5 comments about Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (1999 London Cast).

1. The original cast of Mamma Mia did a fantastic job, and although the new movie was good you stll can't beat the music from the original!



2. This particular soundtrack takes you right back to the broadway play where you can "see" those performing in your head while listening to the various songs.



3. Overall a good DVD of the actual songs performed live at the play. Felt like I was back in the theatre watching it with the same excitement the music presents. A good value for the money.



4. Loved the play. The cd music took me right back to it for hours of enjoyment



5. This is a wonderful cd that will bring you back to reliving this wonderful musical.

5 comments about Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific (The New Broadway Cast).

1. Just saw this production at Lincoln Center and this recording captures and recreates what I saw perfectly. This revival of South Pacific is wonderful. See it while the original revival cast is still together - they are a phenomenal ensemble.



2. This show still puts the likes of Spring Awakening, Young Frankenstein, In The Heights and nearly every other show of the past couple of years, to shame. After nearly 60 yrs!!! In 60 more years will anyone remember any of the garbage from Spring Awakening? A revival of Passing Strange on Broadway? I doubt it.



3. I purchased this as a surprise gift for my mom after we had met for a family member's bar mitzvah. She and another family member excitedly talked about the revival, as my mom loves the play and we even have personal history with it, with my honorary uncle haved originally played Lt. Billis on Broadway (as had I in school!).
   
   I've never heard the thing but it made my mom happy enough to call immediately and tell me that she was on her tenth listen that day. Can't get a better review than that! I'll consider it a success... :)



4. It is one of the greatest scores ever written. The leads are all competent and blessed with fantastic voices - Paulo Szot, Kelly O'Hara and Matthew Morrison. But the recording is not consistent. Some areas are too loud and some too soft (without adjusting the volume dial). There was not enough passion to sweep the listener to these great songs. Even the "It Nearly Was Mine" number of Paulo Szot failed to send chills the way Brian Stokes Mitchell did in the concert recording. If not for this, it would have been perfect. But still worth having.



5. I'm in love with a wonderful performance. I actually saw the original, with Ezio Pinza and Mary Martin, and this revival is every bit as good!

5 comments about Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Stephen Schwartz is nothing if not predictable. His Broadway scores follow a formula: a slam-bang opening number, a solo number (sort of an "I want..." type of song) that serves to reveal the hidden fears, hopes and dreams of the show's deceptively complex protagonist, and at least one song that defines the show's message -- almost an anthem of sorts. This formula served Mr. Schwartz well in the 1970's, when he penned the scores of the Broadway hits "Godspell" and "Pippin," before taking a hiatus from stage composing to make a go of the more challenging genre of motion pictures. With "Wicked," Stephen Schwartz has turned in a predictable, but supremely enjoyable, and -- for lack of better word -- approachable musical score that does everything it shoud do: explores and exposes what makes the characters tick, moves the story along, and ultimately leaves the audience with something to remember -- a tune to hum on the way out of the theater, or even a turn of phrase to internalize and repeat later on.
   
   "Wicked" is by no means great theater. Stephen Schwartz's work will never be comparable to even the most mundane works by Sondheim, or the better works of Lloyd Webber. But it's fun theater -- easily assimilated, easily appreciated, and easily remembered. He may follow a formula, but at least he has the good sense to follow one that works.
   
   In many ways, "Wicked" represented a return to the traditional book musical, i.e., a musical with a spoken script as well as songs. This was an all but dying artform when the show opened in 2003, as audiences had come to expect the near operatic structures of shows like "Phantom of the Opera" and "Miss Saigon." Most surely, as much of "Wicked's" story is told by the spoken dialogue as by the songs. Maybe more.
   
   Perhaps that is why the producers of the Original Broadway Cast CD were careful to eliminate passages of dialogue that were in the midst of songs, and rearranged and re-edited most of the numbers to effect a streamlined, purely musical experience that stands separate from the show upon which it is based.
   
   Much like many of the original Broadway cast recordings of the Columbia hey-day in the 1950's and 1960's, this is no audio rendering of the stage show. It is an entirely distinct piece of work that stands on its own feet. One needn't have seen "Wicked" on stage to enjoy this CD; all that's needed is an ear for infectious tunes and lyrics that make some bold statements without ever becoming preachy.
   
   Some have hypothesized that the pre-record editing of the "Wicked" score was an intentional effort to preserve the surpise aspects of the storyline for those who hadn't yet seen the show. This theory is partially supported by the fact that the CD jacket does not contain a synopsis. Yet, this seems unlikely, as almost everyone at all familiar with the show knows it as a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz," and we ALL know how that turns out. Safer to say that the CD was carefully crafted to avoid dialogue or musical passages that would only serve to confuse listeners that had not seen the play; better to clear the way for unadulterated appreciation of the songs -- beautifully rendered by skilled vocalists and an expert orchestral back-up.
   
   Leading ladies Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel give powerhouse readings of some very challenging material. Ms. Chenoweth's pristine coloratura is given its best showing to date in a performance that is as near perfection as any human voice can get. Even the most discriminating listener would be hard-pressed to find even one off-key note emanating from her vocal cords. Her superb comic timing -- no secret to Broadway audiences since her performance as Sally in the 1999 revival of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" -- is on fine display.
   
   Equally impressive is Idina Menzel, whose dusky mezzo soprano fleshes out a complex character without ever descending into overacting or camp. Whether crooning the show's romantic ballad "As Long As You're Mine," or belting the finale of "Defying Gravity" to the second balcony, Ms. Menzel displays an astounding control of material that would reduce less adept singers shrieking histronics. Surpassing mere singing, she injects her songs with pathos and true humanity. It may be a performance with "Tony Award" written all over it, but it works -- and it works well.
   
   The entire CD is well-mixed, with an appropriate balance of voice and orchestra that sometimes eluded the sound engineers at the cavernous Gershwin Theater, where "Wicked" makes its Broadway home. For the most part, the deletions of material that is not purely musical are appropriate and well-chosen. One might carp about a few editions here and there (Madame Morrible's missing speech to the people of Oz condemning Elphaba as wicked at the beginning of "Defying Gravity," or the absence of Elphaba's defiant cry of "It's me-e-e-e-e!") But these can only be minor flies in an otherwise expertly-formulated ointment.
   
   "Wicked" may not be the greatest show ever written; it didn't break new ground or make theater history in the eyes of drama scholars (as did shows like "Oklahoma" or "Sweeney Todd"). But it stands as a splendidly enjoyable and memorable work, whether seen in its entirety in a stage production or listened to on this delightful CD.



2. When me and my family were visiting USA a couple of weeks ago we saw this musical. It was actually my first musical I'd ever seen. It blew me away. The day after the show we went to a CD store and bought this soundtrack to bring home so we all could have something to remember it by. I can't stop listening to it.
   
   First of all, the perfomances (especially the two lead female vocalists together) are amazing. They bring so much emotion to their songs so it's impossible not to sing along. And the songs themselves are incredibly well written and arranged. In my opinion, especially the song "Defying Gravity" stands out. All the songs are worth their five stars, but this song is worth seven.
   
   A good thing is that in the following booklet, you can follow the lyrics.



3. This is a classic example of people jumping on the bandwagon for a play which despoiled the great Oz of L. Frank Baum, and music which was humdrum and un-memorable. But because most humans are herd animals, it becomes a classic. It even hand a song which goes like this.....[see, Spamalot].



4. I know that some people out there have said they didn't like the score from this show......How can you NOT! To be fair the first time I played I said OK...........could be better. Then I played it again and read the words and listen to it and you know what? A hole other part of me took over, this show is just wonderful and looking at the book of the stage show and playing the cd I couldn't wait to see it. I did get to see it in Phila. the touring company and they were just, just.....there are no words to say how wonderful this show is. Watching this show there is no way it can't effect you, enless you are as hard as a rail. If you can pick up the cd buy the book of the musical or just go see it...it truly is great fun to sit and just watch this piece of magic weave its songs and visiual spell. I can't and haven't heard anyone come out of this show and say it wasn't entertainment. To Stephen Schwartz and company I can only say they did one HELL of a job bring this to the stage...............Now wheres that movie?



5. Just Awesone! You can't go wrong - if you love this musical, you'll love this!

5 comments about Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast Recording).

1. The music of the Four Seasons is timeless, but this recording enhances both the vocals and music. In Particular, the drums and bass are brought to the forefront without diluting the excellent vocals and yet gives a dynamic punch to songs recorded over 40 years ago. Highly recommended to anyone who lived in the era of 45's!!!



2. This was a great Show I saw it yesterday and as soon as possible I Bought It. It has songs such as Who loves you, Sherry, Walk like a Man, And Much more.



3. After Seeing Jersey Boys at the Plazzo in Las Vegas last month, I had to have the recording. It is great! I listen to it almost every day--keep it in my car for the commute. If you remember the 60's, and /or have seen the play, you'll love this album--they sell it at the theater for $25.00--I paid less than $13.00 on Amazon.



4. I saw the musical "Jersey Boys" at the Fox Theater in St. Louis a few weeks ago. I then bought the CD. It brings back great memories of the 60's and 70's. There is a good reason they won all of those Tony Awards.



5. Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast Recording)Absolutely great.Saw live stage show at the Fox Theatre(st.louis)Could see it again and again.music is great.play it almost every day.have 2 copies of CD,one for car and one for home. A must see and a must listen
   Hope to see it in film someday.

5 comments about In The Heights.

1. AMazing CD! I have yet to see the show but the music is out of this world :)



2. This is one of the best musical soundtracks I've listened to. The story unfolds through the songs. I know I'll probably not get the opportunity to see it on stage so it's wonderful to understand the story without having to see it. The joy that this playwriter feels comes through in every song and the performers translate it perfectly. I had my doubts about the rap but the Latin beats underneath make it accessible. Additionally, there is no mumbling, the actors annunciate every word. I hope you like this musical as much as I do!



3. As a Puerto Rican New Yorker who lived in Washington Heights for 5 years (and whose mother came there from the island decades ago), I was honestly expecting this show to be sweet and cute -- and perhaps even clever. But I was HORRIFIED with what I saw and heard. It was full of stereotypes and puerile attempts at humor. The cloying sentimentality and downright DISHONESTY offended me. I sat there, ashamed. This kind of fare sets us BACK! We need a Latino "Passing Strange"!!! And the dreadful music -- which you'd hear on this album -- is utterly forgettable. Goodness, we have a long way to go before we have a sophisticated, intelligent Latino musical. Even Paul Simon's "Capeman" was closer insofar as he collaborated with the likes of Oscar Hernandez (and at least the book of that musical attempted to explore provocative themes). I can't say enough to condemn this dubious work. Like another reviewer, I would give it fewer stars if I could. Do yourself a favor and check out the brilliant "Passing Strange" instead.



4. This sountrack needs a roadmap. There are some great songs, but WAY too many stories. Don't look for original ways to solve conflict. Most people problems are introduced and resolved before you even have a chance to care about them.
   
   You will want to read the synopsis on this one



5. Great cast recording. It includes the book so that you can follow along with the rap/Spanish and feel you are in the audience.

3 comments about Passing Strange.

1. :Passing Strange" is the most inventive, brave, and brilliant thing to hit theater (Broadway or otherwise) in a long time. This forum is in fact far too limited for a proper consideration of the overall work. Suffice to say, however, that the music alone is extraordinary. -- Though it is billed as a "rock musical," (and others with the same label don't even deserve to be called true "rock"!), the music of Stew and Heidi Rodewald is rich, melodic and complex (The show was ROBBED of the Tony for best original musical score (An outrage!). The lyrics, too, will give you a flavor of the irreverent wit of the play (genius!). I'm sure all fans of the show are, like me, grateful to finally have this album so that we can take a bit of the show home with us.



2. "Passing Strange" is yet another outstanding new cast recording, following closely after the irresistible Tony-winner "In the Heights" and the edgy, off-broadway stunner "Adding Machine." I'm a happy musical fan right now-- all three will be on my list of the decade's best.
   
   More than just being exemplary recordings of essential new scores, all three also represent completely different musical types-- put them together and you have a great showcase for how fantastically varied musicals are. "In the Heights" features catchy Latin-pop and rap, "Adding Machine" is an eclectic, rhythmic original, and here's "Passing Strange," the most authentic rock score since "Hedwig and the Angry Inch."
   
   "Authentic" is, in fact, probably the best word to describe "Passing Strange." With music by Stew (who also stars as the narrator of this autobiographical piece, and won a Tony for the show's book) and Heidi Rodewald, this is the story of a black "Youth" (Daniel Breaker) who leaves behind his middle class background to set out on a journey of self-discovery. Although the character is a musician at odds with black stereotypes, who goes as far away as Amsterdam and Berlin on his search for the "Real," the themes, of course, are universal-- growing up, finding your niche, accepting yourself. It's all relayed with great feeling and humor by Stew-- his connection to the music is palpable, and indeed it's hard to imagine anyone else performing "Passing Strange." This is his story, and a glimpse into his soul.
   
   And what a great collection of songs. One of the pleasures of the recording is how varied the songs are-- there's a stylistic jolt from track to track, from the rock-gospel "Church Blues Revelation/ Freight Train," to the haunting "Arlington Hill," the affectingly poignant "Keys," and the tour-de-force breakdown-in-song "Identity." That last one is performed so electrically by Daniel Breaker that it's hard to believe he wasn't handed a Tony for his efforts (he's excellent throughout). The recording also more than deserves its "explicit content" advisory--profanities and drug references abound (with highlights like "Amsterdam" and "Stoned," it's not hard to see why). Fantastic listening.



3. I loved this musical - saw it three times. The narration is witty and the music ROCKS!

5 comments about Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture).

1. I am totally in love with the music and the video of this musical. The voices are great and the music immediately picks up my mood. I find myself humming or singing the tunes all the time. I even wake up with the songs playing in my head. It sets me up for a high energy and positive thinking day.



2. I LOVE HAIRSPRAY!! You cannot compare the movie and the Broadway show because they are both fantabulous in their own way. The cast in both deliver great singing and acting capabilities. This soundtrack is by far the only soundtrack from a movie or show that I enjoy every single song on it. If I absolutely had to choose 2 great songs off this soundtrack, it would have to be "Without Love" and "You Can't Stop The Beat". My son and I watch the movie every chance we get and I'm sooo looking forward to seeing the Broadway show AGAIN!



3. I don't regret this purchase. I'm not really a musical fan but this soundtrack is amazing.



4. The Hairspray Soundtrack is just pure fun! The all-star cast sound fantastic on this soundtrack especially Nikki Blonsky, Michelle Pfeiffer, Elijah Kelly, Amanda Bynes, and James Mardsen. I highly recommend purchasing this flawless soundtrack and don't forget to rent or buy the movie, so you can not only hear the great music but see the amazing dancing as well. Go out and have a ball with this one, enjoy!



5. This cd has great, upbeat songs that will get you dancing no matter how hot and humid it is. It goes great with a tall glass of lemonade and a grassy lawn, which makes a great dance floor. The lyrics are funny, witty, and support the civil rights movement to boot!

5 comments about The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack).

1. The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack) Wonderful soundtrack; one of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's best and most famous with haunting melodies - sure to please. A don't miss!!



2. The movie was quite moving, as was the music. Okay, I know NOTHING about opera, but in my honest opinion, all the performers gave very good performances. Emmy Rossum has the voice of an angel in "Think of Me". Gerard Butler offers a decent rendition of one of the most recognized songs of the movie/play, "Music of the Night". Just listening to the soundtrack, I instantly recall the scenes during which the songs were performed vividly. If new to opera, I'd say it's a fair introduction. But when has Andrew Lloyd Webber ever given us anything but his finest!!



3. The music is fantastic on this cd and after watching the movie, you can feel the music when listening. The songs, the singers everything about it is wonderful.



4. I saw the movie, and I just had to have the music to enjoy over and over. What an awesome sountrack this is. As you listen to the CD, you are taken back over and over into the story. Great Vocals, great compositions, and a sountrack collector's delight.



5. I loved the play. I loved the movie. I thought I would love the soundtrack. Until the talking started. I cannot stand soundtracks that are too lazy to remove the talk...that is sheer laziness. It's being pulled from the movie instead of being done totally separately. How lame. So while the music is probably great...who knows. I'm completely distracted because of the talk. Please, please someone come out with a soundtrack with NO talking. It doesn't need it. I buy the cd for the music. I buy the movie for the talk.

5 comments about Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast).

1. When i heard they were making a musical for the movie Legally Blonde, i thought they were crazy. I didnt think this was going to be worth my time. I love broadway, but just the fact that one of my favorite movies would have musical numbers was insane. When i heard MTV was putting the show on tv, i decided to try it out. I loved it. It wasnt until recently when Mtv was putting on the competition that i really like hearing the music.
   
   All the songs were great. Very good rythem to some of them, and very meaningful. It can feel was Elle Woods is feeling when she sings the songs. The best songs that have you laughing are "Positive" and "Bend and Snap"
   
   This is definitely one musical you should see and buy the soundtrack to. You will be singing the songs even when you are not playing the soundtrack.



2. First off- you do not have to watch the Broadway show to appreciate the CD, as I had it for months before getting the chance to see it live. The music is fun and upbeat- some songs are a little silly, perhaps; but they all put a smile on your face.
   
   This is a light CD- it is not to be taken super-serioulsy; if you do- then you miss out on the fun. Just sit back and listen to the cast-
   it's very fun.



3. Wow! what a musical this turned out to be! O'Keefe did amazing being able to incorperate many genres of singing into a number of songs while still being able to advance the plot. I'm totally baffled how crazy good this musical is and Laura Bell Bundy has an amazing voice that is so unforgetable! This is my summer musical!!!! and if your looking for another great find from O'keefe, try Bat Boy!



4. Don't be afraid to be Legally Blonde!! After seeing this Broadway musical, I couldn't get the songs out of my head. I play it regularly on my way to work. It's impossible to have bad day after that!



5. If you are looking for a fun, upbeat energetinc broadway show and recording, this is for you! True, it is not Shakespeare, but it does not try to be either. The inceredible Laura Bell Bundy, as Elle Woods, shows versatility and a dynamic range.....a true pleasure to hear. From the opening "Omigod You Guys" to Orfeh's poignant "Ireland" to the show-ending "Legally Blonde Reprise," this energetic show hits on all 4 cylinders....you will not be disappointed!

5 comments about Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Spring Awakening is a great show. Its catchy/rock tunes can keep me going for hours. BUT, if your thinking about sitting along with elders listening to your new musical you've just bought and this happens to be playing.... think again! This musical which sounds to be wrapped around the lives of teens should stay just with teens themselves. When i heard the music i wasn't only appauled at the constant dops of "f-bombs" and other swears but the horrible or should i really say non-existant rhymes used. But, nonetheless it was good for originality in score which did cause me to set my mind aside and see what a truly great musical and what a honest and true musical it is.



2. No one under the age of 25 is going to agree with me, but who cares. I think it's great they finally have a show about teens on Broadway, but to be this cliche', with so little if anything to say, uninteresting with a score poorly written is just a real pity. I suppose it's a start, but as far as speaking and expounding on youth, take me to HAIR any day over this.



3. I will admit that at first I did not like the soundtrack to Spring Awakening it felt so full of just basic teenage angst. However after looking up a few of the videos of featured performances on YouTube, I began to appreciate the music more and actually feel the characters. It's never going to be something I listen to constantly, but its good to revisit it occasionally.



4. I listened to this CD a week before going to see the show. Although I enjoyed it, I didn't fully appreciate it. Listening to it now, after seeing the show, I enjoy it so much more! I would HIGHLY recommend seeing Spring Awakening as soon as you can. Not only was the cast and choreography great, but the band on the stage was entertaining as well. Maybe it's because my husband comes from a musical family, but I found myself watching the band, at times, just as much as the person singing. Definitely a must-see; I would go again in a heartbeat! If you can't see the show, I would still recommend getting the CD and going to the Spring Awakening website to see some of the podcasts available to get to see a little of what the musical is all about.



5. I loved everything about this album! It is set in Germany in 1891 but the songs have modern lyrics and a modern style. The characters are teenagers dealing with the frustration of teenage life. The story covers social problems ranging from suicide, molestation, teenagers exploring and experimenting with their sexuality, teenage pregnancy, abortion, & homosexuality. It is a powerful, passionate, enlightening, and moving story. The ending is surprisingly inspiring. All of the songs are terrific but my favorite song is "Purple Summer".