No comments about Christmas with Julie Andrews.

5 comments about Lost Horizon: Original Soundtrack (1973 Film).

1. Years ago I was introduced to this music when I watched the movie. There are songs such as "The World is a Circle" and "Answer With a Question," that have been in my memory, but I've not been able to find the music until now. I wish I could find the written music book and the movie now.



2. This movie was a favorite of my families while growing up. I only wish I could get the movie on DVD. It didn't get good reviews but we LOVED it!!!



3. Having read the book and seen the original black and white movie, the idea of turning it into a musical seemed silly. Listening to the music after watching the musical, I am convinced it was simply a bad idea. James Hilton's novel was a lovely fable like Camelot, but unlike Camelot it did not lend itself easily to musical form. Camelot is a failed attempt at Utopia. Shangri-La is a successful Utopia with failed characters. It is really Hilton's answer to Thomas More who wrote Utopia. It works as long it remains lovely improable philosophical rhetoric that can never be proved or disproved as in the movie of the 1930's. In the musical - characters were invented that did not exist in the book - perhaps soley for some romantic songs or interplay, and thus depreciated the story and the oringal movie. I suppose this is why the musical was a commercial and critical flop. The music does not fit the drama.



4. I have not seen this movie but I loved the music from the first time I ever heard it in the late seventies, when a friend gave me a cassette, recorded from his album. Now I have bought the CD and love it even more!
   When searching Google for the movie I found exerpts from it in YouTube!
   Just enter Lost Horizon musical Bacharach and you'll find some ten videos created by lovers of the film, who have a VHS or the laser disc.
   Seeing this, I finally understand, why people thought the music too modern.
   Only, seen from today, I think it's the movements in dancing that are very seventy-ish, not so much the music.
   Still, I think it's ridiculous to critisize a Musical on that behalf.
   Considering that The King and I is about events from the late nineteenth century and Mary Poppins and My Fair Lady from the early twentieth century, surely, the music from the sixties was too modern, too?
   And today, people, especially teenagers, love and enjoy Bollywood movies.
   Many of them are Musicals, where everybody dances and sings and they are all over three hours long.
   I think the time has come to release this musical on DVD!
   Let's write a petition to the Film Company, maybe they'll have mercy on us. It's the film's 25th birthday anyway, they should hand out a fine anniversary edition with extras like the ones that are broadcasted on YouTube.
   By the way, I have read the book, too, and of course I don't expect the film to be exactly like it, which film does?
   But, from what I have seen at YouTube it keeps close to the events but illustrates Shangri-La in a creative way. It has nothing to do with the real Tibet or buddhism or christianity, anyway. It is Utopia, a dreamland, and who is to critisize a dream? Even in the book it is a synthesis of both religions,leaving finally both behind and the leading idea is Temperance. And that is the opposite of any fanatism, in any direction.
   At the time when I only knew the music, way back in the seventies, I was fascinated by the lyrics, I think they are very true and not idiotic like many reviewers said. But there are so many people who consider anything spiritual or esotheric idiotic that we don't have to take them too seriously, but rather pity them for their lack of understanding and fantasy.



5. The 1973 movie musical Lost Horizon was very under-rated and received poor reviews when it was released. As a Burt Bacharach fan I thought the music was wonderful and Hal David's lyrics continued the story perfectly. On this Cd the tracks are fresh and alive and will be a must for all Bacharach enthuisiasts.

5 comments about Swings Cole Porter.

1. No doubt about the Barrowman talent - awesome! In this album, he's solidly Broadway and predictably pro in presentation. Although I'd like things a little more off the beat at times - a bit more 'conversational' in its phrasing - perhaps the intent was simply to adhere to the original strict 'quantized' feel in vogue when Porter first presented the material.
   His take on 'In The Still of the Night' is incredibly warm and beautiful, but the phrasing on 'I happen to Like New York' comes off a bit stark. The Garland version, e.g., transported the listener to feel the grit of the town, Barrowman's read seems a bit sanitized. But that's a minor point,because all up, this is a tremendously satisfying listening experience and B'way devotees will be delighted. I'm certain those of us already familiar with the artist, will simply continue to be knocked out by the Barrowman talent, and the honest emotion in his delivery of 'After You'. For this listener anyway, the best track on the album (and it's hard to choose) is the poignant' Every Time We Say Goodbye'. I'm increasingly grateful for both Porter and Barrowman. Terrific stuff - don't hesitate to add this gem to your collection.



2. Great actor in Dr Who (2000 series) and gives Torchwood emotions... But if you cant click a sample mp3 file to play before you buy the CD, then dont buy it all!



3. What can I say...John Barrowmans' voice is every bit as beautiful as he is, such a rich and lush tone.



4. I first saw John Barrowman in De-Lovely, singing "Night and Day" with Kevin Klein, and he was fabulous. I'm sorry that song is not on this cd, but even without it, this cd gets better every time I listen to it. It is hard to decide on a favorite, there are so many, but "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To", "Ca C'est l'Amour", "Don't Fence Me In" are particularly fun. My favorite is "In The Still of the Night" - such romance. John Barrowman's voice is pleasing and easy to listen to, over and over. This is definitely a welcome addition to my Cole Porter collection!



5. Who knew he could sing?!? I love watching him in Torchwood and on Doctor Who but a singer? I was doubtful until my friend explained he was a singer to begin with. I bought this cd as a test run and was blown away. He does a wonderful rendition of each song and puts a lot of heart into it.
   
   This is one of the CDs that make it into my regular rotation.

5 comments about Children of Eden (Papermill Playhouse Cast).

1. I have been fortunate to be in two productions of Children of Eden. This CD is wonderful. Though some of the music is not as the score is written, (eg.Stranger to the Rain is 1/2 step lower in the score)This music is the kind you wake up hearing in the middle of the night. Who can be in this cast and not tear up when you sing "In the Beginning" The snake is a masterpiece, we rocked the house with Aint it good, and Generations...what clever placement after the death of Eve at the end of actI. I have seen Wicked a few times and love it too, but Children of Eden means more to me and I think Stephen Schwartz is brilliant.



2. This show is wonderful!!!!! I was looking for the full cd not just highlighted songs and this cd was it!!! VERY HAPPY!!!



3. I have been delighted with this CD. Product arrived quickly and in perfect condition. A wonderful soundtrack. So glad I bought it.



4. This is a wonderful representation of "Children of Eden." The music is powerful, and the actors are wonderful. Highly recommended for anyone who is a fan of the show or of Stephen Schwartz musicals.



5. I was in a production of Children of Eden and did not like the music at first. It definitely grows on you and is extremly moving at times, especially the finale "Children of Eden". My favorite though is "Ain't it Good" which I hated when I first heard it. Very good show but remember it is a show and don't get into theological discussions about it's suppossed misrepresentations of the Old Testament. It's fiction and doesn't propose to be anything else.

5 comments about Once On This Island (1990 Original Broadway Cast).

1. When I discovered this amazing musical I just had to buy the CD!!!! One day while I was looking up The Little Mermaid on Wikipedia I saw that in the Adaptations section along with well known versions such as the Disney version and the Anime version I saw the entry "The musical Once on this Island is a Caribbean version of the Little mermaid set in the French Antilies" or something like that. Then I clicked on the link provided and read the summary, after that I was hooked! I went to find my mom to tell her to get me this CD, after a few tries she said my dad would take me to get it after church the next day; That day came and as soon as I popped the CD in my portable CD player and it just blew me away! After that I downloaded some of the songs from the London version on itunes and it didn't really live up to my expectations; the Ti Moune sounded like she swallowed a cotton ball! and the Papa Ge sounds like he's screaming (there go my two favorite characters) but with the Broadway version I am fully obsessed.
   
   The songs of the Island;
   
   1. We Dance- splended opening number! I can't stop dancing to it! The song is sung by storytellers (who become the characters of the story) who introduce the Gods of the Island; Asaka(Mother of the Earth), Agwe (God of Water), Erzulie (beautiful Goddess of love), and Papa Ge (sly demon of death), and also describes the two different worlds; the poor peasants, and the wealthy Grand Homme.
   
   2. One Small Girl- this song describes how Ti Moune (the heroine of the story) was saved by the Gods from a flood when she was a little girl and sheltered in a tree, only to be found by caring peasants who become her parents.
   
   3. Waiting for life- In this song, Ti Moune (now all grown up) expresses her need to find out the special reason that the Gods saved her.
   
   4. The Gods heard her prayer/Rain- the title is the only exlanation needed for the Gods hear her prayer. Rain however is sung by Agwe who causes a Grand Homme named Daniel to crash his car from driving too fast
   5. Pray- Ti Moune finds Daniel and nurses him back to health ignoring the fear of the peasants and anger of the Gods.
   
   6. Forever yours- my favorite song on this whole CD! Ti Moune pledges her love to Daniel and then later on in the song gives her life to Papa Ge, the demon of death so that he will spare Daniel.
   
   7. Sad tale of the Beauxhommes- kind of pointless but still fun to listen to, it describes Daniel's family history........that's all I have to say.
   
   8. Ti Moune- Daniel's family has already taken Daniel back to the Hotel his family owns and Ti Moune begs her parents to let her go after him even though reluctant they agree.
   
   9. Mama will Provide- Ti Moune runs into Asaka the mother of the Earth who tells her that anything she needs "Mama will provide".
   
   10. Some say- the storytellers discuss what Ti Moune's journey was like, different opinions are tossed around. This song while fun to dance and sing to really makes you wonder along with the storytellers.
   
   11. Part of the Human heart- very inspirational should-be classic! Once Ti Moune is with Daniel Erzulie the Goddess of love sings this beautiful piece.
   
   12. Pray (reprise)- The Grand Homme's gossip about Daniel and Ti Moune behind their backs.
   
   13. Some Girls- Daniel sings this song to Ti Moune. Very romantic! Makes any girl wish that the guy they love would sing this to them.
   
   14. The Ball- A ball is held at the Hotel Beauxhomme where one of the guests (Andrea) confronts Daniel about Ti Moune.
   
   15. Ti Moune's dance- At Andrea's request Ti Moune dances for all of the guests and does a very good job (although you don't see the dance on the CD obviously) the music of this piece is very unusual but much fun as well.
   
   16. When we are Wed- Andrea congragulates Ti Moune on her success and asks her to dance at her (Andrea's) wedding. Saying she will be marrying Daniel.
   
   17. Forever yours (reprise)- after Daniel explains to Ti Moune that they could never marry and leaves her heartbroken and alone, Papa Ge comes to claim Ti Moune's life but he says that she can return to her old life if she kills Daniel............She can't do it.
   
   18. A Part of Us- Once Ti Moune dies, the Peasants and the Gods (including Papa Ge) mourn her death. Made me cry all the way through.
   
   19. Why we tell the story- A much more uplifting song than a part of us.
   The Gods turn Ti Moune into a beautiful tree that watches over Daniel forever. the storytellers then explain all of the reasons to tell this wonderful tale.
   
   The reason I gave that summary of the songs was in hope I'll be able to give this musical more attention than it currently has and in hopes for it to someday return to Broadway (I really want to see this musical live but sadly it doesn't play anywhere near my area!)



2. This review will probably get a lot of "not helpful" responses, because it does not agree that "Once on This Island" is the best thing for Broadway musicals since sliced bread.
   First, and positively, it begins with an excellent story. But in this case, I believe it was the story, not the music, that carried the show to a respectable 469 performances in 1990.
   For the most part, I found the music to be repetitive. I felt as if I had listened to the same thing over and over. I also sensed some obvious influences from "Pacific Overtures."
   Do not throw the recording away. It is still interesting, especially if you follow the libretto as you listen. The libretto pretty much tells the story, but because of the accents, much is indistinguishable without the words before you.
   Also, I was surprised, as I read the previous reviews to this recording, to see so many references to high school and even middle school productions of "Once on This Island." With the complexities of the Caribbean setting and the intricacies of the music, this seems to me to be beyond the capabilities of most schools. Be that as it may!



3. I have used this product in a high school musical theater class setting....many of the tunes included are great performance songs my students will be using in our upcoming end of the term concert... they love this unique musical style, so do I...



4. My wife and I saw this show on Broadway during its too-brief run. The show was nominated for 8 Tony Awards, but didn't win in any category.
   
   The musical is all sung, so it translates well onto CD. It features the original Broadway cast, including LaChanze, who won a Theater World Award for her performance as Ti Moune.
   
   Listening to the CD, one is transported into a world of gods and humans, love and death, vengeance and redemption. The score, by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty ("Seussical the musical" and "Ragtime"), is a joyful, spirited mixture of Caribbean and pop-tinged songs, sung with animation and passion.



5. I wasn't expecting to receive the items just yet (cause I was informed of 8 weeks to deliver). But i got it just aweek and a half from the time i ordered. Its all in perfect shape and i'm enjoying every minute of it!

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

1. "The Pajama Game" is one of the basic reasons why I enjoy musicals so much today. When I was a graduate student in Fort Worth Texas in the 1950s, a new professional theater was begun (and still continues today).
   One of their opening season shows was "The Pajama Game," and students were admitted for one dollar. I liked the show so much that I invested in season tickets. Through the years since, I have enjoyed many productions by touring companies, community theater, and local professional troupes. And I have listened to this particular show over and over, first on lp and now on cd.
   Listening today, it occurred to me that this score is basically for-fun music. Other than "A New Town Is a Blue Town," "Hey There," and parts of "Small Talk," there is none of the serious, melodic, ballad-type music. This does not diminish the score. "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway" both became well-deserved hits. The most fun, I think, comes from "Think of the Time I Save." But, I wonder if anyone else has noticed in "Seven-and-a Half Cents" that Adler and Ross are better lyricists than they are mathematicians. Apparently, they had not "figured it out."
   If "The Pajama Game" is new to you, familiar yourself with the story, and the music will lead you through the plot.



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



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



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



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

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

   The cast is the best recorded, in my opinion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 comments about A Little Night Music (1973 Original Broadway Cast).

1. You can be sure of one thing from a Sondheim musical--It will be out of the ordinary. Sometimes because it is so entertaining, like "A Funny Thing ..." Sometimes because he is attempting to be a groudbreaker, as in "Pacific Overtures." One thing you can expect, the music will be interesting and innovative.
   His groundbreaking can either fall flat, or catch the interest of the theater-going crowd. More than half of his musicals have lost money for their backers.
   "A Little Night Music" falls into the interest-catching category, with a 601 performances, money making run. Musically, it provides a mixture of ensemble and fine solo materials. But, as a musical, it does not work for me. I will not fault previous reviewers, who raved, because I recognize that this is largely a matter of taste. It just does not taste like a musical to me.
   I will continue to listen to it, enjoying the music. But I will not rush out to buy a ticket if a touring company brings it to town.



2. As the song says, the whole score of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC lightens my life. I ride along listening to wonderful music while beside me, in other vehicles, I hear music one can't possibly consider music. It's a wonderful score, a great CD, the performers couldn't be better, as we all know, and I will be listening and enjoying for a very long time.



3. I saw the original Broadway play in New York with this cast. It was definitely off beat for the time and I wasn't so sure as the play started with operatic-like songs, but it took very little time for me to get fully into the mood of this musical. This is a tidy, sophisticated play with wonderfully nuanced lyrics and music. The pieces come through well on this recording. Thoroughly enjoyable.



4. I recently purchased this album after being taken by many of Sondheim's works, such as SWEENEY TODD, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, and FOLLIES. And I am so glad I purchased it.
   
   It's a fantastic score, with a great cast. The melodies are sweeping and irresistable, the lyrics are witty and clever.
   
   And how can you top this cast? Len Cariou turns in a great performance as Fredrick Egerman, and Glynis Johns is perfection as Desiree Armfeldt. Hermione Gingold is also fabulous as Mme. Armfeldt.
   
   The best tracks on the CD are:
   
   Now/Later/Soon
   The Glamorous Life
   Every Day A Little Death
   Liasons
   A Weekend in the Country
   Send in the Clowns
   The Miller's Son
   
   Go out and buy A Little Night Music, you will not be dissapointed.



5. The beauty of the score sneaks up on you. The lyrics are Sondheim's most clever (The hands on the clock turn, but don't sing a nocturne just yet...) The singers do more than just sing the songs... They convey what they are feeling and thinking with their voices (which is wonderful for a broadway recording - we want to have the experience of being seated in a theatre watching the musical as well as listening to it). The music is magical, transporting us to wherever the characters want us to go (their memories, their hearts, their thoughts, their desires). The style of the music is a mixture of impressionistic (Ravel, Debussy, Poulenc, Satie, etc...), Classical (Bach - the only music to which Sondheim claims now to listen) and of course, Waltz. This mixture is exquisite. Send In The Clowns is NOT the best song in this musical, by far. The songs I will never tire of in this musical:
   1)Overture and Night Waltz
   2)Now
   3)Soon (my favorite)
   4)Every Day A Little Death (reminiscent of The Sound of Music's "How do solve a problem like Maria")
   5)Night Waltz I
   6)Night Waltz II
   7)The Miller's Son (One Sondheim's own favorites)
   
   The music and lyrics are brilliant. The performances by both the actors and orhestra are superb. Everything about this musical is amazing and wonderful. Enjoy.

5 comments about Ain't Misbehavin' (1978 Original Broadway Cast).

1. This Show is on DVD which is hard to find. I just bought the DVD on Ebay. I've been searching for years. I saw the show in Boston in the 80's with the original Broadway cast. After you listen to this cd the songs will stay with you.



2. I have been a big fan of this musical for years and nothing beats the original broadway cast- They are amazing! Someone said it was a shame it was never captured on video, but it was. It was broadcast on NBC in the 80's and it was incredible. I wish they would release it on video I would love nothing more than to see it again. I had taped it but the tape was lost in a fire at my friend's apartment. I would love to see it get released on DVD. Maybe someday, for now this CD will have to do.



3. Saw the Broadway Revue many years ago on Broadway. Always loved the moving music. Reordered the CD so I could put it on my ipod. Some songs are soulful, like "Black and Blue", but most are just plain fun and funny, like "Your feets too big". This should be brought back to Broadway now!



4. Very few revue shows are as satisfying as this one. I'm obsessed with the finale right now; can't get enough of it! The cast is stellar, and it's very obvious that each song is telling its own story. What makes it outstanding are the arrangements.



5. What a shame that Nell Carter didn't do more theater or sing more than she did. I would have loved to have seen and heard her do more. An incredible voice. How sad that she passed so young. I had the pleasure of meeting her and talking with her at length in 1984, and she was as warm and charming as could be. A lovely woman.

5 comments about A Chorus Line - The New Broadway Cast Recording (2006 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. I know own both the original and new one, and the only thing I liked about this one was the song Hello 12. hello 12 hello love was complete, but overall I feel the first one is better. See for yourself. If you can rent before buying you can make the call for yourself.
   The Energy level was not there like the first one. But that's my opinion.



2. A Chorus Line is one of my favorite's - At the Ballet - an awesome trio! I listen to this at least once a day. One of the few cd's that I enjoy all songs on.
   
   If you enjoy Broadway Recordings - add this one to your collection!



3. This new recording is, of course great because it's the new Broadway cast, but when you compair it to the original cast recording, it pales.
   Not seeing the show you can only judge the music, and having listening to the original recording for so many years, you get used to its' perfection.
   On the new recording: the opening number is slower, but then "At The Ballet" is too fast. "Sing" tries to be funny and looses the charm of the original. "Nothing" falls short of the original's performance. The montages are great here, and nice to hear more music than the original. What is good is the finale of "One", nice new instrumentation. Overall, the music is crisp, and technology has advanced to make it a good sounding recording, and not to put this recording down, it is a good companion to the "gold standard"-- the original cast recording, but after listening a couple of times, I'll go back to the original when I want to enjoy A Chorus Line.



4. This is an excellent recording of the revival of the Broadway show. It contains more material than the original and is faithful to the original as well.



5. A Chorus Line is one of those musicals you have to see to believe. It's all about visuals.
   
   This CD is nice for those who saw the show, however, there is only about two songs that are worth listening to if you can not relate to what is going on.
   
   On it's own, this CD barely floats for entertainment value.

5 comments about Chess.

1. I have been listening to this CD for over a decade and it is still relevant, still in my CD player at all times, and a muscial and score that will live on as my all-time favorite for decades to come.
   
   I was blessed and fortunate to see Josh Groban, Raul Esparza and Adam Pascal perform in Chess for a one-night engagement for the Actor's Fund of America Concert in 2003 and I literally cried my eyes out the entire time! The audience loved the show and I can't imagine why they haven't tried to bring this back to Broadway in the years since, although perhaps there is some shell-shock from its original Broadway running which was less than mediocre. Hopefully they can get back to the original concept for this show, as evinced in this dual CD, a collector's must! I can't recommend it highly enough!



2. Bjorn and Benny's clever and eclectic collaboration with Tim Rice on this 1984 score resulted in one of the best records ever made of a musical. It doesn't work as well on stage, and many attempts have been made to fix the inherent flaws in the book but musically it remains a highly listenable recording. Highlights are the stirring "Anthem", the dramatic "Nobody's Side" and just about everything else.



3. An unbelievably pretty score....Too bad it is often overlooked as a musical. The musical masters behind Abba composed this , and it is a success on many levels. Do what I did , burn this with selections from "The Original Broadway Cast Recording" and you will have the ultimate "Chess" recording.....Sure, some of the recordings and words will overlap, but you will have the best of both versions....CHECKMATE



4. As a Musical Theatre Performance Major right out of high school in 1985, I immediately fell in love w/ this amazing musical. Having not had the honor of seeing it in London, I could only imagine the entire show in my head. The lyrics are amazing (Tim Rice!!), and the score is unbelievable (The B's in ABBA)combined w/ the performances- well, it's amazing and by far my favorite musical - and I've never seen it on stage!!! I completely wore out several cassettes (yes, tape cassettes for you youngsters) and even managed to wear out 2 CD versions. Given the chance, I could perform the entire show myself. I have to say that I was SOOOOO disappointed in the American version of the show. It was painful to compare it to the original cast. I try to keep an ear (and eye) open, hoping that someday someone will attempt a revival of the LONDON!!!! version on Broadway. Just can't say enough about this wonderful, amazing recording (make sure you DON'T get the Broadway cast recording - you just won't get how great it is! M. Humble-Nguyen Jacksonville, FL



5. I bought the cassette tape years (and years)ago. I have just about worn it out. I always was afraid the tape would break and the score lost. I was happy to see the CD version. I purchased it without hesitation. Tim Rice has been a favorite ever since Jesus Christ Superstar. This is one of his top works since.