Motown-from Broadway... [Import]

motown-from broadway... [import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Full title - Motown - From Broadway To Hollywood. Budget-price compilation featuring Motown legend's covers of Broadway standards. Artists include, The Temptaions, Martha & The Vandellas, The Supremes, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Barbara McNair & more. Spectrum. 2002.

Motown-from Broadway...,Motown-from Broadway...,Rock/Pop Collections

Motown-from Broadway... [Import]
Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A Wicked musical
  • Wicked Wonderful!
  • Wicked Soundtrack
  • Wicked in London
  • Classic, classy, and funny
 Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
Stephen Schwartz , Kristin Chenoweth , and Idina Menzel
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
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  3. Wicked: The Grimmerie, a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Hit Broadway Musical
  4. Avenue Q (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. Wicked - Piano/Vocal Arrangement

ASIN: B0000TB01Y
Release Date: 2003-12-16

Tracks:

  1. No One Mourns the Wicked - Cristy Candler
  2. Dear Old Shiz
  3. The Wizard and I - Idina Menzel
  4. What Is This Feeling? - Kristin Chenoweth
  5. Something Bad - William Youmans
  6. Dancing Through Life - Michelle Federer
  7. Popular - Kristin Chenoweth
  8. I'm Not That Girl - Idina Menzel
  9. One Short Day - Kristin Chenoweth
  10. A Sentimental Man - Joel Grey
  11. Defying Gravity - Idina Menzel
  12. Thank Goodness - Kristin Chenoweth
  13. Wonderful - Idina Menzel
  14. I'm Not That Girl (Reprise) - Kristin Chenoweth
  15. As Long as You're Mine - Norbert Leo Butz
  16. No Good Deed - Idina Menzel
  17. March of the Witch Hunters
  18. For Good - Kristin Chenoweth
  19. Finale - Kristin Chenoweth

Amazon.com

One of the most common complaints about musicals is that the books are flimsy pretexts from which to hang numbers. Wicked runs into the opposite problem: it has a great plot, but too often the songs just get in the way. Based on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, Wicked tells us what happened between Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, before Dorothy showed up in Oz. And the show is lucky to boast a pair of ace leading women in the main roles. As Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth delivers a sensational star turn, displaying a crystal-pure voice and sharp comic timing; Idina Menzel lends her powerful pipes to the tricky role of Elphaba. Unfortunately, you wish they had better material to work with. Stephen Schwartz's pop score is often dragged down by overly synthetic orchestrations and sentimental lyrics (think Chicken Soup for the Witch). Still, at its best Wicked is a seductive slice of popular entertainment that could well give a younger audience a lasting taste for musical theater. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A Wicked musical.......2007-07-13

There are two, for me, outstanding pieces to this recording of the Original cast recording of the musical 'Wicked' The wizard and I and Popular. Both sung with great fun and gusto.
Over all I enjoyed the CD, being a massive wizard of Oz fan, it was interesting to listen to the story from an altogether different perspective. Enjoyable, memorable and fun- a great purchase, that comes highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Wicked Wonderful!.......2007-07-12

My son and nieces saw Wicked on Broadway three years ago and it took me this long to order the CD. I played it endlessly the last several weeks and as a long time musical afficionado can say unequivocally, it is a superlative example of score and libretto. The lyrics are exemplary in their poignancy and clever massage of the concepts of good and evil. The music tugged at every heartstring I have. Wicked is sublime!

5 out of 5 stars Wicked Soundtrack.......2007-07-12

I have experienced Wicked in London at the Apollo Theatre on three separate occasions. Owning the soundrack enables me to relive the emotion surrounding this amazing theatrical production. This soundtrack includes an appropriate character dialog and music combination enabling the listener to participate in a continuous story line flow, avoiding gaps and interrupted transitions, providing the opportunity to relieve each theatrical experience scene by scene.

I recommend this soundtract for those who are planning to go to a Wicked production. The soundract includes printed musical lyrics in the included folio. Immersing oneself in the music and lyrics will enhance the total experience at the theatre.

Enjoy

5 out of 5 stars Wicked in London.......2007-07-11

I went to see Wicked at the Victoria Apollo Theatre in London last weekend. I had been playing this cd for a couple of weeks so that I knew the music beforehand and, although the vocals are not bad, it doesn't come anywhere close to the performance by Kerry Ellis. She is absolutely superb & if you get the chance to see her then you should jump at it. I hope that a Wicked cd featuring her is produced as this one has lost it's charm a little after hearing her.

5 out of 5 stars Classic, classy, and funny.......2007-07-09

The songs that are funny are VERY funny, and the songs that are sad are very sad. It opens with "No One Mourns the Wicked", a song that in any other show would be the closing number (in other words, start off with a climax and build from there.). For my money the three best songs are the ironic "The Wizard and I" (the W.W.'s wishes for the future), "What is This Feeling" (the best song in the show, it uses the clichés of a love song to talk about W.W. and Glinda's mutual loathing. If you hum any tune for a week it will be this - unless it's . . .), and "Popular" (Glinda's witty I-Know-How-To-Make-You-Over romp). The much-praised "Defying Gravity" is ok, but really just your standard Broadway Empowerment Tune(tm) -- this generation's "Impossible Dream" from MAN OF LA MANCHA. Likewise "Dancing Through Life" has such a great tune that it was a shame to waste it on those silly lyrics. They should have reprised it later in the show for a different character with deeper lyrics. Still, cast album is going into heavy rotation on my CD player.
Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Another awesome Broadway Recording!!
  • Not living up to the hype.
  • Terrific Concept for Musical. Smart Album.
  • For those who hate musicals...
  • Spring Awakening Rocks!
 Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Duncan Sheik , Steven Sater , Skylar Astin , Lilli Cooper , John Gallagher Jr. , Gideon Glick , Jonathan Groff , Brian Johnson , Lea Michele , and Lauren Pritchard
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000J3FBFC
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

  1. Mamma Who Bore Me
  2. Mamma Who Bore Me (Reprise)
  3. All That's Known
  4. The B*tch of Living
  5. My Junk
  6. Touch Me
  7. The Word of Your Body
  8. The Dark I Know Well
  9. And Then There Were None
  10. The Mirror-Blue Night
  11. I Believe
  12. Don't Do Sadness
  13. Blue Wind
  14. The Guilty Ones
  15. Left Behind
  16. Totally F*ucked
  17. The Word of Your Body (Reprise)
  18. Whispering
  19. Those You've Known
  20. The Song of Purple Summer

Amazon.com

Who would have thought that Duncan Sheik would succeed where Paul Simon and Randy Newman failed, successfully transitioning from the pop-rock world to the Broadway stage? With Spring Awakening, Sheik and book writer/lyricist Steven Slater (who had already worked on Sheik's 2001 album Phantom Moon) have created a thoroughly exciting show that incorporates a contemporary art-indie idiom (including a small rock band instead of an orchestra) into a dramatic musical-theater context. The unlikely setting is that of a Frank Wedekind adaptation, but as it turns out, teenage angst is perennial, whether it's in contemporary America or in a 1891 German boarding school. Songs such as "The Bitch of Living" ("with nothing going on, asking just what went wrong"), "The Word of Your Body," "I Don't Do Sadness," and "Totally Fucked" ("You're fucked if you speak your mind and you know you will") resonate with the rage, frustration, confusion, excitement, joy, anger, and of course budding lust of those hormone-driven years. The show is greatly enhanced by its youthful cast members (they're all pretty close in age to their characters), who sing their hearts out. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Decca Broadway presents the cast recording for the acclaimed new Broadway production, SPRING AWAKENING. Written by pop music composer Duncan Sheik and playwright/lyricist Steven Sater, the musical explores emotional earthquakes in the lives of teenagers.

SPRING AWAKENING is based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 drama, which was scandalous in its day for addressing sex violence and suicide. The story, dialogue and costumes suggest the 19th Century, and are perfectly wedded to a beautiful alternative pop music score by Grammy® nominated singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik. The creative team also includes Tony® Award Winning director Michael Mayer (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and legendary choreographer Bill T. Jones.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Another awesome Broadway Recording!!.......2007-07-13

Spring Awakening is wonderful...the music coming from the hearts of youth struggle and agony, the entire cd grabs the attention of the listener!!

2 out of 5 stars Not living up to the hype........2007-07-13

All the hype and samplers were great. But, calling this show the next "RENT" just ain't right. Also, raved as a "rock and roll musical". It is NOT. Some okay music, however, no show stoppers and no hummers.

4 out of 5 stars Terrific Concept for Musical. Smart Album. .......2007-07-12

Wow, I haven't brought a musical cast album in years. But this one caught my eye - and ear. Does anybody know if this is getting play on the radio? Some of the tracks are genuinely pop-radio friendly. It deserves to be heard by more than just Broadway audiences.

5 out of 5 stars For those who hate musicals..........2007-07-07

This is the rare Broadway soundtrack that lives off the stage as well as on. For those who are not fond of stilted show tunes, this soundtrack rocks! I can't stop listening to it, and I'm sure you will find the same true for you as well. The show was magnificent-totally deserving of its recent Best Musical Tony win. The soundtrack is a wonderful memento-Buy it!

5 out of 5 stars Spring Awakening Rocks!.......2007-07-03

I was lucky enough to see Spring Awakening on Broadway over Memorial Day Weekend (a week before they won all their Tony awards). This show is awesome. And the soundtrack lets me relive the excitemen on my boring commute to work!
Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • All DAVID HYDE PIERCE FANS WILL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!
  • Very Pleasant
  • Pure Entertainment
  • Curtains is hilarious
  • A Tough Act To Follow
 Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: Manhattan Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  2. Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
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  4. The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)

ASIN: B000PC1QKQ
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

  1. Overture
  2. Wide Open Spaces
  3. What Kind Of Man?
  4. Thinking Of Him
  5. The Woman's Dead
  6. Show People
  7. Coffee Shop Nights
  8. In the Same Boat
  9. I Miss the Music
  10. Thataway!
  11. The Man Is Dead
  12. He Did It
  13. In the Same Boat
  14. It's a Business
  15. Kansasland
  16. Medley: Thinking Of Him/I Miss the Music
  17. A Tough Act To Follow
  18. In the Same Boat
  19. In the Same Boat
  20. Show People
  21. Wide Open Spaces
  22. A Tough Act To Follow

Amazon.com

Sadly, Curtains is the final entry in the long and fruitful partnership of lyricist Fred Ebb (who died in September 2004) and composer John Kander. While the show doesn't reach the heights of the team's previous masterpieces, such as Cabaret and Chicago, it's certainly a lot better than, say, their middling 1997 offering Steel Pier. Deliberately old-fashioned (it even features a real overture, something that's fast becoming a rarity), Curtains is a whodunit rolled into a musical--or vice versa. Set in 1959 Boston, it takes place backstage at a singing-and-dancing Western corker titled Robbin Hood. Someone gets killed, and a show tunes-crazy homicide detective (David Hyde Pierce) is called in. The plot is just a pretext for a series of very entertaining, characteristically brass-heavy songs that may not have the bite of old Kander and Ebb but are still very catchy. Above all, Curtains is (both thematically and stylistically) a love letter to old-school showbiz, and it's delivered on a silver platter by a cast of pros that includes the aforementioned Hyde Pierce, Kander and Ebb habituée Karen Ziemba, endearing Jason Danieley and, a notch above the rest, Debra Monk. Unsurprisingly, she chews the scenery and spits it right back in a pair of rowdy numbers: "Show People" and "It's a Business." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Curtains is an entertaining play within a play, as well as a "whodunit" new musical comedy featuring one of the last scores by legendary, Tony Award-winning songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago, New York, New York). Starring David Hyde Pierce (Spamalot, "Frasier") and Debra Monk, the Curtains original Broadway cast album is produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winner Jay David Saks.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars All DAVID HYDE PIERCE FANS WILL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!.......2007-07-10

And even if you are not---the music is great!!!!!! This is the final collaboration between John Kander and the late Fred Ebb--plus throw in the efforts of Rupert Holmes (who wrote the underated MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD--and everyone's favorite guilty pleasure 70's tune--THE PINA COLADA SONG). Anyway, I always thought David was robbed of a TONY nod for SPAMALOT--so his win for this was quite overdue!

Every song is a winner---and it is not just because of Pierce--Deborah Monk also has one of the great show stoppers "IT'S A BUSINESS"!

All theatre buff will enjoy--I certainly did!

3 out of 5 stars Very Pleasant.......2007-07-10

Nice, witty and pleasant music. Sadly, as the teams last work, it is not on a par with their earlier efforts. I kept expecting the big, gorgeous, soaring ballad of other shows, but it never really comes. I still think Steel Pier is their best work (tho the show didn't work). However when you are the composers of Cabaret, The Happy Time, Woman of the Year, Chicago, The Act and The Rink (among still more), you go down in theater history as one of the great songwriting teams in American theater.

The performers are all first rate, David Hyde Pierce and Debra Monk are hoots. KAren Ziemba, as always, is wonderful. A major disappointment is that Jason Danielly's beautiful tenor voice is not given more to do. Overall, pleasant fun!!

4 out of 5 stars Pure Entertainment.......2007-07-10

Very entertaining. A fitting finale to the partnership of Kander & Ebb.
The story is immaterial to the music. A strong cast carries off what could be considered a nonsense piece. Plaudits all round to the cast, writers and producers.

4 out of 5 stars Curtains is hilarious.......2007-07-09

David Hyde Pearce is excellent as the detective -- finally breaking away from his Niles Crane persona. He's not a great singer, but he sure can put over his songs. I was particularly impressed with Debra Monk who is delightfully catty and crude and she sings beautifully. The score is not Kander & Ebb's best, but the lyrics are clever and sometimes had be LMAOROTF.

5 out of 5 stars A Tough Act To Follow.......2007-07-09

"Curtians" The Broadway Musical was fun and holds up "pretty good but not great" to the Kander and Ebb reputation but fortunately, their music holds up quite well!
The wonderful thing about this CD is, you can get the jist of the entire show and enjoy the CD for itself.

The music is good and the performing cast on the CD are a scream, with Debra Monk delivering the funniest lines. David Hyde Pierce brought home the TONY, and this CD is so good, it gives you a hint why.
The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A very good recording
  • The Pirate Queen
  • A minor effort, but it has its moments
  • my thoughts
  • Wonderful musical: Schomberg and Boublil have made it again!!
 The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: Sony Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  2. Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
  4. Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. High Fidelity (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000QTCY72
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

  1. Prologue
  2. Pirate Queen
  3. Woman
  4. My Grace
  5. Here on This Night
  6. Waking of the Queen
  7. Rah-Rah, Tip-Top
  8. Choice Is Mine
  9. Boys'll Be Boys
  10. Wedding
  11. I'll Be There
  12. Day Beyond Belclare
  13. Sail to the Stars
  14. Entr'acte
  15. Enemy at Port Side
  16. I Dismiss You
  17. If I Said I Loved You
  18. Role of the Queen
  19. Christening
  20. Let a Father Stand by His Son
  21. Surrender
  22. She Who Has All
  23. Sea of Life
  24. Woman to Woman
  25. Finale

Amazon.com

The Pirate Queen, with a score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon), took a critical beating when it opened on Broadway, but as this catchy cast recording demonstrates, that reception was really unnecessarily harsh. Set in the 17th century, the show (which closed after only 85 performances) tells the story of Grace O'Malley (Stephanie J. Block), an Irish ship captain and pirate who defied Queen Elizabeth I (Linda Balgord). The combination of that setting with the fact that the producers also brought us Riverdance means an overall Celtic flavor. But fans of Boublil and Schönberg should not fear. The duo delivers plenty of the over-the-top, super-emotional power ballads they're famous for--it's hard not to wonder what Celine Dion would make of songs such as "Woman" or "I'll Be There" (the latter sung by a man, but no matter!). Special kudos to Balgord, whose deliciously campy stage portrayal of Elizabeth I comes across well on "The Waking of the Queen," "The Role of the Queen," and two harpsichord-driven, vibrato-laden duets with Block, "She Who Has All" and "Woman to Woman." Also of note to fans of traditional singing is the participation of Áine Uí Cheallaigh (known from Riverdance) on several tracks. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A very good recording.......2007-07-11

I really like the CD. I find it too short but it was beautifully recorded. The voices were very strong and the orchestration was done nicely. I really didn't like the electric guitar, it seems so out of place sometimes over powering the vocal especially during I'll be there.

5 out of 5 stars The Pirate Queen.......2007-07-11

"The Pirate Queen" was a genious yet unique piece of musical theatre that suffered a harsh yet undeserved fate. I was very blessed to see this show twice on Broadway, including its very last performance on Broadway June 17th. Everytime I listen through the cast recording, I have to question why this show got the ratings it did. I refuse to believe that the critics that panned the show were watching and hearing the same show that I was. The cast, though, including the powerful and haunting vocals from Stephanie J. Block, were all incredibly talented and gave a thrilling and unforgetable experience every performance. I continue to feel shivers when I hear the Prologue, and can still perfectly visualize the opening scene. Some of the highlighted solos of the show include Ms. Block's "Woman" and Hadley Frasier's "I'll Be There". The conversations (duets) held between Grania and Queen Elizabeth in "She Who Has All" and "Woman to Woman" portray the strength and meeting of two historical women in such a time when powerful females were unheard of. Songs that include the chorus such as "A Day Beyond Belclare", "Sail to the Stars", and "Sea of Life" will surely leave you with the chills from the power and depth of the songs. There are so many other songs on the cast recording, and if I could I would tell you the magic behind each and every one of them, but I'll let you listen to it and experience it for yourself. Even though this show was robbed of the recognition it deserved, we are so incredibly fortunate to have a cast recording to allow us who have seen the show to re-live the magic we experienced, and also portray the beauty of such a wonderful yet short lived musical to those who did not have the chance to see it. "The Pirate Queen" may not be playing on Broadway now, but this CR will allow this enchanting show to forever live in our hearts. Long live the Queen!

3 out of 5 stars A minor effort, but it has its moments.......2007-07-10

Since the ill-fated "Martin Guerre" in the 90's, I've been waiting for Boublil and Schonberg to make a comeback and recapture some of the glory they achieved with their blockbuster 80's musicals, "Les Miserables" and "Miss Saigon." Unfortunately, "The Pirate Queen" is more throwback than comeback. Despite some Irish folk stylings thrown in to fit this story about an Irish female pirate, the music is just too similar to their earlier works, never sounding sufficiently new or original. It's derivative, no question, but fortunately, it's derivative of shows I really like (well, not "Martin Guerre" so much, but I'm certainly a fan of "Les Miz" and "Saigon."). Schonberg has a talent for unabashed dramatics, and when he turns it on here in songs like "I'll Be There" and "A Day Beyond Belclare," I can't help but get lost in my nostalgia for the pop opera spectacles that introduced me to musicals and cast recordings. Unfortunately, even nostalgia can't do much about duds like "Boys'll Be Boys," a gratingly corny number that musically is sort of a cross between "Master of the House" from "Les Miz" and "What a Waste" from "Saigon." And don't even get me started on the depressingly banal lyrics throughout, which are never more than functional. But I like the performances of stars Stephanie J. Block and Hadley Fraser, who both have impressive voices that are a perfect fit for this style of musical. Overall, "The Pirate Queen" is the musical equivalent of a summer popcorn movie ("Pirates of the Carribean," perhaps?), and on that level, it works just well enough.

4 out of 5 stars my thoughts.......2007-07-10

well, first off, I was shocked that the stores didn't carry more copies of this...I really had to look around for it but finally got it...This show is not great...It's not what it could be, but it has got a great cast, and some great great music...


Some songs I really enjoy are "The Pirate Queen", "Boys Will be Boys", "A Day Beyond Belcare", Sail to the Stars" One thing this Cd really has is GREAT ensemble numbers. The music really lets the cast's vocals shine, moreso than a lot of shows. I'd say that's one of the biggest highlights.

What REALLY makes this CD, and the song that I will listen to over and over and over and over again is Hadley Fraser's "I'll Be There". This is one of if not the best song for a male character B and S ever wrote. It's gorgeous and Hadley sings it brilliantly. He has the power in both the lower and higher register, he has a gorgeous tenor voice but it is so rich and powerful, yet lyric at the same time...so good.

The rest of the CD is just so so...Get it for "I'll be there" and the great Chorus numbers, but I was disappointed that Block didn't get her equivalent to "I'll be there" and The queen stuff is really annoying to listen to...

Jeff McCarthy does a great job as the dad...he has the perfect Boublil and Schonberg authoritative, legit baritone voice you'd want in a Javert or that type of character. It's not a CD or a show that's flawless, but for sure worth getting because where it's strong it's very strong.


5 out of 5 stars Wonderful musical: Schomberg and Boublil have made it again!!.......2007-07-10

The first thing I must say is that after having been looking forward to the release of this recording, I was absolutely impressed the first time I played it on my Hi-Fi. No room for doubt: if you enjoyed Les Mis as well as Miss Saigon and Martin Guerre, this duo of French composers won't let you down at all once more. On the contrary The Pirate Queen sounds incredibly fresh and in my opinion succeeds admirably. We shouldn't forget that Les Miserables was not much hailed by the critics either when it first opened (probably by the same critics that today would place it among the finest achievements in recent musical history). The real pity of this recording is that it isn't a complete recording and although the synopsis of the story at the beginning is quite complete and you can fill the gaps easily, still you very much miss listening to every single word and music from this powerful musical. Let's hope this complete recording is released in the future.
I wouldn't like to finish without mentioning the incredible quality of the voices of this cast. All of them are absolutely fantastic, giving their respective roles a quality of involvement in the story very rare in musicals nowadays. You could say this is not a musical for a single singer to stand out. All of them contribute to a wonderful whole, something you can very well appreciate after the second or third listenings.
All in all a great achievement and I hope that the production finally makes it to the West End because it the recording is brilliant in itself, it must be certainly a sublime treat to watch this musical on stage. Once more bravo to this incredible pair of composers, Schomberg and Boublil!!
Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Jersey Boys
  • Like being there
  • A step back in musical time
  • Great music, but missing too much
  • Jersey boys win my heart
 Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
Ronald Melrose , Ken Dow , Anik Oulianine , Stephanie Cummins , Deborah Hurwitz , Kevin Dow , Joe Payne , Larry Saltzman , Dave Spier , Bill Hayes , Randall Andos , Bob Milikan , Debra Shufelt , Maxine Roach , Belinda Whitney , Cenovia Cummins , Eric de Gioia , Louise Owen , Robin Zeh , Sarah Schwartz , Shinwon Kim , Christian Hoff , Daniel Reichard , Donnie Kehr , Erica Piccininni , J. Robert Spencer , Jennifer Naimo , John Lloyd Young , Sara Schmidt , Tituss Burgess , Steve Orich , and Bob Gaudio
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
  2. The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
  4. Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000BFH2QY
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

  1. Ces Soirees la'
  2. Early Years Medley
  3. Cry For Me
  4. Backups Medley
  5. Sherry
  6. Big Girls Don't Cry
  7. Walk Like A Man
  8. December, 1963
  9. My Boyfriend's Back
  10. My Eyes Adored You
  11. Dawn (Go Away)
  12. Big Man In Town
  13. Dialog: A Little Trouble
  14. Beggin'
  15. Dialog: See How You Handle It
  16. Medley Listen Listen
  17. c'mon marianne
  18. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
  19. Working My Way Back To You
  20. Fallen Angel

Amazon.com

Although it squarely falls in the "jukebox musical" category, Jersey Boys doesn¹t try to integrate its songs in an artificial plotline. The show tells the story of the early-1960s group the Four Seasons, and the musical numbers tend to be introduced in context, as when songwriter Bob Gaudio comes up with a tune, or the quartet performs a show. This allows Jersey Boys to flow better than some of ill-fated peers, and the actors can shine without having to bend backward to accommodate an inane book. The show's most (only) daring move is to start with a hip-hop-tinged French-language version of "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," an actual hit in France in 2000. After that it's all VH1-biopic territory, but it's done with so much flair, taste and energy that the ride's a fun one. The Four Seasons had enough hits ("Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," etc.) to easily fill an evening at the theater, so it's left to the cast to do right by them. And it does, particularly John Lloyd Young as the band¹s star lead, Frankie Valli. Young hits all the falsetto notes and brings real freshness to the part. His "Can¹t Take My Eyes Off You," a second-act peak, is signed, sealed and delivered with a star's acumen. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Recounting the rich history and reliving the timeless sounds of the phenomenal Frankie Vallie & The 4 Seasons, the new Broadway musical Jersey Boys answers the musical-and philosophical question, "How did four would-be wise guys from Newark, NJ, become one of the greatest chart-topping successes in pop music history?" Jersey Boys celebrates legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi who, as the 4 seasons, wrote their own songs, invented their own identity, and sold 175 million records worldwide-all before they were 30.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Jersey Boys.......2007-07-08

Purchased CD prior to seeing the show when visiting USA in '06. A fun lively show - the CD now captivates those fond memories of not only the foot tapping music & show but also our special time in New York.

5 out of 5 stars Like being there.......2007-07-05

Have seen the play twice. This album lets me relive the experience anytime anyplace. A great piece of Rock n roll history.

5 out of 5 stars A step back in musical time.......2007-07-05

My wife and daughter didn't know about the Four Seasons but I did. When I told them I wanted to see the musical on stage, there was no interest so I bought this product and they heard it in the car. We went to the stage musical soon after and we have listened to the entire disk so many times I've lost track. I created a Four Seasons monster in my daughter. She's fifteen and has memorized most of the songs and sings along while we are driving somewhere.

4 out of 5 stars Great music, but missing too much.......2007-07-04

I saw this play at age 16 with no idea who the Four Seasons were, but instantly fell in love with it. The problem is, this soudntrack cuts a two hour play into less than an hour on CD. Most of the dialouge is missing, only including enough to let each member of the group at least say something. I know many play soundtracks cut out dialouge, but what confuses me is why this stretches to the music as well. What is there is amazing, but I don't understand why most of the songs are cut to half, and sometimes even a third or fourth of their original lengths. I love this CD, just be aware that you are hardly getting any story, just clips of lots of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons songs. So, great music and dialouge, just not enough for a musical soundtrack.

5 out of 5 stars Jersey boys win my heart.......2007-07-03

what a wonderful album-brings back such wonderful memories
they don't write songs like this enough today
Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

    Manufacturer: Ghostlight
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
    2. The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
    3. Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture)
    4. 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
    5. High Fidelity (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

    ASIN: B000R7I3NW
    Release Date: 2007-07-17

    Tracks:

    1. Legally Blonde, Musical/Omigod You Guys
    2. Legally Blonde, Musical/Serious
    3. Legally Blonde, Musical/What You Want
    4. Legally Blonde, Musical/The Harvard Variations
    5. Legally Blonde, Musical/Blood in the Water
    6. Legally Blonde, Musical/Positive
    7. Legally Blonde, Musical/Ireland
    8. Legally Blonde, Musical/Ireland (Reprise)
    9. Legally Blonde, Musical/Serious (Reprise)
    10. Legally Blonde, Musical/Chip on My Shoulder
    11. Legally Blonde, Musical/So Much Better
    12. Legally Blonde, Musical/Whipped into Shape
    13. Legally Blonde, Musical/Take It Like a Man
    14. Legally Blonde, Musical/Bend and Snap
    15. Legally Blonde, Musical/There! Right There!
    16. Legally Blonde, Musical/Legally Blonde
    17. Legally Blonde, Musical/Legally Blonde Remix
    18. Legally Blonde, Musical/Find My Way/Finale

    Amazon.com

    Like Wicked, this show is a girl-friendly extravaganza; the main difference--and it's a big one--is that the score of Legally Blonde is better. Based on the hit Reese Witherspoon movie, the zippy, frothy show tells the story of SoCal, pink-loving sorority girl Elle Woods, who enrolls at Harvard Law and goes on to prove that appearances can be deceiving. The opening number, "Omigod You Guys," gives an idea of what the Broadway-pop score by Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy--The Musical) and Nell Benjamin is up to, embracing its over-the-top cheer with goofily infectious energy. Sure, a couple of numbers feel a bit derivative (the show with the witches has "Popular," this one has "Positive"), and the Celtic detour ("Ireland") is rather puzzling, but overall the songs are firing on all cylinders. Just check out the use of a marching band on "What You Want" for instance. Laura Bell Bundy (Amber von Tussle in Hairspray) is a charming Elle, and she delivers numbers such as "So Much Better" with the requisite elan. But this is not a one-woman show, and Bundy is surrounded by a crack team, including the endearing Christian Borle as Elle's love interest Emmett, power-piped Orfeh as hairdresser Paulette and up-and-comer Leslie Kritzer as Delta Nu's Serena. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
    Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • I want to take my ears off now
    • Isn't she amazing!
    • Ebersole's Versatility Lends Landmark Status to a Quirky Character Study in Co-Dependency
    • Smash Hit!
    • Ebersole is EXCITING
    		 Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

    Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
    2. Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
    3. The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
    4. Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)
    5. [title of show] (2006 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

    ASIN: B000G75A9I
    Release Date: 2006-08-22

    Tracks:

    1. The Girl Who Has Everything
    2. The Five-Fifteen
    3. Mother Darling
    4. Goin' Places
    5. Marry Well
    6. Hominy Grits
    7. Peas in a Pod
    8. Drift Away
    9. The Five-Fifteen (reprise)
    10. Daddy's Girl
    11. The Telegram
    12. Will You?
    13. The Revolutionary Costume for Today
    14. The Cake I Had
    15. Entering Grey Gardens
    16. The House We Live In
    17. Jerry Likes My Corn
    18. Around the World
    19. Choose to Be Happy
    20. Around the World (reprise)
    21. Another Winter in a Summer Town
    22. The Girl Who Has Everything (reprise)

    Product Description

    GREY GARDENS proclaimed the #1 Show of the Year by Time Magazine is preserved here in its Original Broadway Cast Recording. The show had been previously recorded following its off-Broadway premiere in the spring of 2006 (and its cast album released by PS Classics in August of 2006), but this new recording features the new songs and new cast members that were added for its Broadway transfer last fall. The new GREY GARDENS opened on Broadway on November 2, 2006, to rave reviews, led by Ben Brantley in The New York Times, who called it an experience no passionate theatergoer should miss! Starring Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole and Tony Award nominee Mary Louise Wilson, it subsequently appeared on over 25 Best of 2006 lists, including #1 Show of the Year (Time), Best Musical of the Year (USA Today, Entertainment Weekly) and Performance of the Year (The New York Times, New York) for Ms. Ebersole. In addition to the new songs and new performances, this Original Broadway Cast Recording also features an all-new 32-page full-color booklet complete with lyrics and Broadway production photos.

    Amazon.com

    Based on the Maysles brothers' cult 1975 documentary of the same name, this musical is an endearing—-and sometimes genuinely heartwrenching—-oddity propelled by Christine Ebersole's exceptional, for-the-history-books performance. The movie followed the kooky duo of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter, Little Edie Beale, as they lived with their 52 cats in a derelict East Hampton mansion. The show's first act, set in 1941, is a prologue of sorts, while the second act, set in 1973, follows the movie closely. Ebersole plays Edith in Act I (which she concludes in dazzling manner with "Will You?") and Little Edie in Act II (when Mary Louise Wilson comes in to play the mother). And while Wilson is superb, this is Ebersole's show. Technically, she is flawless—-just listen to the way she changes her voice between the acts—-but she also makes Little Edie a poignant eccentric, a lost soul stuck in a world of deluded, decaying grandeur. It all peaks in the poignant "Around the World," the show's best song and an Ebersole tour de force. Note that this recording documents the Off-Broadway production; the show transferred to Broadway in the fall of 2006 with a slightly altered first act. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

    Customer Reviews:

    1 out of 5 stars I want to take my ears off now.......2007-06-29

    Grey Gardens got good reviews? I honestly don't know why everyone is raving. I have listened to it a few times now and I don't get it. Well I get it, what it's about and what is going on but I don't get why people like it. The music kind of reminds me of Annie, but worse. Don't get me wrong, I like Annie, but it's...Annie.

    You might tell me its one of those shows you have to see on stage, but if I don't even like the music why would I even want to sit through it? Please. I can't stand this cast recording the only good thing about it is Christine Ebersole.

    They could have done SO much better. I get what they tried to do and I see where they could have improved. I've turned off the music now and have left it for another day, maybe on a day when I can't hear properly.

    5 out of 5 stars Isn't she amazing!.......2007-06-28

    I mean, can you believe her? I mean, Christine, not Edie. Well, Edie, too. And her mom. But then Christine is both of them, isn't she. I mean...

    4 out of 5 stars Ebersole's Versatility Lends Landmark Status to a Quirky Character Study in Co-Dependency.......2007-06-17

    I was fortunate enough to catch Christine Ebersole's performance on Broadway last month, and it was indeed as transcendent as people have proclaimed. For those concerned about the future of the American musical theater, your fears can be allayed at least for another day. She gets the opportunity to play two vastly different roles and conquers both with élan and emotional power. Truth be told, the show itself is not as good as her, even though it deals with the fascinating, dysfunctional dynamics between the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the Beales. Luckily, Ebersole dominates both acts, first playing "Big Edie" in her social register glory in 1941 and then over three decades later, as her daughter, "Little Edie", now a haggard, turban-headed 56-year old recluse. This pristine recording reflects the schizophrenic nature of the score by Scott Frankel and Michael Korie.

    Both acts are set in Grey Gardens, a palatial estate in East Hampton that has become a dilapidated, self-imposed prison over the years. Musically, the first act is the weaker of the two as it attempts to provide a fictionalized backstory to the Beales, including a likely exaggerated engagement between Little Edie and Joseph Kennedy, Jr., the eldest Kennedy son who was later killed in action during WWII. Even on record, the entire act feels strung together by a series of derivative faux-period songs like the time management swing number, "The Five-Fifteen", and the Berlinesque closer, "Will You?". However, the disc does allow more time to appreciate Korie's sophisticated lyrics on top of Frankel's WWII-era hodgepodge. The music is much better in the second act, which picks up where the famous 1975 documentary (Grey Gardens) begins with the mother and daughter having become co-dependent eccentrics tied inextricably to their health disaster of a home.

    Ebersole finds a poignant, approval-seeking core to Little Edie with a couple of beautiful ballads - the haunting "Another Winter in a Summer Town" and the stunning dual-personality lullaby, "Around the World" - and delivers them with a bell-like clarity and palpable emotional depth. Her sharp comedy skills are also on full display with the obtuse fashion rundown on "The Revolutionary Costume for Today" and the Sousa-like march of "The House We Live In". Mary Louise Wilson provides a funny and affecting turn as the aged Big Edie and even sings the delusional praises of her lunk-headed handyman in "Jerry Likes My Corn". Broadway veteran John McMartin also performs a couple of numbers, but it is Ebersole's show all the way and her seemingly effortless versatility is what brings this quirky, sometimes enthralling score to life on disc.

    5 out of 5 stars Smash Hit!.......2007-06-12

    With the least bit of imagination, one can visualize much of this musical; but, oh,heavens! this musical's addict would love to jump on a plane, fly to NYC and see this show. This very minute! Tony award winning performances are so evident on this CD. The "Around the World" song is an event to listen to.

    5 out of 5 stars Ebersole is EXCITING.......2007-06-11

    Having seen the cult film many times, I thought the musical would just rehash old things. BOY was I wrong! Ms. Ebersole is Unbelievable as the mother and the daughter Little and Big Edie Beale. The writing is amazing incorporating direct lines from the film to the score. BRAVO!
    110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Fabulous recording of a terrific score
    • My new favorite show
    • It's not 110%
    • Beautiful music
    • Great music and cast, needs updated book
    		 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)

    Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
    2. Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
    3. Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
    4. Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)
    5. The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

    ASIN: B000PMG9GW
    Release Date: 2007-06-12

    Tracks:

    1. Another Hot Day
    2. Lizzie's Comin' Home
    3. Love, Don't Turn Away
    4. Poker Polka
    5. The Hungry Men
    6. The Rain Song
    7. You're Not Fooling Me
    8. Cinderella
    9. Raunchy
    10. A Man and a Woman
    11. "She Walked Out On Me..."
    12. Old Maid
    13. Evenin' Star
    14. Everything Beautiful
    15. "Stay and Talk..."
    16. Melisande
    17. Simple Little Things
    18. Little Red Hat
    19. Is It Really Me?
    20. Wonderful Music
    21. The Rain Song (reprise)

    Amazon.com

    More than four decades after its Broadway debut, the Roundabout Theatre's 2007 revival of 110 in the Shade is a glorious showcase for soprano Audra McDonald, and an eloquent statement for an underrated and neglected work. Based on N. Richard Nash's play The Rainmaker, 110 in the Shade tells the story of a Texas town stuck in a blistering heat wave. Lizzie (McDonald), the daughter of a local widower (Broadway veteran and TV star John Cullum), has resisted all suitors, including the sheriff (Christopher Innvar), until a potential huckster named Starbuck (Steve Kazee) arrives in town promising to bring rain ("The Rain Song"). Just like Marian the librarian, Lizzie thinks she sees right through the scam ("You're Not Fooling Me"). McDonald shines in her solos ("Love, Don't Turn Away," "Old Maid"), but Cullum, Innvar, and Kazee also get their moments either in duets with McDonald ("A Man and a Woman," "Simple Little Things," "Is It Really Me?") or by themselves. 110 in the Shade is obscure compared to Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's most famous work, The Fantasticks--none of its songs ever entered the popular culture like "Try to Remember"--but it's a beautiful, evocative score that is tailor-made for McDonald's rich voice. It's also much more sumptuous than The Fantasticks, even in Jonathan Tunick's pared-down, Tony-nominated orchestrations. (Also nominated were McDonald, Cullum, lighting designer Christopher Akerlind, and the show itself for Best Revival of a Musical.) P.S. Classics puts out its usual first-rate package, with color photos, introduction by Peter Filichia, synopsis, and libretto. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Fabulous recording of a terrific score.......2007-07-12

    This is simply the best recording of 110 In The Shade, a sadly neglected show by the composer and lyricist of The Fantasticks. It's a far superior score to The Fantasticks, but the original show didn't enjoy a long run on Broadway. Listen to the original broadway cast and I think you can hear why. The original cast sounds pallid in comparison to the cast on this terrific recording led by Audra MacDonald, who seems to have finally found a great part for herself. The supporting cast does not disappoint and the orchestra plays brightly. The only competition to this set is a British recording (now out of print) with cast that featured Karen Ziemba. That's a good set but Audra MacDonald's performance makes this recording the definitive version.

    5 out of 5 stars My new favorite show.......2007-07-12

    Oh wow! The music in this show is beautiful and fun. The cast is loaded with amazing voices with Audra McDonald shining above all. Her "Raunchy" number is outstanding and keeps a grin on your face from beginning to end. I've always loved the "Rainmaker" play and the music, for me, just makes it even better. Both male leads have voices that could melt a maid's heart and I'm just glad it's not me having to choose between the two!

    3 out of 5 stars It's not 110%.......2007-07-05

    The CD is well produced and Audra McDonald is wonderful, but most of the music sounds dated and old fashioned. Maybe that's because the show is dated and old fashioned.

    5 out of 5 stars Beautiful music.......2007-07-05

    I saw this recently on Broadway, and it was an incredibly compelling show. Who knew? I had never heard of it. Audra sounds absolutely magnificent on this cast recording. Her songs alone make it a worthwhile purchase. Add great supporting singers and fun orchestrations, and you have a memorable album to add to your collection.

    4 out of 5 stars Great music and cast, needs updated book.......2007-07-01

    I've long loved the music of this show and the cast was no disappointment. It's a hidden gem like Most Happy Fella that is often overlooked. I heard online interviews with the Director of this production who mentioned that they took liberty with the original script and revised it to reflect current times. I liked the fact that Lizzie was an independent woman and spoke her mind. I cringed throughout the play when it was constantly brought up that she could face the fate of ending up an old maid. As I explained to my 10 year old daughter years ago there was a stigma for unmarried women even more than today. And it was considerable. But this is 2007 and I would have changed this. While I loved the fact that John Cullum so ably showed his love for his daughter and concern for her as a person throughout the show, I doubt it is realistic that a father would encourage someone like Starbuck to have a one day fling with her. Or that she could be so influenced by his character even though Starbuck, a con man had redeeming qualities. I would have changed the book and story and tried to show her strength of character. Maybe she would have been better off without either of them.
    Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Check out Company!
    • This recording disappoints, especially in relation to the live performance
    • GOOD COMPANY
    • Maybe I am partial to Esparza
    • London Cast Recording Still the Best Ever of "Company"
    		 Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)

    Manufacturer: Nonesuch
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Sondheim, StephenSondheim, Stephen | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
    2. Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
    3. Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
    4. 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
    5. A Chorus Line - The New Broadway Cast Recording (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)

    ASIN: B000LV6R4G
    Release Date: 2007-02-20

    Tracks:

    1. Opening
    2. Company
    3. The Little Things You Do Together
    4. Sorry-Grateful
    5. You Could Drive a Person Crazy
    6. Have I Got a Girl for You
    7. Someone Is Waiting
    8. Another Hundred People
    9. Getting Married Today
    10. "What did I just do?"
    11. Marry Me a Little
    12. Side by Side by Side
    13. What Would We Do Without You?
    14. Poor Baby
    15. Barcelona
    16. The Ladies Who Lunch
    17. "You have a good third husband, Joanne"
    18. Being Alive

    Amazon.com

    There may be no original Broadway cast recording more iconic than 1970's Company, with its funky organ sound and Elaine Stritch's not-quite-there high notes, but the December 2006 Broadway revival makes its own mark. For Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's piece about a single man observing the benefits and follies of marriage, director John Doyle borrows the same controversial concept he used for his 2005 Sweeney Todd: the actors playing instruments on stage (now referred to in many circles as "Doyle-izing," and not always with affection and delight). But when you're listening to a cast recording, as Bobby would say: What do you get? For one thing, you'll have to adjust to some different sounds created by Doyle and his music supervisor, Mary-Mitchell Campbell. It's a benefit in "Side by Side by Side," which begins with a jazzy double-bass line. It's a drawback in "You Could Drive a Person Crazy," in which the trio's doo-doots are replaced by their saxophone lines. You also get "Marry Me a Little," cut from the original show but by now very familiar and welcome, as well as a lot of the contextual dialogue before, between, and even within numbers. Finally, the strong cast led by Raul Esparza makes this the best-sung Company we've ever gotten (and they play very well too), and Stephen Sondheim's score is still a landmark in musical theater. There will never be a replacement for the original Broadway cast recording, but this revival recording can stand on its own and in some respects may be more flat-out enjoyable to listen to. --David Horiuchi

    Album Description

    Maverick British director John Doyle, a 2006 Tony Award winner, enjoyed a surprise Broadway hit last year with his radical reworking of Sweeney Todd. He dispensed with the pit orchestra and handed all the instruments over to his on-stage performers, who doubled as musicians in between their turns acting and singing. Doyle has taken a similarly unorthodox approach to his revival of another Stephen Sondheim classic, the revered yet notoriously difficult to stage Company. As with Sweeney Todd, the results of this theatre-as-concert have entranced both critics and audiences. Linda Winer of Newsday called it "the very best revival that Broadway has ever seen of Stephen Sondheim's landmark 1970 musical."Variety described it as "striking, revelatory and thoroughly compelling." For Sondheim fans, the recorded score to Company has long been as much an object of adoration as the six-time Tony-winning play itself. Company on disc functions as a deeply moving song cycle, even apart from George Furth's libretto, about the vicissitudes of marriage and the joys and trials of the single life, seen through the eyes of the coolly dispassionate Manhattan bachelor Bobby on the occasion of his 35th birthday. This is truly the stuff of sex and the city - wry, sophisticated, painfully honest and deeply melancholy, even in a comic seducing-the-stewardess duet like "Barcelona." As with Sweeney Todd, which featured a bravura performance from lead actor Michael Cerveris, Doyle has found in rising star Raúl Esparza (Cabaret, Taboo, The Normal Heart) an extraordinary singer and actor who, in the words of the New York Times' Ben Brantley, gives Company "the most compelling center it has probably ever had." "Mr. Doyle and his invaluable music supervisor and orchestrator, Mary-Mitchell Campbell, have shaped Company into a sort of oratorio for the church of the lonely," says Brantley. He also praises the work of the entire ensemble - playing five married couples, three single women and one deeply ambivalent, unmarried man: "It's their work as a team that sounds new depths in Company in ways that get under your skin without your knowing it." Variety's David Rooney concurs: "Angel Desai's `Another Hundred People' nails that quintessential New York song; Heather Laws lands every laugh in the mile-a-minute `Getting Married Today' with amazing speed and clarity; and Barbara Walsh is bone-dry as brittle, world-weary Joanne. She reveals the emotional hunger beneath the character's hard shell and adds fresh nuances to `The Ladies Who Lunch,' a song indelibly associated with Elaine Stritch." As Time Out New York put it, "Sondheim's expert musical etchings, his acid craftsmanship, remain unmatched." Sondheim fans will note that this new version of Company, to be released by Nonesuch and PS Classics, restores the original act one closer, "Marry Me A Little," which was dropped from the show before its 1970 Broadway debut; the song has since taken on a life of its own as an orphaned Sondheim gem. The Company cast album is produced by PS Classics co-founder Tommy Krasker (Sondheim's The Frogs, Saturday Night, Assassins, and Sweeney Todd, among others). Along with Company, Nonesuch has also released the original cast album to Doyle's 2006 production of Sweeney Todd and the Tony-nominated A Light in the Piazza, which features a score by Nonesuch artist Adam Guettel.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Check out Company!.......2007-07-11

    I fell in love with this show when I saw it in NYC and I promptly bought the cast recording upon my return. This was one of those shows that I'm sure will resonate with me for the rest of my life. Although the show doesn't seem to make much sense by listening to the cast recording, you understand what its about and even though this show was written more than 40 years ago, its still relevant today. The theme of marriage and domestic partnership is still something that remains in the minds of all people; whether married or single. This cd airs out all of the thoughts that we all have likely heard or felt in our lifetime.
    This cd is truly beautiful and by far one of my favorite Broadway cast recordings of all time.

    3 out of 5 stars This recording disappoints, especially in relation to the live performance.......2007-07-07

    I am going to assume for a moment that anybody reading this and the other reviews is already a fan of Sondheim and Company. I am also going to assume that most people reading this are familiar with multiple recordings of this show and, hopefully, multiple performances. This is the best and truest means of judging a show, its score, and its recordings. Of course this isn't always possible, but in regards to this show, I have to say this new recording of Company is probably the weakest of the bunch ESPECIALLY after first seeing the show live. I also saw the "Doyle" Sweeney last year and think the new orchestrations were brilliant and translate well to recording. Imagine my surprise when I recently saw the new Company and found it to not only equal but SURPASS the impact of the Sweeney staging. I had purposely delayed the purchase of the new cast recording until I had first seen the show live and unfortunately the CD doesn't contain the excitement, originality, and freshness that was portrayed by the actor/musicians on stage. I think Company is nearly the ideal show for this minimalistic approach but on the recording, it just seems... empty? The listener is also drawn to shortcomings in the musical performances (instrumentally) that I didn't notice (or forgave) when I was in the theatre because the experience in and of itself was so moving and direct. I also don't want to get caught up in an argument of whether this is the best sung version or not, because it all depends on your personal preference/prejudice. The singers in this show may be the best *trained* from a technical standpoint, but the passion portrayed by the singers of the OBC will never be paralleled. All in all this is a decent recording but certainly not definitive and not the one I would recommend to someone who has never heard the show before.

    5 out of 5 stars GOOD COMPANY.......2007-07-01

    If you're a Sondheim fan, or if you just like lyrics that challenge the listener, this version of COMPANY is a must. I saw this production on Cincinatti before it moved to Broadway, and it was perhaps the most enjoyable theater experience I've had. The soundtrack is a great listen, even if it's all familiar, much of it having been covered by other artists since the show's first soundtrack in 1970. It all builds to a powerful emotional climax when Raul Esparza sits down at the piano and sings "Being Alive". Magical. Buy it--you won't be sorry, only grateful...

    4 out of 5 stars Maybe I am partial to Esparza.......2007-06-29

    I love the revival of this show. I think its a beautiful version of Company with lovely vocals. I might be partial to Esparza but I truly think that this was a great revival. I think its a wonderful rendition of the Sondheim classic.

    3 out of 5 stars London Cast Recording Still the Best Ever of "Company".......2007-06-11

    Stephen Sondheim's 1970 musical, "Company", boasts one of musical theatre's greatest song scores; unfortunately, "Company" also suffers from perhaps "the worst" book ever written for a musical. George Furth's script is almost painful to watch unfold even in anticipation of hearing the wonderful Sondheim songs in between the inane, totally messy scenario which is devoid of any character development or humanity. No one could elevate Furth's convoluted script, not even Dean Jones, Larry Kert or even Elaine Stritch. So the same problem with the 1970 original still plagues all productions of "Company", including the 2006 revival from which this recording derives. Raul Esparza sings well but is not nearly as good as Larry Kert, the best Bobby ever, or even Dean Jones on the Original Cast recording and to make matters worse the new orchestrations actually detract, rather than enhance Sondheim's fabulous score. The greatest recording of "Company" remains the CBS London Original Cast Recording, which features the incomparable Larry Kert as Bobby and is, in actuality, with one exception, the Broadway Cast Recording sessions with Kert's vocals replacing Dean Jones. The same cast as the Broadway version also appeared in the London production, the exception being Julia Mackenzie as April so the song 'Barcelona" was re-recorded and is different from the Broadway Cast album to reflect this cast change. Kert took over the role on Broadway early in Company's original theatrical run, but not soon enough to be featured on the Broadway Cast Album which has Dean Jones, who opened the show. The London Cast Recording has not been released on CD but is worth seeking out on vinyl; in the meantime you can hear Kert's definitive performance of "Being Alive" as a bonus track on the current CD of the Broadway Cast. Kert's rendition can still send chills up your spine with his still unsurpassed combination of great acting and singing, the like of which, alas, we shall not see or hear again on Broadway, if the 2006 revival of "Company" and other recent revivals of classic shows are any indication. Most of these productions seem to rely heavily on some hack director's "creative vision" rather than concentrating on the merits of what made the original show worthy of revival in the first place. In the case of any future revival of "Company", throwing out George Furth's abysmal book would be a welcome step in the right direction as it is not one of the things that made the original production memorable or great.
    Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Loved it
    • Get ready to laugh until you cry!
    • A Lot of Spam
    • Love, love, love this soundtrack!
    • Hamalot!
    		 Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
    Eric Idle , John Du Prez , Tim Curry , David Hyde Pierce , and Hank Azaria
    Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    5. The Light in the Piazza (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

    ASIN: B0007OY2TE
    Release Date: 2005-05-03

    Tracks:

    1. Tuning
    2. Overture
    3. Historian's Introduction to Act I
    4. Finland/Fisch Schlapping Dance
    5. Monks Chant / He Is Not Dead Yet
    6. Come With Me
    7. Laker Girls Cheer
    8. The Song That Goes Like This
    9. He Is Not Dead Yet - Play Off
    10. All For One
    11. Knights of the Round Table/The Song That Goes Like This (Reprise)
    12. Find Your Grail
    13. Run Away!
    14. The Intermission
    15. Historian's Introduction to Act II
    16. Always Look On The Bright Side of Life
    17. Brave Sir Robin
    18. You Won't Succeed On Broadway
    19. Diva's Lament (What Ever Happened To My Part?)
    20. Where Are You?
    21. His Name Is Lancelot
    22. I'm All Alone
    23. Twice In Every Show
    24. Act II Finale
    25. Always Look On The Bright Side of Life - Company Bow

    Amazon.com

    As gleefully silly yet wickedly smart as the beloved British comedy troupe and their 1975 cinematic savaging of the Arthurian legend that inspired it, this adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail by MP's Eric Idle and longtime musical co-conspirator John Du Prez has much more on its feverish agenda than merely trashing King Arthur and firmly upending his Round Table. The film's plot remains largely intact, but its core songs ("Knights of the Round Table," "Brave Sir Robin") and comic thrust have been both expanded and satirically redirected, a musical comedy shotgun that takes dizzy aim at pop culture in general, and Broadway in particular. After typically Pythonesque distractions that somehow find us in "Finland..," stars David Hyde-Pierce, Tim Curry, Hank Azaria and company get busy conjuring the Lady of the Lake with the unlikely help of "Laker Girls..," while cast members Sara Ramirez and Christopher Sieber deliciously skewer contemporary Broadway cliches via the loopy showstopper "The Song That Goes Like This," a tune whose reprise also deliciously sends up every overwrought stage diva from Merman to Minelli. Idle has shrewdly ripped off--well, interpolated--Life of Brian's "Always Look On the Bright Side" for the new show, and even a snatch of "The Lumberjack Song" in "He Is Not Dead Yet." "You Won't Succeed on Broadway" reveals the frankly Semitic secret to stage success, and the French get can-canned on "Run Away!" Meanwhile, our bravest knight is de-closeted on the Manilow-mauling "His Name is Lancelot" before the familiar sound of clomping coconut shells brings down the curtain on the season's goofiest if satirically dead-on comic delight. --Jerry McCulley

    Have Fun with More Irreverent Musicals


    Urinetown
    The Rocky Horror Picture Show
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    Zanna Don't
    Hedwig and the Angry Inch
    Avenue Q

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Loved it.......2007-06-26

    The play was great, and so is the CD. Even my partner, who's generally not a Monty Python fan, says it's "hysterical."

    5 out of 5 stars Get ready to laugh until you cry!.......2007-06-25

    Being in the unfortunate position of living in a country where Music Theatre is virtually dead, I thought `what the heck' I'll purchase this just to see what it's like. I've never been a huge Holy Grail fan, and have only seen the movie one or two times. This musical is the first musical cast recording that has an independent storyline that you can actually gauge from the recording. It's so refreshing to actually WANT to listen to the entire recording from start to finish more than a handful of times. Most musicals have a few awesome songs that have you keep coming back for more but this musical has so much continuity that I can't help but listen from start to finish.

    Don't read what some of the other commenter's have written. This is brilliant and hilarious. And if you have a slightly warped sense of humour you'll love (and appreciate) this musical so much more.

    P.S. I love the songs that reference "The song that goes like this." This is supposed to be repetitive to mock its self and Broadway. It is also more comprehensive than some may lead you to believe... however just remember its called `Spamalot' not `Holy Grail' so don't expect too many Holy Grail references.

    5 out of 5 stars A Lot of Spam.......2007-05-22

    Great CD if you like someone who can laugh at themselves. The play mocks the whole broadway musical experience. Listening to it can almost make sitting in traffic bearable...no I wouldn't go that far, but the songs are funny and will put you in a good mood.

    5 out of 5 stars Love, love, love this soundtrack!.......2007-05-18

    The show was so much fun, and now getting to hear the soundtrack brings all the funny bits right back. These tunes are infectious! Even my 3-year-old hums them to himself. Any Monty Python fan should own this.

    3 out of 5 stars Hamalot!.......2007-05-15

    Overall, pretty good. I liked the inclusion of various other Python bits (Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Finland, etc.), but there was an appalling lack of Tim Curry on this album (Um, hello? Rocky Horror, anyone?). Also an over-reliance on songs with lyrics like, "This is how this song goes," or "Every show has a song like this." Some more inventive lyrics would have been welcome. (Mr. Idle, meet Mr. Brooks!)

    Still, pretty good. Buy it for $11 or less & you won't feel taken.

    Music:

    1. Natural History [Import]
    2. Night on My Side [Import]
    3. One by One
    4. One Night Jammed: Live [Import]
    5. Paradise in Distress
    6. Party On
    7. Pharaohization: The Best of Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs
    8. Picture Postcard Walls
    9. Pumping Iron & Sweating Steel: The Best of the Iron City Houserockers
    10. Road Island [Import]

    Music

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