1 comments about Cranks (Original London Cast).

1. I am a fan of Anthony Newley and I knew when I ordered this that it wasn't his usual type of stuff so I wasn't too surprised that I didn't care much for it. I also didn't know who John Cranko was (still really don't have a clue) and if I had known I might have held off on purchasing this. Having said that, I hesitate to say I don't like it. It is very experimental and I imagine I might enjoy it more if I were sitting in an audience watching it live. There are portions of it that I find quite interesting but it isn't something I would put on for sheer enjoyment's sake.

1 comments about Encore!: The Stage Collection.

1. This part of the STAGE-Collection is quite nice, but...some of the songs didn't work for me. If you own Stage 1 and/or Stage 2, you really need this CD to complete the collection.

No comments about White Christmas.

1 comments about Show Stoppers, Too!.

1. First, let me say I basically agree with what David Horiuchi said above and hats off to DRG...again. Actually I wanted to give it 4 and a half stars, only deducting for the Bea Arthur tracks...in my opinion not a great singer or actress and they could have included a few more actual songs. Barbara Cook is for nostalgia fans..as she really was much better when younger..but Elaine Stritch gives nothing away..her acting, her spirit, and yes..even her singing is still top notch. The musical selections are all good and represent excellent value for this type of compilation.

No comments about The Great American Songbook.

No comments about Ivor Novello: Centenary Celebration - Original Cast Recordings.

3 comments about Cowgirls (1996 Original Cast).

1. My wife and I saw this incredible performance in person, and listen to it yearly on our vacation, thanks to the CD. A smart manager in Vegas in a western themed casino would book Murfitt and company into their own recreation of Hiram Hall for a couple of years, and watch the ticket buyers stream in. The talent in this show is awe-inspiring, both individually and collectively (which is, unfortunately, the reason it hasn't been reproduced around the country). Whatever your taste in music, if you appreciate wide-ranging talent, great humor and real heart, this package has it all. Until we can get the girls back on stage, this CD is the next best thing.



2. I never tire of listening to this CD. I saw the show in Atlanta several years ago and then again in Nashville--featuring Mary Murfitt herself--and think it is wonderful. I'm always surprised at how such a hilarious/silly premise can set the stage for a moving exploration of friendship, relationships between parents and children, and the joy that comes in facing and conquering our fears. I remember sitting at the side of the theater in Nashville and watching the audience, which previously had been rolling with laughter, be spellbound when the cast began "Songs My Mama Sang" with that gentle mandolin strumming in the background. It was magic--and this "little" show with great writing and thoughtful performances made it happen. I only wish it were performed more often, but then it takes a really talented cast to make it work. There will always be the CD, though.



3. This is a strong woman's musical with great music that doesn't get tiring to listen to. I'd recommend it for anyone wanting to perform a great musical for theatre.

1 comments about Noel! Noel!.

1. I was so happy to have recently found this CD. My family had this in 8-track format in the late 70s, and as I recall was just one in a series of Sony Music Christmas albums released in a set. You'll probably never ever find another album containing Carol Burnett's decent take on The Christmas Song. There is one oddity I noticed with my CD concerning the track listings. The CD cover actually lists track #3 as Debbie Reynolds "There's No Place Like Home for The Holidays" but the cd lists and actually contains the song "Rocking" by Julie Andrews. That is the only difference with the original 8track-- The Debbie Reynolds tune was on the original album. Seek out this collection... it is at least a good start. You're got Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, and some of the more famous instrumental versions of songs such as "Sleigh Ride," all on this CD.

3 comments about Before the Rainbow : The Original Music of Oz.

1. James Doyle does a wonderful job restoring and re-creating these early scores which would otherwise be lost to time. You should also check out his recording "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Toronto Cast Recording", a completely new musical production which is extremely faithful to Baum's original book.



2. Can someone PLEASE help me? I love the story of The Wizard of Oz. I'm sure this is a great CD, but does it have any words or is it just music. If some one can help me I would be vary thankful!



3. The Hungry Tiger CD _Before the Rainbow_ is excellent and I recommend it highly. I might (or might not) have preferred "period instruments" to the synthesizer, but then it would have cost too much to produce and we'd be without anything. My roommate/landlady said the final grand march from Patchwork Girl sounded like "roller skating music." But that was intended as a compliment. No Oz fan can live without this recording.

5 comments about Zorba (1968 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Zorba is a wonderful musical. It is just a matter of time before it receives the proper recognition. There are two recordings available. The 1968 original cast recording, and the 1983 revival with Anthony Quinn. I prefer the original for two reasons. First, Kander and Ebb wrote this for Herschel Bernardi. Bernardi played Tevye in over 700 performances of Fiddler on the Roof. Quinn is known as Zorba, but Bernardi is better. Second, Zorba is a dark musical and the 1983 revival tried to take some of the edge off. For example, the opening line was changed from "Life is what you do, while you're waiting to die" to "Life is what you do until the moment you die". You won't go wrong with either version, but the 1968 Zorba is a gem



2. The original Broadway cast album of ZORBA is far superior to the revival with Anthony Quinn. First of all, everyone in this production can actually SING. The orchestrations sound much more Greek than the Quinn revival. John Cunningham and Lorraine Serrabian give more exciting vocal performances and Maria Karnilova is wonderfully touching as the aging Boubilina. Bernardia sounds like he is living life to the fullest as Zorba, while Mr. Quinn sounds like he is collecting a paycheck. I saw this production in NY many years ago and it was one of the most exciting musical I have yet to experience. What a shame that this recording is so rare. Please reissue it soon!



3. After their success challenging Broadway audiences with their 1966 smash-hit Cabaret, Kander, Ebb, and Hal Prince created this fantastic concept musical based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. Unfortunately, it was a little too challenging and only ran for 300 performances. Since then the show has sunk into near-complete obscurity. Anthony Quinn, who played the title role in the famous non-musical movie, Zorba the Greek, took on the lead in a less-than successful Broadway revival in 1994, shortly before his death. Unfortunately the show was a star-vehicale for Quinn who was not the best singer. It is this, very hard to find, original cast recording that is worth the addition to any serious Broadway album collection. Its deeply lyrical and evocative songs should be better known. After Cabaret, it is Kander and Ebb's best work. If you find a copy of the original cast, snatch it up and give the readily available revival a pass.



4. Disappointing. This is NOT the movie soundtrack. This does NOT feature Anthony Quinn (Mr Zorba the Greek!). This is NOT Mikis Theodorakis' music. The music is bland and artificial - definitely not Greek enough by my standards. I suppose one had to see the play to appreciate this CD



5. Lorraine Serrabian sings right through your soul. Maria Karnilova breaks your heart. Herschel Bernardi is a wonderful Zorba. The music is just incredible... hummable, danceable and represents Kander and Ebb at some of their best. This is much better than the revival recording with Quinn and Kedrova who fare much better in the non-musical. I love this recording.

   This musical should have done better in its initial incarnation.