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 Working (Original 1978 Broadway Cast).

1. In the history of musicals, sometimes we find pieces that outshine by its originality and "step forward" attitude. This is the case. Nothing compares to the songs, lyrics and orchestrations of this musical. Socially engaged and dramatically focused, it makes it very different from anything you've heard before, although it might be compared to RUNAWAYS and HAIR. An excellent trilogy of social musicals looking for something more than pure entertainment.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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.




5. 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 comments about Dive.

1. All of the songs on this album are beautiful. I bought this album about six years ago just to hear "Once In A Lifetime". Back then I didn't listen to the other songs. After being without a cd player for many years, I started listening to Sarah's music again recently and decided to buy another copy of this album (I lost the other cd). I fell in love with all of the songs. My favorite songs are Captain Nemo, Second Element I and Second Element II, Johnny Wanna Live, Seven Seas, La Mer, Rains In America and of course Once In A Lifetime.



2. A must have. First solo release without Andrew Lloyd Webber. It's a glimpse at a little creative freedom she had. It's a themed album focused on the sea, oceanic animals and animal rights. Very cute in a sense and vital if beginning a Sarah Brightman collection. I feel it is some of her best "pop" work. Very innocent and natural.



3. In this album, I think Sarah Brightman is finding her voice. It's not flawless, and some parts are not even pleasant. But it's a very good attempt of bringing a new sound to people. I honestly think that she's gained her best sound in her more recent albums (Harem, La Luna, Classics). But this is her rock/crossover album.



4. I'm New To Sarah Brightman And Three Things Decribe Her ! She Is Beautiful-Her Music Is Beautiful-And Her Concerts Are Beautiful !



5. God gave talent and beauty in one package, and Sarah Brightman is that package. Not enough recognizable music, but the talent is undeniable and so listenable.

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

1. Make no mistake, Company is one of Sondheim's GREAT scores, and this album is fantastic.
   
   SO - why did I give it 4 stars and not 5? Two words: Dean Jones.
   
   Since his agreement was that he would open the show and stay for only a very few performances, why he was permitted to record the original Broadway cast album instead of his successor in the role of Bobby, Larry Kert, is unfathomable. Jones is off-key more than he's on, and his singing, while unarguably effective dramatically, is frankly painful to hear.
   
   The late Larry Kert - the originator of the role of Tony in the original Broadway production of West Side Story - on the other hand, was a BRILLIANT singer.
   
   The original London cast recording of the show is currently available from Amazon Marketplace U.K. This is essentially the Broadway cast album, with Jones' vocals wiped and replaced with Kert's. The difference is - well, it's night and day. The London album has never been made available in the U.S., but happily now, through the magic of the Web, we can obtain copies. I recently purchased a copy of the London recording from this source, and I don't think I'll EVER play the Broadway album again. I'm not kidding. Trust me - get the London recording; it's well worth 20-something bucks to hear Bobby's role FINALLY SUNG WELL. If you already have the Broadway recording, the London album will probably delight you even more. (Be careful - some of the reviews at Amazon U.K. might point you to the wrong recording of the show. You're looking for the one with the same purple-with-orange-type cover as the Broadway album.)
   
   Just do it!



2. 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!



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



4. 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.



5. 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 comments about Phantom Of The Paradise: Original Soundtrack Recording.

1. I grew up listening to a scratchy version of this album on my brother's phonograph. My siblings and I knew the songs by heart, my childhood favorite being "Goodbye, Eddie, Goodbye." Now that I'm older, "Faust" makes much, much more sense to me.
   
   While some of the tracks are dated, and might not make much sense until you see the movie, the music is still wonderful and somehow magical.



2. I was born in 1974, the same year the music for Phantom was recorded. MY Uncle had a cassette tape of the soundtrack and I listened to it over and over again when I was growing up. I then saw the movie on TV during the 80's . Fortune smiled and I actually saw a CD of the soundtrack during the 90s and I actually bought 2! One for me and one for the Uncle whose cassette I had borrowed and played to oblivion. Good music stays with you your whole life I guess, and trust me this is GOOD MUSIC. Get it!



3. If you are looking for this recording you probably have already seen the movie. If you haven't seen the movie--do it NOW!
   
   I originally bought the vinyl after seeing the movie when it first came out. This was the first and for many years the only soundtrack I bought (the next was for the French movie, Diva).
   
   The music is catchy and the lyrics are deeper than one expects from "pop" music. I find I think about them often--as if they were poems I had memorized. My favorite lyrics: "All the devils that disturbed me, and the angels that defeated them somehow, come together in me now." But as I wrote that I thought of other lyrics just as good. Time to stop writing and put on the CD :-).



4. This cult classic from the heady early 70's was in a neck and neck all out war as to who would become THE cult classic of that era at the time.
   It was a very cut throat move over both producers, directors, etc.
   
   The quintessential talents of the supremely gifted Mr. Paul Williams, who has trekked the dialogue, direction, production, and all so much more importantly, the WRITING of the songs, and the dialogue that is the diamond studded backdrop for all of his incredible movies. Mr. Williams, as usual, in his top notch form, had once again decided to go neck and neck against the HUGELY successful cult classic in theaters at that very same time, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", another masterpiece that has lived on for generations, and has no sign of letting up, or letting down the expectations of his audience.
   For such a courageous feat, especially knowing that "Rocky" was already a nod for the "Cult Classic Hall of Fame". (No, dear reader, I haven't the slightest clue if there is such a place, though I doubt we will have such access into the private life of our beloved Paul Williams.
   This man has SO much potential, and especially what has catapulted him to superstardom is that.
   
   As for the movie, this classic falls upon the central them what the 7 deadly sins, and their consequences on the human spirit in the long run.
   Greed, ambition, lust, selfishness, etc.
   
   The unwitting hero of the movie is a mild mannered, yet extraordinary musician, who after a terrible accident while attempting to dismantle some of Swan's (Paul Williams delightfully sinister music producer who has sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his massively popular opulent existence as the founder/manager of the new club, "The Paradise".
   The choreography, also influenced by Williams, as well as just about every of facet of this gem, absolutely MUST be recognized for the classic work that has been so painstakingly weaved-the miracle of life, the miracle of death, redemption, revenge, forgiveness, all of these and more come out of this magnificent piece of work.
   
   Sadly, it has not received the cult following, but even more that 30 years later, people are STILL discovering for the first time what a truly incredible piece of work that Mr. Williams painstakingly has weaved into an immortal living, moving mural of art, that everyone must see, to be able to see a part of themselves, and what humanity is capable of.
   
   Now, over 30 years ago, there would not have been a snowballs chance in Phoenix...er, hell, that this review would have been in the status it is today, if it had a snowflake of a chance to get it rolling.
   
   Again, the movies undertones of abuse, greed, and finally redemption comes SO strong, that it is virtually impossible to find the theme of the movie.
   In summary, (finally!), I highly recommend this thought provoking
   provides its audience.
   
   As I always say, as I am one of, if not THE most critical of movie critics, that you must "see it to believe it."
   
   Trust me...:)



5. This cd has so many outstanding reviews these comments may seem at odds. Paul Williams is without doubt an outstanding composer, with many brilliant works penned for many artists. This sound track is not a great example of this talent. There are one or two tracks that carry the distintive PW sound but by and large it's hard to like without having viewed the movie and even then it's ok at best. Many of the performances are pitchy and one can't help feeling, a little amatuerish. If your a hard core fan buy this and enjoy, if your a moderate or new fan or just plain curious don't start here. There are much better offering of Paul Williams work on his other discs

5 comments about Riverdance: Music From The Show.

1. THIS IS A MUST HAVE CD FOR ALL TRUE IRISH BLOODED PEOPLE OUT THERE. THIS IS THE BEST CD YET RIVERDANCE HAS MADE.



2. I have every Riverdance DVD and have watched the live show once. This CD is based on the original production (With Michael Flatley and Jean Butler) and while it might not carry the "excitement" of the original show as others have commented, it is a great way to remember the beautiful music and orchestration when you are not close to a DVD player to enjoy the video production. The unfortunate thing in listening to the "soundtrack" of a live/video production is that separated from its visual context, it can be difficult to understand or appreciate. Riverdance is a visual as well as a sound experience. If you have never watched the show, it would certainly be hard to appreciate the music in this CD. I listen to it frequently and love the music more each time. If you are a Riverdance fan, this CD is a must. It's simply superb.



3. I recently saw the show live & was excited to get the soundtrack. However, as many other reviewers have noted, it was a big disappointment - it doesn't match the charisma of the show. While it does have some great songs on it, you just don't get the feeling you got while actually watching the show, which was a tremendous feeling of excitement & thrill. I must add, I did pick up the 'Lord of Dance' soundtrack & was happily impressed.



4. Not the type of music I had envisioned...much slower than I was hoping for.



5. First off, I'm 16 years old. I love music, just about every kind there is. I never cared for Riverdance before until last year when I listened to a song from "Lord of the Dance" completely by accident and then went from there. Now, I completely appreciate it, and I believe it's the best stuff I've ever listened to, and I don't regret it all. It's very refreshing, and it just calms you down, and I swear, some of the songs on here sends shivers down my spine even after listening to it for a good year now. While I don't like every song on the CD like I do with "Lord of the Dance" I still think the music is special and unique in its own way. The music from "Lord of the Dance" is more...alive, but "Riverdance" is good for relieving stress, meditating, or for filling you up with so much emotion it could make you cry. Honestly, it's all great.
   
   If you're not convinced yet, then here's a breakdown by song!
   REEL AROUND THE SONG: As one person has already said: PERFECT! This is probably the best on the CD. It's starts a little slow with the flute(but then, you learn to love it, the more you listen to it) and then as it progresses, it gets better and better, and then, even better. So it's perfect in every way. But then, considering the song is almost nine minutes long, it better be good.
   THE HEART'S CRY: This is a vocal. Nice song, beautiful lyrics, a voice I could tolerate, and I'm just starting to appreciate vocals.
   COUNTESS CATHLEEN/WOMEN OF THE SIDHE: Another personal favorite that's almost perfect. The first is very light and pretty, but I love the second half! Very lively and I actually dance to it.
   CAOINEADH CU CHULAINN/LAMENT: This is one of the songs that fills you up with emotion and shivers down your spine. It's a very sad (well, the song's called "Lament"), emotional song, and I still listen to it with fresh ears, and probably always will.
   SHIVNA: This is another vocal. The only problem with it, is that it's in another language (I'm guessing Gaelic) so I don't know what the heck they're saying, but that doesn't stop me from loving it. Ironically, it's my favorite vocal on here.
   FIREDANCE: A mix of Celtic and Spanish music and the results are pretty good. The end of the song is really the only good part of the song though. The beginning's too slow for me.
   SLIP INTO SPRING: Very light and incredibly sweet and one of my favorites.
   RIVERDANCE: Another favorite (you're probably getting tired of me saying that),it's true. The lyrics are good, the music's beyond great. You really outdid yourself, Whelan.
   AMERICAN WAKE: This song falls in the middle. Starts off a wee bit repetitive, but gets better as it progresses.
   LIFT THE WINGS: A vocal. Well, the music in the beginning was great. But I just can't get into the song. I think it's the voice that drives me away. Good lyrics though.
   MACEDONIAN MORNING: Blah. That's the only word I can use to describe this song. This song can't move me at all. It doesn't go anywhere, it's tiring and dull and flat, and it wouldn't harm the CD if they took this song out.
   MARTA'S DANCE/THE RUSSIAN DERVISH: Another (you guessed it!) favorite. It's a mix of Celtic and Russian music, and yes it is a little too repetitive and long, but it's still good and the last two minutes of the song is my favorite part.
   ANDALUCIA: I enjoy this song from time to time, it's good, just not as memorable as the other songs.
   HOME AND THE HEARTLAND: This song's altogether cute. The lyrics and the music are cute, and the voice that sings it is so tender and beautiful. My second favorite vocal.
   HARVEST: Lovely song, falls in the middle and there's some parts that I especially love.
   RIVERDANCE (REPRISE): Uh,good, but I'll stick with original.
   
   I don't regret buying this CD at all and I'm sure you'll love this as much as I do. There will be at least one song on here you'll like if not all. If you love emotion and beauty, and you're passionate about music, then you'll love this.

5 comments about Bride & Prejudice.

1. As a fan of both Jane Austen novels and Bollywood films, I adored the film "Bride and Prejudice." The music from this film is delightful, carrying me cheerfully through rush hour traffic. The percussive nature of the music sticks in the mind long after the music stops playing. "No life, without wife... oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah..."



2. Blech! I bought this based on all the good reviews. It was TERRIBLE. Couldn't even listen a second time - went straight to the give-away box (what a waste of money)!
   
   Not nearly enough dance music, just horrid sappy ballads that grate on the ears. Can anyone recommend a great bhangra cd for dancing?



3. A great beat for making dinner to. Even the neighborhood first graders come over and ask for the 'hey-hey' song and they dance around.



4. I found this movie because of my sister, who is a huge Jane Austen fan. She said it was one of her kids' favorite movies, so since my kids are about the same age I thought I would give it a try. After we watched a borrowed movie, we ended up having to get both the movie and the soundtrack, my kids loved it so much. They dance all over the house and sing along with the songs (as much as they can). It's just a good wholesome movie with great music and dancing. It has also introduced them to a style of movie and music that I'm not sure I would have found on my own. I have not seen many other movies in the Bollywood style, but if there are more like this one, we're on board.



5. I was not Bollywood film fan but after watching in Television this film, I have decided to buy a copy of the film to watch it in future. My friends family & myself was very impress. Only one comment quality of the print is not as good as shown on the TV.
   Humar, Story & music is brilent. Certainly it has amused me.

No comments about Andrew Lloyd Webber 60.

5 comments about Sweeney Todd Soundtrack Highlights.

1. Not only is the "Highlights" disc missing some of the cues... it's missing any trace of spoken dialogue. This album is only the music track. The lack of dialogue in "Epiphany" flat out ruins it for me.
   
   Nonesuch should only have released the full soundtrack, not a "Highlights" disc that is missing several songs and the accompanying dialogue. When I sold my copy at a used music store, I noticed there were 4 other copies of the "Highlights" on the shelf, but no copies of the complete soundtrack. Looks like I'm not the only one who got gipped. The beauty part is, if you mistakenly buy the Highlights and open it (to play it), you can't return it. You'll have to shell out more cash to get the one you wanted in the first place (which is still ridiculously overpriced).



2. I admit I have never seen the Broadway version of Sweeney Todd although I have heard some of the music. With that said I really enjoyed the music & was blown away that Johnny Depp can sing.
   
   I keep reading reviews of Helen Bonham Carter voice being weak or beyond her abilities and some I have read have been down right mean. I liked her voice & thought she was wonderful as Mrs. Lovett.
   
   My favorite track is A Little Priest. I laughed at it when I saw the movie & I love to listen to it now on the soundtrack. I recommend seeing the movie first. The sound track made more sense to me having seen the movie first.
   
   My only complaint is Jayne Wisener. I was grateful she had only the one song (Green Finch & Linnet Bird) her voice is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. I actally was cringing during the movie.
   
   I liked the movie but I like the soundtrack more. The movie was very bloody & gorry & I had to shut my eyes more than once. I have to admit though I want to see it again now that I know the music better.
   
   If you are a Broadway snob you are not going to like this version much. If you like interesting music that tells a story, an incredibly sad story I'll admit, you will enjoy the music.
   
   One more recomendation if you can get hold of the origional penny dreadful story of A String of Pearls Sweeny Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street from 1846 read it. It is a totally different story than the musical but I really liked reading the origional story.



3. i love this cd! if you haven't seen the movie, you'll still enjoy this cd, if you have seen the movie you'll love this cd. sound quality is great. the music follows the storyline and movie. fantastic!!!



4. have to admit I couldn't get into the latest collaboration between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp SWEENEY TODD. Visually I thought the film was classic Burton but the music? Well, that is another can of worms. I can't say I am fan of musicals especially Stephen Sondheim musicals. I decided that I would try to give the music another shot but I didn't want to spend money on the deluxe edition of SWEENEY TODD because there were good chances I wouldn't listen to the cd ever again, so I settled for the highlights edition from my library. For me the music ruined the film for me. It isn't to say that I thought the actors couldn't sing. I thought everyone in the cast did a good job, even the young cast members. I was quite impressed with Jayne Wisener (aka Johanna). She had quite a lovely voice. Unfortunately being able to sing couldn't improve the rancid songs. There were a few tracks I actually did like "Johanna", "Pirelli's Miracle Elixir", and "By the Sea" but overall I found most of the music totally devoid of a decent melody, and often lound and obnoxious.



5. WHY would Nonesuch issue the film soundtrack of SWEENEY TODD in two single CD editions, this one containing most -but not all of the score in cheap generic packaging, and a deluxe edition that has all of it along with an 80-page booklet of lyrics.
   
   Why would anyone waste his or her money on this shorter version?? This CD is missing the entire final sequence, the resolution to the story!
   
   Get the deluxe edition, and if you can afford it, the complete original Broadway cast album to see how much was cut in the transition from stage to screen.

5 comments about Mame (1966 Original Broadway Cast).

1. This is the musical to end all musicals...wonderful score by Mr. Herman, wonderful performances, book, staging, orchestrations...what else can I say!! I bought this album and became familiar with it in 1966 soon after the musical premiered....I had seen Auntie Mame, the movie in the 50's and was enchanted with the play in 1966...Angela Lansbury gives an exciting performance and actually her voice grew on me...I didn't go for it at first, but soon loved it as she has her own style...I must comment on the roadshow engagements of the play I saw, as I do in my other reviews..I saw Jane Morgan in the part at the St. Louis Muny in the late 60's and I believe she was a Broadway replacement for a short period during the first run!! I also saw Juliet Prowse shortly before she died in a roadshow engagement here in the midwest..she was very talented and I think her dancing outdid her singing in the part!! Very good!!



2. I don't know what the problem is. It seems to be in the manufacture of the CD. On some tracks the "crackling" noise is so bad you can't even hear the song. At first I thought it was a recording of an old vinyl album. But with each track it just got louder and worse. I even tried my friends CD palyers. Unfortunately I threw away my receipt, so I just threw away the CD, it's useless. I guess manufacturing errors happen.



3. "Mame" is one of the true classics among Broadway musicals. Lawrence and Lee have done an exceptional job of transferring Patrick Dennis' book into a book for a musical. Jerry Herman's lyrics are some of the cleverest he has written, especially "The Man in the Moon" and "Bosom Buddies." The way he has repeated the title tune into "The Letter" opening of Act Two is brilliant.
   Among the child actors in popular musicals--"Annie," "Sound of Music," "Oliver"--Frankie Michaels as young Patrick is probably the very best singer.
   And, of course, Angela Lansbury! Inspite of her eccentricities, Mame does have some depth of character. Lansbury portrays both the oddness and the depth. It is too bad that Hollywood chose to parody the character with Lucille Ball.
   One problem with the disc, for me, which really doesn't matter, because I don't have to listen to them. The bonus tracks with Herman at the piano are a waste of recording space. Of all the cd's I own with "bonus tracks," the only one I listen to a second time is "Annie Get Your Gun," which includes music from a later production that was not included on the original cast recording.



4. My high school drama son loves Bea Arthur & Angela Lansbury so this was a must have for him. He is really enjoying it.



5. I lost my original "album" and wanted to hear this music again. It was no surprise that the music was lively and very upbeat.