5 comments about Tick, Tick... Boom! (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast).

1. I'd never heard of Tick Tick Boom until XM radio played a few tracks. This is already one of my favorites. If you enjoyed Rent, you'll love this as well.



2. Though most people only know Jonathan Larson for his spectacular Tony & Pulitizer-winning "Rent", his lesser-known effort, "tick, tick...Boom" displays Larson's amazing & evolving talent. Like "Rent", "Boom" is personal - though the score is not nearly as strong.
   
   This 2001 Off-Broadway production (almost five years after Mr. Larson's death), starring Raul Esparza ("Company", "Taboo", "Rocky Horror") & Amy Spanger ("Kiss Me Kate", "The Wedding Singer"), sounds terrific and has several highlights:
   
   30/90
   Johnny Can't Decide
   Why
   Louder Than Words



3. Perhaps it's a coincidence that the immensely talented Raúl Esparza plays a character dreading his 30th birthday in this 2001 recording of the hit off-Broadway show by the late Jonathan Larson, while five years later, he would play the elliptical Bobby dreading his 35th birthday in the enthralling 2006 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Company. In both performances, Esparza shows a true affinity for capturing the angst of men undergoing transitional points in their lives which render them emotionally paralyzed. At first glance, Sondheim and Larson would not seem like kindred spirits, but both share a gift for sophisticated lyrics in an unmistakable musical style defined by their oeuvres. Larson even pays tribute to Sondheim in the story's climax and with the sardonic, work-is-hell "Sunday", a take-off of the song with the same name in Sunday in the Park with George.
   
   However, it is the familiar Larson sound of Rent that is heard most in this score - driving, rock-out rhythms with unavoidable pop hooks and yearning, piano-driven ballads. Even the opener, "30/90", is a virtual sound-alike of the bigger show's title tune. If the songs are not quite as polished or even memorable as those in Rent, they feel more personal because the autobiographical story is far more intimate in scale. Set in 1990 in the same SoHo neighborhood as Rent, it's a simple three-character piece about Jon, an aspiring composer who considers giving up his dreams on the verge of his 30th birthday. With charismatic fire, Esparza is equally adept using his beautifully expressive voice in a rock milieu as in a Sondheim character study. He brings energetic brio to finger-snapping rockers like the Twinkie-induced "Sugar" and especially shines on the ballads, "See Her Smile" and the revelatory "Why".
   
   With a slightly pinched voice that reminds me a bit of the Bangles' Susanna Hoffs, Amy Spanger as girlfriend Susan duets nicely with Esparza on the touching "Johnny Can't Decide", the rocking "Green Green Dress", and the comical self-help wordplay of "Therapy". Her shining solo moment comes with the knockout ballad, "Come to Your Senses". As Jon's embattled pal Michael, Jerry Dixon provides powerful vocals, bringing particular warmth to "Real Life" and grit to the fed-up rave "No More". The trio closes the show powerfully with the anthem-like "Louder Than Words". The overall score is a bit derivative and a tad too earnest, but the youthful zest of the cast and Larson's pop craftsmanship more than compensate. Two bonus tracks are offered at the end - an instrumental replay of the opener, "30/90 Playout" and a rare recording of Larson singing "Boho Days" a capella with propulsive hand claps.



4. If you are a fan of the late great Mr. Larson you will love this music. Okay, I have seen the play a couple of times so I know what happens between the songs but this, his autobiography, really moved me. Even my kids like the Green Dress Song.
   
   I hope you like it... The theme is "Actions Speak Louder Than Words" rings true today as the day he wrote it.
   
   John we miss you.



5. I saw this play a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed the music, so I got the CD. The voices, and lyrics are amazing! However, as I often find with CDs of musicals, there wasn't always the right feeling in the voice, particularly in "Therapy" where couple ought to be angry at each other, and it seems more cute on the CD.

5 comments about Follies (Highlights from the 1971 Original Broadway Cast).

1. Sondheim produces music that I can never get out of my head. I don't always catch onto the tunes and rhythms right away, but with time they become embedded in my mind. "Follies" is one of my favorites and sadly, one of the Sondheim plays I'm dying to see but think I have no chance. Too bad, because I'd love to see these songs come to life on the stage.
   
   My only real complaint is that since the original ambitious plans for a gatefold, vinyl double album were jettisoned for a smaller production, the ending especially feels cut off. Maybe the original didn't end with a big fluorish and refrain of "Beautiful Girls" but I can't imagine that being true. Despite being recorded in 1971, this cast album is lush and sounds more organic than other recordings of the same show. Excellent.



2. Here's the bottom line: The original cast recording of Follies is one you should own. This is truly one of the most satisfying cast recordings out there. It's got all the smarty-pants technique of Stephen Sondheim at his most erudite, but it's also chock full of that most elusive quality in Broadway musicals in the last forty years--memorable melodies! And lots of `em!
   
   When Sondheim gives you clever and touching lyrics along with a great melody line, it just doesn't get better. And that, my dear, is how you get classic songs like "I'm Still Here" and "Losing My Mind", both of which are best represented on this recording.
   
   Yes, yes, I know. There's Follies in Concert to consider. And that's a fine recording too with a lot going for it. Get both. But if you can't, get this one instead. It really is the definitive Follies. Yes, it's abridged, hence the four stars instead of five. Even so--by comparison to other CD recordings, these are the performances you want.
   
   The premise of the show examines the anxieties, regrets, and illusions that haunt a group of aging performers, well past their prime as they meet for a reunion before the old theater is torn down. (The characters are mostly chorus girls for the "Weismann Follies".) Wisely, the original cast was comprised primarily of--yep!--aging performers that many regarded as well past their prime. The voices aren't always pretty, yet the songs are often performed with a depth and understanding you simply won't find in a younger, less jaded performer. The full production employed a motif of having much older characters are joined by younger and rangier versions of themselves. This comes to haunting effect, for example, when an elderly, wheelchair bound Justine Johnson wistfully sings "One More Kiss" in duet with her memory of herself come to life. And then there's the legendary moment when Yvonne DeCarlo, having, in reality, just been thrown from the train of her career after the cancellation of The Munsters (she played Lily), brings off a fiercely satisfying delivery of "I'm Still Here".
   
   And I haven't even mentioned my favorite songs yet. Suffice it to say that Alexis Smith (Yes, that Alexis Smith, whose old movies you can never remember, but whose name you know you know) performs two solos that may be some of the most refined vocal acting you'll ever encounter on an original cast recording.
   
   God knows I could go on, but if you're not convinced yet, well then I just don't know what to do with you. Just buy the CD already. We'll all feel better.



3. I saw the original play with the great original cast three times. everytime it was better.i have the original cast recording,and it is excellent,although quite abridged.nevertheless a masterpiece.i really enjoyed Dorothy Collins,and her rendition of Losing My Mind.-it is absolutely the greatest. you can feel the emotion of the song as she sang it.a perfect job..i really liked Yvonne DeCarlo and I'm Still Here.her singing voice-was rather low,but her voice fitted the song,and what a tune.she was great singing that so true tune that really reflects life.I really didn't care for Alexis Smith as her voice while singing was sort of talking the songs through,her voice came across better on stage,i thought,rather than on the recording.Harold Prince should have had the complete recording of all the songs,not an abridged version.however,i still give it five stars.buy it-Dorothy Collins,i think, was the greatest singer in the show.her pitch,diction,and emotions and her great acting-fantastic-just came through so great...enjoy it.bob



4. Wonderful performances of Sondheim songs, especially from Dorothy Collins. There are other recordings with equally good performances, especially the one with Barbara Cook, and what one hears in listening to different recordings is how many valid ways there are of performing the songs.



5. Being a lover of Sondheim's music, I have enjoyed "Follies" many times already, and expect to enjoy listening to this CD again and again.

5 comments about Annie (1999 Television Film).

1. This may be heresy, but this version of ANNIE is far superior to the over-blown 1982 film. It makes only minimal changes to the plot of the original stage show, and keeps most of the original songs; the ones it leaves out ("Annie," "You Won't Be an Orphan for Long," and "Getting a New Deal for Christmas" were my least favorite songs in the stage show; however, I do wish they hadn't cut the sarcastic "We'd Like to Thank You, Herbert Hoover," but I digress...). Also, there are a handful of songs on here that are BETTER than the OBC: "I Think I'm Going to Like It Here" (Audra MacDonald is the BEST Grace Ferrel to date, and she rocks this song), "NYC" (Audra MacDonald, Victor Garber, and Andrea McArdle, the original Annie, as the Star to Be - can't go wrong!), "Easy Street" (Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming simply shine as Lily and Rooster, respectively). Also wonderful are the orchestrations to this production: they are very 1930s-esque and very snappy as a result. The cast is the main reason to own this album: assembled of primarily veteran and Tony Award-winning actors (Chenoweth, Cumming, MacDonald and Garber) who out-sing the 1982 cast, for the most part (except for Carol Burnett, they truly shine. As Annie, Alicia Morton is very good, and although she doesn't have a refined-belt like McArdle did, her youthful singing voice makes here the most genuine Annie I have seen. As Ms. Hannigan, Kathy Bates is surprising: who knew she could sing? Although Dorothy Loudon will always be the best Hannigan and Carol Burnett the most remembered, Bates makes the character her own and gives her a mentally-unstable and acidic edge that is great fun to watch and hear. All in all, wonderful cast and wonderful album!



2. Love the TV movie! Especially love the TV-version soundtrack! A truly enjoyable, uplifting experience with a great cast! Whether you've seen the movie or not, you'll enjoy this soundtrack. It will lift your spirits to a whole new level. One of my top-ten favorite soundtracks, and I've collected hundreds! I highly recommend this for anyone at any age. Absolutely love it!



3. Andrea McArdle can never be replaced, and though this movie's version plays closer to the musical, I feel that if you want a timeless classic cd of this wonderful musical, get either the Original Broadway cast recording or the 1982 Aileen Quinn film soundtrack. Though the 1982 film wasn't closest to the musical, the singing was better in some respects. Alicia Morton was good but sounded too high pitched and young for an 11 year old Annie. While Aileen and Andrea played Annie as a normal down to Earth kid, Alicia seemed to be trying to sound like a pop star. I feel that you should most certaintly get the Original or the 1982 version if you want a good recording, because the 1999 one cannot compare aside from decent performances by the adults.



4. The soundtrack is pretty good, but the movie sucks. Alicia Morton has a little girl vioce, not that its a bad thing. Aileen Quinn, the older Annie, had a more mature vioce. Both very different but absoulutely brilliant in their own style.



5. I was in a version of this 2 years ago. I LOVED being in it!! I was an orphan, it was so fun. I had the origional movie version of this movie. But when I saw this version in store and I had to own it. That day I watched it and didn't relly like the changes they made but the music and singing was great! I saw this recording in WalMart and HAD to have it!!! So I bought it and listined to it the second I got home. I just melted when the girl for Annie sang "Tomorrow." This is probly even better than the origional Broadway and Movie. Put together!!!! I LOVED THIS ROCORDING!!!!!! Victor Gardor needs a little work on "Somthing Was Missing" the origional guy from the Broadway recording is MUCH better. But besides that this recording was GREAT. I achual movie is bad, but the recording is SUPERCALAFRAGOLISTEXOIALIDOCOUS!!!!!!!!!!

5 comments about Notre Dame de Paris.

1. I love the music for the show. It is lyrical and emotional. One does not need to understand French to follow the pathos of the story. Fortunately, however, the DVD does offer the choice to have English subtitles. I have now watched this video 3 times and the parts of it I loved the first time I love even more now.
   My complaint with this DVD is not the show but the editing. I have no idea what this show really looks like. I think the choreography is spectacular but, again, who knows. The film editing is done in MTV style, a cut to a different angle every 15 seconds. The staging for this show is huge which befits Notre Dame. The choreography uses the whole stage horizontially and vertically but because of the manic editing you have to watch the dance numbers several times to get an appreciation for this.
   The look and style of the show is gorgeous. There is never any doubt that this is going to have a tragic ending. Don't buy this if you are expecting a French version of the Disney cartoon. (And because of Disney this will probably never be produced in the US)
   And the actors... amazing, beautiful, soaring. But my favorite is Gringoire. And the actor who is Clopin is so good that I wanted to reach through the screen and throttle him myself. Ah, enjoy!
   If you want a taste of this show, search for it on YouTube. Also look for the Italian version. French is the language of love, but Italian is the language of song.



2. in the description for this CD, it had the songs listed with clip you could hear from them. The clips were from the video i had seen. When the CD shows up, it has a slightly different cast and not all of the songs, only highlights, which excludes my favorite song. very misleading.



3. A very powerful set of songs based on the classic story of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Even if you don't speak or understand French, nothing is missed as the emotions tell the true tale.



4. Notre Dame de Paris
   Notre Dame de Paris
   My wife and I both loved the audio CD and the DVD. The DVD is outstanding and the audio CD, if anything, is even better. Noa singing the the Part of Esmeralda is superb.



5. This music is simply breathtaking. Just especially beautiful. I have both this version, the two-CD complete version, and the English. The two-CD set (I think 52 tracks) is the best. This is second best. The music in this abridged CD is not presented in chronological order, however, and sometimes, due to this and the missing tracks, there is something lacking. However, it's just gorgeous music.
   
   The acoustics are amazing. I'm not sure if this is really noticeable unless you hear it immediately before or after the English version. The cast is absolutely amazing. There is so much emotion in their voices.
   
   I'm surprised there is so little about Richard Cocciante, the composer. This music is some of the best I've heard. I would have thought there was an abundance of music written by Richard Cocciante that I haven't heard. From what I can find out online, there isn't. This is just a masterpiece.
   
   There are many reviewers who mention the translation issue. If you think of this as a popular musical, I can see that the translation may be an issue. However, think of it as an opera-- which it also is (not in the classical sense). We don't concern ourselves with the translation of La Traviata, La Boheme. Same with this. . . just enjoy the music.
   
   If you can possibly find the 2 CD complete set (sometimes available for download elsewhere, find it before purchasing this. But, if you can't find it, get this. Also, as a side note. . . the DVD has the entire libretto included and offers English subtitles.

2 comments about The Sound of Music.

1. Of course beautiful music, but I would slurge for the newer version since this sounds like you are listening of a record player!



2. What can I say? The Sound of Music is a wonderful and lovely CD. You watch the movie and you seee the songs. You listen this CD and you see the movie. It is an all time classic. Buy it; it is really a Best Buy.

5 comments about On the Town.

1. What in the world was MGM thinking eliminating most of these songs for their stupid film? All of the songs are fabulous! I love them all, & I have such fun listening (and singing) to them. I've recently purchased this CD & I'm glad I did.



2. Many of Bernstein's Broadway endeavors were too musically erudite to be appreciated by their audiences--witness "Candide" and "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue." "Wonderful Town" and "West Side Story" were clear exceptions. "On the Town" is borderline. Happily, it survived for 463 performances and this belated partially-original-cast-recording. It may well be that its appearance during the days of World War II added to its appeal. Actually, I find the movie version also to be enjoyable; but it is basically a whole different show. There was also an "On the Town in Concert" version on television that was quite good.
   All in all, this is an important part of Broadway musical history and needs to be in the collection of all who enjoy this genre. Enough has been said in previous Amazon reviews about the various singers and songs. Just know that this is a very good recording of a very good show.



3. People who have seen the botched MGM film of "On the Town" are in for a surprise. This 1960 album contains most of the original Bernstein-Comden-Green songs and dances from the 1944 play.
   
   With the the original orchestrations and lyrics, the songs burst out in joy, humor and a tinge of sadness.
   
   Leonard Bernstein's jazzy arrangements, which were cut to shreds in the film, are presented here alive and spirited.
   
   Columbia Records assembled most of the principals who appeared in the play: Nancy Walker (Hildy, the taxi driver), Adolph Green (Ozzie, a sailor), Betty Comden (Claire, the anthropologist) and Chris Alexander (Chip, a sailor who's being pursued by Hildy). Baritone John Reardon substitutes for John Battles in the role of Gabey, one of the three sailors.
   
   Among my favorite songs are "Carried Away," which takes place in a museum setting and establishes a common bond between Claire and Ozzie ; "Lucky to Be Me," a pop standard that Gabey sings as he awaits his date; "Ya Got Me," a propulsive, exuberant song with a Latin beat that the gang sings to a downcast Gabey at a nightclub; and, perhaps the best of the lot, "Some Other Time," a poignant number that Claire (Betty Comden), joined by Hildy and others in a beautiful vocal arrangement, sing as the sailors' leave comes to an end. (There are about two dozen versions of this song currently in print. And MGM should be ashamed for omitting it.)
   
   The album also includes Leonard Bernstein's ballet numbers (there were five in the play). In the film version, themes from the ballets were incorporated in the dance "A Day in New York."
   
   Strongly recommended.



4. This is a thrilling recording with respect to the performances, the writing, and the exceptional sound. The bonus track of the overture brings up the name of Lehman Engel, the Broadway pit conductor and vocal arranger who always put his considerable enthusiasm into all of his projects. It was Mr. Engel, working with Goddard Lieberson of Columbia Records, who came up with the idea of recording the score of ON THE TOWN with many of the original members of the Broadway Cast. In his wonderful autobiography THIS BRIGHT DAY Lehman Engel recollects Leonard Bernstein calling him and saying "Oh, don't hate me, but it's my baby, and I would so like to do it myself." Mr. Bernstein ended up conducting ON THE TOWN and the result is wonderful, although it probably would have been great with Lehman Engel conducting as well.
   One of the great aspects of this recording is the inclusion of all the ballet musical sequences, so often excluded from the vast majority of Broadway Cast albums.Grab this one!!!



5. On The Town proves -- again -- that Leonard Bernstein's real gift to us was his musical theater work. His score for On The Town goes way beyond the songs -- dance numbers, etc. -- and this CD gives you a real taste of all his flavors. The performers, including Betty Comden and Adolph Green, who wrote and starred in the original Broadway production, are lively, irreverant, funny and "up...". Even though it was recorded a decade after the original show closed, it has a real "live" feel to it. I also think the not very often performed "Some Other Time" ranks up there in "Standards Heaven" with the best of the Gershwins.

5 comments about Disney Standards.

1. Disney Standards is a great album by Steve Tyrell honoring some of the very best of the music from Disney movies. WE get great songs on this album; and Steve's voice is just perfect for these numbers. The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is very smart--good job on that artwork!
   
   The album begins with Steve Tyrell and Chris Botti performing "When You Wish Upon A Star" from Pinocchio. "When You Wish Upon A Star" always stuns me with its beauty and the child in me loves this song--and I always will love this song because of that child in me. Steve sings this with lots of feeling and panache; and it makes a strong beginning for this album that is still very pretty. "Kiss The Girl" from The Little Mermaid is a more recent Disney tune; and Steve does an equally bright job on this terrific, electric number. Those people who work for Disney never seem to fail at writing strong tunes and Steve delivers this with an upbeat, positive style that is absolutely infectious.
   
   "You've Got A Friend In Me" features Dr. John singing with Steve Tyrell; this tune from Toy Story is a more recent tune as well--but its' one of my all time Disney favorites. I love the theme of loyalty and friendship and Dr. John and Steve Tyrell work well together; their voice are just right to make this duet memorable. "Beauty And The Beast" is a splendid song that gets the royal treatment from Steve Tyrell; and that piano arrangement couldn't be better. The percussion helps to mark the beat and the music goes well with Steve Tyrell as he sings this marvelous tune. "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" is another tune that appeals to the child in me; and Steve Tyrell gives me the sense that he's singing just to me---fabulous! The piano yet again sounds great on "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes;" and Steve delivers this flawlessly.
   
   "The Bare Necessities" is a great number from The Jungle Book; and when Steve sings it I begin to honestly believe that no other artist would sing this as well as Steve can! "The Bare Necessities" is easily a major highlight of this album and I think you will enjoy it. "Cruella De Vil" comes from 101 Dalmatians; and Steve sings this with all his might--and it works well, too!
   
   As if all this weren't enough for the price of admission to be ridiculously low, we also get a bonus video of "Bella Notte" from Lady And The Tramp. The quality of the print is very good and I know you'll like this scene in which the two dogs, Tramp and Lady, begin to eat the same piece of spaghetti which results in them having a kiss! It's very sweet and it's a scene you'll probably recognize.
   
   Overall, Disney Standards showcases Steve Tyrell's ability to sing some of the best Disney songs ever and come out smelling like a rose. Steve's fans will like this and people who like Disney tunes may want to give this CD a chance. People who like classic pop vocals may like this album as well.



2. If you buy ANYTHING Steve Tyrell, you are automatically getting a Winner. Steve puts his heart and soul into each and every song. I assure you he will put a smile on your face or even a "happy" tear or two.



3. In the tradition of Durante, Armstrong, Herb Alpert and Diana Krall (lets not forget Dr. John), and the lot of singers with no range but still make things work, Tyrell delivers a fun outing of "Classic" Disney tunes that we've all heard a gazillion times, but never get completely tired of (probably because they're tied to a lot of fond memories). Nice background stuff, or like another reviewer mentioned, when taxiing the grandkids.



4. I've enjoyed Steve Tyrell's music for years. I really like his voice and style singing these classics, some I knew well and some not so well. There were a few I would like to have included on this album that weren't, but his rendition of "Baby of Mine" (Dumbo), is very touching. I definately recommend it. It's not just for kids.



5. I love Steve's idea to record these wonderful Disney Tunes - Who knew I would love them all over again - and discover a few I had forgotten completely about. Just like the Sinatra CD - I have given this one away to my son who loves Steve's other CDs and who is a big Disney Fan as well as being a musician himself, I had to share with him how wonderful these recordings were. Thanks to Steve - this has become one of my all time favorite CD's. I hope he does another CD real soon.

5 comments about Kismet (1953 Original Broadway Cast).

1. The product arrived in a timely fashion and it was terrific to hear the original broadway cast sing the Borodin compositions from Kismet. A couple of these pieces didn't make it into the movie so it was nice to hear them.



2. It is quite good. There are radio interviews at the end of the CD with the leads and they're very interesting.



3. I purchased my first 33 rpm player just about the same time "Kismet" came out, and one of the first records I bought was "Kismet." Unfortunately, I chose the motion picture soundtrack, because it was a dollar cheaper. So it was some time before I experienced the richness of sound the original cast recording provides. None of the movie personnel begins to measure up to the original cast.
   Standouts--Richard Kiley, proving that he was a great singer as well as a great actor. Doretta Morrow, exuding the charm and innocence of the poet's daughter. And most of all, Alfred Drake, one of the greatest singer-actors of the Broadway musical. Close your eyes as you listen to "Gesticulate," and you can see his hands move. And my personal favorite, "The Olive Tree."
   Despite some unfavorable reviews, "Kismet" has shown its durability, with the continuing availability of this recording after fifty-five years, as well as the numerous studio recording that followed.



4. This is a beautiful rendering of this musical. Borodin's music was done a good justice by Robert Wright's arranging and inter-connecting of the tunes. I bought this Original Cast recording at the same time I bought the newer one with Ramey, Svenson, and Hadley. (I did so partly because I just love the music, but also because I wanted to have Richard Kiley's renderings. I first became acquainted and came to admire Richard Kiley's voice through The Man of La Mancha recordings, so I wanted to see what he did in this music.) The soloists and ensemble had a fine feel for the ebb and flow of the musical line, and the Ramey's, Svenson, and Hadley's singing was ravishing - and Dom DeLouise was quite characterful as well. I highly recommend BOTH recordings and would not be able to pick one over the other - YOU must do that (if you choose to purchase only one), and I do not purpose to say anything here that would sway you one way or the other as to which to buy.



5. An excellent reproduction of the original recording. Great clarity.

5 comments about Pure Gershwin.

1. I absolutely love this album. It's been out for a while, but in my opinion it's one of the greatest albums of Gershwin music! Any Gershwin fan must own this album!!



2. This is the second CD I have purchased, because I wore the first out. Feinstein lived with the aging Ira Gershwin - so he truly knows the style. I am not thrilled with the female vocalists used, but there again, they do fit the style of the 30s and 40s.



3. this is good...and just to hear a REALLY GREAT "Isn't A Pity" duet with Rosie is well worth the price of admission. I REPEAT: just to hear a REALLY GREAT "Isn't A Pity" duet with Rosie is well worth the price of admission. listen & enjoy some great american music. you cant beat an Ira lyric.



4. PURE GERSHWIN is just that, pure!. Feinstein interprets Gershwin the way it was meant to be performed. This is pure delight!



5. Michael Feinstein's thin voice is compensated by his apparent enthusiasm for the material and a spare arrangement of piano, bass, and drum that gives this recording the ambiance of an intimate piano bar. Before hearing this disc, I knew only Gershwin's biggest hits, so many of the numbers here were new to me and increase my appreciation of that great American composer.

2 comments about Oklahoma!.

1. This version of Oklahoma is quite different from the Gordon McCrea/Shirley Jones version we are used to seeing. As such, it is great to have both versions. This one contains songs I had never heard. The DVD is a taped play and, at first, it threw me to have the midwest accents done by an Australian, but I got over it quickly. I enjoyed it so much that I bought both the CD and the DVD.



2. This is a reissue of the excellent 1998 London Revival Cast Recording of Oklahoma!.
   
   All the songs are here, clear and crisp. Included is a booklet that gives some history on the show, but no lyrics.
   
   Of course the cast is amazing with Hugh Jackman (Curly), Maureen Lipman (Aunt Eller), Josefina Gabrielle (Laurey), Shuler Hensley (Jud), etc. Songs like "Pore Jud Is Daid," "Cowman and the Farmer," and "I Cain't Say No" are sung with a lot energy and humor. While "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning," "People Will Say We're in Love," and "Out of My Dreams" are just plain lovely.
   
   This is my favorite recording of Oklahoma! and it gets played a lot. I highly recommend it and the DVD of the same London show.