordings of interest will be released Tuesday.
PS Classics has the cast recording of "The Frogs," the Nathan Lane
starring revisal that played New York last summer to tepid reviews. The
early Stephen Sondheim musical was updated and expanded with a few new
songs by the composer and new material by Lane. I'll review it in the
next update.
DRG releases "The Magic of Diahann Carroll." The star of "No Strings"
and the Canadian "Sunset Boulevard" did two solo albums in 1960 that are
linked on this new CD. "Diahann Carroll: The Andre Previn Trio" has
some musical theater selections and "The Persian Room Presents Diahann
Carroll" includes limited Broadway selections but lots of contemporary
pop hits from the release year. That will be included on the next update
as well.
Finally, the Ohio Light Opera releases a two-CD complete recording of Rudolf Friml's operetta, "The Vagabond King."
An interesting DVD is also scheduled for release on Tuesday. The
documentary "Try to Remember: The Fantasticks" arrives with interviews
from composer Harvey Schmidt, author Tom Jones, and original
off-Broadway star Jerry Orbach, who played The Narrator. Since it boasts
deleted scenes, the excerpts from "The Fantasticks" must be from the
film version.
Britain's First Night Records releases the Chichester Festival cast
recording of "Just So" for the first time on CD on January 31.
On to this update's reviews of new cast recordings:
"BROOKLYN THE MUSICAL"
Original Broadway Cast
Razor & Tie (7930182930-2)
I've recently returned from Broadway where I saw "Brooklyn" among
the nine shows I attended. The musical is a sophomoric storytelling by
street people of a simple daughter-finding-her-lost-dad tale. It's not a
very interesting or well-staged musical and the songs are hackneyed
rock tunes played loudly but sung by the energetic but small cast of
five principals. The song lyrics, though, are so banal that they are
deadly. The cast album recreates the show's music faithfully and if you
like booming tunes sung blastingly by the cast, this may be your show
album. The musical is geared for young, non-theater-going audiences who
were enraptured by "Rent" and that's the group that attended the
performance I saw. For regular theatergoers expecting a Broadway
musical, this isn't your show. Star Eden Espinosa has big singing pipes
and can belt out a tune with the best of them. Ramona Keller has the
comic role as the aging pop diva challenged by Espinosa who is searching
for the father she never knew because he abandoned her mother in Paris.
It's a ridiculously stretched idea for a full Broadway musical and the
cast album will appeal to those who relish this type of music and not
traditional musical theater material. I didn't like the show or the CD.
Grade: D
"WONDERFUL TOWN"
New Broadway Cast
DRG Records (94776)
The stories of Donna Murphy's frequent and prolonged absences from
the Broadway "Wonderful Town" revival are well known. Replacement star
Brooke Shields got strong reviews and for some unknown reason, DRG
Records decided to record Shields' Ruth and her new co-star, Jennifer
Hope Wills' Eileen, dropping the tracks into the previously released
revival recording. Murphy was solid in person even if the role wasn't
her best but there's no question that her vocals were superior to
Shields as was Murphy's co-star. Shields is certainly competent but does
nothing particularly unique or interesting with the songs and the big
unanswered question remains why this new recording was made. Many
replacement stars are so much more interesting and yet never get their
own recordings. It's hard to imagine why the money was spent. The
revival certainly doesn't eclipse the original Broadway cast with the
dynamic performance of Rosalind Russell and if you want the extra
material recorded from the revival, you're better off with the Donna
Murphy version. Murphy may have missed lots of performances, but she was
the superior singer.
Grade: C
"KISMET"
Original Broadway Cast
Prism Leisure (PLATCD 1279)
"CAN-CAN"
Original Broadway Cast
Prism Leisure (PLATCD 1278)
The Broadway Musicals Series issued by the British label Prism
Leisure adds two classic Broadway musicals to the continuing series.
From 1953, there's "Kismet," the operetta that used Alexander Borodin
compositions to create such classic tunes as "Fate," "Baubles, Bangles
and Beads," "Stranger in Paradise," "And This Is My Beloved," plus
"Sands of Time," is a melodic delight. The original cast that featured
Alfred Drake as the poet Hajj and Joan Diener as Lalume was one of
Broadway's finest. The story was simple but the tunes were overwhelming.
Added to the release are two pop versions of show songs, Peggy Lee's
"Baubles, Bangles and Beads" and Tony Bennett's "Stranger in Paradise."
Also in 1953, came Cole Porter's raunchy Parisian tale "Can-Can"
starring the French dynamo, Lilo, and featuring Gwen Verdon's first
major role. The score is delightful Porter, not his finest, but still a
pleasure and joy to hear. The extra tracks here include excerpts from
the original London cast recording of the show, items I have not
previously heard. All in all, the Prism Leisure releases of Broadway
musical recordings with bonus tracks, all with good sound, are a welcome
addition for show music lovers. One hopes they soon will tackle rarer
Broadway shows.
Grades: A- "Kismet" and B+ "Can-Can"
"GUYS AND DOLLS"
Original Broadway Cast
Naxos Musicals (8.120786)
Another new label releasing old Broadway cast recordings is Naxos
Musicals and their version of "Guys and Dolls" isn't distinguished and
is readily available but the extra tracks are rich indeed. The bonus
"Guys and Dolls" tracks include "The Three-Cornered Tune" by Dinah
Shore, a tune not included in the original Broadway material, and Morey
Amsterdam's "Sue Me." Additional bonus tracks by composer Frank Loesser
include six "Where's Charley" songs featuring the Broadway and London
casts as well as pop singers. Since this musical wasn't recorded because
of a Musician's Union strike, having these tunes in one place is a
welcome. Two versions of the show's famous tune, "Once In Love with
Amy," featuring Ray Bolger from the New York cast and Norman Wisdom from
the London cast is outstanding. The recording also boasts the composer
and his first wife, Lynn, in "Baby It's Cold Outside" from 1949s
"Neptune's Daughter," a show I've haven't previously heard. It's only
one song, but it's a treasure nonetheless.
Grade: B
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