5 comments about South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall.

1. 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!



2. 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!



3. 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.



4. 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. I first heard this version of this musical on PBS. I was so impressed with Reba McIntire and Brian Stokes Mitchell I knew I had to hear it again. They were much to my surprise as good as Rossano Brazzi and Mary Martin. The person who cast Reba in that role hit the nail right on the head. She was fabulous. And Brian's deep baritone voice was very impressive. I ordered his debut album after listening to this music. That also is very entertaining. I really liked this CD and will listen to it often. I need to hear music everyday and this is superb.

5 comments about The Pirates of Penzance.

1. This is a wonderful DVD. I got this as a stop gap until the VHS came out on DVD, but now I may not. Yes, the technical aspects are not the best. But it is the filming of an actual performance at the Delacorte Theater. It's not as slick as the production with Angela Landsbury, but Patricia Routledge, later to be Hetty Wainthrop and Hyacinth Bucket, more than holds her own, and the production has those small details that usually are left out of a much-edited and rehearsed film. You really get the feeling you are there watching a live performance. If you are a G&S fan, this is a DVD you must have. It is a gem of a performance, with wonderful actors/singers.



2. Fantastic CDS based on the stageplay and video. I missed Angela Lansbury as Ruth but it is a fanatastic recording and interpretation of Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta.



3. You have to be a muscial fan to love this. This play is very fun and funny. This soundtrack has the songs from this wonderful play that you will want to hear over and over again.



4. The entire "Pirates" score plus much of the dialogue is found in this recording. The voices are extremely appropriate to each of the characters, and the comedy of the score is apparent. The energy is extremely high, which, in turn, excites the listener. I never tire of listening to it.



5. My favourite performance of this classic Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta. Kevin Kline, Linda Ronstat, and the whole cast are perfect.

5 comments about The Threepenny Opera (1954 New York Cast) (Blitzstein Adaptation).

1. I happen to think this is a grand performance and the Blitzstein lyrics right on target, but forget all that for a moment and consider this:
   
   This Theater de Lys program captivated a young and very hip New York City audience for three significant years---from 1954 to '57. There are two basic elements here that I find terribly important.
   
   First, the essentially hostile attitude of the performers toward their public. When I saw it I recall the musicians coming out and actually thumbing their noses at the audience. Hey Mick Jagger, were you there by any chance? I assumed this was part of the atmosphere of the first production in Berlin back in the pre-Nazi Weimar days. But why was that relevant to New Yorkers in the "silent generation" 1950s?
   
   Secondly, there is the basic concept around which the entire work is constructed---The poor, the hopeless, the great unwashed, taking to the streets in all their wretchedness to confront and seek to embarass and humiliate the establishment (read U.S. federal government instead of British Royalty). And of course the goal is to make it coincide with an important establishment politicaal event: Coronation Day.
   
   
   Does anyone still remember the opening of the New York World's Fair in the mid-sixties? THe reverend Al Sharpton's threats of violence in the streets meant almost no one turned out to see or hear Lyndon Johnson's appearance at the World's Fair site.
   
   Given the time frame, this version of the Threepenny Opera was more than prescient. It helpled create the methodology for the anti-war and pro-civil rights demos that followed just a few years later. Quite an achievement for an off broadway version of a 30 year old German musical comedy!



2. Don't be fooled by the featuring of Lotte Lenya great though her Pirate Jenny may be. This is a sanitised showbiz version of Brecht which fails entirely as satire or political comment.



3. This production showcased the brilliance of Mr. Brecht, Miss Lenya, and Mr. Blitzstein. It also perfectly captured a slice of 1954 that was not well known-something dark, dramatic, humanistic and thoughtful. I remember my parents coming home after seeing this production, totally entranced. They immediately bought this album, and I wore it out over the years-thank goodness for CDs!



4. I've been looking for this CD for years (I played my LP to groovy death). I'm overjoyed. It's conventional wisdom these days to knock the Blitzstein translation of Dreigroschenoper as tamer than the Brecht original. So what we get instead are closer to Brecht's literal meaning and a long way from his wit. Blitzstein is the only translator so far to actually produce decent lyrics in English. His translation is freer, in both senses of the word, though it's still pretty close to Brecht. Furthermore, it actually gets the blood racing. Add to this a terrific performance, headed by Weill's widow, keeper of the flame, and one of the greatest actress of the 20th century, Lotte Lenya and including Jo Sullivan, Bea Arthur, John Astin, a host of others, and a crisp, brash chamber ensemble, all wonderfully seedy, and you have the finest English recording of this visionary score.



5. I read other reader's reviews that were critical of the audio, but I didn't find any problem with it. I had the LP since my college days -- 50 years ago now. I loved it then and I love it still. The sardonic lyrics can be chilling and they are delivered perfectly. Don't miss this one. It is unique.

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 All Shook Up (2005 Original Broadway Cast) (Featuring the Songs of Elvis Presley).

1. All Shook Up is a lot of fun. The music can't be beat because it's all Elvis and the singing is super. This Broadway cast - all the ladies are great belters and Cheyenne Jackson as Chad has a big range. I can't wait to see the show.



2. The music in this show is great. They didn't hire some Elvis impersonator to come and do this show. These are Elvis songs that have been reinvented in a musical theater style, and they sound great. That being said, just from listening to this CD you get very little about the actual plot of the musical. After reading the synopsis you can listen and understand what is going on, but just popping this CD in without glancing at the production notes will lead you to musical theater Elvis songs. I really enjoyed the music on this CD. Some of the voices need a little work, but overall my toe was tapping and my head was bopping. Good for new musical fans, as well as musical collectors. Probably not good for Elvis purists. Favorite song: "Teddy Bear/Hound Dog"



3. If you like songs recorded and performed by Elvis Presley, this Compact Disc may not be to your music liking.
   Despite the #1 HIT record title, there is no song by Elvis Presley. There are no images/pictures of Elvis Presley.
   In minimized text on the back of the CD there is:
   "Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley."
   The CD is fom SONY and BMG 2005 issue, RCA who released the title song is not mentioned. Also, there seems to be no 33/1/3
   12" vinyl record album for this title. The music industry has created something out of nothing. I started enjoying Elvis Presley in October 1957 "Jailhouse Rock", and it still does, but this ALL SHOOK UP seems bogus, without songs by Elvis Presley.
   >The cartoon cover is cute, but Elvis Presley is missing.
   For Elvis Presley singing his #1 hits, there are none on this CD.



4. Once I saw that this musical was had a soundtrack cd, I just had to have it!! I saw this play on broadway in NYC and fell in love with it even though I didn't know any Elvis music. This is such a fun soundtrack and keeps you singing and dancing along.



5. Over the summer I got to experience the Broadway show All Shook Up and it was highly enjoyable. Because critics don't like shows that are based off unoriginal music, they missed the point of All Shook Up. It was a fantastic tribute to one of the greatest singers of all time.
   
   The cast of the show puts every ounce of energy behind the songs and fills them with such zest and pep that it is impossible not to see the charm. Some of the best numbers come when the cast all join in together in such ensemble efforts like "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Can't Help Falling in Love" to produce rousing chorus numbers. The voice talent matches expectations for the songs, as Cheyenne Jackson nails a good mix of Elvis with roustabout charisma in his spotlight songs like "Roustabout" and "C'Mon Everybody."
   
   What the show does a fantastic job of is mixing up the songs, how they are song, and the different voice talent put into each piece. There is a wonderful cross of "Teddy Bear" and "Hound Dog" (words are changed around to make it work), that is fun back and forth song.
   
   The same can be said for "Don't Be Cruel", which is one of the best adaptations of Elvis' songs. It mixes cool, slick, and humor to give another quick duet, back and forth piece to the show.
   
   In short, there are so many fun songs on this CD that you won't be able to stop listening to it for weeks. There is so much charm and energy in each song that you'll feel a little remorse for not seeing it on Broadway (yes, it's run is over), or for not going to go see it again.
   
   So...C'mon everybody and clap your hands right now...

5 comments about Sweeney Todd (2005 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. To anyone looking to buy the best recorded version of the Sweeny saga, stick with the original cast version with Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury. It cannot be beat! The soundtrack to the Burton film falls flat because the singers on it cannot sing and arguably the best piece of music in the score - the Ballad - is excised for some bizarre reason. Now - as to this version - I heard snippets in the store on the tease-machine. If I had heard more, I would not have wasted my money on it. I did not realize it was a stripped down orchestra - and nowhere on the back of the CD does it inform the unwary of this essential fact. And - believe me - the full orchestration (as on the original Broadway cast) is absolutely vital. One example should suffice: On this recording "Epiphany" loses all of its impact without the crashing drums echoing Sweeny's complete breakdown. Listen to this version and then the original version and you'll be amazed at the dramatic difference in the two. Also, in this lame version all of the songs are sung much too slow. There is no frenzied verve, no insane intensity. Sure, you can hear every single word sung - but there is NO passion in the vocals to match the driving power of Cariou and Lansbury, etc. So - if you want to hear this masterpiece of a musical in its richest incarnation - stick with the original Broadway recording. And if you want to see the best filmed version, watch the DVD of the Broadway show and you will see how the Burton film pales in comparison.



2. And so it is: the best numbers chosen and performed by very talented singers.
   But as to continuity . . . here the musical rendition fails; and fails miserably.
   First the singers: Patti Lupone,--excellent. Michael Cerveris: menacingly excellent.
   Overall: a sturdy well-cast group of performers.
   This is a unique concept; but the planning of the established opera/musical is the thing. And I, or anyone who has posted, could have planned this story (and such it is: a story put to music) a thousand times better than it is.
   The first CD is fine. The Second CD is where the story breaks completely; and essential elements are just dropped into the fire like so much fat! :)
   Pirelli? A brief mention by Mrs Lovett about "what should we do with him" is all you get. People unfamiliar with the story will be left scratching their heads. The whole scene of Pirelli blackmailing Todd and his subsequent demise being expurgated from this rendition. Better never to have even mentioned "him". Pirelli's demise could have been completely left out of this truncated version of the opera.
   The worst offense is the climax when the Beadle's death leads to the beggar woman's death. We never even know of this. All we have is a gasp by Todd about the beggar woman he murdered and who she really is. Up to that point, who would have known he killed any beggar woman at all. Very poorly executed; and one is left wondering why the truncation of such a critical and crucial part of the show. It is after all the most emotionally charged scene for Todd,--the death of the beggar woman by his own hands.
   That is why I stated that this is the best of the numbers of Sweeney Todd. Story interrupted by time constraints. Why the constraints, I do not know. Surely when Sondheim sat and listened to this in the small theatre, they did not hack the second part of the story to pieces then;--as they do on the CD here.
   The booklet is nice; but a whole section entitled: "Synopsis", should warn the listener he is in for a let down, story wise.
   Also, having the singers also play the instruments does put them off at times. It is difficult to concentrate on playing an instrument and then dashing off a number in the proper key of "E" the next moment. They are excellent, despite the fact we all know Pirelli is being sung by a woman. But performance does suffer somewhat do to too many bakers of the pie! :)
   They should have had a small band of musicians playing the instrument for the CD; and the singers focusing all their talents into the songs.
   If one wants to start with a CD version of Sweeney Todd, begin with the New York Philharmonic one. It can be purchased new through Amazon.com directly from them; and for a discount. It is coherent and cogent to the listener. And the singers are allowed more range in the depth of their singing. Lupone with an orchestra behind her is quite impressive. Plus one get's an added bonus: reaction from an audience. This does help when the darkly satiric comedic elements of the musical are played out. It enhances the show quite nicely; and the singers do seem to thrive off of a live performance before an audience. There is also a DVD performance done by Hearn and Lupone at another performance of Sweeney before a different audience and performed by the San Francisco Syphony. If you require the visuals.
   This is, again, a unique approach in trying to take an extravaganza and turn it into a true chamber opera. It is just a pity it was so poorly executed. This is worth a listen, but only for someone who is thoroughly versed in the full story of Sweeney Todd,--The Demon Barber of Fleet Street!
   
   Braithwaite
   *A redo is most certainly needed to make this,overall, an "A Number One" portrayal of the Sondheim musical. 4 Stars for the Singers. 2 Stars for the execution*



3. So I was lucky enough to see this live on Broadway. What a treat to see the entire show distilled down to a small cast, all playing their instruments LIVE while singing. Not everyone loved it, but most did. The effect was chilling, it created a rawness to each performance. Patti LuPone is astonishing doing a masterful job of handling the nuances of such a pitiful yet hideous character while at the same time attacking the music perfectly. And Michael Cerevis's voice blows Johnny Depp away. In fact the entire cast are extremely talented singers and musicians. I personally love this adaptation, I only wish it was available on DVD. But then that is the whole point of live performance, you have to catch it while you can. Highly recommend.



4. The Sweeney todd soundtrack is wayyyy better than this one, I have both, both are great. However, this sweeney is not that "touching".



5. You haven't heard Sweeney Todd unless you have heard this production. The orchestrations for the small band (instruments played by the cast members) squeeze the essence from the songs, and allow you to focus on the cleaver language, beautiful melodies and powerful themes.
   
   Check it out! Patti is amazing as always!
   
   Justin

5 comments about Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals.

1. This C-D contains remastered music from many of the
   best musicals I remember from my youth. The only
   thing I miss is the video because at times there is
   only the sound of tapdancing.
   I enjoy singing along with the music while driving
   my car. Just as good as singing in the shower!



2. Everything that happens in life
   Can happen in a show
   You can make 'em laugh
   You can make 'em cry
   Anything
   Anything can go....
   
   The clown with his pants falling down
   Or the dance that's a dream of romance
   Or the scene where the villain is mean
   That's entertainment!
   
   The lights on the lady in tights
   Or the bride with the guy on the side
   Or the ball where she gives him her all
   That's entertainment!
   
   The plot and the hot simply teeming with $ex
   A gay divorcee who is after her ex
   It could be Oedipus Rex
   Where a chap kills his father
   And causes a lot of bother
   
   The clerk who is thrown out of work
   By the boss who is thrown for a loss
   By the skirt who is doing him dirt
   
   The world is a stage,
   The stage is a world of entertainment!
   
   This two CD set amply proves that the musical melodies and lyrics from the golden age of the Hollywood musical remain unsurpassed to this day. This generous two CD set offers 42 incredible songs from Hollywood classic musicals. Most of these fine numbers are indeed from MGM, as Amazon correctly notes; but there are some RKO numbers and even a little from Warner Brothers. Thank goodness, though, that most of these songs came from MGM movies; MGM was the only studio that could boast that it truly had "more stars than there are in the heavens."
   
   I love so many songs on these two CDs. Of course, there's the unforgettable classic "Over The Rainbow" sung by Judy Garland; she also performs "Easter Parade" and "Get Happy" on this two CD set and she carries most of the tune for "I Got Rhythm" even though Mickey Rooney helps her a little. I love "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for its' romantic overtones; and Lena Horne's "The Lady Is A Tramp" is flawless! We also get a rare chance to hear Clark Gable sing in "Puttin' On The Ritz;" and Bing Crosby's "Going Hollywood" may be brief but it's a fun song anyway.
   
   There are two "bonus" tracks on the first CD: "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca and "Lara's Theme" from Doctor Zhivago. "As Time Goes By" is a good choice; it is another unsurpassed classic song that brings back memories and touches even the hardest of hearts. "Lara's Theme," however, is from the mid 1960s and I don't consider this period to be part of the "golden age" of Hollywood musicals.
   
   The liner notes are excellent and they offer wonderful photos of the stars as well. The cover art is well done and the reverse cover art tells which movie each song is from and who is performing each song. Moreover, the quality of the sound is excellent especially when you consider that these numbers were recorded quite a few decades ago.
   
   In short, this superlative two CD highlights the glory of the Hollywood musical when a certain type of sophistication dominated professional movie production. I highly recommend this CD for fans of Hollywood musicals, classic pop vocals and fans of the artists and actors who perform on this two CD set.



3. What an amazon collection of songs! This is bar none my favorite cd just because of the variety and the quality of songs on it. I love music from this era, and this cd is the perfect companion to my life. Love it! Buy it, you won't regret it for a moment!



4. Apart from the great selection of soundtracks, what really makes this compilation top value is the quality of the sound processing. Executed with finesse, these tracks sound better than when first issued and many are unedited, fuller versions: like "Singing In The Rain", for example. Throw in the great price, and this double disc set is a "must have" for all lovers of classic movie music.



5. A Sensational CD with Lots of Showtunes that Keep You Happy and makes You Want To Sing Along With!!!

5 comments about White Christmas.

1. This CD is a faithful rendition of a musical served up with familiar and "sing-along" melodies. Some nostalgia yes, but very appropriate for the Holidays. Anyone who doesn't smile hearing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"really is a "scrouge"! I purchased this CD for my grand-daughter after we saw the musical together; a great way to build memories....



2. Irving Berlin's White Christmas: White Christmas is one of the best musicals ever made - make that one of the best movies ever made. I absolutely adore it. This CD is the soundtrack to the stage version of the film. I so want to see this show. If the music is any indication, the show is an absolute blast. It's chock-full of the classic Irving Berlin songs from the movie, with the addition of other Berlin classics such as "Happy Holiday," "Blue Skies," "How Deep Is the Ocean," and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm." The arrangements positively hum with energy - the music has a full, big-band flavor. And the principal vocalists, led by Brian d'Arcy James and Jeffrey Denman, are terrific - they don't try to imitate their filmic predecessors Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. If they had, that would've equaled disaster. What makes this album work is that you are given top-notch Broadway singers performing timeless Berlin tunes with life and energy. They're not trying to present a carbon copy of the film onstage - the show is more of a love letter to the film, if you will. The story's been tweaked, some of the movie's songs eliminated ("Choreography" is no great loss IMO) or rearranged, but the nostalgic heart of the film's story is vibrantly present.



3. I love this album -- I saw the show in SF twice and recently in Detroit -- the album captures all of the wonderful score and the cast on the album is super -- although they made one curious recording faux pas as far as I am concerned -- why records a Randy Skinner tap dance show without including any of the tap on the recording? Still -- I listen to it constantly in the car -- it feels like Christmas year round!



4. A great concept album. This show features so many well known songs... The performances are excellent and the updated orchestrations have given this classic film musical a new future as an entertaining theatre piece.... Loved it!



5. Oh my Lord! Who would think you could beat Bing Crosby and the rest of the original cast for this musical. I saw it in the theater, when I was seven years old and have my whole family addicted! We watch it every Christmas and in between. It's a family tradition. This album is absolutely fantastic. I hesitated getting it. I was afraid I would not like it compared to the movie track, (which is non existent, actually). To make a long story short, you will NOT be disappointed! The extra Irving Berlin songs are incredible. The theatrical renditions of these time-honored tunes is wonderful and inspiring! It you are a fan of Irving Berlin, you enjoy great vocals, and you love Broadway, you will love this album. It couldn't be better! (... Not the same as Bing and company, of course, but equally wonderful to listen to!)

5 comments about Li'l Abner (1956 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Rollicking is the best description of this musical's score. Sure, there are the melodic moments, like "Love in a Home" and "Namely You." But the numbers that make this musical unique are things like "Jubilation T. Cornpone" and "Put 'em Back the Way They Was."
   I do not understand why Peter Palmer did not go on to more romantic roles. Maybe this type cast him.
   Wonderful lyrics! It seems that every time I listen, I hear something I had missed before.
   I feel sorry for the younger generation, who did not have the Li'l Abner comic strip, with which I grew up. Without that background, this musical might be a little difficult to comprehend. And, without having lived in the 50s, they will miss much of the satire.
   !



2. Lil' Abner (the musical) is based on the comic strip characters of Al Capp. The comics have not been in newspapers for decades and some of the themes and gags in this show are a bit dated, but there's still some funny stuff in the show and in the music as well. Very creative lyrics and some catchy, memorable tunes. "Jubilation T. Cornpone" bounces right along while the wistful "Namely You" is a sweet, touching love song.
   
   In addition to the music from the show, this CD includes a few bonus tracks. There are a couple of songs that were cut from the show, and some songs or extended versions of songs that were not on the original vinyl release of this soundtrack.
   
   There's a few hiccups in the recording, a missed cue or two, unbalanced chorus, etc. but still an enjoyable listen.



3. If you like broadway musicals, this one will be perfect for you. Out of the 50's fun musicals following the lines of the music man. Delightful and pleasant the way the great ones usually are from this period. Try the DVD of the movie as well.



4. "Lil Abner" is a musical that has clever lyrics, sometimes forgettable music and an always confusing plot.
   With two exceptions- "Jubilation T. Cornpone" and "If I Had my Druthers", most of the songs have forgettable melodies. The lyrics are always clever, however. Johnny Mercer is an expert lyricist, however Broadway hit tunes are just not Gene De Paul's thing.
   The book, by three writers who I have forgotten, mainly its story, is complex in a bad way. I involves to many romances, too many dated political ideas, and too many bad jokes.
   The cast also has a mixed opinion from me. While Stubby Kaye, Edie Adams and Peter Palmer have strong voices, the other supporting cast, including Julie Newmar and Tina Louise of "Gilligan's Island" fame, are rarely shown on this album because most of the songs are sung by a talentless, annyoing ensemble.
   In a season including "Candie", "The Most Happy Fella" and the mother of all musicals, "My Fair Lady", it is easy to see why "Lil Abner" won only for its choreography by the great Michael Kidd and Adam's performance.



5. "Lil Abner" the original cast recording! . . . a piece of Americana . . . a piece of "history" . . . it positively "stupefyin'"!
   
   This is an expanded re-issue of the 1990 compact disc release. . . and contains bonus tracks: "There's Room Enough For Us" which was added after the show's opening, here is taken from the motion pictiure soundtrack. Also two songs cut from the show are here added: "It's a Nuisance Having You Around" here sung by Rosemary Clooney and "The Way To A Man's Heart" performed by Percy Faith and his orchestra. -- also a rehearsal tape of "Sadie Hawkin's Day Ballet" and "What's Good For General Bullmoose" and longer version of the "finale".
   
   A memorable moment is provided by Stubb Kaye and the ensemble performing "Jubilation T. Cornpone" -- I remember his performance in the motion picture version of "Lil Abner" and this is a high-point of the show for me . . it just bubbles with real true "jubilation"! :)
   
   Al Capp's characters were brought to life and given a human incarnation with this production.
   
   Oh yes . . . lest I forget to mention this most important and relevant bit of information about this cd: it's more than worth the price you will pay to purchase this "original cast recording" just to see the photos included with the liner notes of: Tina Louise as "Appassionata Von Climax"! and Edith Adams as "Daisy Mae"! and Julie Newmar as "Stupefin' Jones! (hey! you get to see "two" photos of Julie as "Stupefyin' Jones"! - one more stupefyin' than the next!) -- I can see why Lil Abner never wanted to leave Dogpatch! :)
   
   It is hard to believe that this was performed and recorded back in 1956 (almost 50 years ago now). It shows that creativity and talent are perennial and lasting. I am happy that Columbia Broadway Masterworks (Legacy) has updated/enlarged/expanded and re-issued this slsice of American musical history . . .and thanks to the cast of performers who brought it to life!

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!