2 comments about Sing The Broadway Musical INTO THE WOODS (Accompaniment 2-CD Set).

1. The Stage Stars Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods accompaniment CDs are my two favorite CDs currently. I love rehearsing these songs at home. Both follow the score instead of the vocal selections, which means you have the song intros available.



2. Just what we needed to rehearse for our youth theatre show. It made all the difference.
   Having the singing on the other disk was great also.

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 Jekyll & Hyde - The Gothic Musical Thriller (1994 Concept Cast).

1. While it is likely that Anthony Warlow will ever play the role of Jekyll again this is certainly a must for every fan!



2. i cannot recommend this album enough!i have actually bought 4 copies of this just in case something happens to 1 of them and givin 2 away as presents to friends.I'm not really a musical lover but something in this musical concept cd,just spoke to me.The international cast are brilliant, why broadway didn't snap them up for its production i'll never know. ANTHONY WARLOW,LINDA EDER & CAROLEE CARMELLO are fantastic.ANTHONY WARLOW is Australias' loved and leading Baritone, his version of "This Is The Moment" is haunting and memorable.If you have second thoughts about buying this cd,DON'T!.Just remember half of Australia is looking for copies and if they realise they can get copies here they'll sellout!
   P.S still not sure look up Anthony Warlow;This is the moment on youtube!



3. I followed some tips offered in this page in the sense of getting this concept album and, sicerely, I thank you. it's a terrific album, beautiful songs, great orchestrations and a very attractive story. Besides, the presentation of the album is flawless: you have the text for the lyrics and the case is very elegant. Not cheap but worth the price and the experience to have the best and most complete version.



4. Not only does Anthony Warlow prove himself to be the best musical singer in the world at the moment (go, Aussie, go!) but Jekyll and Hyde is a fantastic musical with great lyrics and a mature score. I hope it is staged professionally in Australia one day, with Anthony singing the lead of course :)



5. This has to be one of my absolute favorite musicals of all time. Anthony Warlow is both heartbreaking as Dr. Henry Jekyll and chilling as Edward Hyde. Linda Eder also shines as Lucy Harris, a saucy but vulnerable prostitute who falls for Jekyll but is ultimately destroyed by a jealous Hyde. Carolee Carmello delivers a reasonably good performance as Jekyll's strong-willed fiancee, Lisa (known as "Emma" in later recordings), and the supporting cast also enchants.
   
   This recording fortunately features the song "I Need to Know" (my favorite track), which was later cut from the show. "Bring on the Men" (also cut from the Broadway version) is another song worth listening to.
   
   My only complaint is the ending song, a slightly cheesy finish which puts a damper on an otherwise masterful score and libretto. The only thing which makes it semi-bearable are the strong vocals by Warlow.
   
   However, keep in mind that this is only one track out of thirty five, and the other thirty four are certainly worth having!
   
   Bottom Line: Neither the music nor the singers disappoint; this is an album to buy and it was worth every penny I paid for it!

5 comments about Shirley Bassey - The Greatest Hits.

1. As a Shirley Bassey fan, I enjoyed "The Greatest Hits" album. I'm sure all her fans will enjoy it. The only problem is so many of the songs are
   on other albums so in many cases it is redundant.
   
   Jim



2. SHIRLEY BASSEY:GREATEST HITS is a wonderful introduction to this great songstress.
   
   I absolutely loved it. Bassey has that unusual voice that people know when they hear it and it's riveting. The tracks that stand out for me are:
   "Diamonds Are Forever," "(Where Do I Begin)Love Story," "What Now My Love" and of course "Goldfinger."
   
   If you like this you might also like:The Remix Album: Diamonds Are Forever (this might be the older version here's the updated one The Remix Album... Diamonds Are Forever). That cd has Bassey's standards that have been remixed by current hot producers/djs so it gives the songs an updated flair...not that they needed it.



3. This isn't a CD that I could listen to everyday, but it's great when the mood strikes you.



4. We discovered the fabulous Shirley Bassey over twenty years ago.
   Remarkable voice, incredible range, a certain cachet of her own with
   lyrics and melodies. In the recent past, in recognition of her amazing voice, and as a citizen of the United Kingdom, Ms. Bassey was honored by Queen Elizabeth. We continue to listen with pleasure as Ms. Bassey's unique voice fills our home.



5. You cannot be over 30, and listen to this amazing woman sing, without her vocals evoking a flood of memories. It's a 'trip' you really must take!

5 comments about Love Changes Everything: The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection, Vol. 2.

1. Any true fan knows that when Sarah releases and album her ex husband follows up with music he has been hording away all these years. This followed "Harem" and has the typical Andrew Lloyd Webber feel to it. It's enjoyable. Purchase.



2. Have numerous Sarah B CDs, but hesitate to purchase more. Love one, hate the others as I am not bilingual. I do enjoy some songs in other languages, but not an entire CD. Got hoodwinked twice, and can't find anything in these reviews that indicate this CD is mostly in English. I don't have speakers for this old computer, so I can't take a practice run as offered. Can anyone please advise if most of this CD is in English? The songs sound wonderful, but won't purchase until I get some add'l info.
   Thanks.



3. If you love musical theater, Sarah Brightman brings it to life. Webber at his best, Brightman doing what only she can do.



4. Still a winner in my CD collection - she really inspired ALW and presents his music better than anyone ever has!



5. I've long hoped that one day all of Sarah Brightman's recordings of Lord Lloyd-Webber songs would be released together in one comprehensive collection. This handsome CD, a sequel to her better-known Lloyd-Webber collection, is a treasure-trove of gems, focussing on lesser-known recordings and boasting several unreleased tracks. Brightman tackles a wide range of songs from the Phantom theme to a beguiling Spanish version of Don't Cry For Me, Argentina. But there are rarities on this collection: we get to hear Brightman shine in Mary Magdelene's two songs from Superstar, and kick back in her rendition of Any Dream Will Do, which we normally associate with Donny Osmond or Jason Donovan. Half the CD is made up of rarities and duets. It is a treat o hear her duet with Sir Cliff Richard on the B-side of the All I Ask of You single, Only You, and also her take on the Sunset Boulevard song, Too Much in Love to Care. It is also a treat to hear her in two songs from Starlight Express, and also in the unreeased early ALW song, Probably on Thursday. I konw this collecion reprised her recording of Think of Me from the Phantom London Cast album, and also her lovely rendition of Whistle Down the Wind, but it really makes it a treat to buy this collection without splurging on the other CD. A pity that this CD doesn't include Half a Moment from Jeeves, as there would surely have been enough space. A pity also that the rare song English Girls was left off the CD too, let alone the Spanish version of Amigos Para Sempre. In short, a lovely sequel to her ALW Collection volume 1, and perhaps more worthy than the hastily-assembled Encore collection. Now if only Decca and Really Useful might consider combining all of Brightman's ALW recordings into a comprehensive set...

5 comments about Streisand: Live In Concert (2 CD's).

1. Between that golden voice and the grandiose orchestra this CD is pure heaven. I'm addicted. I can't stop playing it. In my house, in my car and on my laptop. This work of art is the best I've ever heard. Buy it, you won't regret it.



2. I ordered this CD on 13thDecember - but when it didn't arrive by 3rd January I contacted Amazon who immediately sent a replacement.
   
   Ironically. the original order arrived on 8th January(obviously delayed by Christmas mail) and the replacement order arrived three days later.
   
   
   Well done Amazon,



3. Grammy and Academy Award winning musician Barbra Streisand has done it again, but singing live is something she does best, that and choosing friends such as Hillary Clinton (in 2008, Hillary Clinton received more votes than any other Presidential Primary candidate in history)



4. Her Majesty, our Lady Queen Barbra, This double CD of her world tour last year was heart-warming, and as someone who only became a fan of hers less then 10 years ago - I have to say she inspies me still, and her strength of Heart to keep moving, and giving of her heart, which can be literally felt (particularly in her LIVE concerts) - gives me the strength to keep going in the world, with courage.
   
   It was great to hear the original broadway overture to Funny Girl.
   And all the old songs that only us Hardcore fans can appreciate.
   
   The ochestrations were adaquete, but they weren't Marvin Hamlisch. Marvin Hamlisch had a polish to his arrangements that couldn't really be beaten, and there is a reason he won grammy awards, and that his two concert tours with Barbra won Emmy awards, etc...
   
   Barbra's voice is sounding strong, and you can feel that she has all the energy and the passion she always had, but yes, there is actually a scratch sound in her voice, that is a little sad to hear, and you know when you hear it, that it is because her voice is tired. Listen to People at the end of Act 1, there is a sharp scratch near the begining of the song that you will want to ignore, i promise you. It could be heard in Julie Andrews' voice in the broadway version of Victor/Victoria, and also for Judy Garland near the end of her career. It is also particularly prevalant in songs that she does every time, like 'People' and 'The Way We Were' (half way through this song you hardly recognise her voice).
   and also, 'My Man'.
   
   I still want to listen to this recording alot more before I tire of it, as I did previoulsly with the 1994 concert and also, Timeless. Please don't let this put you off buying it because you should, as a harcore Barbra fan, I guarantee you, it is a true love-letter from her to you.
   
   The songs with Ill Divo are great, and you will love hearing them.
   
   She talks alot about Funny Girl, all those tid-bits are delightful to hear, She also chose all the material well.
   She had alot of help, and consideration about the choice of material, and she did really well. Particularly in stringing them together, it sticks out like a saw thumb a bit towards the end, but you'll love it anyway.
   
   Okay, enough from me,
   
   Go, but it, tell me what you think.
   
   Bye
   -Raymond.



5. Many here have commented how more relaxed Barbra appears to be on this live performance disc compared to earlier ones.
   No where is this more evident than in the many instances you hear her infectious, lilting laugh.
   As a student of Ms. Streisand I always treasued those brief moments of hearing that laughter on earlier concert recordings.
   
   She says she has been enjoying the concert tour and all that heartfelt laughter we hear is testament to that fact. But I guess it's not surprising that someone who sings so gloriously laughs so gloriously also.

5 comments about Funny Girl (1964 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Now you can hear what is missing from the 1968 film version of "FUNNY GIRL"-- and that's actually quite a lot! Barbra Streisand sings a super "Coronet Man." There's a bit more for supporting players Danny Meehan and Kay Medford to do (they sing a funny "Who Taught Her Everything") because, I assume Streisand had to be off stage sometimes to change costumes. Jean Stapleton of "All In The Family" fame is distinctively heard in "If A Girl Isn't Pretty."
   Broadway Cast Albums were recorded live with orchestra; just like the a live Broadway show. In later years, Barbra developed such an obsession with perfection and absolute control. She does not have that luxury here. She just has to do it big time, and boy, does Barbra deliver the goods!! I like the more intimate sound throughout. This is the only version of "People" I like, because Barbra sings it so simply and straightforward. By 1967-1968, Barbra had sung the song so often, she became too stylized. Her version of "Don't Rain On My Parade" here is every bit as thrilling as the movie version. The arrangement in the movie is just bigger and brassiier.
   It's a sin that the haunting and superb songs "Why Are You Now?" (where Fanny Brice privately expresses doubts about her relationship with beloved husband Nick Arnstein) and "Music That Makes Me Dance" were omitted from the movie version. These are two of Barbra's most sublime and classic performances. Because they were dropped from the movie, they remain lesser known. Also, Barbra's record label Columbia passed on the original Broadway Cast Album; so Capitol got it. "Music That Makes Me Dance" was dropped from the movie in favor of Fanny Brice's signature torch ballad "My Man." Barbra sings "My Man" at full dynamic, emotional throttle to give the movie a heartbreaking finale, but the movie should have included both songs.
   The ending is completely different. Fanny Brice is devastated by the loss of Nick Arnstein, but she's going to survive. Barbra sings a determined, valiant reprise of "Don't Rain On My Parade", belting out, "Let's give 'em hell, Brice. We'll cry a little later. Well, Brice, that's life in the theatre. Nobody, no nobody, is gonna rain on my-- PARADE!!" You go, girl!! I love the movie, but I never listen to the movie soundtrack anymore (although I own it, too). When I want "FUNNY GIRL", I turn to this divine, sublime Broadway Cast Album. If you love Barbra at her best, you've GOT to get this original Broadway Casr Album, too!! 5 Stars. Highest Recommendation!!



2. Barbra at her fabulous freshman best, most of the songs are better on the movie album but there are some songs that were dropped from the broadway version that unfortunately did not make it to the movie and it would be a shame not to have them!
   
   twinspin



3. While not her first show, "Funny Girl" proved to be Barbra Streisand's ticket to immortality. Too bad she lost that year's Best Actress Tony to the equally deserving (?) Carol Channing in "Hello Dolly" ... though she ultimately won the 1968 Oscar for the film version of the classic role.
   
   Composer Jule Styne's terrific score was tailor-made for Ms. Streisand and contains several theatrical standards.
   
   Best tracks include:
   
   I'm The Greatest Star
   People
   Don't Rain On My Parade
   Who Are You Now?
   The Music That Makes Me Dance
   
   Yes, there are a few tracks I regularly skip, but, overall the score is terrific!



4. The fun of this cast album is hearing young Streisand. She projected so much star quality in her voice, that the album is a gem. But compared to later years, when her voice has aged, improved and been somewhat trained, her singing pales. Yet it's fun to hear, even when she cracks, as in the end of Don't Rain On My Parade. Still a great score, but get the film soundtrack, Barbra's voice is much better on it. Even though two of the scores best songs were dropped for the film, you can almost understand why. The song Funny Girl works better than Who Are You Now? would have..and while I think The Music That Makes Me Dance is a gem, using My Man in the film worked brilliantly



5. It was a good recording but i found the actual songs kinda Blah. They had no spice or spunk. . . Just kinda boring.

5 comments about Andrew Lloyd Webber - Requiem / Domingo, Brightman, ECO, Maazel.

1. This is a beautiful piece of music. My 10-year old is humming it as he plays with his toys. I'm so glad we've added it to our music library.



2. Great modern music of Webber. It is not classical Requiem. A little contraversal..
   Great mix of boys choir and mixed choir.. and great performers: Sarah and Domingo are really something.. and this kid who sings with Sarah..And Mazel, the head of the project..



3. I am a fan of music by Andrew Lloyd Weber usually, and also enjoy listening to requiae as a music form. Having heard "Pie Jesu" from this requiem and finding it most moving and beautiful, I ordered the Weber Requiem. It was indeed disappointing with the exception of Pie Jesu, band 7 on the CD. The remainder of the Requiem, regrettably, should be consigned to the dustbin of History. However, the Pie Jesu as sung by Sarah Brightman was worth the cost of the entire CD.



4. What's not to like about Andrew Lloyd Webber? Well, his attempt at liturgical composition. This work blends Old with New NOT very harmoniously. Much of the score rings of tunes reminiscent from his other works such as CATS, Evita, and Phantom of the Opera. His obviously intentional cacophony in places causes one to wonder if perhaps he had unresolved altar boy issues! Even if one wants to argue that musically, the piece is impressive, the volume levels of this recording make it difficult to listen to without having to constantly adjust the knob.



5. This piece sounds like a musical and proves Sir Webber should stick to that medium. I bought this disk for one and only one cut; Pia Jesu. This is as beautiful a piece of music as I've heard and the credit goes as much to the boy tenor as to Webber.

5 comments about The Premiere Collection: The Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Original Cast Compilation).

1. My brother gave me this album for Christmas twelve years ago. What can I say about an album that has 'Memory,' 'Tell Me on a Sunday,' 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' 'Starlight Express,' and 'All I Ask of You?' "Buy it!"



2. Very enjoyable - we have 2 copies and always keep one in the car to listen to.



3. I enjoy all of this music, listening frequently. Some not original cast members, so less than 5 star. Product exactly as advertised.



4. My sister had this and it got destroyed. She wanted an other, This was the only place I have found it!! Very hard to find! I have been to every music store in my area. She loved it!! And was so happy to have it again. Anyone who loves Andrew Lloyd Webber will love this. As it has many songs from some of his most famous plays with the original cast. Great item.



5. This CD is a great compilation of some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hits. If you are just looking for a "quick fix" for your Broadway craving, this is a great value.

5 comments about The Wild Party (Original Off-Broadway Cast).

1. I am in love with this CD and recording of The Wild Party. I've only heard the LaChiusa version once, so I can't really judge them against one another.
   
   Lippa's score is simply amazing, and you can't help but wanna tap your foot and get up and dance when some of the songs are playing. You can tell he has a love of the brass as he just lets them loose on some of the numbers, particularly "The Juggernaut". True, the setting of the show is the twenties and almost the entire show isn't twenties (save "Let Me Drown", D'Arcy's AMAZING number) but I feel that doesn't take away from the show whatsoever. Lippa's not the first to do this (Pippin anyone?) and I find that it makes the music so much more fascinating and fun. The other great thing about the album is that the songs can be taken out of the context of the show, and used in cabarets and auditions.
   
   The CD has an all-star cast that really help to bring the songs home. Julia Murney as Queenie can really belt(mix) the crap out of the songs, and while sometimes her vibrato is a little intense, she still works it. Brian d'Arcy James is the real standout vocalist on the CD as Burrs and proves he can still provide real emotional depth while singing a musically challening song. I also think this is Idina Menzel's finest vocal work on a recording, versus Wicked, Rent, and See What I Wanna See. She provides some real flair to the vocals of Kate, and brings it home. Personally I don't know why Taye Diggs got the role of Black (oh wait...he's married to Idina) because he really is just NOT good. The songs he sings are beautiful, but he does weird things with his voice and tends to go flat or just riff instead of emote. Alix Korey as Madeline the lesbian singing "Old-Fashioned Love Story" really nails the character and knows how to make someone laugh just by listening to her sing. The ensemble provides an amazing vocal accompaniment and helps to bring the songs to life.
   
   Overall I think it's amazing CD for anyone who appreciates Broadway, and even for those who don't. The songs are fun, original, really catchy, and beautifully done.



2. Yes, I will admit there are a few weird lyrics.
   
   How amazing are the vocals on this, though? Idina and Julia just shine, both are so mind-blowing with their voices...seriously, I'm speechless at how amazing they are. How lucky are we to have a CD with two amazing talented ladies performing together? I am so disappointed I missed the show...so very disappointed, but at least I have this CD to at least envision it my own way.



3. I'm an admitted musical-theatre geek. But I like knowing about the "underground" shows.. the ones that never QUITE made it. This came to me from a friend who was running a basement theatre at a college, and I forgot his mentioning it for close to a year. When it finally came back to me, I bought it.. and was AH-MAZED. There are simply not words for this music, and the talent brought the show is phenomenal. I strongly recommend taking a chance on this one.. if you sing, there's something for every range; if you dance, there's TONS of great, high-energy dance numbers; and if you love theatre, this is as good as it gets.



4. I bought this album because I am a fan of Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs, and may I just say that it blew me away! Some of the songs are so beautiful, with amazing harmonies. Others have you wanting to jump up and celebrate like the characters. My favorite songs include: Look at me Now, Poor Child (really beautiful), Life of the Party, Let Me Drown and How Did We Come to This?. If you are considering purchasing this I uge you do so, you won't be disappointed.



5. I was hesitant to buy this album because I was told it was a bit raunchy and not well done. I'm still kicking myself for not buying it sooner.
   
   Lippa's "The Wild Party" has quickly risen to my top five favorite shows. The score is outstanding (who CARES if it doesn't consistently fit the time period), the lyrics are entertaining, and the cast...oh, the cast. I admit I bought it for the Idina Menzel factor, but after listening through it, Idina takes a backseat to the outstanding vocal performance of Julia Murney.
   
   Julia Murney, as others have said, is a POWERHOUSE. Not just in the heavy-hitting songs like "Raise the Roof", but in every song she sings. It's dumbfounding. Since then I've seen her perform live, and I must say that the woman is a superb actress- you can tell even by her singing.
   
   It is unfortunate that this show released the same year as LaChuisa's "The Wild Party" on Broadway, but that doesn't mean it's lower caliber by any scale. In fact, I prefer this show. The reviewer who compared Sondheim to Lachuisa and Larson to Lippa was on the right track. Though I would suggest that if you like "Chicago" or "Wicked" at all, you'll probably like this version. It is a lot more fun and the songs are top-notch.
   
   All I can say is BUY THIS ALBUM. I can't imagine anyone regretting it.