5 comments about Adding Machine: A Musical.

1. After seeing this show in June I decided I would take the experience home with me to give the score a few more listens. I am overwhelmingly glad I did. I enjoyed it even more on 2nd 3rd and 10th listens.
   
   I would have to say, CAUTION: This is not your mother's musical theatre!
   
   Elmer Rice's (the original playwright) bleak world view is perfectly illustrated and expanded upon by this mathematical and rewarding show. Granted, this might not be a CD that you want to put on your 'Jog and Workout Playlist', but if you want something to stimulate you and challenge you sonically as well as philosophically, this cast recording packed with stellar acting and singing is a winner.
   
   It is NOT 'Funny Girl' or 'Hello Dolly', but it has just as much artistry, heart, intelligence as anything I can think of.
   
   Particular Standouts on the Disc are: The Music of the Machine, I'd Rather watch You (a tin pan alley pastiche), and The Party.



2. This musical is great. Better than 99% of musicals that go to broadway. The score is amazing. The cast is great. The show is funny. Buy it.



3. I too purchased "Adding Machine: A Musical" due to the encouraging and glowing earlier reviews. I suspect there may be a real disparity between those seeing and commenting on the staged show and those basing their reviews on the recording alone. I imagine the staged show could be an interesting and praiseworthy achievement, but the recording alone is what we are supposed to be reviewing here. I cannot imagine anyone taking great pleasure in repeated listens. A four or five star review for a unique and intriguing stage show is understandable (even one that offends the ear), but I doubt the average listener would find this recording such a remarkable experience.
   
   It was only the final few tracks that made me decide upon two stars instead of one. This musical really grated on my nerves in almost every possible way. Much of the music and singing was staccato, shrill, and unpleasant to the ear. Primary accompaniment is piano and synthesizer (frequently making harsh techno experimentation sounds circa 1975). It is a dark, empty, jarring sound.
   
   The characters are completely unsympathetic and unlikable. The wife (Mrs. Zero) is a nagging ungrateful bitter gossip. The husband (Mr. Zero) is gruff, whiny, bitter, and suffers a sense of entitlement. They and their acquaintances (having other number appellations; One, Two, etc.) display wanton bigotry in an offensive little rant in "The Party" using all manner of racial and ethnic slurs. The love interest/coworker (Daisy Devore) seems a depressed blow-hard early on as well. These are dark, joyless, abrasive people. People I'd rather not be around.
   
   There are a few fleeting items of interest that hint at what could have been better material in my opinion. In prison, Zero meets Shrdlu who was raised by a very "religious" mother. There is an unfortunate incident involving a leg of lamb that is recounted in a gospel hymn style. The subject matter and lyrics in that styling (a successful composition) were entertaining. Additionally, on the philosophical side, Shrdlu's expectations for the afterlife and the actual result might have been further explored entertainingly. Daisy also gets a bit of a love ballad that unfortunately is quickly burdened with the constructs prevalent throughout the musical. Finally, the central concept of desiring life to "add up" to something valuable is a powerful idea. It just wasn't explored in a meaningful way.
   
   Possibly the staging for the show brings the material uniquely to life. Perhaps I could better understand the artistic and thematic use of the cold and grating staccato sounds. Perhaps the juxtaposition of the harsher sounds and the few simple melodies or rhythms rightly interpreted makes for an emotionally fulfilling or enlightening experience. I dare not subject myself to repeated listens to find out.



4. I wished those who rave about this recording would have said: "this is not your average sounding Broadway show." I would have saved my money. Now, if you like hard, acidic rock of industrial nature, aggresive and without much good melody, this is definitely for you. For me it is Kurt Weill on speed and without the tunes.
   PS: I wished that those who write reviews remember that the main purpose is to "help others make a decision" and include these caveats. Unfortunately, so many seem to do it to pursue their own frustrated ego trip. So here it is a warning for those who like intelligent music and lyrics a-la-Sondheim: proceed carefully.



5. After reading the posted reviews, I was looking forward to receiving the musical but was disappointed when it finally arrived. I found the music to be somewhat harsh and, while the premise was intriquing, it probably translated better on the stage...

5 comments about Gershwin: Porgy & Bess [With Members of the Original Cast].

1. It was not as good as I remember the movie, but I love the music.



2. Porgy and Bess is kind of special to me. I grew up in the Charleston SC area (where it is based) and I know some of the relatives of Samuel Smalls (the crippled Black man who inspired Porgy in the 1920s).
   
   That aside, this CD is a thing of great beauty. Ann Brown and Todd Duncan really do P&B justice, as well as the Eva Jessye choir in providing meaningful and moving backup. If you can listen to Miss Brown and Mr. Duncan sing that section that goes "morning time and evening time-wintertime and summertime" from "Bess You Is My Woman Now" with dry eyes-then something is really wrong with you! (In a recent PBS documentary on P&B, the now elderly Miss Brown and Mr. Duncan broke out in tears at listening to this section of that wonderful song some 60 years later).
   
   Avon Long has the right amount of subtlety and rascalishness (if there is such a word) as Sportin' Life, but I wish they had him singing "It Aint Necessarily So" here instead of Todd Duncan, as he did in the original opera. But that's a minor complaint and doesn't detract form this CD.
   
   For the record, this wasn't the first African-American oriented opera. Scott Joplin's "Treemonisha" was first in 1915. But that was not performed widely in public until the 1970s. Cd's of both operas are worth a listen and are interesting to compare.
   
   Enough said. Just BUY it. It's great.



3. This has always been a wonderful collection with (mostly) the original cast. The confusion with who sings what is due to the fact that it is a compilation of two 78 rpm sets- a 1940 Decca set with Anne Brown singing the roles of Bess, Clara and Serena with Todd Duncan singing the roles of Porgy, Crown and Sportin' Life, interspersed with a second Decca collection from 1942 with members of the Cheryl Crawford revival doing the additional existing tracks. Still and all, a wonderful compilation.
   
   Where this CD release errs, however, is in the fact that the selections have been remastered a half-tone or so lower than the original recordings, making it tough to listen to. Also, the single bonus track is from a six-side Decca collection by Avon Long and Helen Dowdy, all of which could have easily fitted on this CD. Happily, Naxos(UK) has seen to this omission. The source material for their release is from original 78's and the remastering may not sound as clean as the MCA remaster, but it is at the correct speed, and their 2CD release contains all six sides from the Long/Dowdy set, along with many other early PORGY sides. For obvious reasons, it's only available through UK outlets like Naxos UK or Amazon UK, but well worth the investment.



4. I have the original record soundtrack of the play starring Dorothy Dandridge, etc. This was NOT an original soundtrack. I liked about half the songs; the remainder did not come close to the original, and several important songs were left out (Picnic Day).



5. It was awful! The reproduction of the music was grainy, scratchy and virtually impossible to listen to.

5 comments about A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1962 Original Broadway Cast).

1. I really enjoyed the sound quality of this CD. My LP had worn out, especially on my favorite pieces. It was really great to hear "Dirty Old Man" with no skips or scratchy static.



2. A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum was Stephen Sondheim's first project for which he wrote both words and music--and it was a tremendous success. The tracks on this CD give us the musical numbers from the stage play performed by the original Broadway cast. Some numbers will amuse you more than others because you may not know the context in which they were performed; but many of these fine songs will entertain you anyway.
   
   The track set begins with the "Overture." The arrangement makes great use of the horns, percussion and strings to create just the right atmosphere for the beginning of the play. Of course, the overture also ties together the themes from the major musical numbers from the play. Excellent! "Comedy Tonight," sung mostly by starring actor Zero Mostel who plays a slave scheming to earn his freedom, gains its humorous qualities in part because Zero Mostel just couldn't sing. Zero as the slave Pseudolus weaves his magic by performing the lyrics at a rapid tempo enhanced by the great arrangement. "Comedy Tonight" sports a great intro by the brass; and the backup chorus bolsters Zero's performance, too.
   
   "Love, I Hear," performed by Brian Davies as Hero, lets Hero sing of how much he wants to find his one true love. Brian delivers "Love, I Hear" with great sensitivity. The strings and horns bolster the beauty of "Love, I Hear," too. "Free" is performed by Pseudolus and Hero as Hero promises Pseudolus his freedom from slavery if he can get Hero the young woman he loves, Philia.
   
   "Everybody Ought To Have A Maid" truly does sport that vaudeville flavor as David Burns, Zero Mostel, Jack Gilford and John Carradine deliver this without missing a beat! The men sing of how they want to have a "maid" who would secretly be their lover. "Everybody Ought To Have A Maid" will make you laugh even if you know nothing about the plot--great! Listen for some great percussion, strings and flute on "Everybody Ought To Have A Maid." "I'm Calm" does indeed capture the panic attacks of Hysterium who is played by Jack Gilford. Jack's performance, which is not exactly the way Sinatra would croon it, becomes all the funnier because Jack can't sing, either!
   
   "That'll Show Him" gives us another good number delivered by Preshy Marker as the beautiful but not too bright blonde Philia, loved by Hero but wanted by the remarkably brutal, macho warrior Miles Gloriosus (Ronald Holgate). "That'll Show Him" uses the percussion and drums very well. "The Funeral Sequence," although a great number, would be funnier still if you knew that this was a fake death of Philia so that she could be free from Miles Gloriosus and marry Hero.
   
   The "Finale" sports another relentlessly upbeat melody as everything actually works out for the best; and the musical arrangement makes good use of the strings and brass. Great!
   
   The liner notes offer great black and white photos from the actual stage play and Mark Kirkeby writes an extensive essay that really helps people understand the stage play so they can enjoy this CD even more! The artwork impresses me.
   
   Overall, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum was an excellent stage play and these show tunes amply prove it. I highly recommend this CD for fans of Stephen Sondheim; and people who like show tunes will cherish this one for years to come.
   
   Enjoy!



3. A really excellent production, perhaps not as good as the National Theatre production with Desmond Barritt. What a pity that neither of these are available as DVDs. All we enthusiasts have (or don't have) is the dreadful film which was a travesty.
   At least this CD gives the chance to enjoy again the wit and craft of Sondheim at his best.



4. After providing the libretto for the musicals "West Side Story" and "Gypsy", Stephen Sondheim decided to write both music and lyrics for his next project, which turned out to be A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, a raucous, musical comedy (with the emphasis on comedy) set in Ancient Rome, and featuring a book by Larry Gelbart and Burt Shevelove.
   
   The original production opened on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre on May 8, 1962, and went on to run for 964 performances. The lead role of Pseudolus was originally earmarked for Milton Berle and Phil Silvers - for various reasons both were unavailable - and the part wound up going to Zero Mostel, who created one of his most well-remembered roles.
   
   Brian Davies (fresh from playing Rolf in Broadway's "The Sound of Music") is a very well-sung Hero, nicely-partnered by Preshy Marker in the role of Philia. Their duet "Lovely" is adorable, and Marker's 11 o'clocker "That'll Show Him" is good value.
   
   The colourful supporting cast included some big names on the Broadway musical comedy scene (Ruth Kobart, David Burns, Jack Gilford). John Carradine and Ronald Holgate (as the preening he-man Miles Gloriosus) add some fun to the numbers, too. Songs like "Comedy Tonight!", "Dirty Old Man", and "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid", are the kind of fall-down funny numbers that one seldom hears in musicals these days.
   
   While ...FORUM established Stephen Sondheim as Broadway's "golden boy of the moment", his next big show, "Anyone Can Whistle", folded after only nine performances. In 1965, he decided to go back to doing the libretto for Richard Rodgers' "Do I Hear a Waltz?", only for it to be another middling failure. Success would come in the 1970s and 80s with a series of highly-stylised works (beginning with "Company").
   
   Here in ...FORUM, you can hear Sondheim in full musical comedy mode, with a score that fairly bubbles with merriment and mirth.
   
   [Angel Broadway/EMI 0777 7 64770 2 2]



5. After checking into all the available soundtracks of the musical, I selected this one primarily for the original performance of Zero Mostel. Like many remastered CDs, there are volume problems with the recording--I really had to crank it up to be able to hear anything! I do wish that the soundtrack from the film, with Phil Silvers and a young Michael Crawford, was available, but this will do in the meantime.

5 comments about La Cage Aux Folles: The Broadway Musical (1983 Original Broadway Cast).

1. I bought this to learn the music for our production of "la Cage" now I take it out at parties & everyone dances around the room to some of the songs. Great if you are having a "French" dinner party.



2. The product came quickly and in excellent condition. Doing business was easy
   and very satisfactory. This was the second time I purchaced a product through
   Amazon and it was easy and satisfactory and I won't hesitate to continue to
   use Amizon.



3. This is one of the best soundtrack I have. It is outrageously funny as well as extremely touching. I recommend it highly



4. Was very pleased with the beautiful music and the quick delivery time.



5. this CD is a very good introduction to the musical score from a very succesful stage musical ~ if you like good musicals this is a must have.

5 comments about Evil Dead: The Musical (2006 Original Off-Broadway Cast).

1. Evil Dead is in a class by itself. The stage production was hilarious. The CD captures much of the silliness.



2. this musical was hilariously amazing! it's based off those old horror movies, called evil dead, about a bunch of kids who go up to an abandoned cottage for spring break aannd get attacked by zombies. the songs are catchy and funny, though in my opinion better watched than listened to, but we won't complain about the awesomeness. i recommend that EVERYONE go see the musical as it's really funny, and after you do that you'll want the cd, because yes its that good. it's like rocky horror picture show, that kind of thing, except you laugh in this one.



3. Hilarious! Delightful parody.
   
   "Now, mother always said, that whenever you hear a strange, frightening, and potentially life threatening ghostly chant coming from the dark woods, that there's only one thing that you should do--not wake the others and go investigate it alone!"
   
   The actors are all quite talented, and excellent singers.
   
   Sort of like The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975 Film), but with blood instead of sex.
   
   YouTube has several video clips of this Evil Deed play.



4. I bought the CD after reading a surprising good review of the stage show in the NY Times. How could this be? I was intrigued.
   
   I love musicals, I love horror flicks, and camp is a good thing.
   
   I bought the CD knowing nothing about the movies, and hoped for the best. The Times didn't steer me wrong.
   
   "Cabin in the Woods". WOW. A bouncy little tune by the typical oversexed teens unaware of their collective fates. I am a musical theatre purist, but please, understand time and place. The show is parody, so it is the time and place for complete absurdity and irony. "We're five college students on our way to an old abandoned cabin in the woods."
   
   "What the F*** was That?". Seriously, you never see this kind of song onstage, and it fits the action. try to catch the clip of it on YouTube.
   
   So many of these songs are very funny, along with the lead-in dialogue they included. the only songs I think are below-par are "Reliable Jake" and the "Necronomicon", but on the whole it's a great CD.
   
   I've since caught parts II and III of the movie series, and they are as campy-bad as anyone could want. The CD is a great homage to the demonic spirit of the movies, and it's a great listen.
   
   Some musical theatre purists might turn up their noses at "clever" lyrics and puns and the simplicity of the score, but I think it's great. What's wrong with enjoyable and populist theatre? For the last year or so, this CD been in heavy rotation alongside Avenue Q, Urinetown, Sondheim, Rent, and many other "traditional" Broadway soundtracks.



5. Equal parts parody of and homage to Sam Raimi's cult horror-comedy trilogy, this is one of a handful of musicals that I've really enjoyed. I've never found much interest in musical theater, regardless of whether the works were based on wholly original compositions or adaptations of literature. While the talent invested in the composition, production and performance of musical theater is notable, there's a certain hokey ostentatiousness and political correctness characteristic of the genre (especially Broadway shows) that I've never been able to tolerate.
   
   "Evil Dead: The Musical" discards all of that tiresome posturing; this vulgar, unpretentious adaptation refuses to take itself seriously. While the musical's plot is loosely based on that of "The Evil Dead," its' book draws on numerous popular elements from that film's two sequels as well. The overwhelming popularity of this show can be attributed in part to its' knowing depiction of the subject matter; it's clear that lyricist George Reinblatt is as familiar with Raimi's movies as their devoted fans. Following a common trend of the genre, the music incorporates numerous popular styles such as hard rock, doo-wop and disco in addition to the more conventional songs.
   
   One of the most important assets of this production is an array of excellent, amusing performances from a very engaged cast. Male leads Ryan Ward and Brandon Wardell bear uncanny affected vocal resemblances to Bruce Campbell and Richard DeManincor.
   
   While it's nice to know that Raimi and Campbell have personally approved of this adaptation, what's really comforting is that most "serious" musical theater enthusiasts despise this with all the fervor that their precious little hearts can muster. Besides the fact that the average musical fan doesn't possess a familiarity with the "Evil Dead" films necessary for an understanding of this musical, these are the kind of people who actually regard contemporary musical theater as a fine art. There's something to be said for anything that irritates pompous cultural ignoramuses.

5 comments about The Little Mermaid: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

1. As of The Little Mermaid's rerelease an 'Enhanced' version of the music was also released.
   
   And after reading the reviews on the 'Enhanced' version I was inclined to spend my money on the 'Original' for these reasons.
   
   1.) The 'Enhanced' version has been recorded (I personally favor originals)
   2.) The 'Enhanced' versions re-recording has been redone with a whole new cast (Not a very good situation for anyone including myself who likes the original)
   
   To be fair I have not listened to the 'Enhanced' version because I didn't want to spend $15.00 for something that would end up collecting dust. So I can't say on how 'good' or 'bad' it is.
   
   I purchased and just finished listening to the original and I found it to be superb recording identical to the movie and I highly recommend it for anyone (like me) who is an original kind of person.
   
   Thank you



2. Hats off for Mr. Alan Menken for the breathtaking score for this motion picture.
   
   Winner of 2 academy awards, this cartoon movie has excelled and reached heights a lot of other movies wanted to reach..
   
   This soundtrack is kinda short but the music in it is just AWESOME!
   (and by the way, I added the music to my iPod with no problem)



3. When I was a very little girl, my parents told me the story about a little mermaid that written by Anderson. This was one of the most wonderful stories that I couldn't forget. Several years later, I watched the movie "The Little Mermaid" of Disney. I was deeply attracted by it. And what attracted me most was the music in it. Then my parents bought this soundtrack CD for me as my 14th birthday gift.
   I suppose many girls' favorite song in this soundtrack is "Part of Your World". I love this song very much. It still feels so classic even though almost 20 years went by. In this song, Ariel showed that she was so eager to go up to the land. Though the tune is tender and slow, we can feel Ariel's heart and her dreams were so strong, feel how much she believed that her dreams would come true someday. Beautiful and glorious instrumental music, lovely lyric with sweet and dreamy lady vocal, all these made this song so classic and will always be classic. The reprise version of "Part of Your World" is so great as the original version. The tableaux of this reprise version are most unforgettable to me in this movie. "I don't know when, I don't know how, but I know something's starting right now." I'm deeply attracted by this song when every time I listen to it. After I listened to this song, I began to pay more attention to songs that created by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken or performed by Jodi Benson. The song "Under the Sea" is really famous to every Disney fan, though it's not my favorite in the movie. This song is a typical song for the sea in my opinion. It's full-filled with Caribbean feelings, spirited tune, comical lyric and Sebastian's wonderful vocal. At first, I thought Sebastian's voice was strange, and I always skipped "Under the Sea" when every time I listened to this soundtrack. But now, I love his voice very much, then I bought the album "Sebastian from The Little Mermaid" and often listen to it. "Les Poissons" is really a strange but very comical song. When I first listened to it in the movie with my cousin, we couldn't help laughing very loudly. "Poor Unfortunate Souls" is a wonderful song too, it reflected Ursula's ambition. "Kiss the Girl" is a lovely song too, Sebastian's performance and the chorus are great!
   Besides all these songs, there is something that made the movie so great, the scores. All these scores are very beautiful, the musical instruments in the scores have been placed perfectly. The scores made the movie very dramatic. I love the track "Main Title" very much, the principal melody in this track is that of "Part of Your World". It's really beautiful, feels just like Ariel's magical stories. The track which I can't help listening to over and over again is "Happy Ending". I always be attracted by the chorus at the end of this track. "Now we can walk, now we can run, now we can stay all day in the sun..." Some other scores are glorious too, and some of them feels just like symphony.
   I think that this soundtrack is one of the best of Disney. All the songs were performed by wonderful leading vocals and lovely chorus, all the scores are very beautiful. Well, some of my friends consider that Disney movies and music are only for little kids. I don't agree with this absolutely. Because I think Disney music have not only kids' innocence but also adult thoughts, music in "The Little Mermaid" is a good example. This wonderful soundtrack can be accepted by kids easily, and can be loved by many adults. So, if you're a Disney fan or a person who love music very much, this glorious soundtrack shouldn't be missed by you!



4. I loved The Little Mermaid! Total family entertainment. The music is awesome and clever- great voices wonderful to watch.
   Other classics not to forget about are:
   Mary Poppins
   My Fair Lady
   The Wizard of Oz
   Chitty Chitty Bang Band
   The first Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
   The Sound of Music
   Oliver
   West Side Story
   Fiddler on the Roof
   Singing in the Rain
   The Wiz
   Little Mermaid
   Aladdin
   Beauty and the Beast
   Grease
   The King and I
   Oklahoma
   The Music Man
   South Pacific
   
   My Voice Students are always asking me for recommendations so I though I'd post it for all! We can't forget about these great musicals!



5. To all those who might hesitate to buy this wonderful CD, of one of the greatest Disney movies ever, because of a review here on Amazon that the CD could not be downloaded to the iPod. This is NOT true. I got my CD yesterday and downloaded it directly onto my iPod without any problems. Now I can hear the gorgeous music of "The little Mermaid" wherever I want!!! Don't hesitate to buy this CD, the songs are great and a must for every fan of Disney movies and this in particular. I, also had been concerned about buying this CD, becuse this review said it would not work with the iPod. But I did buy it then and it DOES work !!!!

5 comments about The Very Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection.

1. All went well with the sale but I was dissapointed that the CD has a scratch on it and garggels and skips through my favorite song. I actually bought the CD for this one song. But I bought it ead cheap and used so I understand you get what you get.The content is wonderful. I love Weber and the song choices are great. Happy humming/whistling music for Bway fans, that's for sure.



2. Nothing wrong with the content of this CD. Our problem was we purchased this CD in March for a gift that we gave in May. When it was opened, it had a big scratch all the way across the CD. Thus, the purchase of the 2nd CD which is fine.



3. The title says it all-"The Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber"!! The collection of songs is great and best of all it has the original singers. No copies here!! Must have for Webber fans.



4. I had given this CD as a gift to my parents and they absolutely loved it. I highly recommend it.



5. This is the best mid-priced Andrew Lloyd Webber collection I could find. Just one disc, it covers nearly thirty years of Webber's musicals. All the shows you'd expect are represented. The most memorable songs are included, usually taken from original cast recordings. The selections are organized chronologically and with their shows. It's not very complete, if you're a hardcore Andrew Lloyd Webber fan. There are more expensive sets for the collector. This is just an overview. I'm not a Broadway expert, so this CD suited me just fine. It wasn't too expensive and it had all the hits I was looking for. Other small collections (one or two discs) had different versions of the songs (from revival casts, I guess), which I didn't like as much. I just wanted an inexpensive overview of Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest hits (instead of buying the entire Cats recording just for "Memory" and "Mr. Mistoffelees", or the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat recording for "Any Dream Will Do"). This album was right for me and if you just want a song or two from each show, it could be right for you.
   
   [Note: I bought this with Ultimate Broadway, which is a pretty good 2-disc overview of Broadway in general. That CD features a few Andrew Lloyd Webber songs, including versions of "Memory" and "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" that differ from the ones on this CD. Together the two CDs make for a good general survey of Broadway musicals for the novice or casual fan.]

5 comments about Annie: The 30th Anniversary Cast Recordings.

1. Cast album producers are usually ignored by the general public, but without many of these producers who take risks, we wouldn't see many rare shows worthy of a cast recording.
   
   Robert Sher is one of those producers. From his OBC of Sugar Babies to the lost score of SHERRY! Sher is willing to gamble to bring musical theatre lovers items of interest. So, Why ANNIE? As divine as the Columbia OBC is, with benchmark performances by Andrea Mc Ardle and the incomparable Dorothy Loudon, The OBC has a very 1970's sound and feel that seems inescapable for a show that is set during the great depression. Ah, but this is more than a complete recording. This recording includes a second disc featuring songs from the 1992 mega disaster ANNIE 2 - Miss Hannigan's Revenge.
   
   If you'd wonder why you'd want to hear songs from this flop, the answer is simple: Charles Strouse's tunes are always interesting and often unexpected. In fact, some of his best melodies have been featured in scores from flop shows - Nick and Nora is just one example. Secondly, this second disc is narrated by Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan, who arguably was the best thing about the 1982 ANNIE feature film. Burnett lends her comic narrative to fill in the blanks around the score. Burnett,alas, doesn't sing Miss Hannigan in the ANNIE 2 Score, which is slightly disappointing, so you settle for Sally Struthers and Kathy Lee Gifford, who are both perfectly fine, but still leave you wondering what it would have been like if Burnett had performed the songs. Sadly, a lot of ANNIE 2's best melodies were recycled for the next ANNIE incarnation Annie Warbucks, albeit with different lyrics.Those songs were not included on this recording due to rights issues. The best three tracks on the second disc aren't from Annie 2 at all. They are the added songs for various productions of ANNIE. "Why Should I Change a Thing?", added for the 2004 Australian production is a welcome addition for Warbucks. "Don't Mess With Mother", added for the 30th Anniversary Production, is a revamped lyric of "You Make Me Happy", added for Nell Carter in the 20th anniversary production. Kathy Lee Gifford shines here and makes me regret not having caught her as Hannigan. The final song "It's Christmas" is from the 1977 NBC TV ANNIE Christmas Special, and features Andrea Mc Ardle reprising her role as Annie. This second disc is an oddity, but it is deserving of a place in any collector's library.
   
   This 30th Anniversary recording sounds timeless and lush. No, the new cast won't erase your fond memories, but it's chock full of performances that are fresh and just as valid. The orchestrations have been updated, while staying relatively faithful to the original concept and structure.
   
   Alene Robertson, who has made a cottage industry of playing Miss Hannigan, is delightful. Her voice is rich and deep.. and more than a tad butch.. but it works. The Divine Shelley Burch, plays Lily St. Regis on the 1st Disc, and on the Annie 2 disc, turns in a beautiful performance as Grace Farrell. I wish she'd played Grace on the first disc as well, as her voice is far superior to Elizabeth Broadhurst.
   
   Conrad John Schuck is a fine Warbucks, but doesn't posess the vocal depth, range or power of either Reid Shelton nor Harve Presnell.
   
   Of course ANNIE rises and falls on Annie herself. Marissa O' Donnell is perfectly lovely, but she still has to battle with the ghost of Andrea Mc Ardle's indelible performance. Mc Ardle's voice has always been something of an oddity: She had an adult belt from the time she was a baby, and she never sounded cutsey or sugary as Annie. Invariably, every subsequent Annie has that saccharine quality. That's simply no fault of O'Donnell's, she's just no Andrea Mc Ardle.. and who is?
   
   Grab this CD. It's not going to ever replace your OBC, but you will give it repeated play, as you hear this classic score reinvented and "gussied up" for an entirely new generation.. and of course, the 40th anniversary production isn't too far away.



2. Based on the recent 30th anniversary tour of this enduringly popular musical, this ANNIE features the tour's cast on the first disc and Carol Burnett, who starred in the first film version of ANNIE, narrating the story and deleted songs (or songs from the failed sequel, ANNIE WARBUCKS. The extras will please only the most fanatical ANNIE fans and musical theatre buff, while the tour's cast gives a solid, if uninspired, rendering of the show's score. The original cast album (and the hard-to-find original London cast) remain the definitive ANNIE albums.



3. I like this recording very much. I collect recordings of musicals and feel this is the best and most complete recording of the musical Annie available today. Many of the selections contain dialog that help tell the story better. When listening to it I almost feel like I'm watching the play. The 2nd CD with songs from the sequel Miss Hannigan's Revenge is also very good. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys Annie.



4. wow! i was thrilled with this purchase. the kids voices are absolutely terrific...esp the little girl playing Molly in Annie. A must!!!!



5. This two-disc CD set is a joy! I was not in the market for another recording of ANNIE, but when I saw that it was a "complete recording" and it had songs from ANNIE 2, I got it. And I was thrilled with it from the very beginning. The CD brought ANNIE to life again right in front of my ears. The orchestra sounds full, rich and bright, and while I haven't seen the 30th Anniversary production, the performers are all very entertaining on this CD. "NYC" is particularly good.
   
   The second CD is ANNIE 2, the sequel to ANNIE that closed out of town. There are not too many of the traditional musical theatre composers like Charles Strouse working today, so it's a treat to be able to hear "new" old songs from him and Martin Charnin. Some of them are wonderful - "Coney Island" being the show-stopping standout. Plus, the three bonus songs at the end of disc 2 that were written for other productions of ANNIE and the ANNIE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL are really terrific.
   
   And one more note - the whole package with the booklet with illustrations of the real performers and scenes from the show in the style of the ANNIE cartoon strip is very well and cleverly done and show the same care that went into this recording.
   
   I, for one, miss the old-fashioned, big Broadway musicals. We're lucky that this season we are getting a number of rich sounding, well-produced CD's of revivals - SOUTH PACIFIC and hopefully GYPSY (due this summer and if it's anything like the show I saw on Broadway it will have dazzling performances and sound). This 30th Anniversary CD of ANNIE will be right up there on my shelf with the best of these revival recordings.

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!