Live [Original recording remastered] [Import] [Live]

live [original recording remastered] [import] [live]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Remastered reissue released for the first time on CD, the original live album plus three previously unreleased tracks, 'People Are Hard', 'Schyler's Song' & 'Final Jam'. 2001.

Sweet Smoke Live,Sweet Smoke,EMI,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop

Live [Original recording remastered] [Import] [Live]
Working (Original 1978 Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An underrated musical
  • Wonderful Lesser Known Gem
  • Keep Working!!!
  • a good, if obscure CD
  • off the beaten path
 Working (Original 1978 Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Studs Terkel's Working (Broadway Theatre Archive)
  2. The Baker's Wife (Members of the 1976 Original Cast)
  3. Working: Vocal Selections
  4. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00005LZSR
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Tracks:

  1. All The Livelong Day (Schwartz)
  2. Lovin' Al (Grant)
  3. The Mason (Carnelia)
  4. Neat to Be a Newsboy (Schwarz)
  5. Nobody Tells Me How (Rodgers-Birkenhead)
  6. Un mejor Dia Vendra (Taylor-Daniele-Landers)
  7. Just A Housewife (Carnelia)
  8. Millwork (Taylor)
  9. If I Could've Been (Grant)
  10. Joe (Carnelia)
  11. It's an Art (Schwartz)
  12. Brother Trucker (Taylor)
  13. Fathers & Sons (Schwartz)
  14. Cleanin' Women (Grant)
  15. Something to Point To (Carnelia)
  16. I'm Just Movin' (Schwartz) (from the L.A. Theatre Works complete recording of the 1999 revised version)
  17. Hots Michael at the Piano (Carnelia) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
  18. The Mason (Carnelia) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
  19. Joe (Carnelia) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
  20. Lovin' Al (Grant) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
  21. Fathers & Sons (Schwartz) (performed by the composer)

Amazon.com

The original 1978 Broadway cast recording of Stephen Schwartz's Working has long been awaited on CD, and this great-sounding 2001 release proves it was worth the wait. Surely one of the more unlikely sources for a musical was Studs Terkel's 1972 book that compiled interviews of American working people discussing their jobs and what they liked and disliked about them. Schwartz transformed these interviews into a series of songs written by himself, Craig Carnelia, Mary Rodgers and Susan Birkenhead, Micki Grant, and pop singer James Taylor, and accordingly the variety of songs is as great as the variety of the workers featured. There's the lyric beauty of "The Mason," the rueful "Just a Housewife," the retiree's wry "Joe," the waitress's lilting "It's an Art," Taylor's pop-country "Brother Trucker," and the powerful emotion of "Fathers and Sons," realized by a compelling cast that features David Patrick Kelly, Joe Mantegna, Bob Gunton, and Lynne Thigpen, among others.

Six bonus tracks include a new version of the grocery checker song written for the 1999 L.A. Theatreworks production, Carnelia and Grant performing their own songs (unfortunately, Grant's track comes from a poor-quality audio source), and Schwartz's moving performance of "Fathers and Sons" from 1999's The Stephen Schwartz Album. Also welcome are 2001 notes from Schwartz paired with 1978 notes from Terkel, and a detailed listing of the composers and performers of each song. Working was filmed for American Playhouse in 1982. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars An underrated musical.......2006-03-16

This musical seems to be very underrated, because it isn't done in a traditional style. There is no set storyline or characters. It is essentially a grouping of songs about different people and the work they do in their lives. Some of the songs are very powerful, like "Millworker", and some are just fun, like "Lovin' Al". Some songs date the recording, as songs like "Brother Trucker", while good, have a bit of a synthesized 70's feel. The majority of the songs are more traditional.

I saw this show done by my high school years ago, so maybe it holds a bit of nostalgia for me, but it is definitely worth checking out.

4 out of 5 stars Wonderful Lesser Known Gem.......2005-12-26

I have never seen Working, but would love to, and I would love to perform it so as to revive interest in it. I found out about this recording from an online site, and I fell in love with it. It's a very modern style musical although from 1978. Were it on Broadway today, it would still be revelent to today's working class. My favorite number probably has to be "It's An Art", just because of its sheer fun. I could listen to that song all day and never get bored with it. I do, however, find "Brother Trucker" to be a bit tiring, and "Neat To Be A Newsboy" is just plain old, outdated, and ANNOYING! Other than that, wonderful ablum for an almost forgetten show.

5 out of 5 stars Keep Working!!!.......2004-06-12

I had the privilege of seeing a production of this wonderful musical at L.A. Valley College in May 2004. I quickly fell in love with the songs and the entire premise of the musical. Now, with this CD, I can finally sing along to all the brilliant songs over and over again, belting them out like there is no tomorrow.

What makes Working so special is that anyone can relate to the lyrics, they are powerful, beautiful, touching, and extremely real. Anyone who has ever worked a day in their life will feel the lyrics hit close to home. Whether you're a housewife, a valet parker, a fireman, a millworker, a teacher, a cleaning woman, or even a hooker, this musical has a place for you, no matter what job you do.The emotion, sincerity, and love expressed in the songs are amazing, and they are all extremely unique and a pure joy to listen to.

All the songs are fantastic but the stand-outs have to be "All the Live Long Day," "Just a Housewife," "If I Could've Been," "It's An Art," "Father's and Sons," "Cleaning Women," and "Something to Point to." I also have a soft spot for "Brother Trucker" and "I'm Just Movin" from the 1999 revival, which I am so grateful is included in this CD. This is a terrific, feel-great album everyone should listen to. Give Working a chance, it's worth it.

4 out of 5 stars a good, if obscure CD.......2003-09-26

i admit that this is an obscure musical, but nevertheless i found myself in a production of WORKING as Grace, the millworker. upon listening to the cd, i found that each song characterized the character well. the newsboy song is NOT annoying and my favourite songs are "its an art", "cleaning women", "if i could've been" and "lovin al". I would only recommend this CD for a real musical theatre afficionado, as those who don't appreciate the beauty of a musical won't understand these songs.

5 out of 5 stars off the beaten path.......2003-07-10

I had never heard of this show until I stage managed a musical revue that included "If I Could've Been." That song grew on me, and I finally had to check out the rest of the soundtrack. All of the music on this CD is fantastic, and the lyrics feel sincere, creating beautiful moments for each character. Stephen Schwartz's best decision with this show was collaborating, allowing different composers to bring their own talents and specialties to the music, thus making it more real and less "Broadway." My only criticism is that the liner notes are slim.
Follies in Concert (1985 Live Performance) + Stavisky Film Score
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A Sondheim spectacular - Follies in Concert
  • GREAT PERFORMANCES!
  • A Good recording.
  • FOLLIES - the best recording ...so far
  • My Favorite Follies
 Follies in Concert (1985 Live Performance) + Stavisky Film Score

Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Follies (Highlights from the 1971 Original Broadway Cast)
  2. Company - A Musical Comedy (1970 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. Stephen Sondheim's Follies in Concert
  4. Follies - The Complete Recording (1998 New Jersey Cast)
  5. A Little Night Music (1973 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000002WB6
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Overture
  2. Beautiful Girls
  3. Don't Look At Me
  4. Waiting For The Girls Upstairs
  5. Rain On The Roof
  6. Ah, Paree!
  7. Broadway Baby
  8. The Road You Didn't Take
  9. In Buddy's Eyes
  10. Who's That Woman
  11. I'm Still Here
  12. Too Many Mornings
  13. The Right Girl
  14. One More Kiss
  15. Could I Leave You?
  16. Loveland
  17. You're Gonna Love Tomorrow/Love Will See Us Through

Tracks:

  1. Buddy's Blues
  2. Losing My Mind
  3. The Story of Lucy and Jessie
  4. Live, Laugh, Love
  5. Finale: Waiting for the Girls Upstairs and Beautiful Girls (reprises)
  6. Stavisky: Theme from "Stavisky"
  7. Salon at the Claridge #1
  8. Arlette by Day
  9. Auto Show
  10. Easy Life
  11. Secret of Night
  12. Erna
  13. Distant Past
  14. Arlette by Night
  15. Airport at Biarritz
  16. Trotsky at Saint-Palais
  17. Montalvo at Biarritz
  18. Operetta
  19. Arlette and Stavisky
  20. Recent Past
  21. Salon at the Claridge #2
  22. Suite at the Claridge
  23. Old House
  24. Goodbye Arlette
  25. Hideout at Chamonix
  26. Erna Remembered
  27. The Future
  28. Women and Death
  29. Theme from "Stavisky"

Amazon.com

Since the original Broadway cast recording of Stephen Sondheim's Follies was a truncated affair that turned out to be both a disappointment and a disservice to a brilliant show with a brilliant cast, this 1985 concert performance from New York's Avery Fisher Hall set out to record the whole score, a set of pastiches of old songs and songwriters as performed by a cast of faded stars and the visions of their younger selves. The result was a star-studded roster backed by the New York Philharmonic led by Paul Gemignani, with principals Barbara Cook, Mandy Patinkin, Lee Remick, and George Hearn, supported by the likes of Carol Burnett, Liliane Montevecchi, and Liz Callaway. Even these stars can't quite match the original cast, and the results are somewhat uneven--from Cook's yearning "Losing My Mind" to Patinkin's you-love-it-or-you-hate-it schizophrenia in "Buddy's Blues." Other highlights include Elaine Stritch's wry "Broadway Baby," the two young couples' interplay in "You're Gonna Love Tomorrow/Love Will See Us Through," and the electrifying audience reactions to "Beautiful Girls" and "Who's That Woman?" (A documentary video was released, but unfortunately, it did not contain the complete show.) As a bonus, this two-CD set includes 45 minutes of instrumental music Sondheim composed for the 1974 French film Stavisky, including two melodies that had been cut from the original production of Follies. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Sondheim spectacular - Follies in Concert.......2007-03-14

I have very definite views on this - in other words, my word rules, ignore the others. Random thoughts - pay no attention to those who disparage Mandy Patinkin singing "Buddy's Blues." This is an album of brilliant pastiche songs, right? Patinkin is giving us the old vaudville, split week in Jersey, performance. Of course he's over the top! Outstanding. However - sorry, I love Barbara Cook, and it's a lovely rendition of "Losing My Mind," but no one, I repeat no one, does it like Dorothy Collins from the original cast. Dorothy Collins, the Hit Parade lady? Come on! Well, OK, I don't know how she did it, what she pulled up from inside herself, but it tears your heart out. The song belongs to her. "Beautiful Girls" is ... well, if you're a woman (or not!) I dare you to listen to this and not get up and pretend you're strutting down an imaginary runway (particularly if your kids are in diapers and you haven't been out of the house for 82 weeks and my husband better start helping out or I'll GO MAD)... Sorry,got carried away there. I could go on and on (remember, it's been 82 weeks), but those are just three highlights ... oh, and the overture, oh, and "Waiting for the Girls Upstairs" and heartbreaking George Hearn and absolutely terrific Lee Remick and of course, Elaine Strich!! and you've got to get this so we'll enjoy it over and over together, vicariously, and I better stop now, it's almost spring, maybe I'll get out. A girl can hope.

5 out of 5 stars GREAT PERFORMANCES!.......2006-11-21

A WONDERFUL RECORDING OF "FOLLIES" WITH A LOT OF BRILLIANT PERFORMANCES
BY THE STARS ON STAGE. A "MUST" FOR ANYONE WHO CARES FOR THIS GREAT MUSICAL.

4 out of 5 stars A Good recording........2004-06-23

The original is my perferred version, even though it is very watered down. Here, all the songs are complete, but it comes out uneven somehow. The really great performers here are Carol Burnett and Barbra Cook. They really shine. The rest do mediocre performances. Out of the rest, Lee Remick, and Elaine Strich do a great job. Buy this you want the "complete" version and four stellar performances, but the original is the one to get performance wise.

5 out of 5 stars FOLLIES - the best recording ...so far.......2004-02-04

If any one album makes a case for FOLLIES is is this set of FOLLIES IN CONCERT. It is not the definitive FOLLIES, but about as close as we're likely to get. The sound is very VERY good, especially for a live recording, but as such there is quite a bit of applause on this disc.

Producer Thomas Shephard originally taped the dress rehearsal so he would have quiet endings for all the numbers but when the audience nearly tore the roof off Avery Fisher Hall, he decided that eliminating applause would negate the event that led to the album. So, he comprmised and used applause after the "follies" numbers but not after plot songs. If you didn't know this you might wonder why "Beautiful Gilrs' gets such a huge hand and the next song "don't Look at me" seems to be met with stoney silence.

The cast is sensational. Perhaps not in the same league as the originals but a fine "revival" cast. Lee Remick and Barbara Cook are ideal as leading ladies Phyllis and Sally and its a joy to hear Cook's glorious voice in "Losing My Mind." Mandy Patinkin effectively uses his energy to put a new spin on "Buddy's Blues. " I know some object to his over-the-top style but it was effective on stage. Elaine Stritch has fun singing "Broadway Baby" and Carol Burnet makes the most of "I'm Still Here." Really, there isn't one bad track in the whole package.

Completists may quibble with the slight cuts here and there..the last bit of the Overture (including a segment of "Can That Boy Foxtrot") has been cut, as has "Bolero D'amour." The original montage ending of "Rain on the Roof/Ahh Paris/Broadway Baby" was dumped, and the spoken interludes in "Loveland" have been re-arranged. NONE of this will impair your enjoyment of this wonderful show.

As a bonus RCA has filled out the second CD with the soundtrack of Sondheim's score for STAVISKY. Many cut songs from FOLLIES were used in this film score, so its a natural tie-in.

The booklet has all the lyrics but no synopsis to place the songs within the context of the story. It is a minor flaw in an otherwise first rate package.

5 out of 5 stars My Favorite Follies.......2003-12-24

This is, in my opinion, the best recording of Follies you can buy. The quality of the recording isn't the best for reasons of staging and the lack of wireless mics back then, but who cares? Take a look at the list of famous singers in this cast. A big plus of this recording is the complete overature that wasn't on original. Barbra Cook is absolutely wonderful. Her voice doesn't age! I like the fact that they raised the key of a few of Sally's songs for Barbra since Sally is supposed to be the soprano of the two female leads anyway. Babra sings every single song with feeling and vocal perfection. I feel that her rendition of Losing My Mind is the definitive version of that song. Her final, "you said you loved me," is gorgeous and really shows the pain that Sally is feeling in her dramatically perfect interpreation of the song.

Lee Remick is wonderful as Phyllis. She has the icy beauty that really makes her song, Story of Lucy and Jessie really make sense. Her version of Could I Leave You? Is great! She is just really great.

George Hearn is absolutely wonderful! He sings every song like a god and it's nice to hear him sing something other then Sweeney Todd, which he tended to scream a lot in. I adore his voice and think he is perfect for the character of Ben.

Mandy Patinkin is so annoying. He emphasizes things that aren't supposed to be emphasized and he's just ridiculous in all of his songs. His voice isn't the problem, it's his high voltage, uneccasary dramtization that turns me off.

The supporting cast is wonderful. One More Kiss sounds so much better when it's sung by Opera singers, and these two are amazing. I mean look at their names and you'll go, Oh my god! Elaine Strich's interpreatation of Broadway Baby is very different for she truly sees the true irony of the song and portrays it very well. Everyone else is wonderful also. This CD is a must buy!
Always ... Patsy Cline: Live At The Ryman Auditorium (1995 Original Nashville Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Mandy Triumphs
  • GREAT SHOW!!!
  • Doogiebek
  • If you are a Patsy Cline Fan
  • Homage at its best!
 Always ... Patsy Cline: Live At The Ryman Auditorium (1995 Original Nashville Cast)
Various Artists - Soundtracks
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002OV8
Release Date: 1995-04-25

Tracks:

  1. Honky Tonk Merry Go Round
  2. Back In Baby's Arms
  3. Anytime
  4. Walkin' After Midnight
  5. I Fall To Pieces
  6. It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels
  7. Come On In (& Make Yourself At Home)
  8. Your Cheatin' Heart
  9. She's Got You
  10. Lovesick Blues
  11. Sweet Dreams (Of You)
  12. Three Cigarettes In An Ashtray
  13. Crazy
  14. (If I Could See The World Through) The Eyes Of A Child
  15. Blue Moon Of Kentucky
  16. Gotta Lot Of Rhythm (In My Soul)
  17. Faded Love
  18. Always

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Mandy Triumphs.......2007-05-13

Mandy Barnett made Patsy cline live again. Her voice has a positively uncanny resemblence to the late legend. Tere Myers as Louise Seger provided a very entertaing and informative narrative, but it was Miss Barnett's soaring vocals which made this a truly memorable event. Why this woman isn't a major country music star is a mystery to me! The only fault I have with this CD is that it makes me sad that it's not available on DVD with video.

5 out of 5 stars GREAT SHOW!!!.......2007-01-08

I just saw this show live today. This is a GREAT show! I thought it might get "boring" with so many songs. But, no way! Either go see the show, "Always Patsy Cline" and/or get this CD. Email: boland7214@aol.

5 out of 5 stars Doogiebek.......2006-07-20

I purchased two of the Patsy Cline CDs as family gifts. They were a big hit to the over 50 crowd. Patsy is a favorite.

5 out of 5 stars If you are a Patsy Cline Fan.......2005-09-30

This is a wonderful collection/story that honors Patsy Cline. It is entertaining and the recordings are great! You will enjoy this CD tremendously, if you like Patsy Cline.

5 out of 5 stars Homage at its best!.......2002-03-11

I saw Mandy Barnett play Patsy at the Ryman in Nashville and was sure she was lipsyncing. I was truly blown away. She has Patsy down to a "T". Of course anyone who expects the real Patsy will be disappointed because this is just an excellent interpretation of the famous country star. I would recommend this for anyone who saw the play or intends to. It is a wonderful reminder of a real friendship between Loiuse (through her story telling) and one of country musics pioneers.
I also recommend Mandy Barnetts CD's for those who like authentic country. She maintains her own identity without sounding like Patsy.
Infinite Joy: The Songs of William Finn (Live at Joe's Pub)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful Music, Wonderful Fun!
  • Fantastic
  • Buy this CD now.
  • FINN's newest finn.......Joes' pub
  • Finn is in
 Infinite Joy: The Songs of William Finn (Live at Joe's Pub)
William Finn , Liz Callaway , and Carolee Carmello
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Elegies - A Song Cycle by William Finn
  2. A New Brain (1998 Original Cast)
  3. In Trousers (1979 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
  4. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. March Of The Falsettos (1981 Original Off-Broadway Cast) / Falsettoland (1990 Off-Off-Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00005IAG3
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Tracks:

  1. Mister Make Me a Song
  2. How Marvin Eats His Breakfast
  3. The Music Still Plays On
  4. Republicans
  5. I'd Rather Be Sailing
  6. Hitchhiking Across America
  7. That's Enough For Me
  8. And They're Off
  9. Anytime
  10. Falsettos At the East Milford Community Center (Finn & DeRosa's spoken
  11. The Baseball Game
  12. The Bitch and the Madonna (Finn welcomes Mary Testa & Carolee Carmello)
  13. All Fall Down
  14. When The Earth Stopped Turning
  15. Tannis Root (Bill & Mary discuss parenting)
  16. Set Those Sails
  17. I Have Found
  18. Infinite Joy
  19. Stupid Things I Won't Do
  20. Infinite Joy (reprise)
  21. Bows

Amazon.com

Recorded live at Joe's Pub in New York in January 2001, this collection is a wonderful treat. William Finn is best known for In Trousers, the award-winning Falsettoland, and the criminally underrated A New Brain. This CD includes excerpts from all those shows along with some rare gems and even some tantalizing bits from the upcoming The Royal Family of Broadway. Performed with Vadim Feichtner at the piano, the versions are sometimes wacky (in "The Baseball Game," Stephen DeRosa sings all the roles as if auditioning for an amateur production of Falsettoland), but they're always beguiling. Guests include Liz Callaway, Carolee Carmello, and Mary Testa, and Finn himself handles a few tunes. While he's not a traditionally good singer (think craggy enthusiasm), the least you can say is that he knows the material inside out. As with all good live recordings, this one makes you wish you had been there. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Wonderful Music, Wonderful Fun!.......2006-01-19

I had always been aware of William Finn but had never got around to listening to his music. This was my first introduction to it. I loved every second of this cabaret act. I will definetely be checking out more of his shows. I was thouroughly entertained as if I were actually in the audience. A real winner! I think Mr. Finn's performance is wonderful. Yes, he isn't a polished performer, but so what? He knows how to perform the music, he wrote it. Don't miss this one!

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic.......2005-08-02

An absolutely wonderful LIVE compilation of William Finn songs by him and his friends who happen to be wonderful musical theatre performers....

A must buy for lovers of William Finn's music.

5 out of 5 stars Buy this CD now........2002-06-29

The only gripe I have about this CD is that every time I pop it in, it drives me absolutely crazy that I'd missed out on actually being there.

As a young actor and a contemporary music theatre enthusiast, this recording is a prime example and a constant reminder of why I'm in this business. Hearing the soaring voice of Carolee Carmello, the rich tones of Norm Lewis and the absolutely hysterical Mary Testa (some of the random dialogue is classic) makes me break out in goose bumps upon every listen.

Personal highlights are: Carolee singing, "I Have Found," Liz Callaway's rendition of "Sailing," and everything out of Wanda Houston's mouth. Mr. Finn, while not exactly a pleasing vocalist, breaks up the night (and the audience) with a classic rip on "Republicans" and "Stupid Things I Won't Do."

I couldn't think of a better title than "Infinite Joy" for this recording.

5 out of 5 stars FINN's newest finn.......Joes' pub.......2002-05-11

absolutely brilliant..and a great idea...

we get to hear the voice of Bill....behind the songs...

we have his actors performing his numbers...

there are old songs..new songs...and all great songs...

this album is a treasure...feel lucky if you have a copy...

I have two copies..

real lucky!

4 out of 5 stars Finn is in.......2002-04-09

In a sentence: I liked this CD. A lot.
Of course, one does have to be in the know of the NY musical theatre at the time to understand some of the in jokes, and while Bill Finn isn't exactly the best interpreter of his own work, there is such an earnestness and beauty to the music, I wish I was actually there to enjoy it.
DRG 25th Anniversary Show Stopping Performances
Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great compilation
  • A disappointment
 DRG 25th Anniversary Show Stopping Performances

Manufacturer: Drg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Barbara Cook at the Met with Special Guests
  2. Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
  4. ABC (Adler, Bock, Coleman)
  5. The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00005Q6IN
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

  1. A Day In Hollywood A Night In Ukraine: Just Go To The Movies - Priscilla Lopez/David Garrison/Frank Lazarus/Stephen James/Peggy Hewett/Kate Draper
  2. Babes In Arms: I Wish I Were In Love Again - Christopher Fitzgerald Jessica Stone
  3. Pal Joey: Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered - Patti LuPone
  4. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend - KT Sullivan
  5. Nunsense: I Just Want To Be A Star - Christine Anderson
  6. Louisiana Purchase: Wild About You - Debbie Gravitte & New York Voices
  7. Oil City Symphony: Beaver Ball At The Bug Club - Mike Craver/Mark Hardwick/Debra Monk/Mary Murfitt
  8. Falsettoland: The Baseball Game - Michael Rupert/Chip Zien/Faith Prince/Janet Metz/Heather MacRae/Stephen Bogardus
  9. Very Good Eddie: Isn't It Great To Be Married? - Virginia Seidel/Spring Fairbank/Charles Repole/Nicholas Wyman
  10. The Fantasticks: A Perfect Time To Be In Love - Harvey Schmidt
  11. Call Me Madam: You're Just In Love - Tyne Daly/Lewis Cleale
  12. Taking My Turn: Fine For The Shape I'm In - Margaret Whiting/Marnie Nixon/Cissy Houston
  13. A Party With Betty Comden & Adolph Green: The French Lesson - Betty Comdon/Adolph Green
  14. The Madwoman Of Central Park: Better - Phyllis Newman
  15. Greenwillow: Never Will I Marry - Anthony Perkins
  16. Song Of Singapore: I Can't Remember - Loretta Swit & Company
  17. Tintypes: Elite Syncopation/I'm Goin' To Live Anyhow, 'Til I Die - Lynne Thigpen
  18. I Love My Wife: Someone Wonderful I Missed - Joanna Gleason/Ilene Graff
  19. The Good Companions: The Pleasure Of Your Company - Malcolm Rennie/Christopher Gable
  20. Forbidden Broadway 20th Anniversary: Liza One-Note - Christine Pedi
  21. Meet Me In St. Louis: The Trolley Song - Donna Kane & Ensemble

Tracks:

  1. 4 Guys Named Jose...And Una Mujer Named Maria!: Feel It - Philip Anthony/Henry Gainza/Allen Hidalgo/Ricardo Puente
  2. Fame - The Musical: There She Goes!/Fame - Natasha Rennalls & Ensemble
  3. Do Re Mi: What's New At The Zoo? - Heather Headley/The Animal Girls
  4. High Society: Once Upon A Time/True Love - Melissa Errico/Daniel McDonald
  5. Tenderloin: Artificial Flowers - Patrick Wilson
  6. State Fair: Driving At Night/Our State Fair - Company
  7. Kiss Me, Kate: Were Thine That Special Face - Brian Stokes Mitchell
  8. Black And Blue: Black And Blue - Linda Hopkins/Ruth Brown/Carrie Smith
  9. The Green Bird: O Foolish Heart - Company
  10. Out Of This World: From This Moment On - Marin Mazzie/Gregg Edelman
  11. The Boys From Syracuse: This Can't Be Love - Davis Gaines/Sarah Berry
  12. Snoopy!!!: Poor Sweet Baby - Pamela Myers
  13. SeesawNobody Does It Like Me - Michele Lee
  14. March Of The Falsettos: I Never Wanted To Love You - Michael Rupert/Stephen Bogardus/Alison Fraser/Chip Zien/James Kushner
  15. Lunch: Perfectly Alone - Carol Burnett
  16. 3hree: Foolish Dreamin'/Something Beautiful/Real Enough To Change My Mind - Jessica Molaskey/Will Gartshore/Rachel Ulanet
  17. Lucky In The Rain: Love Me As If There Were No Tomorrow - Barbara Cook
  18. Godspell: All Good Gifts - Sal Sabella & Company
  19. The Act: Walking Papers - Liza Minnelli & Company

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Great compilation.......2002-05-10

I don't actually own this particular compilation, however, since I own nearly every recording represented on these discs...I think I'm qualified to comment. This is a wonderful representation of the high quality of work that DRG Records does.
The previous review is way off the mark. This is definitely not a waste of time or money. This is 25 years of preserving Broadway shows, Off-Broadway shows, studio recordings (mostly from the city center concerts), etc. So what if they "aren't as good as the original", DRG is preserving many recordings and artists that other mainstream labels don't or won't. You have wonderful recordings from Brian Stokes Mitchell, Nathan Lane, Debbie Gravitte, Tyne Daly, Anthony Perkins, Joanna Gleason, Marin Mazzie, Carol Burnett, Heather Headley, Patti LuPone, Barbara Cook, etc., and many of these are from Original Cast Recordings just as they appeared on Broadway. This is an excellent sampler of the work going on at DRG. No...I'm not an employee...just an avid listener and collector of theatre recordings.

1 out of 5 stars A disappointment.......2001-12-15

There's a reason you've probably never heard of most of the songs and shows on this album, not to mention most of the artists. This is a second-rate collection of second-rate numbers performed by mostly second-rate artists. In the case of the shows that were revivals, the performances on the original cast recordings were better. Don't waste your money.
Oscar Hammerstein Legacy: Musicals
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Oscar Hammerstein Legacy: Musicals

    Manufacturer: Pearl
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast)

    ASIN: B0000520X7
    Release Date: 2001-02-27

    Tracks:

    1. State Fair: It's A Grand Night For Singing - Dick Haymes
    2. Show Boat: Why Do I Love You? - Tony Martin/Frances Langford
    3. Show Boat: Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - Ella Fitzgerald And Her Famous Orchestra
    4. Show Boat: Ol' Man River - Frank Sinatra
    5. Show Boat: I Still Suits Me - Paul Robeson/Elizabeth Welch
    6. High, Wide And Handsome: The Folks Who Live On The Hill - Bing Crosby
    7. State Fair: It Might As Well Be Spring - Dick Haymes
    8. Centennial Summer: All Through The Day - Doris Day
    9. Carousel: If I Loved You - Perry Como
    10. Oklahoma: People Will Say We're In Love - Frank Sinatra
    11. Show Boat: Make Believe - Tony Martin
    12. South Pacific: I'm In Love With A Wonderful Guy - Mary Martin
    13. South Pacific: Bali Ha'i - Juanita Hall
    14. South Pacific: Some Enchanted Evening - Frank Sinatra
    15. High, Wide And Handsome: Can I Forget You? - Bing Crosby
    16. Roberta: I Won't Dance - Guy Lombardo And His Royal Canadians
    17. Show Boat: Bill - Helen Forrest
    18. Sunny: Who? - Tommy Dorsey And His Orchestra
    19. Oklahoma: Oh, What A Beautiful Morning - Frank Sinatra
    20. South Pacific: Happy Talk - Juanita Hall
    21. Sweet Adeline: Why Was I Born? - Vic Damone
    22. Very Warm For May: All The Things You Are - Tony Martin
    23. Carousel: You'll Never Walk Alone - Judy Garland
    The Buddy Holly Story Live (1995 London Cast)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Buddy Will Not Fade Away
    • BUDDY HOLLY'S MUSIC WILL NEVER DIE!
    • a great show
    • A Musical That's Pure Rock and Roll
    • Outstanding
    		 The Buddy Holly Story Live (1995 London Cast)
    Original London Cast
    Manufacturer: Relativity
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B00002MYVM
    Release Date: 1999-11-02

    Tracks:

    1. Rose Of Texas
    2. Flower Of My Heart/Ready Teddy
    3. That'll Be The Day
    4. Rock Around With Ollie Vee
    5. Everyday
    6. Good Times
    7. Party
    8. True Love
    9. Not Fade Away
    10. Peggy Sue
    11. Words Of Love
    12. Oh Boy
    13. Star Spangled Banner
    14. Why Do Fools Fall In Love
    15. Chantilly Lace
    16. Maybe Baby
    17. Peggy Sue Got Married
    18. Heartbeat
    19. La Bamba
    20. Raining In My Heart
    21. It Doesn't Matter Anymore
    22. Rave On
    23. True Love Ways
    24. Hi-Pockets' Tribute
    25. Johnny B Goode
    26. Encore Introduction
    27. Encore: Oh Boy

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Buddy Will Not Fade Away.......2002-05-21

    I'm not sure who played Buddy when this CD was recorded, but he did a fantastic job. I just recently caught the show when it stopped in Charleston, WV on May 19th. WOW! It was awesome. Erik Hayden's performance as Holly was like no other. It far surpassed Paul Hipp and even Gary Busey (No disrespect to Gary...he did a tremendous as well). The songs on this CD aren't as good as Hayden's, but they are still great and I recommened this CD to Holly fans. If you have a chance to see the show, PLEASE don't pass it up. You don't know what you would be missing!!! The show takes you back to the 50's. You feel like you are really there, witnessing the Surf Ballroom concert on February 2, 1959. It's very moving. Check it out!

    5 out of 5 stars BUDDY HOLLY'S MUSIC WILL NEVER DIE!.......2002-02-02

    I fpurchased this item a few weeks ago, and I thought to my self
    They will do a pretty good job, and boy I was wrong it was FANTASTIC.

    5 out of 5 stars a great show.......2001-08-08

    what's up. i've heard most of the music from this show and it is fantastic. my school is doing the show in the fall. we are the first high school to ever do it. yeah MTH.

    5 out of 5 stars A Musical That's Pure Rock and Roll.......2001-07-20

    If you like the original style of Rock and Roll then you'll love this show (and cd). It's the best thing since sliced bread, or was it before that? Just kidding...Anyway, it's a must have for the music and musical lover. The show takes Buddy on his journey from a country singer in Texas to a singing style that's all his. The performers a fabulous and of course who can go wrong with the Music of Buddy Holly.

    5 out of 5 stars Outstanding.......2000-03-07

    I saw the show in L.V. NV.& thought the whole show was great especially the music.The performers were terific! We need more shows like this to keep the music alive! I am trying to buy the cd and video but can't seem to find it. Can you help? Thank you
    My Fair Lady (1959 Original London Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Precise, pointed and peerless !!!
    • the "Fair Lady" in London...
    • My Fair Lady again?
    • Broadway vs London vs Movie
    • It's good but,..
    		 My Fair Lady (1959 Original London Cast)
    Alan Jay Lerner
    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    3. South Pacific (Original 1949 Broadway Cast)
    4. Oklahoma! (1955 Film Soundtrack)
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    ASIN: B000007OHU
    Release Date: 1998-06-02

    Tracks:

    1. Act I: Overture
    2. Act I: Why Can't The English?
    3. Act I: Wouldn't It Be Loverly
    4. Act I: With A Little Bit Of Luck
    5. Act I: I'm An Ordinary Man
    6. Act I: Just You Wait
    7. Act I: The Rain In Spain
    8. Act I: I Could Have Danced All Night
    9. Act I: Ascot Gavotte
    10. Act I: On The Street Where You Live
    11. Act II: You Did It
    12. Act II: Show Me
    13. Act II: Get Me To The Church On Time
    14. Act II: A Hymn To Him
    15. Act II: Without You
    16. Act II: I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
    17. The Embassy Waltz

    Amazon.com

    My Fair Lady is without question one of the greatest shows ever created for the musical theater. It's a charming, hilarious, and touching adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, pitting flower girl Eliza Doolittle against Prof. Henry Higgins, the self-absorbed and ill-tempered linguist who bets that he can turn her into a lady by improving her diction. Lerner and Loewe's score includes some of the best-loved songs in the canon: "Why Can't the English," "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," "The Rain in Spain," "I Could Have Danced All Night," "On the Street Where You Live," "Get Me to the Church on Time," and "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face," among others. The 1959 London-cast stereo recording is generally held in lower regard than its Broadway counterpart, recorded three years earlier in mono. But why quibble? The principals are all the same--Rex Harrison as Higgins, Julie Andrews as Eliza, Stanley Holloway as her dad, and Robert Coote as Col. Pickering (Leonard Weir replaced Michael King as Freddy Einsford-Hill)--and it's still a classic recording in its own right that you'll treasure for years. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Precise, pointed and peerless !!!.......2007-01-03

    One listen to the London original cast recording of My Fair Lady and you know why this CD still sells. Despite the decades, the recording sounds fresh, clear and crisp. There is no background noise on this CD! Moreover, the songs by Lerner and Loewe are brilliantly composed and the lyrics are clever, witty and poignant. This CD proves it.

    The CD opens with the overture to the musical stage play and then goes right into the first song entitled "Why Can't The English?" More spoken than sung by Rex Harrison, "Why Can't The English" fleshes out his character's lament that too many British people don't speak English well. The melody is catchy and the lyrics are funny at times even if some of the humor is dated.

    The lesser educated British have their say in the next number, "Wouldn't It Be Loverly." In this song, sung by Julie Andrews as Eliza Doolittle with male backup singers and a chorus of whistlers, demonstrates how these persons really do want to lead a much more sophisticated life with more luxuries.

    Other great songs on this CD include the rousing "Get Me To The Church On Time" sung by the memorable Stanley Holloway; the beautiful love ballad "On The Street Where You Live" performed by Leonard Weir; "I Could Have Danced All Night" which is performed flawlessly by Julie Andrews who belts out those incredibly high notes; and "The Rain In Spain" delivered by Julie Andrews, Rex Harrison and Robert Coote. Excellent!

    One especially amusing song is entitled "A Hymn To Him" performed mostly by Rex Harrison with some assistance from Robert Coote. The violins at the beginning of this number are beautiful in the musical arrangement.

    The CD concludes with a extra bonus monophonic track of the waltz music for the scene in which Henry Higgins takes Eliza Doolittle to the Embassy ball. "The Embassy Waltz," conducted by Percy Faith, offers a beautiful musical arrangement that leaves you wanting more--so don't be surprised if you get the urge to play the CD all over again from the very beginning and enjoy it once more.

    The musical arrangements are carefully planned and executed throughout; only Lerner and Loewe were capable of producing such a fine score to go with this stage play. The tempo of the score is faster overall than it was for the original Broadway production; this is especially evident in the opening notes of the overture. Nevertheless, it all works brilliantly.

    The liner notes boast terrific black and white photos of the actors in the stage play along with a special color photo of Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison. Didier C. Deutsch contributes a lengthy essay about the history and production of My Fair Lady as well.

    The music and lyrics to the original London cast recording of My Fair Lady are timeless. Even today, more than four decades later, the soundtrack still sells well. The musical is one with which many people can identify as it illustrates through words and music the blossoming love affair between Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle. Indeed, the story and the music add to the enchantment as we realize that even Higgins and Doolittle themselves are unaware of the full power of their mutual attraction until the very end of the stage play. My Fair Lady will remain a classic musical; and the score to the stage play on this album is priceless. May you enjoy this soundtrack as much as I did!

    4 out of 5 stars the "Fair Lady" in London..........2006-09-23

    In 1956, Lerner and Loewe's MY FAIR LADY swept into Broadway and quickly captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike, the perfect transformation of George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion" into the world of the musical theatre. Both Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews played the show for two years on Broadway before yielding to replacements (Edward Mulhare and Sally Ann Howes), and in 1959 traveled across the pond to headline the London company. The show opened at the Drury Lane Theatre in April 1959, and ran for 2,281 performances.

    While both Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison had laid down their definitive performances as Eliza Doolittle and Prof. Henry Higgins for the 1956 original Broadway cast album of MY FAIR LADY, the subsequent 1959 London production allowed them to record another album, in the brand-new stereophonic format.

    Despite this 1959 recording having a sweeter sound than the earlier 1956 mono album, this sadly remains the lesser of the two, because a lot of the energy and flash had disappeared from Julie Andrews' voice in the years she had performed the role. On the Broadway album, Andrews gives a rich performance that runs the gamut from cockney guttersnipe to regal high society, but comparing the two albums directly, she does not sound at her optimal best on the London set. Andrews has acknowledged that she found the role of Eliza both physically and vocally exhausting, even more so because of the lack of body-mikes, and the projection must have been gruelling at times. No wonder that so much of the bloom in Andrews' voice had vanished by the time she reprised her role in London. Despite Andrews, the album does have a few merits including breezy orchestrations under the direction of Cyril Ornadel (the Overture is given a much faster tempo than is heard on the Broadway set).

    The supporting cast includes Stanley Holloway (also reprising his Broadway role) as Eliza's dustman father Alfie. The role of Freddy is played by Leonard Weir (his "On the Street Where You Live" is very charming), and Robert Coote also repeats his Broadway role as Colonel Pickering.

    The 1959 London cast of MY FAIR LADY, just like the 1956 Broadway album, has never been out of the catalogue, though the confusion between the two albums still exists, despite the fact that the London album sports a gold-brown cover and the Broadway album is white. Sony Broadway Masterworks' edition features a bonus track of the "Embassy Waltz", a mono recording from 1956.

    4 out of 5 stars My Fair Lady again?.......2005-06-04

    I have heard the Columbia Masterworks recording of this show as it was produced in Isreal. Same orchestrations, different lyrics! In Hebrew of course. I wish it were still available.

    4 out of 5 stars Broadway vs London vs Movie.......2003-10-02

    Let's begin by comparing both the Broadway and London scores to the 1964 movie soundtrack-- actually there is no comparison! Both Broadway and London surpass the movie recording by far, only demonstrating the HUGE mistake Hollywood made by not casting Julie Andrews as Eliza Doolittle. Andrews' purely delightful soprano voice and perfect diction cannot even be compared to Marni Nixon's voice dubbing in the film. In addition, Andrews is British, which is critical to this play, unlike Nixon's purely American accent heard in the film.

    As far as Broadway vs London MFL recordings, I would have to agree with the others who are in favor of the "white" Broadway album. While both are very good, the Broadway album does appear to be less "forced" than the London album due, most likely, to the fact that it was recorded before the cast had exhausted themselves singing the score after a few years on the stage. Both Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews appear to be more "natural" in the Broadway album, and Andrews does definitely lose a bit of the innocence in her voice in this recording.

    All in all, I would recommend that any MFL collector invest in both the Broadway and London cast recordings to make your own opinions. Yet, for someone looking to buy only one album, I would stick with the Broadway version. In all situations, save yourself some money and skip buying the film soundtrack.

    4 out of 5 stars It's good but,.........2003-07-26

    If I had never heard the 1956 recording I would have thought this one was great....but to me, compared to its mono counterpart, this performance sounds more like a Wednesday matinee in the middle of a long run. The performers are all still wonderful, but it's very relaxed and and lacks the vivid characterizations found in the original. Any fan of "My Fair Lady," however, will want to have them both and decide for themselves!
    Weill: Lady in the Dark / Risë Stevens, Adolph Green, Lehman Engel, Danny Kaye
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • stunning studio album in creamy stereo
    • STELLAR STAR!
    • There IS a more complete recording. . .
    • Great Fun
    • A fun, if abbreviated, recording
    		 Weill: Lady in the Dark / Risë Stevens, Adolph Green, Lehman Engel, Danny Kaye
    Kurt Weill , Maurice de Abravanel , Risë Stevens , Adolph Green , Danny Kaye , Lehman Engel , Michael Kellman , Dennis D. Rooney , and John Reardon
    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. Lost In The Stars (1949 Original Broadway Cast)
    2. Lady In The Dark (1997 Original London Cast)
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    5. Lady In The Dark (1950 Original Cast Members)

    ASIN: B0000029VA
    Release Date: 1997-06-03

    Tracks:

    1. Lady In The Dark: Glamour Dream: Oh, Fabulous One
    2. Lady In The Dark: Huxley (Liza, Beekman)
    3. Lady In The Dark: One Life To Live (Liza)
    4. Lady In The Dark: Girl Of The Moment (Liza)
    5. Lady In The Dark: Wedding Dream: Liza, Liza
    6. Lady In The Dark: Mapleton High Chorale
    7. Lady In The Dark: This Is New (Randy, Liza)
    8. Lady In The Dark: The Princess Of Pure Delight (Liza, Randy)
    9. Lady In The Dark: Circus Dream: The Greatest Show On Earth (Ringmaster, Randy)
    10. Lady In The Dark: The Best Years Of His Life (Ringmaster, Randy, Liza)
    11. Lady In The Dark: Tschaikowsky (Ringmaster)
    12. Lady In The Dark: The Saga Of Jenny (Liza)
    13. Lady In The Dark: Childhood Dream: My Ship (Liza)
    14. Lady In The Dark: One Life To Live
    15. Lady In The Dark: The Princess Of Pure Delight
    16. Lady In The Dark: It's Never Too Late To Mendelssohn
    17. Lady In The Dark: Tschaikowsky And Other Russians
    18. Lady In The Dark: Jenny
    19. Lady In The Dark: My Ship

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars stunning studio album in creamy stereo.......2004-08-05

    This studio album of Weill and Gershwin's LADY IN THE DARK features the lovely Rise Stevens making the role of Liza Elliott her own, with Adolph Green in the role that made Danny Kaye a star in the original production.

    This sumptuous reissue on the Columbia 'Masterworks Heritage' label presents the recording in creamy stereo, with the orchestra under the baton of Lehman Engel. Rise Stevens is perhaps the best singer to have played Liza on any recording of LADY IN THE DARK. The trained opera singer lets her hair down for the manic "Saga of Jenny", and yields glowing versions of "My Ship" and "One Life to Live". Also featured among the cast are John Reardon and Stephanie Augustine.

    My only qualm about the release is the horrid packaging. The disc is enclosed in a cardboard sleeve at the back of a booklet-style slipcase, leaving the CD vulnerable to scratches and dust (I remedied the problem by putting the CD in a separate plastic jewel case and filing it on the shelf next to the empty booklet case). However this should not deter collectors and musical theatre fans from seeking out this lovely recording.

    5 out of 5 stars STELLAR STAR!.......2003-01-03

    MISS STEVENS shinesas Liza Eliot in this perfect recording of "Lady in the Dark". [For the first time - with repect to the other artists - the lyrics are pristine!] THE recording? IF you own a 'surround system' - this one IS flawless - just a perfect balance of voice and instrument. [A great restoration job - if only they could do the same to the Lawrence version....]

    FOR the collector - get all three recordings currently available - the 1997 London version is the most complete, the Gertrude Lawrence? It's more of a Star Vehicle for Miss Lawrence - lots of dialogue - with really only the two "Liza' numbers - "Saga of Jenmny" and "My Ship" intact - but also well worth the journey.

    AS A BONUS - Miss Stevens recording contains the Danny Kaye contribution missing from the Gertrude Lawrence recording - plus his versions of "My Ship" and "The Saga of Jenny".

    4 out of 5 stars There IS a more complete recording. . ........2000-12-06

    This recording is terrific, but for a more complete recording with much better quality, look for the Original Cast Recording from the Royal National Theatre Production. It's got all the bridging music which is phenomenal.

    5 out of 5 stars Great Fun.......1999-04-15

    Until the definitive full version of the score comes out--with all the bridging material and orchestral interludes--this is probably the most complete of one of the greatest and most charming classic Broadway scores (and probably Ira Gershwin's masterpiece). Rise Stevens was born to play the part, and though at times she gets a bit excessive (especially in the dialogue) her voice is beautiful and confident (a high point is her counterpointing the chorus during "The Best Years of His Life"), and iat times really soars, as in "This is new." Adolph Green is hilarious--it's a great tragedy he never got to play this role on Broadway.

    4 out of 5 stars A fun, if abbreviated, recording.......1999-04-02

    A nifty performance of one of Broadway's classic scores. The biggest problem is that just about everything is slightly abridged (mostly verses, connecting material, dialogue underscoring and choral repeats--although if I'm reading the vocal score right, most of this would still be interesting to listen to); still, a reasonably good taste of the whole thing. The liner notes also don't really give a story synopsis, so if you aren't familiar with the plot, seek out a summary so you aren't completely confused by what is going on. Rise Stevens' acting is pretty mannered, and she goes over the top vocally every now and then; she seems to be shouting, not singing at the end of "Jenny." Adolph Green is hysterically funny and acquits himself supremely well in "Tchaikovsky." How you'll enjoy the appendix of Danny Kaye's recordings depends on how much you like Danny Kaye--enough said.
    Anyone Can Whistle - Live at Carnegie Hall (1995 Broadway Concert Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • For the Sondheim completist
    • An under-rehearsed performance of a really fun score!!
    • Great Recording!
    • Don't miss out on the bonus music in this recording!
    • An issue of personal preference
    		 Anyone Can Whistle - Live at Carnegie Hall (1995 Broadway Concert Cast)
    Stephen Sondheim , Bernadette Peters , Madeline Kahn , Scott Bakula , and Chip Zein
    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
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    2. Anyone Can Whistle (1964 Original Broadway Cast)
    3. Three Guys Naked From The Waist Down (1985 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
    4. Mack & Mabel (1974 Original Broadway Cast)
    5. Romance Romance

    ASIN: B000002B76
    Release Date: 1995-07-18

    Tracks:

    1. Overture
    2. Narrator's Introduction
    3. Me And My Town
    4. Miracle Introduction
    5. Miracle Song
    6. Fay's Arrival
    7. Cookie Speech
    8. There Won't Be Trumpets
    9. Hapgood's Arrival
    10. Simple (The Interrogation)
    11. Entr'acte
    12. Hooray For Hapgood
    13. Come Play Wiz Me
    14. Whistle Introduction
    15. Anyone Can Whistle
    16. Hoooray For Hapgood Reprise
    17. A Parade In Town
    18. Transition - Tear Up Those Records
    19. Everybody Says Don't
    20. I've Got You To Lean On
    21. Transition - See What It Gets You
    22. See What It Gets You
    23. Transition - Cookie Arrest
    24. Cookie Chase
    25. There's Alwyas A Woman
    26. Transition - With So Little To Be Sure Of
    27. With So Little To Be Sure Of
    28. Finale

    Amazon.com

    Because Anyone Can Whistle was one of Stephen Sondheim's most notorious failures, lasting a mere nine performances in 1964, this 1995 gala benefit concert for Gay Men's Health Crisis was conceived as a one-night revival. It's an exciting performance, anchored by Bernadette Peters in Lee Remick's role as Nurse Apple (meaning she gets to sing "There Won't Be Trumpets," the title tune, and "With So Little to Be Sure Of"), plus Madeline Kahn as the Mayoress, Scott Bakula as Hapgood, and Angela Lansbury, the original Mayoress, as narrator and host. Other advantages include 20 additional minutes of music and dialogue, a detailed synopsis, a full libretto, and notes on the concert. No, it's not a replacement for the original Broadway cast, but it's a valuable complement and a significant addition to the Sondheim discography. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars For the Sondheim completist.......2007-05-11

    I agree with other reviewers that this was an under-rehearsed performance, that Peters' singing is surprisingly sloppy, and that Madeline Kahn is miscast. Other than that... Seriously, unless you must own every piece of coated aluminum with Sondheim's name on it, you might not want to spend big bucks for an OOP copy of this particular disc... three stars for the score, of course.

    3 out of 5 stars An under-rehearsed performance of a really fun score!!.......2004-01-15

    Most people seem to like this recording of "Anyone Can Whistle" I still can't believe how mediocre it is given the people involved.. here are my reasons

    1) It's under-rehearsed, and it shows. There are so many musical mistakes on this. I can't believe that they didn't record a dress rehearsal to have an alternate take at the ready.. Bernadette jumps a measure during the intro to "There Won't Be Trumpets" and you can hear conductor Paul Gemaniani expertly covering the mistake. It's like re-living a car crash...

    2) Miscasting - yes I was a fan of Ms. Kahn (rest her soul), but Cora needs to be a belter with head voice extensions.. Her comic soprano was wrong for this role.. Several of her songs were transposed up to accomodate but it just didn't work.. The truth is that Bernadette Peters should have played Cora and cast Nurse Apple with someone else.. I think the only reason Peters is playing Fay is because Fay get's "There Won't Be Trumpets" and the title song.. Scott Bakula is well cast... Unfortunately "Everybody Says Don't" and "With So Little To Be Sure Of" should have been transposed up for him and they werent..

    3) All the performances are low-energy... One of the problems with doing this show (other than the fact that is dated) is that the characters have to be played REALLY BIG!! They are very Cartoony... And most of these performances are smallish...

    Stick with the fabulous Original Cast Recording...(until John Yap of Jay Records decides to release the complete Masterworks Recording of the complete "Whistle") and for the best performance of the cut "There's Always A Woman" get the Kaye Ballard/Sally Mayes performance on "Unsung Sondheim"

    5 out of 5 stars Great Recording!.......2003-12-24

    This recording is simply wonderful! Angela Lansbury, who probably doesn't have the chops to sing the score anymore, opens up the show with her charming Narration. I am a big Angela fan and admire her charm, acting ability, and vocal ability, so having her on any CD is a plus.

    Madeline Kahn is the first of the leads to sing. Madeline Kahn is a classically trained singer and is perfectly wonderdul. I wish they had raised the key of the song a bit for her so her range could have been showed off more. To really hear her sing, buy On The Twentieth Century. I find Madeline's performace a little less energetic compared to Angela's, but Madeline has better vocal tecnique. She is very funny and her Parade in Town is great!

    Bernadette Peters sings There Won't be Trumpets like a goddess. This is a great song and althoguh Lee Remick was wonderful in the original, Bernadette has more range and voca ability and makes this song truly enjoyable. She sings the title song with a lot of warmth and uses better dynamics then Lee Remick. Overall, I like Bernadette better then Lee Remick, even though, as other people have said, Bernadette seems to be a little to mature for the role.

    Scott Bakula, in my opinion is the weakest link in the cast. I prefer the original far better and he reminded me of Len Cariou, which is a good thing. Scott Bakula's voice is just sort of weak and feminine. His Everybody Says Don't doesn't have enough energy and isn't up to the same level as the original's.

    The new material on this CD is wonderful!! You get dialouge and a completely new song! There's Always A Woman is absolutely wonderful. It's funny and the two women sing it great! I love this CD and I think any Sondheim fan should have it, and I know I'm a Sondheim fan! Anyone Can Whistle is pure magic!

    5 out of 5 stars Don't miss out on the bonus music in this recording!.......2003-12-04

    I actually recommend this recording over the original cast recording, because it has additional dialogue and a libretto that does a better job of filling in the story than what's available on the original. And, most importantly, the Carnegie Hall recording has my hands-down favorite song, "There's Always a Woman", which is a delightfully catty battle scene between Bernadette Peters and Madeline Kahn. That song alone is worth the price of the CD!

    5 out of 5 stars An issue of personal preference.......2003-10-29

    Note: Stephen Sondheim is my hero and Anyone Can Whistle is an early work of his that is, despite what others may say, easily one of his more beautiful and evocative scores. And the lyrics are good as well (perhaps not up there with Sondheim's best, but some of "Me and My Town" and "Simple" are simply great).
    When I first bought Anyone Can Whistle about one year ago, I bought the original cast recording. And I was (and still am) extremely happy with that recording. However, my need for some new stuff from Sondheim (even if just different preformances) led me to buy this CD. And this is a really good recording as well. I prefer the original slightly above this one. By far the most appealing part of this recording is Scott Bakula, who is far superior to Harry Guardino in the orginal. Madeline Kahn and Bernadette Peters are both impressive, although I feel that Peters is a little too mature for the role; to be sure, the Nurse is not a juvenile role, but Bernadette comes across as the seasoned Broadway veteran that she is, which I feel to be wrong for the role. Madeline Kahn is very good, perhaps even as good as Lansbury. Overall, an excellent recording, especially if you want more Anyone Can Whistle music. But if you are going to buy your first Anyone Can Whistle recording, buy the original recording. You won't be disappointed.

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