5 comments about Man of La Mancha (2002 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. This is the best recording of this score; the cast sings and acts the material as well as it can be done. Two caveats - the sentimentality is shied away from, which has its rewards but results in a performance that is a bit dry. The recording is bit dry as well. It does take the curse off the cuteness of some of the songs, but it also erases some of the humor. A bit of earnest in a musical goes a long way. It should be possible to create a production with all of the above. Mitchell is amazing, as he usually is. He and Brent Barrett are the Alfred Drakes of this era, able to sing and act with a brain working behind the voice and the heart. The orchestrations evoke the Spanish sources with simplicity. But a bit of the drama and heart is lost, at least on the recording. You never have any doubt where it's going; and even with - especially with - a tale told many times it's the duty of the production to recreate the drama, not cede that you've heard it all before. But no production could ever give depth to the lyrics, which are as simple and lacking shade as nursery rhymes.



2. It is everything I hoped for. Arrived quickly and in perfect condition. Just you would hope for when you are dealing with number one. I have used Amazon in the past and I certainly will again.



3. I have listened to several versions of Man of La Mancha over the years and at last have found one that lives up to all my expectations. Brian Stokes Mitchell's interpretation of the words of the songs, together with a great voice, is second to none. The final sequence and finale brought me to tears. The magnificent song 'The Impossible Dream' has been murdered by many singers in the past but finally here is one who has brought all the meaning and emotion to the fore.
   The other cast members too, did a brilliant job.



4. I have been a fan of the "Man of La Mancha" for years. I love the songs and the message, even if the story-line is a bit awkward. It is great story that deals with hope, faith and idealism. The music is wonderful evoking Old Spain, but also with lyrics that are profound in the emotions and dreams that are captured.
   
   I only knew of Brian Stokes Mitchell from a minor role he played on "Trapper John M.D." back in the 1980s (at first I didn't realize that it was the same guy). Mitchell and company do a fantastic job of bringing this narrative to life. I found the new introduction to be very imaginative and it captured a sense of fire: the fire of Don Quixte's idealism and Dulcenia's fire of passion and pain.
   
   Comparisons: Original Broadway Cast; Jim Nabors as Don Quixote; Placido Domingo as Don Quixote



5. Having heard both the Original Cast and Revival Cast recordings--and having seen Stokes Mitchell perform the play on Broadway--I prefer this version. As someone else pointed out, the Kiley version sounds too "operatic." To me, the Original Cast version also sounds more measured and "intentional," and thus less passionate, spontaneous, and real.
   
   Along with other reviewers, I feel Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio has been bashed unfairly: as someone else mentioned, when it seems like her voice is struggling it's because her character is struggling. It is this overall verisimilitude that makes the Revival Cast more appealing to me.
   
   And, yeah, Stokes Mitchell is brilliant as Don Quixote.

5 comments about South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall.

1. I had great expectations for this CD... most of them were met, but I was vastly disappointed with one of the principal singers: Reba McIntyre. I know she is a great comedic actress and a true star in the world of country music. But from the very first song she sings - and nearly everyone thereafter - her country stylings just struck me as WRONG for this part. She tends to "scoop" up to her notes - over and over. Again, that may be OK for country music, but not Rogers & Hammerstein... even if the role is supposed to be a young gal from the "country" (i.e. not a big city). Again, she is great in her realm and has done fun and admirable things on TV and in movies, but I found her singing style in this role annoying.
   
   Most everyone else holds up well, though I agree with another reviewer's observation that Alec Baldwin sounded a bit like a New York gangster. The women's and men's choruses performed admirably. The orchestra was lush, rich and balanced. For me, however, the saving grace and main reason to buy this CD is Brian Stokes Mitchell. His rich baritone is breathtaking and awe-inspiring. It would have been better if he did not read his lines of dialoggue as is "French accent" was very strange indeed - but his singing is to be savored.



2. After seeing this concert performance on PBS recently, we quickly ordered the CD. Super! Great quality and wonderful voices and acting, even if one couldn't see them!



3. Let's get to the point here. With all due respects to the legendary Mary Martin, Ezio Pinza, and all the others who have essayed the lead roles in this great show, this is, quite simply, the finest recording of R&H's "South Pacific".
   
   Brian Stokes Mitchell is a proven commodity on the Broadway stage these days. He is a force of nature that seems to sweep away all before him. The part of Emile was originally written for Ezio Pinza, then nearing the end of a remarkable career on the operatic stage. Magnificent though he is said to have been in this role, it simply must be said that for those familiar with his great art, his voice, as heard on the original cast recording is long past its' prime. Mitchell simply sounds much younger and more vibrant. Does it work? I think so.
   
   A much greater potential problem is Reba McEntire. Someone took a great leap of faith in casting her in this role. New York audiences are notoriously unforgiving, and the cognoscenti awaited her with their claws sharpened. It is said she was very worried about doing this, but resolved to give it her best. Watching this on the DVD, it is more obvious than listening on the CD, but the audience is noticeably cool to McEntire at the beginning. It takes her about ten minutes to win them over. But win them over she does, and in the process turns in one of the most surprising performances in my memory. Could she do Nellie eight a week? I have no idea. But I can sure tell you she did the hell out if for at least one night. Her much deserved ovation at the end of the show was so thunderous she can be seen taking her bows with tears running down her face.
   
   Simply a great job by one and all.
   
   Now, on to the shortly-to-be-released cast album of the recent Broadway revival of South Pacific, amazingly, the shows' first fully staged Broadway revival since it premiered over a half century ago. I hear its' great. I hope so. It's going to have to be to top this.
   
   R&H live forever!



4. I have ALWAYS adored the score from SOUTH PACIFIC, but was hard put to find the perfect cast to sing it as it I imageded the authors intended. This cast is superb. Reba McIntyre, while not as young as Nellie was written, is just great with that air of small town out on her own in na strange new world. Alec Baldwin is a hoot as Lester Billis, that quintessential con artist with a heart of gold. Lillias White is a great Bloody Mary, too.
   My real raves are for Brian Stokes Mitchell in the role of Emile de Beque. I can't stop listening to his rendition of SOME ENCHANTED EVENING. And when you hear him sing THIS NEARLY WAS MINE you might be ready to pack your bags and look for anything this guy is playing, as I was. His voice is awesome! Where have they been hiding him? He needs to share that magnificent voice with the rest of the civilized world.



5. Really refreshing to have a new and complete recording of this wonderful show. The score includes many reprises, which become somewhat like leitmotifs for the characters. The orig film and b'way albums are very abbrieviated. And the cast is quite wonderful.

5 comments about Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1982 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Andy Webber and Tim Rice did this concept musical recording first, then produced "Jesus Christ Superstar" as a concept recording, and it swept the world. That was nearly 40 years ago. The success of Superstar led to the release of the Joseph score on Scepter Records, and the independent success of "Joseph" led to a stage version. While "Superstar" also has a stage version and was a popular movie, too, "Joseph" is more fun, and if you get a chance to attend a production, don't miss it. Its light tone and variety of musical styles make it a joy to see. The original Broadway cast version sounds just fine, although Donnie Osmond, who resurrected his career by playing Joseph, did not come along until later. Even after owning one version or another of this score for all these decades, I still enjoy an annual listen, because the writing is just so smile-producing.



2. This is an excellent version of Joseph. This is the standard to which all other versions should be compared!



3. I think "Joseph" is an enjoyable listen as a whole. I mean, obviously Webber and Rice were just beginning to find their stride, so it's not as strong as some of their later stuff, but it is a good start. As far as this CD goes, I personally think the 'Joseph" is a tad weak as a singer. I don't really know how to explain it. He isn't bad by any means, but it is only average. The 'narrator' is good though. It, as a whole, is a good interpretation of what I'm sure Webber and Rice had in mind.



4. I had just watched yet another production of "Joseph" and decided to purchase the DVD to keep the music going. I'm a happy camper!



5. I first met "Joseph ..." with a national touring company in the mid '80s, and was grabbed by it. The productions I have seen since have all been so "campy" that the story line was almost neglected. The production I saw first is proof that "Joseph ..." can be done as a real musical.
   It is, of course, a mishmash of musical styles. Almost everybody will like something in it; and almost everybody will dislike something in it. But altogether, it plays well.
   For me, the enjoyment comes from listening to the music, not from seeing the productions that are now being staged.

5 comments about Company - A Musical Comedy (1970 Original Broadway Cast).

1. As with most OBC recordings, this is the deffinitive recording of Company. Each cast member is wonderful and every song is a joy. Elaine Stritch is probably the highlight of the recording, she lends her wonderfully characteristic voice to the ensemble numbers (listen to her shouting away in the finale!) and gives her legendary performance of one of Sondheim's best - "The Ladies Who Lunch". "You Could Drive A Person Crazy" is wonderfully sung with flawless harmonies throughout. "Poor Baby", usually a very problematical number, is pulled off effortlessly. I'll also happily admit to never having liked "Another Hundred People" untill hearing this recording.
   Overall, one of the best cast recordings I've ever heard (and I've heard a fair few). So although there are other equally good, or sometimes better, performances out there (ie. Madeline Kahn's "Getting Married Today"; Millicent Martin, Lea Salonga, Ruthie Henshall and Maria Friedman's "You Could Drive A Person Crazy" and Patti LuPone's (or Bernadette Peter's) "Being Alive") this is the best all round recording for a totally competent cast and Elaine Stritch's Johanna will never be bettered: I'll drink to that!
   The CD is now digitally smartened up and the sound is flawless. The bonus track (Lary Kert's "Being Alive") is nice to have though slightly pointless as it is almost identical to Dean Jones' but, in my view, slightly less emotive. All in all, a must for any Sondheim or post 1957 musical theatre fan!



2. Excellent musical. The original cast is talented. Because I'm a Sonheim fan, I'm glad to have the CD.



3. The original Broadway cast album is still the standard by which to judge all others. Except for the added track of Being Alive (rhythmically static) the songs are so well presented one wonders how any revival can compare. Knowing the show intimately from listening to the cassette for years I am thrilled to have it on CD with good acoustic balance.



4. Company is one of my favorite musicals ever! It's funny, witty and a musical! I may not have seen the original cast perform, but the cast who performed it stayed true to the musical piece. So when I listen to the CD, I don't feel like I missed out a lot.. The music and lyrics are just hilarious! Listening to it keeps me "company" in traffic.. It really is very entertaining.
   
   Not to mention, Stephen Sondheim is GOD!



5. This is really a 4.5
   Absolutely one of my favorite shows. The lyrics and orchestrations are spectacular. If you are doubting Sondheim's genius, this musical will clear things up. Company is truly a model for musical theater. It has great ballads, wonderful company numbers, and everything in between. The music acts as its own unique characters as well. The opening chords are the dial tones! GENIUS! If you are new or old to musical theater this is a must have. There are MANY recordings, but I only own this one, the original. While this recording isn't the highest quality recording and there are some harmonic issues vocally, I would still say get this recording. It is truly fabulous. There are so many good songs which is my favorite?! Favorite song: "Sorry-Grateful"

5 comments about You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. I can be rather picky when it comes to Broadway musicals, but You're a Good Man Charlie Brown is at the top of my list along with Wicked and Phantom of the Opera. Mix great vocalists and performers with funny lyrics and catchy tunes, you've got You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. A light-hearted show, I would recommend this musical to anyone who loves Peanuts, Broadway, or hilarious and entertaining songs.



2. Broadway revival cast albums are a tricky thing -- how do you make something fresh, while not copying the original, and not making a mess of it, either?
   
   This 1999 revival cast of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is fairly decent. The arrangements have life, the performances are enthusiastic, and the humor is simple and clear.
   
   Anthony Rapp, Roger Bart, and the fabulous Kristin Chenoweth do a great job. A little silly, a little cartoonish, and perfectly suited for the material.
   
   Unfortunately, a few of the other performers aren't well-suited for this music. Ilana Levine is a little TOO over-the-top and comes across as inauthentic, and B.D. Wong just has too much vibrato to be playing a young boy.
   
   If you're looking for only one recording of this terrific musical, I'd suggest you go with the original Broadway cast. But if you're a fan of the musical (or of any of these performers), this is a good addition to your collection.



3. I was a little suprised to get a CD not in original case...but it played



4. "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" is a classic Broadway musical. This CD is wonderfully well-done and brings back fond memories of when I saw it on stage as a little girl. This is the revival cast including Kristin Chenoweth as Sally Brown who won the Tony for her performance. All of the cast members sing their hearts out and do a superb job. This CD is great for ALL ages...young or old. It can be a great introduction to musicals for your little ones. Highly recommended!!



5. This is a very fun musical. My children, ages 3 and 6, love it and sing along!

5 comments about Nipper's Greatest Hits - The 20's.

1. At twenty songs, this is a decent sized compilation into the popular music of the decade that roared. Some of these songs are familiar (Rhapsody in Blue) and other songs you'll be surprised to find familiar, having never known their name before.
   
   Now, the 1920s is a bit before my time. I love this music though. This, aside from the movies, was really my introduction to it.



2. I recognized so many songs from movies and cartoons I've seen, and who knows where else. For some reason I just love this music. I bought something from the forties, at the same time, and it was a big disappointment - but this made up for it. I was so surprised at how great it sounds and the music is really the "bees knees", as someone else mentions. Even though the Charleston craze was way before my time, I wanted to jump up and dance. Everything is good, but even if you only like a few, "Rhapsody In Blue" will make you swoon and be glad you bought it. Now I am looking for more music like this. I hope the Archeophone ones are as good. I looked them up at [...] and, as someone commented on Amazon, they have samples. I listened to the music and it did sound wonderful plus it comes with a lot of historical background. I just bought two C.D.'s by them on Amazon and will let you know. I can't wait to hear the songs from the prohibition era where they sing about their pal Al (Alcohol) and the moon shining on moonshine, etc. I love the play on words.



3. Suffice to say, Nipper has great taste in selecting the greatest hits of the 1920s! "Collegiate" can bring a laugh and a smile to every listener, and "My Blue Heaven" never grows old. This is a must-have!



4. Great music from the twenties, Shared it with my Lindy dance troupe and now we use it in our skit for nursing homes and church. Great fun!! The sound is good, original productions. I recommend it.



5. I bought this cd initally for a laugh, as my family are holding a birthday party themed *gangsters and molls* for my dad. I was browsing and found this fantastic soundtrack to the 20's, and I fell in love with the music!! I love it!!

5 comments about Camelot: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1967 Film).

1. While Camelot, the movie, is magical, gorgeous, and heartbreaking, get the OBC for the music. It is a classic and Franco Nero can't hold a candle to Robert Goulet singing If Ever I Would Leave You.
   
   But if you want to watch a great romantic movie, this is it.



2. This, the soundtrack for the movie, featuring Richard Harris and Vanessa Redgrave is far superior to that made from the Broadway production (Richard Burton and Julie Anderews). Harris and Redgrave 'act' even while singing - Andrews is too pure a singer to allow much emoting beyond pure tones, and Burton...should really have stuck to speaking.



3. This was a present for someone else and they let me know there was nothing wrong with it.



4. Saw this movie with my husband before we were married. Loved the movie and enjoyed the record album for years. Record album disappeared along with the record player. Three years ago my husband passed away. Was so pleased to get this CD and be able to hear these songs again. Listening to the wonderful music on this soundtrack brings back many memories of happier times.



5. This was a great old motion picture...they do not make them like this anymore.

5 comments about The Fantasticks (Original 1960 Off-Off Broadway Cast).

1. From this beautifully remastered recording of the original 1959 cast album, it is obvious why The Fantasticks ran for 42 years off Broadway, making it the world's longest continuous musical run to date. In a time of Mega-Mega-Mega This or That, The Fantasticks stands as a testament to the simple beauty of the lyric and melody of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, and the simple poignancy of a tale about human relationships and lasting love without frills, big budgets, or preachiness. Those raised on musicals of the last 3 decades initially may be unable to process it. Extensive recording notes provide a background of the musical and full synopsis of the story, photos, and the entire lyrics and dialogue within the recording. The enchanting two-piano score jumps off the CD to life before you from the first note to the last. The listening experience is akin to sitting in the front row of the intimate Sullivan Street Playhouse where this modern-day Romeo and Juliet premiered and played for more than four decades. From the score, "Try to Remember" -- exquisitely sung by Jerry Orbach, and "They Were You" with Rita Gardner and Kenneth Wilson stand out as classics, though every song beautifully walks us through the lives of the characters. Also extraordinary is the opportunity to hear this wonderful cast, many of whom were appearing in first notable roles. Treat yourself to an experience of what theatre is truly all about.



2. What a treat to hear that piano begin another "Fantastick" review of romance and the ongoing battle between teens and their parents. Jerry Orback's invitation to "remember" aways anchors me to the joys of my life.



3. I was fortunate to see the production in 1962, early in its forty-two year non-stop run, and it has always remained one of my favorite musicals. I appreciated the opportunity of downloading a re-mastered original cast album in MP3 format....Fantastic!!! Easy download and just as easy to burn a CD of the download for playing in my vehicle. The sound quality is impressive, sharp, with accurate reproduction of the audible range.



4. I ordered the Fantastics record because I was interested in one song on it. Somehow, I had never heard of this very successful musical. And I enjoyed almost all of it. Good stuff!



5. This is a fantastic musical - Jerry Orbach is one of my favorites and he is wonderful. Such a talent.

5 comments about Annie: The 30th Anniversary Cast Recordings.

1. Cast album producers are usually ignored by the general public, but without many of these producers who take risks, we wouldn't see many rare shows worthy of a cast recording.
   
   Robert Sher is one of those producers. From his OBC of Sugar Babies to the lost score of SHERRY! Sher is willing to gamble to bring musical theatre lovers items of interest. So, Why ANNIE? As divine as the Columbia OBC is, with benchmark performances by Andrea Mc Ardle and the incomparable Dorothy Loudon, The OBC has a very 1970's sound and feel that seems inescapable for a show that is set during the great depression. Ah, but this is more than a complete recording. This recording includes a second disc featuring songs from the 1992 mega disaster ANNIE 2 - Miss Hannigan's Revenge.
   
   If you'd wonder why you'd want to hear songs from this flop, the answer is simple: Charles Strouse's tunes are always interesting and often unexpected. In fact, some of his best melodies have been featured in scores from flop shows - Nick and Nora is just one example. Secondly, this second disc is narrated by Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan, who arguably was the best thing about the 1982 ANNIE feature film. Burnett lends her comic narrative to fill in the blanks around the score. Burnett,alas, doesn't sing Miss Hannigan in the ANNIE 2 Score, which is slightly disappointing, so you settle for Sally Struthers and Kathy Lee Gifford, who are both perfectly fine, but still leave you wondering what it would have been like if Burnett had performed the songs. Sadly, a lot of ANNIE 2's best melodies were recycled for the next ANNIE incarnation Annie Warbucks, albeit with different lyrics.Those songs were not included on this recording due to rights issues. The best three tracks on the second disc aren't from Annie 2 at all. They are the added songs for various productions of ANNIE. "Why Should I Change a Thing?", added for the 2004 Australian production is a welcome addition for Warbucks. "Don't Mess With Mother", added for the 30th Anniversary Production, is a revamped lyric of "You Make Me Happy", added for Nell Carter in the 20th anniversary production. Kathy Lee Gifford shines here and makes me regret not having caught her as Hannigan. The final song "It's Christmas" is from the 1977 NBC TV ANNIE Christmas Special, and features Andrea Mc Ardle reprising her role as Annie. This second disc is an oddity, but it is deserving of a place in any collector's library.
   
   This 30th Anniversary recording sounds timeless and lush. No, the new cast won't erase your fond memories, but it's chock full of performances that are fresh and just as valid. The orchestrations have been updated, while staying relatively faithful to the original concept and structure.
   
   Alene Robertson, who has made a cottage industry of playing Miss Hannigan, is delightful. Her voice is rich and deep.. and more than a tad butch.. but it works. The Divine Shelley Burch, plays Lily St. Regis on the 1st Disc, and on the Annie 2 disc, turns in a beautiful performance as Grace Farrell. I wish she'd played Grace on the first disc as well, as her voice is far superior to Elizabeth Broadhurst.
   
   Conrad John Schuck is a fine Warbucks, but doesn't posess the vocal depth, range or power of either Reid Shelton nor Harve Presnell.
   
   Of course ANNIE rises and falls on Annie herself. Marissa O' Donnell is perfectly lovely, but she still has to battle with the ghost of Andrea Mc Ardle's indelible performance. Mc Ardle's voice has always been something of an oddity: She had an adult belt from the time she was a baby, and she never sounded cutsey or sugary as Annie. Invariably, every subsequent Annie has that saccharine quality. That's simply no fault of O'Donnell's, she's just no Andrea Mc Ardle.. and who is?
   
   Grab this CD. It's not going to ever replace your OBC, but you will give it repeated play, as you hear this classic score reinvented and "gussied up" for an entirely new generation.. and of course, the 40th anniversary production isn't too far away.



2. Based on the recent 30th anniversary tour of this enduringly popular musical, this ANNIE features the tour's cast on the first disc and Carol Burnett, who starred in the first film version of ANNIE, narrating the story and deleted songs (or songs from the failed sequel, ANNIE WARBUCKS. The extras will please only the most fanatical ANNIE fans and musical theatre buff, while the tour's cast gives a solid, if uninspired, rendering of the show's score. The original cast album (and the hard-to-find original London cast) remain the definitive ANNIE albums.



3. I like this recording very much. I collect recordings of musicals and feel this is the best and most complete recording of the musical Annie available today. Many of the selections contain dialog that help tell the story better. When listening to it I almost feel like I'm watching the play. The 2nd CD with songs from the sequel Miss Hannigan's Revenge is also very good. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys Annie.



4. wow! i was thrilled with this purchase. the kids voices are absolutely terrific...esp the little girl playing Molly in Annie. A must!!!!



5. This two-disc CD set is a joy! I was not in the market for another recording of ANNIE, but when I saw that it was a "complete recording" and it had songs from ANNIE 2, I got it. And I was thrilled with it from the very beginning. The CD brought ANNIE to life again right in front of my ears. The orchestra sounds full, rich and bright, and while I haven't seen the 30th Anniversary production, the performers are all very entertaining on this CD. "NYC" is particularly good.
   
   The second CD is ANNIE 2, the sequel to ANNIE that closed out of town. There are not too many of the traditional musical theatre composers like Charles Strouse working today, so it's a treat to be able to hear "new" old songs from him and Martin Charnin. Some of them are wonderful - "Coney Island" being the show-stopping standout. Plus, the three bonus songs at the end of disc 2 that were written for other productions of ANNIE and the ANNIE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL are really terrific.
   
   And one more note - the whole package with the booklet with illustrations of the real performers and scenes from the show in the style of the ANNIE cartoon strip is very well and cleverly done and show the same care that went into this recording.
   
   I, for one, miss the old-fashioned, big Broadway musicals. We're lucky that this season we are getting a number of rich sounding, well-produced CD's of revivals - SOUTH PACIFIC and hopefully GYPSY (due this summer and if it's anything like the show I saw on Broadway it will have dazzling performances and sound). This 30th Anniversary CD of ANNIE will be right up there on my shelf with the best of these revival recordings.

5 comments about A Catered Affair (Original Broadway Cast Recording).

1. This musical was VERY under appreciated. With every listen, you get more and more out of the words. If you like musicals, you will LOVE this one.



2. "The Catered Affair" was not a success on Broadway, but the score deserves to be heard. The cast is excellent.



3. I don't see this as ever winning a Tony. The voices are excellent and the story line captures your interest, but I didn't walk away from this humming any of the tunes.
   
   I will recommend that many of my friends listen to this sountrack for the sake of the story line & the production quality, but it will never be one of my top ten



4. A very small pleasure, no pretty melodies, no complex story.
   
   The songs allow you to follow the story well. Unfortunately the story is exactly the same as the old Bette Davis movie.
   
   Faith Prince is fine, she has her Bronx accent perfect. Tom Wopat in good voice but his accent is not so satisfying. But Harvey Firestein is terrible! The raspy voice that was such fun in Hairspray is such an annoyance here.
   
   I was disappointed when the show closed before I could get tickets. Now I'm glad I saved the $200.



5. I was lucky enough to be New York recently and was priviledged to attend a Saturday Matinee of "A Catered Affair." This is the stuff of legends! Granted the book added a rather trite sub-plot about the uncle, but the music, direction, sets, costumes, orchestrations and stellar performances made for a momentous performance. And the CD beautifully captures the magical, delicate and wholly original score by John Bucchino. I almost chose not to see this show because of Ben Brantley's scathing review in the New York Times. Thank God, my heart took over and told me that this might be another "Light in the Piazza."
   
   But it wasn't a copy of anything. It was completely original. Broadway is willing and wanting and waiting for such lovely pieces. Not since "She Loves Me" has a show been so wrongly criticized and ignored by the Tony nominators, who, for God's knows what reason, embraced the sophomoric and cloying "In the Heights." (I attended a performance of the latter where many audience members left at the intermission.) Another musical that got short-changed was "Young Frankenstein" with a near comic operetta score and stellar performances by all involved.
   
   But I digress. If you're even thinking about going to NYC this summer, go immediately before "A Catered Affair" closes. It's scheduled to close in late July.
   
   DO YOUR PART TO KEEP IT GOING!!