5 comments about Surrender.

1. I'm not a big ALW fan but his x-wife's singing turns his pompous, melodramatic works into sincere and romantic love songs.



2. Very happy in general with this CD and Sara's beautiful voice. A mixture of musical selections that wear well.



3. This CD is simply amazing! I prefer this album over "Dive" because Brightman sticks to what she knows best - which is opera! Surrender, Unexpected Song, Chanson D'efance, Tell Me on a Sunday, and Nothing Like You've Ever Known are simply brilliant and beautiful pieces music! Sadly, I do not prefer the 2 songs from Cats - about Macavaty and Gus. They really do not seem to fit to Brightman's style of music, for they are more outgoing! However, Memory from Cats (in Italian) is beautiful with soaring octaves! Everything's Alright is genius, with a 5/4 tempo, and it makes the song amazing. Pie Jesu is a beautiful piece, but I prefer Charlotte Church singing it. Brightman's vocals show to much vibrato, and it makes the song seem annoying! Amigos Para Siempre and the Spanish version of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" are fairly decent pieces from Brightman. If you love the Brightman from "The Phantom of the Opera", then buy this album!!!



4. The first couple of songs were fair the next few were crap and the next were hogwash and the last showed how a beautiful voice could crumble with lousy songs chosen for her Terrible ablum especially for 30.00 really terrible



5. I surrendered ..... you should too!

   This album is just incredible. As I'm sure you already know, this is a collection of Sarah singing the works of brilliant composer (and ex-husband) Andrew Lloyd Webber.

   Sarah just takes my breath away. Her technique is incredible and her voice is perfect- which I unfortunately can't say for all of her albums. Her Spanish pronunciation is nothing short of amazing on one of the album's highlights, 'No Llores por Mi Argentina', 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' from 'Evita' in Spanish. Another incredible highlight is 'Piano', 'Memory' from 'Cats' in Italian. Sarah really throws herself into it and it comes out sounding almost like an operatic aria. If you're looking for her famous 'Music of the Night' that's here too, as well as a brand new version of 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again', which definitely improves on the already fantastic version that's on the 'Phantom of the Opera' cast recording. 'Macavity: The Mystery Cat' from 'Cats' shows off a whole new side to Sarah's voice. When I first heard it I was amazed! I couldn't believe that it was Sarah singing it. Other amazing highlights (for me at least) are 'Unexpected Song' from 'Song and Dance', 'Tell Me On a Sunday' from the musical of the same name, and 'The Last Man in my Life' from 'Song and Dance'.

   The album includes fantastic liner notes explaining each song and the musical that it's from, courtesy of Andrew Lloyd Webber himself, and some really cool behind the scenes pictures. I strongly urge you to buy this album even if you already own the 'Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection'. I don't own that album myself, but from what I understand, it's basically a repackaging of this with a few song changes and different pictures. I'll probably buy it to get the songs that I don't have one of these days .....

   I adore this album. All Sarah Brightman, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and musical theater fans in general need this. In my opinion it's one of Sarah's 3 best works, (the other two being 'La Luna' and 'Time to Say Goodbye'.) Of course, with Sarah's huge and varied discography, your opinion is bound to differ from mine but I'm saying mine anyway.

   This album is one of my top favorites of all time. It's worth every penny. Buy it- you won't regret it.

5 comments about Bye Bye Birdie (1963 Film Soundtrack).

1. I love this soundtrack. The songs sound just like they do in the movie, except that at last you get to hear "One Last Kiss" all the way to the end! Yay!



2. Was so happy to see this CD reissued! Especially the additional music and photos! The opening and closing numbers are the best! Ann Margret singing the title song was a fantasy for so many young men in the 60's! There will never be a better performance on film!



3. I love this soundtrack! it's great for kids and adults all the like. the songs are funny and have good catchy beats to them.



4. This is still such a classic and so much fun!



5. I always enjoyed the film version of "Birdie" as well as the soundtrack and now this reissue includes "The Sultans Ballet" where Janet Leigh bites off more than she can chew when she invites a group of Sultans(Shriners) to dance. There are a couple of minor inclusions including "We Love You Conrad" and the rehearsal of "One Last Kiss" My only question is why didnt they use the complete version of "A Lot of Livin To Do" Even with the additional tracks the CD clocks in at 46 minutes so space wasn't a problem. It's quite understandable why the Russian Ballet was not included since it would be out of place on an otherwise perky and bright score.
   
   While "Bye Bye Birdie" may not be one of the best scores it is zesty and cheerful to listen to on a gloomy day and as one of the numbers suggests it helps you to "Put On A Happy Face"

5 comments about Cinderella (1957 Television Cast).

1. OK, if you have kids or are around kids, they have sung the scores to the above mentioned shows until even the birds on the wallpaper know how they go. But it's not really the kids fault--just broaden their musical horizons with this lovely classic. The songs are simple, but memorable and have just enough musical richness to keep them interesting rather than predictible. Soon they will be another musical played over and over and over....ahh childhood.



2. I purchased this for my 4 year old grandaughter after she had seen the stage play and wanted to learn all of the songs. We love to sing them...the step-sisters' lament which is very funny, "Impossible" and (her version) "A Luddly Night". A great introduction to musical theater for little people.



3. Simply beautiful. While the 66 production is pleasant as well, and Leslie Ann Warren is not Julie Andrews (who is?), she is lovely in her own right and it does preserves R&H's wonderful music. The Whitney Houston production, while a misfire, at least is a valiant attempt to keep R&H alive, and brought to a whole new generation, on that score , Bravo!
   But the original is sublime, even if the recently re-released TV production is difficult to watch due to the technological values of the day, the B&W picture is grainy and distorted, no matter, it's all about the glorious music.



4. I remember watching the original broadcast live (I believe it was live) and loving it. After all these years, I still do.
   
   And I laughed to find out Jon Cypher was the police commissioner on Hill Street Blues. Took me a long time to wrap my head around that one.
   
   a great album of a memorable event!



5. I love it. Much better than the later Leslie Ann Warren version. This particular CD looked like an old Columbia Records LP label. Very retro.

5 comments about 16 Most Requested Songs.

1. Bought cd for one song. The song is on the cd so I am satified.



2. Andy Williams could take a song and turn it into an artistic masterpiece. His strong voice was able to convey the slightest of emotional nuances to make every song a meaningful one and a short story as well. He remains one of the greatest male vocalists of the twentieth century; and this CD gives us sixteen of his most requested songs.
   
   "Can't Get Used To Losing You" proves this all so easily. Andy also used his own vocals to create the effect that there were two of him singing the song. The slight echo of Andy's voice on numbers including "Can't Get Used To Losing You" really impresses me. The strings also work wonders for the musical arrangement; and Andy never misses a beat! "Red Roses For A Blue Lady" features Andy singing at his very best; the arrangement places Andy squarely in the spotlight as he sings this classic love ballad. The backup vocalists harmonize to perfection and the arrangement overall lacks nothing--love that brass!
   
   "Moon River" was one of Andy's greatest hits and most requested songs; I believe his television show often opened with part of this song. Andy delivers "Moon River" like the champ that he is and the ballad is very romantic as Andy sings it. "Born Free" gets the royal treatment; Andy's excellent diction bolsters his performance and the backup vocalists harmonize well.
   
   I really like "Days Of Wine And Roses;" Andy sings this with panache and sensitivity. The strings help the arrangement, too. "More" is another coup for Andy who sings this with all his heart and soul. Another highlight on this fantastic album is easily "What Now My Love." "What Now My Life" features Andy's voice singing clearly and conveying all the subtle nuances of emotion to make this a powerful performance.
   
   The album ends with "The Impossible Dream;" and it makes an excellent, strong ending for the album.
   
   Of course, fans of Andy Williams will probably want this in their collection although it is best suited for a more casual fan. Andy's artistry is displayed very well on this album and I wonder why Andy isn't remembered the way he deserves to be remembered. Moreover, if you like classic pop vocals, you are bound to appreciate this album of just some of Andy William's most requested songs.



3. Wife hasn't taken Andy out of her CD player since she put it in 3 weeks ago.



4. Being a Sinatraphile, I don't often like to venture into the domain of other "Easy Listening" singers; I generally stick with the best. However, every now and then I pop in something different just for the sake of variety. If nothing else, it makes me appreciate Sinatra that much more. But I digress. Williams has a very smooth, pleasant voice. He's not offensive, his voice is distinctive, and he has sung some good songs. Besides, he was a friend and supporter of Bobby Kennedy, so he must be a halfway decent guy. This collection is pretty solid: his signature song, "Moon River," is here; "Can't Get Used to Losing You" is a damn fine, catchy tune; "Dear Heart" and "Days of Wine and Roses" are also quite good, though my favorite song on this collection is the beautiful "Emily." There are some standards and a couple I could do without, but overall I would consider this a good buy.



5. Listening to Andy Williams brought back lots of memories. You just don't hear these songs played on free radio anymore. Now I can listen anytime I want. Great CD!

5 comments about Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. I had seen this production in early 2008 when it aired on PBS and fell in love with the music. The production was beautiful, so when I bought this album I knew what i was in for. This CD is definitively one of the best recordings of a Sondheim show. It is expansive and yet intimate, it is polished and refined and yet modern and at sometimes bitingly truthful about marriage and being single and for that matter being alive!



2. Saw the Show in NYC in 2006. Also on PBS (TV). It is a visual experience, but if you hear without seeing, you lose the essence of the show. I like the actors with instruments; moving in and out of the scenes. Remember that this is a series of vignettes and cannot be portrayed and appreciated without seeing the set. And the set is Marvelous.



3. Although any Sondheim performed is pretty great, this scaled down version is missing something, but gains in other ways. Yeah, okay, the actors playing the musical instruments are fun (though the gimmick was far more effective in the recent Sweeney Todd), what's gone is the large, over the top brassiness of the original, which represented NYC itself, almost as an additional character. What's gained here is an intimacy with the characters, and imparticularly, the main character of Bobby, that hadn't been touched upon in more traditional productions. Raul Esparza is brilliant as Bobby!!
   The rest of the cast are superb. A wonderfully sophisticated musical! It's now available on DVD, after being aired on PBS. I watched the televised version and enjoyed it more than the live performance (probably due to the fact that I was in the last row of the mezzanine and missed a lot of the intimate qualities of the production). I think the televised production adds a whole new dimension to the show, seeing Esparza's performance up close is a joy to see. If you want a traditional, song and dance musical comedy, this ain't it, but if you want mature, thought provoking musical theater, get this CD, or better yet, the DVD.



4. This is such an abysmal show. Yes, Stephen, we understand that you can write music, but next time, try to get a lead who can actually sing that music. The first song I listened to on this soundtrack was Being Alive, sung by Raul Esparza, and I had to switch it off. Unfortunately, after taking a breath, I had to turn it back on again, 1. for morbid fascination, and 2. because I had to learn it. Needless to say, I decided to do a different song. If you want a good musical, go get [title of show], a brilliant new musical comedy. If it has to be Stephen Sondheim, try Into the Woodsor Assassins (the revival). And if you just want a musical in which people both sing and accompany themselves, the revival of Sweeny Todd with Patti Lupone is AMAZING. Save yourselves the pain that is this musical.



5. New voices, somewhat new orchestrations, but still one of the true breakthrough musicals.
   
   "Being Alive" still talks to me as no other song ever has.

5 comments about The Pajama Game (1954 Original Broadway Cast).

1. If you're a Broadway musical comedy fan you'll enjoy this CD
   "Hey there" by John Raitt is a standout



2. My father was a big fan of Broadway musicals. I remember going to see the Pajama Game and Damn Yankees in a summer stock theater in Warwick R.I. which contributed to me developing my own love for musicals in the 50's and 60's. This recording though in monaural is an excellent reproduction of the LP record my father had and I used to listen to (sans scratches!). I would recommend this to any person who used to like these old classics. I would like to see a local theater group do this some day before it's completely forgotten. The interviews with the composer/lyricist and notes in the CD were wonderful too.



3. A monster hit when it opened in 1954, and still a staple of community theatre groups, PAJAMA GAME has a delightfully refreshing score that never takes itself too seriously. On the whole it offers a better-than-average number of stand-out songs: "I'm Not At All in love", "Hey There", "Small talk", "Steam heat", "Hernando's Hideaway" and the ensmble "7 1/2 Cents." There are, however a few stumbles. "A new Town is a Blue Town" is dreary. "Her Is" is silly although the Bob Fosse dance routine made it work on stage. Both these were dropped from the movie version, so I suspect the authors also felt this material was weak.
   
   The movie retained all of the original cast leads except for Janis Paige as Babe (replaced by Doris Day.) Day sings Babe's songs better, so your choice between the cast album and the movie soundtrack will depend on whether you need the whole score or not.
   
   As for ths reissue...once again Sony has done a first-rate job. The sound is full bodied and rich, though necessarily mono, and the package includes some well-written liner notes.



4. "The Pajama Game" is a truly great musical. Although it's most popular songs have truly been immortalized, such as "Hernando's Hideaway" and "Hey There", the show itself seems to be sadly forgotten by many (depite winning both Best Score and Best Musical in the Tonys). It remains very popular with amateurs and high schools, though.

   This recording of The Pajama Game, a remastered version on the original cast, has VASTLY improved sound and some great extra tracks. Despite the new tracks, though, a lot of the score is completley missing from this recording, and a lot of the songs have been abridged, cutting out dialogue sections and a lot of dance music, like the wonderful "Jealousy Ballet" number, but the loss can be both a blessing and a curse.

   The cast is the best recorded, in my opinion.

   John Raitt as Sid - I'm not sure if this show was Raitt's star turn or Carousel was, but regardless, he is a fantastic talent and it really shows on this recording. His solos on this recording are superior to any other renditions. "Hey There", "A New Town Is a Blue Town", and "There Once Was a Man"(my personal favorite) are just fantastic. Great all around.

   Janis Paige as Babe - Ok...she grows on you. If Paige is not singing in a more characterized voice, than she needs to be shot because she sounds like a wounded animal, BUT for the role her funky voice is very well suited. Her belt voice doesn't use much vibrato or any classical broadway norms, but her much grittier voice brings a more "real" feel to her character. "I'm Not At All In Love" is great and her comedic-like turn in "There Once Was a Man" is also fantastic.

   Eddie Foy Jr. as Hines - I just recently finished performing as Hines in a production of "The Pajama Game" so I know the role well. Foy is my favorite recorded Hines, he has such a different voice and personality to his character that simply cannot be imitated. It's a shame so much of his role was cut from the movie. "I'll Never Be Jealous Again" is pleasantly comic, "Think Of The Time I Save" is cute and pleasant, and the opening is also great. An excellent performance.

   Carol Haney as Gladys - Gladys is THE show stealing role of "The Pajama Game", and the underrated and underused Carol Haney stole this production way back when. Haney is cooky, lovable, and on stage, a fantastic dancer. Haney stepped into the role originally envisioned for Gwen Verdon and made it the role it is today, funny and wonderful. Haney sings two of the show's classics, "Steam Heat"(the best recorded), and "Hernando's Hideaway" both totally wonderful.

   Stanley Prager as Prez - A really great performance. Prager gives a rough, growling voice to Prez and it comes off as a great perfomance. "Her Is" is great, as is "Seven and A Half Cents"(although Prager's voice humorously cracks in mid-verse). A good performance.

   Reta Shaw as Mabel - Can't pull off a cute and perverted old lady any other way. Shaw's performance is solid in "I'll Never Be Jealous Again" with Foy. Pleasant to listen to.

   Well, all in all, this recording, though very abridged, has the best cast and is just as good as a choice for a recording of the show. Both is better, but for casual and curious listeners, this one beats the London cast. For those who really want the full score, go London. If I had to pick the superior, I would very reluctantly choose this one(reluctantly, due to the abridged score and Ms. Paige. One thing is for sure, every theater lover must own a copy of this wonderful show.




5. I love the Pajama Game. First of all, it had an immense influence on me, having been the first musical I ever heard and the force that originally set in motion by fixation on Broadway musicals.

   I also have to _deeply_ disagree with Mr. Stuart Howard, and to suggest that he in fact has no idea what he is talking about. All the musicals he said were "more important" than the Pajama Game only seem that way because they have been revived time and again. "Pajama Game" simply had the bad luck to become hopelessly dated due to cultural changes, and thus nearly impossible to revive successfully. Still, I personally think "Hernando's hideaway" and "Think of the time I save" still qualify as modern classics, and certainly it's hard to argue that "Once-a-year-day" hasn't been absorbed into our cultural consciousness.

   As for Ms. Paige, I _love_ her cynical, witty delivery and extremely unique voice and style of singing, and I tend to believe that anyone who can't see her appeal has, to be blunt, outlandishly poor taste in music.

   I love the Pajama Game, and, incidentally, I _highly recommend this CD. John Raitt's voice is a little cold, but it is also amazingly beautiful. The three comedy relief roles will all have you howling, Janice Paige is, as stated before, a genius, and unlike in my musicals, the songs will give you a sufficient idea of not only the story, but the characters...and "The Pajama Game" has deeper and more complex characters than any of the other old-fashioned musical comedies I can think of.

5 comments about The Polar Express.

1. This album has great Christmas music that the entire family can enjoy! Would not put an age limit on this....it is a must have for the holidays!!!



2. I bought this for my 3 year old son after he became a HUGE fan of the movie. He knows and wants to sing along with most of the songs (and I have to admit I like to sing along too). It's a must if you are a fan of the movie!



3. Absolutely wonderful soundtrack for this Christmas movie! Songs are original and beautiful. Josh Groban does a wonderful job too!



4. We enjoy most of this CD, but it could have been a lot better......but it's nice to have if you like the movie.



5. I love this movie. I am pleased with all my purchases. Thank you and keep up the good work.

5 comments about Guys and Dolls (1992 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. I saw the show on Broadway with Nathan Lane, so this album functions as a memory. The music is American Standard Broadway classic and should be in the collection of anyone who loves musical theater.



2. This is an excellent CD with the music from the 1992 Revival of Guys and Dolls. All of the performers do an excellent job, particularly Josie de Guzman, who plays Sarah Brown. Her voice is exceptional.



3. Sorry, I didn't get to see the Broadway show. I really loved the movie --Frank Sinatra & Stubby Kaye are spectacular. Brando can't sing, but tries to sing and dance. One of my favorite songs NOT AVAILABLE ON THE BROADWAY ALBUM is "Adelaide" ... is taking a chance on me. That was disappointing.
   
   Love Nathan Lane generally, but he just brought a new and satirical twist, Gallagher is OK - sounds very voice trained Broadway singers.
   
   When you start with the movie -- the music from Broadway is disappointing.
   Sure you get "Marry the Man Today", but "Adelaide" will be missed.



4. Great recording of one of the greats. The original is now difficult to listen to due to the tinny sound and mono recording. this revival was wonderful, with a great cast and now a definitive, excellent recording. Skip the movie soundtrack.



5. Drats ! I can't believe I let myself miss this revival... If the stage production was as good as the cast recording I can only say that I really hope that the chaps in Great Britain who are currently rehearsing up the latest revival are on up on their jippers (or whatever they call them) on this one... (Actually the New York dialect doesn't seem so authentic on this one... strange... guess Gulliani really did clean up Time Square...)
   
   The orchestration on this is swinging... And it better be... IF I WERE A BELL, LUCK BE A LADY and I'VE NEVER BEEN IN LOVE have been major entries in the GREAT AMERICAN JAZZ SONG BOOK since the musical came out... in fact, as many versions of IF I WERE A BELL that I've had to sit and play through, I have to say that the big band swinging Entr'Act version is really boppin' ... and the decision to take the REPRISE of GUYS AND DOLLS uptempo makes the CD even more must have.
   
   As for performances, while I think in many ways the score out-tops the cast, its still fun to listen to, overall its good enough to warrent listen after listen after listen from this BROADWAY and JAZZ FANATIC, and SIT DOWN YOU'RE ROCKIN THE BOAT is still the unforgettable showstopper it was the first time I experienced this music.
   
   Now - - I know this comment might be off the wall, but I wonder if some of the other great writings of Damon Runyon will ever hit the stage hencefoith ? And is it just me, but despite some great new musicals on Broadway this season, there is still a greater need for more revivals.

5 comments about A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1996 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. 1) Show is hysterical. The music, the tempo, the acting, it all worked so well, and there was such cohesion it was superb
   2) I played Hysterium in my high school play (Greenwich, CT: Brunswick - '01), and I had so much fun, and the CD helped immensley, as I heard several versions of the songs, and this one just rocked
   3) N. Lane's voice is very strong, but can sound whiney at times. I don't know...I'm not getting money for this, so what do I know?!
   4) Any chance I can get on stage?



2. My high school is doing Forum for there musical this year (I play Erronius by the way..), and this play is hysterical.Although, the movie conversion was totally crappy. The stage version is funnier. Nathan Lane was superb as Psudolus, and i reaaly didnt like him being replaced by Whoopi Goldberg...o well...



3. I personally am not a fan of classic musical theatre (although the time it was written may not be classic, but I do consider the music to be), but I love this album! The lyrics are witty and clever, and the wonderful music is all that I'd expect from Sondheim. This is a sure bet for anyone who's looking for a light-hearted musical where everything turns out okay in the end.



4. If you want to laugh, listen to Everybody Ought to Have a Maid. If you've never seen this show, I feel sorry for you. It's hysterical from start to finish. A great show and a great CD. I only wish that the early 70s revival which starred Phil Silvers was out on CD.



5. The number one reason to buy this remake is this: They took all of us musical theatre people's advice and speed it up! The tempo of this rendidtion is quick, smart, well timed musically and comically, and wonderfully orchestrated.

   Saks and his team have turned in a fun album of a show that sometimes needs to be seen (Coutesans, Marcus Lycus) to be appreciated. Great attention was paid to sound effects which helps the listening audience understand the action that more than likely was happening on the stage at a particular momnet. And that, my friends, is the mark of a good musical theatre recording.

   Much has been said about the individual performances, all of which are clear, well sung, and spoken. However, to say they are good performers is to take away from the real genius here. To make this musical work (and I've done it a couple of times) one has to find a complete cast of talented character actors. Romeo, Maria, Hamlet, and Barbara please sit down and make way for the circus fare. Saks has found his faux with the likes of Lane, Sabella, and Linn-Baker.

   At times the orchestrations drag on and the quality of the actual recording could be better if you have an audiophile ear. But for the most part this is a must have for the musical theatre person.

5 comments about Once Upon a Mattress (1997 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. Perhaps if I were not familiar with the original, I would have appreciated this more. But, I am reminded of a Burma Shave sign I saw as a kid--Substitutes are like/a girdle/They find some jobs/they just can't hurdle.
   The pluses for this recording: Better sound quality; that is a given considering the age of the original. More music. A smattering of the dialogue.
   The minuses: The closing "The mouse had devoured the hawk" sequence is omitted, leaving the story incomplete. Then, the cast--especially Sarah Jessica Parker. Occasionally, she sounds as if she is trying to imitate Carol Burnett. Most of the time, she sounds as if she should be in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!" No reflections on Charlie Brown; just that it is a different kind of musical. Other cast members seem to be simply singing and reciting lines, with no semblance of characterization. The one bright spot in the casting is Lawrence Clayton's Minstrel.
   If you feel that you really need an updated version of "Mattress," buy the Tracy Ulman dvd. You'll get the added goody of Carol Burnett's Queen.



2. This is an ecxellent CD. Top shelf CD with great cast. This was exactly what we were looking for. Glad we spent the money, as it has helped us with a school production for 2006.
   Thankyou for the prompt and undamaged delivery also. Well worth doing.



3. Alright, this recording is of better sound quality than the original, but the actually singing simply pales beside the orginal. Sarah Jessica Parker sound like a rock next to Carrol Burnett. The rest of the cast is not too horrible though. The best songs are the chorus songs, with the exception Sensitivy.



4. I really enjoy listening to this recording. I actually bought the CD because I had to audition for the part of Lady Larken for my middle school play and wanted to pick an audition song. Up 'til then, I had not even heard of this show, but I listened to this recording and fell in love with it. Sarah Jessica Parker is awesome, particularly in SHY and HAPPILY EVER AFTER. The only song that I don't care for is MAN TO MAN TALK, but all of the other tunes are catchy and fun to listen to. Buy this CD!!!!!!!!!!!!!



5. Though the show was met with negative reviews, and the original script should have been used, the music was kept intact, and made even better. Sarah Jessica Parker is a perfect Winnifred, and her takes on "Shy" and "Happily Ever After" are wonderful. There is no way to mess up the Mattress music, (although they managed to murder and butcher the script) so there is no way to do this badly. My only beef with this is that if you're a performer, and you get this one, you'll be lost in rehearsals. The 1959 recording is the one liscensed by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and it does not include "Goodnight Sweet Princess" which is really a shame, although every production I've been in has been allowed to perform the number, which really gives the actor playing Dauntless (me everytime I've done it) to show voice, rather than talk singing, like Man to Man Talk. Speaking of that number, it's the only song on here I don't like. If you want Mattress as a referece, buy the 1959 version, but this is perfect for everyone else. The orchestrations are dazzling, and the whole production sparkles.