Broadway & 52nd

Product Description
U.K. edition of the new album -- same music asthe U.S., but available 6 weeks earlier. 14 tracks, includ-ing the single 'Come On Everybody (Get Down)'. Other 13:'Intro', 'Caught Up In A Struggle', 'True To The Game','Snakes', 'I'm Thinking About Your Body', 'Grand Groove','Nowadays', 'Sheep', 'Doin' A Crime', 'Recognise AndRealise', 'Time And Space', 'Soul Brother' and 'Hymn ForHer'. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Broadway & 52nd,Us3,Blue Note Records,Hip-Hop,Jazz,Jazz-Rap,Pop,Rap & Hip-Hop

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Music

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music

Average customer rating: Wickedly disappointing Defying Gravity and all expecations... The Wicked Witch of the West is misunderstood. A Wicked musical Wicked Wonderful!

Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast) Stephen Schwartz , Kristin Chenoweth , and Idina Menzel Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast) WICKED: THE GRIMMERIE, A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL Avenue Q (2003 Original Broadway Cast) Wicked - Piano/Vocal Arrangement ASIN: B0000TB01Y Release Date: 2003-12-16

Tracks:

1. No One Mourns the Wicked - Cristy Candler
2. Dear Old Shiz
3. The Wizard and I - Idina Menzel
4. What Is This Feeling? - Kristin Chenoweth
5. Something Bad - William Youmans
6. Dancing Through Life - Michelle Federer
7. Popular - Kristin Chenoweth
8. I'm Not That Girl - Idina Menzel
9. One Short Day - Kristin Chenoweth
10. A Sentimental Man - Joel Grey
11. Defying Gravity - Idina Menzel
12. Thank Goodness - Kristin Chenoweth
13. Wonderful - Idina Menzel
14. I'm Not That Girl (Reprise) - Kristin Chenoweth
15. As Long as You're Mine - Norbert Leo Butz
16. No Good Deed - Idina Menzel
17. March of the Witch Hunters
18. For Good - Kristin Chenoweth
19. Finale - Kristin Chenoweth

Amazon.com

One of the most common complaints about musicals is that the books are flimsy pretexts from which to hang numbers. Wicked runs into the opposite problem: it has a great plot, but too often the songs just get in the way. Based on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, Wicked tells us what happened between Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, before Dorothy showed up in Oz. And the show is lucky to boast a pair of ace leading women in the main roles. As Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth delivers a sensational star turn, displaying a crystal-pure voice and sharp comic timing; Idina Menzel lends her powerful pipes to the tricky role of Elphaba. Unfortunately, you wish they had better material to work with. Stephen Schwartz's pop score is often dragged down by overly synthetic orchestrations and sentimental lyrics (think Chicken Soup for the Witch). Still, at its best Wicked is a seductive slice of popular entertainment that could well give a younger audience a lasting taste for musical theater. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Wickedly disappointing.......2007-07-20

Actually, I'd give it no stars. But Amazon is too charitable. Couldn't the house have fallen on the Wicked Witch in the first scene. "Wicked" is disappointing. It's as if the pyrotechnics, a la "Starlight Express," can make up for the lack of songwriting and original score. It's derivative. It's laughable in non-comedic sense. Its an incredible money machine for some reason. At least I feel for the actors who deserve the continuing paychecks. But I need a few magic monkies to fly in and pickup some of the teenies in the audience who always manage to use their cells they are so bored. Wave your magic wand! Make it all disappear. "Mommie, Mommie, rescue me." "Sorry, babe, Glendora told you to turn off your cells!."

Defying Gravity and all expecations..........2007-07-16

As someone who loves Broadway musicals-- this soundtrack/songs include some of the best out there- the original cast soundtrack is amazing with songs you will eventually memorize and sing along too-
The CD comes with the lyrics as well as the other important information for each song (producer, etc). If you haven't already seen Wicked, you may have trouble following what the show is about just from listening to the soundtrack-- you will get a feel for it but reading the Grimmerie (the Wicked book- also sold on Amazon) or seeing Wicked either on or off Broadway will make you fall in love faster with this soundtrack-

The Wicked Witch of the West is misunderstood........2007-07-14

I have tickets to see the play in Philadelphia this August. I purchased the Music CD, the original Wicked book, and the Grimmeri, a well designed book about the Broadway play, its history, costumes, and character profiles with full color pictures and stories, a great trio. The book tells a story, so unexpected, when I got to the last page, I sighed and smiled. I was totally satisfied. Even more I had already been listening to the music, which is totally fabulous, I listened again and again, some of the songs are happily stuck in my head, and then my reading the book made the music make total sense, it brought the story to life in the songs. I can't wait to see the play.
My sisters refuse to read the book they are afraid it will take away from the show. I say they are dead wrong and the book and music reviewed ahead of time will definitely enhance the theater experience. You decide, either way it's a great read, 5 stars for the generation who grew up with the Wizard of OZ classic.

A Wicked musical.......2007-07-13

There are two, for me, outstanding pieces to this recording of the Original cast recording of the musical 'Wicked' The wizard and I and Popular. Both sung with great fun and gusto.
Over all I enjoyed the CD, being a massive wizard of Oz fan, it was interesting to listen to the story from an altogether different perspective. Enjoyable, memorable and fun- a great purchase, that comes highly recommended.

Wicked Wonderful!.......2007-07-12

My son and nieces saw Wicked on Broadway three years ago and it took me this long to order the CD. I played it endlessly the last several weeks and as a long time musical afficionado can say unequivocally, it is a superlative example of score and libretto. The lyrics are exemplary in their poignancy and clever massage of the concepts of good and evil. The music tugged at every heartstring I have. Wicked is sublime!

Average customer rating: A great surprise... Exceeds Expectations Very Good! Much Better Than I Thought It Would Be... This Much Fun Shouldn't Be Legal

Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Ghostlight ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000R7I3NW Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Omigod You Guys
2. Serious
3. What You Want
4. The Harvard Variations
5. Blood In the Water
6. Positive
7. Ireland
8. Ireland
9. Serious
10. Chip On My Shoulder
11. So Much Better
12. Whipped Into Shape
13. Take It Like a Man
14. Bend And Snap
15. There! Right There!
16. Legally Blonde
17. Legally Blonde
18. Medley: Find My Way/Finale

Amazon.com

Like Wicked, this show is a girl-friendly extravaganza; the main difference--and it's a big one--is that the score of Legally Blonde is better. Based on the hit Reese Witherspoon movie, the zippy, frothy show tells the story of SoCal, pink-loving sorority girl Elle Woods, who enrolls at Harvard Law and goes on to prove that appearances can be deceiving. The opening number, "Omigod You Guys," gives an idea of what the Broadway-pop score by Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy--The Musical) and Nell Benjamin is up to, embracing its over-the-top cheer with goofily infectious energy. Sure, a couple of numbers feel a bit derivative (the show with the witches has "Popular," this one has "Positive"), and the Celtic detour ("Ireland") is rather puzzling, but overall the songs are firing on all cylinders. Just check out the use of a marching band on "What You Want" for instance. Laura Bell Bundy (Amber von Tussle in Hairspray) is a charming Elle, and she delivers numbers such as "So Much Better" with the requisite elan. But this is not a one-woman show, and Bundy is surrounded by a crack team, including the endearing Christian Borle as Elle's love interest Emmett, power-piped Orfeh as hairdresser Paulette and up-and-comer Leslie Kritzer as Delta Nu's Serena. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

A great surprise..........2007-07-20

When I saw this show at The Palace, I wasn't expecting much, but "Legally Blonde" was my favorite show of the season. Jerry Mitchell's direction is amazing, the cast is perfect, and the music is fantastic. The CD captures the excitement of the score perfectly, and everyone sounds great. The opening number "Oh my God..." is hilarious, and I also love the end of Act One "So Much Better." The title song is sweet and smart. This is a great recording of a wonderful show.

Exceeds Expectations.......2007-07-20

I saw the show on Broadway in May, and by the end of "Serious," I knew I would have to have the cast recording as soon as it was released. I have had this CD on repeat in my car since the day it arrived. I have never known another show's lyrics to be as clever and catchy. The writing is brilliant.

I did not expect to love this musical as much as I do, but now, I am sharing it with everyone I know.

Very Good!.......2007-07-19

I was surprised I really like this one. Its VERY GOOD! I can't wait to go see it.

Much Better Than I Thought It Would Be..........2007-07-19

I didn't have high expectations for this album, if I'm being completely honest. I thought the movie, while fun, was a little unoriginal, and add that to a relatively inexperienced cast and my expectations were low. The album jumped way past my expectations to one that has had a spot in my CD rotation for over a week now.

When I first listened to it, two shows came to mind, Wicked and The Wedding Singer. This soundtrack is a combination of those two shows, almost exactly, in my mind. The marketing and target demographics are similar to Wicked, so there should be no doubt there. It took a very similar path as The Wedding Singer, even hiring the same "bad guy" with Richard H. Blake playing that role well in both productions, although drastically overshadowed in both.

For the role of Elle Woods, they went to Wicked and took Laura Bell Bundy, who was the understudy to Kristin Chenoweth in the role of Glinda. Seeing as how it is easily believable that Glinda could have been a Delta Nu, they also dipped back into the Wicked pool and hired Annaleigh Ashford to play Margot. They played the Delta Nu sisters in throughout the show, making them, on the whole, basically an additional character in the cast.

The CD isn't perfect. Some of the songs are a little tedious. I could have done without Ireland (let alone a reprise of it), or Whipped Into Shape. However, the pluses far outweigh the negatives on this album. The very first number is an engaging, almost obnoxiously upbeat song entitled "Omigod You Guys" and it plays perfectly to set the tone. Christian Borle provides a nice steadying influence in the musical, making sure that it doesn't get too far out of hand and the chemistry between the two sounds excellent on songs like "Chip On Her Shoulder", "Take It Like A Man", and "Legally Blonde" which is a particularly emotional number in the production.

This show is more than just the light fluff of The Wedding Singer, without quite reaching the meaning or appeal of Wicked, but still entirely worth the buy and without a doubt worth listening to.

This Much Fun Shouldn't Be Legal.......2007-07-18

I'll just start this review by saying that I have never seen this show. I'll then proceed to say that based on this album, I would actually prefer to see this over this season's slightly over-hyped multiple Tony winner Spring Awakening. The score is unabashedly pop, and the show doesn't pretend that it isn't just a whole lot of fun, while still managing to deliver a wonderful message about staying true to yourself.

Unlike last year's big pop musical, The Wedding Singer, the score is uniformly excellent. From the high energy opening, "Omigod You Guys" to the great closer "Find My Way/Finale", the score is peppy, catchy, and as optimistic as sunny day in spring. Some of the standout tunes inclued "Ireland", a wistful song of longing, "Much Better", the explosive Act I finale, "Blood in the Water" a dark, jazzy number extolling Callahan's moral views (or lack thereof), and "What You Want" Elle's Harvard preparation montage. Of special note is the title song, "Legally Blond", which defied all of my expectations. I was expecting something of a big showstopping number broadly defining the moral of the show. What we get is a hearbreaking ballad from Elle, and what is arguably one of the most beatiful numbers from the show. Then the remix/reprise of the title number delivers the expected goods in a finger snapping, toe tapping, smile inducing showstopper worthy of some of Herman's biggest crowd rousers.

The cast is equally as great as the score, and they are all so equally good that even Laura Bell Bundy has problems standing out, but stand out she does, displaying an impressive set of pipes while belting her heart out. Orfeh shows an equally amazing voice as hairdresser Paulette, and Christian Borle makes for a very sweet, caring Emmett.Michael Rupert even has a deliciously amoral turn as Professor Callahan. The ensemble is strong, and blends well with each other, and also gets to act as a Greek Chorus of voices in Elle's head at times.

According to some sources, the book for this show is a tad weak, and considering the source material it isn't too surprising, but it would have to be weak beyond reason to bring down the sheer energy that the musical numbers exude. The music and lyrics are deep enough to get the message across, without sounding stilted or out of place within the music, and they don't come across as trying too hard to sound poetic (I'm talking to you Spring Awakening...). All in all,it is definetely one "Elle" of a show.

Average customer rating: Tantalizing taste I Love Phoebe Strole's as Ilse! what a great album. Interesting concept for the stage Great show, great soundtrack

Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Duncan Sheik , Steven Sater , Skylar Astin , Lilli Cooper , John Gallagher Jr. , Gideon Glick , Jonathan Groff , Brian Johnson , Lea Michele , and Lauren Pritchard Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) A Chorus Line - The New Broadway Cast Recording (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B000J3FBFC Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

1. Mamma Who Bore Me
2. Mamma Who Bore Me (Reprise)
3. All That's Known
4. The B*tch of Living
5. My Junk
6. Touch Me
7. The Word of Your Body
8. The Dark I Know Well
9. And Then There Were None
10. The Mirror-Blue Night
11. I Believe
12. Don't Do Sadness
13. Blue Wind
14. The Guilty Ones
15. Left Behind
16. Totally F*ucked
17. The Word of Your Body (Reprise)
18. Whispering
19. Those You've Known
20. The Song of Purple Summer

Amazon.com

Who would have thought that Duncan Sheik would succeed where Paul Simon and Randy Newman failed, successfully transitioning from the pop-rock world to the Broadway stage? With Spring Awakening, Sheik and book writer/lyricist Steven Slater (who had already worked on Sheik's 2001 album Phantom Moon) have created a thoroughly exciting show that incorporates a contemporary art-indie idiom (including a small rock band instead of an orchestra) into a dramatic musical-theater context. The unlikely setting is that of a Frank Wedekind adaptation, but as it turns out, teenage angst is perennial, whether it's in contemporary America or in a 1891 German boarding school. Songs such as "The Bitch of Living" ("with nothing going on, asking just what went wrong"), "The Word of Your Body," "I Don't Do Sadness," and "Totally Fucked" ("You're fucked if you speak your mind and you know you will") resonate with the rage, frustration, confusion, excitement, joy, anger, and of course budding lust of those hormone-driven years. The show is greatly enhanced by its youthful cast members (they're all pretty close in age to their characters), who sing their hearts out. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Decca Broadway presents the cast recording for the acclaimed new Broadway production, SPRING AWAKENING. Written by pop music composer Duncan Sheik and playwright/lyricist Steven Sater, the musical explores emotional earthquakes in the lives of teenagers.

SPRING AWAKENING is based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 drama, which was scandalous in its day for addressing sex violence and suicide. The story, dialogue and costumes suggest the 19th Century, and are perfectly wedded to a beautiful alternative pop music score by Grammy® nominated singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik. The creative team also includes Tony® Award Winning director Michael Mayer (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and legendary choreographer Bill T. Jones.

Customer Reviews:

Tantalizing taste .......2007-07-20

The jacket notes explain the writing group's angle on musicals: People don't spontaneously break into song and revert to speech. New option: Rock music for internal dialogues (prevalent part of teen life). Awesome. If only it was the complete show.

I Love Phoebe Strole's as Ilse!.......2007-07-14

I finally got this extraordinary soundtrack and I love it! The CD soundtrack is true to the play, with one exception. I saw "Spring Awakening" back in February and was blown away by the production and by the cast's incredible talent! That night I was also introduced to Phoebe Strole who played the part of Ilse. I will never forget how beautiful her voice was, especially on the song "Blue Wind". When I purchased the CD I was anticipating hearing Stole sing this beautiful song. And instead they used Lauren Pritchard's vocals for the soundtrack. Pritchard has a nice voice but I liked Strole's rendition better. I wish they would have put Strole's version as an alternate on this soundtrack recording. Other than that, this cast album is a must for your Broadway collection!

what a great album........2007-07-13

The songs are written so well, and the performances are excellent! It's quite an experience to listen to.

Interesting concept for the stage.......2007-07-13

The music is good, just takes some getting used to if your into more traditional musical theater. The themes are very adult, but the music is haunting. The phrasing is very different and the lyrics are more obtuse than I'm used to, But once you give it a chance, you will be singing these songs all day. I will be very interested in seeing this production live.

Great show, great soundtrack.......2007-07-13

Spring Awakening is "not your parents' musical," so to speak, and the music certainly reflects that. With many musicals, it is hard to enjoy the music out of context, i.e. if you haven't seen the show, but I don't think that is the case with this soundtrack. The songs are edgy, beautifully written and magnificently performed. I keep going back to this over and over again.

Average customer rating: Composer becomes student. The Fourth Great Boublil & Schoenberg Musical Something of a Disappointment Delightful. A Few Good Moments, But Disappointing Overall

The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Sony Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) High Fidelity (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000QTCY72 Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

1. Prologue
2. Pirate Queen
3. Woman
4. My Grace
5. Here on This Night
6. Waking of the Queen
7. Rah-Rah, Tip-Top
8. Choice Is Mine
9. Boys'll Be Boys
10. Wedding
11. I'll Be There
12. Day Beyond Belclare
13. Sail to the Stars
14. Entr'acte
15. Enemy at Port Side
16. I Dismiss You
17. If I Said I Loved You
18. Role of the Queen
19. Christening
20. Let a Father Stand by His Son
21. Surrender
22. She Who Has All
23. Sea of Life
24. Woman to Woman
25. Finale

Amazon.com

The Pirate Queen, with a score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon), took a critical beating when it opened on Broadway, but as this catchy cast recording demonstrates, that reception was really unnecessarily harsh. Set in the 17th century, the show (which closed after only 85 performances) tells the story of Grace O'Malley (Stephanie J. Block), an Irish ship captain and pirate who defied Queen Elizabeth I (Linda Balgord). The combination of that setting with the fact that the producers also brought us Riverdance means an overall Celtic flavor. But fans of Boublil and Schönberg should not fear. The duo delivers plenty of the over-the-top, super-emotional power ballads they're famous for--it's hard not to wonder what Celine Dion would make of songs such as "Woman" or "I'll Be There" (the latter sung by a man, but no matter!). Special kudos to Balgord, whose deliciously campy stage portrayal of Elizabeth I comes across well on "The Waking of the Queen," "The Role of the Queen," and two harpsichord-driven, vibrato-laden duets with Block, "She Who Has All" and "Woman to Woman." Also of note to fans of traditional singing is the participation of Áine Uí Cheallaigh (known from Riverdance) on several tracks. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Composer becomes student........2007-07-20

The score has genius of a student breaking into theatre.
After masterpieces of Les Miz,Martin Guerre and Miss Saigon what
happened?These are great works.
It is still worth listening to.

The Fourth Great Boublil & Schoenberg Musical.......2007-07-18

I had the pleasure of seeing Pirate Queen both in Chicago 2006 and on Broadway in 2007. While I was disappointed that the cast album is only one CD long instead of two, I was quite surprised by the high quality of the recording and the amount of music packed onto the disc (25 tracks). This is a must-own for any fan of musical theatre, and the most exciting new musical to open in the past several years.

As a musician, I enjoy the chance to hear Schoenberg's musical style evolve through the years, starting with his solo French pop album, his first musical, La Revolution Francaise, and then the big three, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, and Martin Guerre. Pirate Queen is a worthy addition to that impressive body of work. As I listen to PQ, I enjoy hearing moments where a little feature of his style reminds me of one of those other pieces. But I can also hear how his writing has evolved; PQ is full of action, but it's imbued in placed with a subtle hint of melancholy that rivals the most touching moments of the other big three shows (much of this is due to the use of a flatted 6th scale degree, which is a recurring musical motif of the show). I'll mention a few key points here:

1. Overture: much as in Miss Saigon, here local color is added to the score through various Irish instruments. The overture sounds very Irish, yet still evocative of the original slow introduction of Martin Guerre (London version).

2. Entracte: it's all instrumental, and when I saw it in the theatre audience members were sometimes talking over it, but this is the most exciting music in the score. It's in 5/4 time, with plenty of 4/4 and 2/4 measures thrown in to keep it sounding on-edge. Wild, tempestuous music. The 5/4 time signature reminds me of the amazing overture to La Revolution Francaise -- although I like the PQ entracte even more.

3. Woman: this "girl-power ballad" has a unique sound compared with most of Schoenberg's other work, although the build up to the climax follows his trademark strategy of letting the orchestra play the main melody and while the singer comes in later and sings in counterpoint for a few measures. It's my favorite musical device of Miss Saigon, Les Miz, and Martin Guerre, and it shows up here too on the words "I'm meant to fly, sail unrestrained..."

4. I'll Be There: a huge bring-down-the-house torch song for a tenor. It's closest in structure to Why, God from Miss Saigon, including a rather exciting bridge section (here with a lot of electric guitar) and the 2/4 measures of descending bass notes leading into each chorus. This song is nearly perfect -- I just which it were longer (it's 3:16 but feels over far too soon). Schoenberg uses electric guitar melody rather sparingly, but it shows up in just a few key points in Les Miz, for instance, and features quite prominently in this song, sometimes in unison with the string section.

5. If I Said I Loved You: This is a gorgeous love duet in act 2, with some amazing harmony. It really builds in passion, and makes nice subtle use of that Irish sound in the orchestrations.

6. Sail to the Stars: This Act 1 finale is an exciting, intense chorus number. It doesn't compare with the end of Les Miz Act 1, both nothing really does. Instead it's a melancholy but intense funeral scene, and is surprisingly effective.

7. My Grace: This is sung by the Valjean father-figure in the show, and it sounds a lot like a song missing from Les Miz. But it has a unique PQ sound to it, with the flat 6 scale degree. It's extremely moving.

8. Here On This Night: Originally this was my favorite song in the show, although If I Said I Loved You recently stole the #1 spot. This is the main happy love duet from an early part of the show. A classic Boublil & Schoenberg love song, with a sound that makes me feel as if I'm at love on a ship under the stars. Like the best of their love songs, the melody starts on scale degree 2 over the tonic, like Sun and Moon from Miss Saigon.

9. She Who Has All: The most unique aspect of this show is the harpsichord + high operatic soprano role for the Queen. It's an amazing performance, not too much vibrato, so even non-opera fans can enjoy it. This track is a duet between the two lead women of the show, so we get a Broadway singing voice in duet with the opera soprano. Amazingly, it works very well. I can't believe Schoenberg combined these two sounds so effectively in a duet near the climax of the show. Impressive! The duet Woman to Woman also has some of this quality. And the rest of the queen songs have a great early-music harpsichord sound fused with the modern musical orchestra.

10. The Wedding: mostly orchestral (with some chorus), this is a big Irish step dance number. It has a great sound for Irish step music fans; it sounds pretty classic but more bass-heavy, like The Chieftans fused with a rock band.

11. Boys'll Be Boys: this is like Master of the House meets Gaston, only I don't like it as much. Sort of disappointing, but it's an important and funny number.

12. The Sea Of Life: a nostalgic song towards the end of the show, this sounds like what Turning in Les Miz should have been. Turning was always my least favorite part of Les Miz, but Sea of Life is incredible. In a subtle thematic move, the opening melody is the same as the solo flute in the original London opening of Martin Guerre, with a slightly different rhythm and added accompaniment. Even more surprising: probably just by coincidence, the middle of this melody includes 8 notes (with different rhythm) from the "victory" music from Pirates of the Caribbean 3.

All in all, highly recommended!! My only complaint (besides it's premature closing on Broadway for no apparent reason) is really that we can't hear all the additional material that 2 CDs would give us, such as Grania's father's death scene (a modified reprise of My Grace, sort of like the scene at the end of Les Miz), and a very pretty Lullaby Grania sings to her son in Act 2.

Something of a Disappointment.......2007-07-17

The songs in this album were just not that great. The lyrics were not very singable (and indeed some of them didn't even scan properly.) The music also suffered quite a bit from a lack of Irish instrumntation. Most of the music seemed to be just standard, cookie cutter Broadway show tunes and not very memorable ones at that.

The cast did very well, though, considering the poor material it had to work with

All in all, it looks like this play was a lost opportunity. The story of Grace O'Malley is a compelling one and deserves to be told better than it was here.

Delightful........2007-07-13

When I ordered this soundtrack, I completely ignored what the other reviews said (which is ironic because I expect someone to read mine: ) Thinking on my own was the right choice.

Do you like Boubil? Do you like Schonberg? If so, you will most likely like this recording. The farther I get into it, the more I love it!

The recording is powerful. The slow ballads carry its weakest attributes. There are power ballads left and right. Up beat and very cultural to the Irish heritage, this is a wonderful recording. It's not my favorite.

Personally, I would prefer "A Class Act" or "Loving repeating", two soundtracks I just bought and LOVE.

This could be be for you.

It's a good buy. 11 something for a power ballad musical. I currently have about 57 musicals, and I can honestly say this ranks in the top 15. However, that doesn't mean it's staying in my car forever. I am still waiting to receive "A View from Here". hehehe. I love musicals.

A Few Good Moments, But Disappointing Overall.......2007-07-13

I saw this show twice during its run: once in Chicago, once in New York. Loving both "Les Miserables" and "Miss Saigon", I had high expectations for "The Pirate Queen". Sadly, the show was disappointing - primarily from the once aspect I assumed would be great: the music.

The score's orchestrations sound terrific and the cast is quite good (esp. Stephanie J. Block), but (as this cast album reflects) only a couple of songs maintain any real staying power:

Woman
I'll Be There
She Who Has All

Not bad, but could/should have been so much more.

Average customer rating: David Hyde Pierce does Sherlock Holmes in a musical. A Tough Act To Follow JUST WHAT A BROADWAY MUSICAL SHOULD BE!! CURTAINS is likable but not special. The Last Kander and Ebb

Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Manhattan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B000PC1QKQ Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Wide Open Spaces
3. What Kind Of Man?
4. Thinking Of Him
5. The Woman's Dead
6. Show People
7. Coffee Shop Nights
8. In the Same Boat
9. I Miss the Music
10. Thataway!
11. The Man Is Dead
12. He Did It
13. In the Same Boat
14. It's a Business
15. Kansasland
16. Medley: Thinking Of Him/I Miss the Music
17. A Tough Act To Follow
18. In the Same Boat
19. In the Same Boat
20. Show People
21. Wide Open Spaces
22. A Tough Act To Follow

Amazon.com

Sadly, Curtains is the final entry in the long and fruitful partnership of lyricist Fred Ebb (who died in September 2004) and composer John Kander. While the show doesn't reach the heights of the team's previous masterpieces, such as Cabaret and Chicago, it's certainly a lot better than, say, their middling 1997 offering Steel Pier. Deliberately old-fashioned (it even features a real overture, something that's fast becoming a rarity), Curtains is a whodunit rolled into a musical--or vice versa. Set in 1959 Boston, it takes place backstage at a singing-and-dancing Western corker titled Robbin Hood. Someone gets killed, and a show tunes-crazy homicide detective (David Hyde Pierce) is called in. The plot is just a pretext for a series of very entertaining, characteristically brass-heavy songs that may not have the bite of old Kander and Ebb but are still very catchy. Above all, Curtains is (both thematically and stylistically) a love letter to old-school showbiz, and it's delivered on a silver platter by a cast of pros that includes the aforementioned Hyde Pierce, Kander and Ebb habituée Karen Ziemba, endearing Jason Danieley and, a notch above the rest, Debra Monk. Unsurprisingly, she chews the scenery and spits it right back in a pair of rowdy numbers: "Show People" and "It's a Business." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Curtains is an entertaining play within a play, as well as a "whodunit" new musical comedy featuring one of the last scores by legendary, Tony Award-winning songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago, New York, New York). Starring David Hyde Pierce (Spamalot, "Frasier") and Debra Monk, the Curtains original Broadway cast album is produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winner Jay David Saks.

Customer Reviews:

David Hyde Pierce does Sherlock Holmes in a musical........2007-07-19

The show which spawned the OBC album was no "Producers", in fact it reminded me a lot of an old show "Crazy For You". The music was pleasant and one of the cast members has a wonderful tenor voice. Other than that the score is forgetable.

A Tough Act To Follow.......2007-07-18

"curtains" is a wonderful show full of fun and laughter and fantastic music.
Isn't it great to have an other show by Kander and Ebb who have giver us such
pleasure in the past. The cast are perfect not one dud in the whole pack.
I can thoroughly recommend this show to everyone with a love of musical theatre

JUST WHAT A BROADWAY MUSICAL SHOULD BE!!.......2007-07-17

In the tradition of good old-fashioned musicals that entertain for entertainment's sake comes this terrific, witty, clever, fun musical with a top notch cast and some swell songs. We were lucky enough to see this show several weeks ago. And as grand as it is to watch-- it is super to listen to as well. David Hype Pierce is totally terrific, as is Debra Monk. Karen Ziemba and Jason Daniely are first tier performers as well. The show moves along at a great pace, consistently entertaining. There are some wonderous Kander and Ebb melodies--maybe not on par with Cabaret and Chicago--but nonetheless still extremely good. Everything about the CD says high quality. It is well recorded and the performances are excellent. If you get a chance to see the show, grab the chance! If not, you can still enjoy the show with the playing of this CD. Highly recommended!!

CURTAINS is likable but not special........2007-07-15

There is nothing particularly great about this score, but it is likable, and it is Kander & Ebb's final work. That makes it worthwhile to have. The next time I am in NYC, which won't be until December, I would like to see CURTAINS, especially if David Hyde Pierce is still in it. I prefer revivals and old fashioned musicals like CURTAINS to the new shows with rock or folk rock scores, like LEGALLY BLONDE which I disliked.

The Last Kander and Ebb.......2007-07-13

Couldn't miss the opportunity to hear the last of the Kander and Ebb collaboration. This score has a familiar feel to it. The music is good but not great and the show seems as if it would be fun.

Average customer rating: Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Jersey Boys Like being there A step back in musical time Great music, but missing too much

Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Ronald Melrose , Ken Dow , Anik Oulianine , Stephanie Cummins , Deborah Hurwitz , Kevin Dow , Joe Payne , Larry Saltzman , Dave Spier , Bill Hayes , Randall Andos , Bob Milikan , Debra Shufelt , Maxine Roach , Belinda Whitney , Cenovia Cummins , Eric de Gioia , Louise Owen , Robin Zeh , Sarah Schwartz , Shinwon Kim , Christian Hoff , Daniel Reichard , Donnie Kehr , Erica Piccininni , J. Robert Spencer , Jennifer Naimo , John Lloyd Young , Sara Schmidt , Tituss Burgess , Steve Orich , and Bob Gaudio Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Very Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000BFH2QY Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

1. Ces Soirees la'
2. Early Years Medley
3. Cry For Me
4. Backups Medley
5. Sherry
6. Big Girls Don't Cry
7. Walk Like A Man
8. December, 1963
9. My Boyfriend's Back
10. My Eyes Adored You
11. Dawn (Go Away)
12. Big Man In Town
13. Dialog: A Little Trouble
14. Beggin'
15. Dialog: See How You Handle It
16. Medley Listen Listen
17. c'mon marianne
18. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
19. Working My Way Back To You
20. Fallen Angel

Amazon.com

Although it squarely falls in the "jukebox musical" category, Jersey Boys doesn¹t try to integrate its songs in an artificial plotline. The show tells the story of the early-1960s group the Four Seasons, and the musical numbers tend to be introduced in context, as when songwriter Bob Gaudio comes up with a tune, or the quartet performs a show. This allows Jersey Boys to flow better than some of ill-fated peers, and the actors can shine without having to bend backward to accommodate an inane book. The show's most (only) daring move is to start with a hip-hop-tinged French-language version of "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," an actual hit in France in 2000. After that it's all VH1-biopic territory, but it's done with so much flair, taste and energy that the ride's a fun one. The Four Seasons had enough hits ("Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," etc.) to easily fill an evening at the theater, so it's left to the cast to do right by them. And it does, particularly John Lloyd Young as the band¹s star lead, Frankie Valli. Young hits all the falsetto notes and brings real freshness to the part. His "Can¹t Take My Eyes Off You," a second-act peak, is signed, sealed and delivered with a star's acumen. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Recounting the rich history and reliving the timeless sounds of the phenomenal Frankie Vallie & The 4 Seasons, the new Broadway musical Jersey Boys answers the musical-and philosophical question, "How did four would-be wise guys from Newark, NJ, become one of the greatest chart-topping successes in pop music history?" Jersey Boys celebrates legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi who, as the 4 seasons, wrote their own songs, invented their own identity, and sold 175 million records worldwide-all before they were 30.

Customer Reviews:

Jersey Boys (2005 Original Broadway Cast).......2007-07-19

Singers doesn't try to make the same sound the same original. The music sounds like the voices don't care about what they are doing. I was kinda disappointed.

Jersey Boys.......2007-07-08

Purchased CD prior to seeing the show when visiting USA in '06. A fun lively show - the CD now captivates those fond memories of not only the foot tapping music & show but also our special time in New York.

Like being there.......2007-07-05

Have seen the play twice. This album lets me relive the experience anytime anyplace. A great piece of Rock n roll history.

A step back in musical time.......2007-07-05

My wife and daughter didn't know about the Four Seasons but I did. When I told them I wanted to see the musical on stage, there was no interest so I bought this product and they heard it in the car. We went to the stage musical soon after and we have listened to the entire disk so many times I've lost track. I created a Four Seasons monster in my daughter. She's fifteen and has memorized most of the songs and sings along while we are driving somewhere.

Great music, but missing too much.......2007-07-04

I saw this play at age 16 with no idea who the Four Seasons were, but instantly fell in love with it. The problem is, this soudntrack cuts a two hour play into less than an hour on CD. Most of the dialouge is missing, only including enough to let each member of the group at least say something. I know many play soundtracks cut out dialouge, but what confuses me is why this stretches to the music as well. What is there is amazing, but I don't understand why most of the songs are cut to half, and sometimes even a third or fourth of their original lengths. I love this CD, just be aware that you are hardly getting any story, just clips of lots of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons songs. So, great music and dialouge, just not enough for a musical soundtrack.

Average customer rating: The Broadway musical lives on Sensational Musical at a time when Musicals are suffering Savoring the cake I had I want to take my ears off now Isn't she amazing!

Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: P.S. Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) [title of show] (2006 Original Off-Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000G75A9I Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

1. The Girl Who Has Everything
2. The Five-Fifteen
3. Mother Darling
4. Goin' Places
5. Marry Well
6. Hominy Grits
7. Peas in a Pod
8. Drift Away
9. The Five-Fifteen (reprise)
10. Daddy's Girl
11. The Telegram
12. Will You?
13. The Revolutionary Costume for Today
14. The Cake I Had
15. Entering Grey Gardens
16. The House We Live In
17. Jerry Likes My Corn
18. Around the World
19. Choose to Be Happy
20. Around the World (reprise)
21. Another Winter in a Summer Town
22. The Girl Who Has Everything (reprise)

Product Description

GREY GARDENS proclaimed the #1 Show of the Year by Time Magazine is preserved here in its Original Broadway Cast Recording. The show had been previously recorded following its off-Broadway premiere in the spring of 2006 (and its cast album released by PS Classics in August of 2006), but this new recording features the new songs and new cast members that were added for its Broadway transfer last fall. The new GREY GARDENS opened on Broadway on November 2, 2006, to rave reviews, led by Ben Brantley in The New York Times, who called it an experience no passionate theatergoer should miss! Starring Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole and Tony Award nominee Mary Louise Wilson, it subsequently appeared on over 25 Best of 2006 lists, including #1 Show of the Year (Time), Best Musical of the Year (USA Today, Entertainment Weekly) and Performance of the Year (The New York Times, New York) for Ms. Ebersole. In addition to the new songs and new performances, this Original Broadway Cast Recording also features an all-new 32-page full-color booklet complete with lyrics and Broadway production photos.

Amazon.com

Based on the Maysles brothers' cult 1975 documentary of the same name, this musical is an endearing—-and sometimes genuinely heartwrenching—-oddity propelled by Christine Ebersole's exceptional, for-the-history-books performance. The movie followed the kooky duo of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter, Little Edie Beale, as they lived with their 52 cats in a derelict East Hampton mansion. The show's first act, set in 1941, is a prologue of sorts, while the second act, set in 1973, follows the movie closely. Ebersole plays Edith in Act I (which she concludes in dazzling manner with "Will You?") and Little Edie in Act II (when Mary Louise Wilson comes in to play the mother). And while Wilson is superb, this is Ebersole's show. Technically, she is flawless—-just listen to the way she changes her voice between the acts—-but she also makes Little Edie a poignant eccentric, a lost soul stuck in a world of deluded, decaying grandeur. It all peaks in the poignant "Around the World," the show's best song and an Ebersole tour de force. Note that this recording documents the Off-Broadway production; the show transferred to Broadway in the fall of 2006 with a slightly altered first act. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

The Broadway musical lives on.......2007-07-17

The soundtrack of Grey Gardens is modern, yet echoes of a Broadway heritage are present. Some parts reminded me of Sondheim and the lyrics were very clever. For one who has no chance of seeing the show, this is the next best thing and after a few playings, I can already recall the tunes and lyrics. I haven't seen the documentary upon which it is based but am an avid Kennedy-Bouvier fan. I was expecting a dark almost despairing collection of songs but was pleasantly surprised at how much light and shade is in it. What a shame it is closing so soon. I guess it doesn't have enough helicopters on stage to sustain it but I am sure it will be revived when people become aware of what an important addition it is. The characters come alive on this recording and you can almost hear them acting. A very authentic and haunting soundtrack, highly recommended to any lover of Broadway musicals.

Sensational Musical at a time when Musicals are suffering.......2007-07-14

I saw Grey Gardens in New York last month without knowing much about it and the Documentary it is based on. By the end of the show with the audience on their feet screeming and cheering the cast lead by Christine Ebersole who plays 2 roles in the show, I became an instant fan.
The recording is one you all need to hear as it has a booklet with great pictures and all the words but the songs are the type you remember as soon as you hear them. Unfortunately I heard that the show comes to an end at the end of July so the only way you can hear this amazing cast will be by buying this CD.

Savoring the cake I had .......2007-07-14

What a wonder! This cast recording of "Grey Gardens" makes each listening a recollection in tranquillity of the theater experience which becomes deeper and more enlightening. Christine Ebersole's dual roles as mother Edith Beale and Little Edie,daughter, together with Mary Louise Wilson's as the older Edith Beale spiral harmonically between love, competitiveness, shared loneliness and tragic interdependency. The cast recording immortalizes so many nuances of the musical characterizations with lyics and music that put one in mind of the flint and spirit and loneliness of Emily Dickinson's poetry. If you loved and admired the performances, you will treasure this cast recording. ( Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

I want to take my ears off now.......2007-06-29

Grey Gardens got good reviews? I honestly don't know why everyone is raving. I have listened to it a few times now and I don't get it. Well I get it, what it's about and what is going on but I don't get why people like it. The music kind of reminds me of Annie, but worse. Don't get me wrong, I like Annie, but it's...Annie.

You might tell me its one of those shows you have to see on stage, but if I don't even like the music why would I even want to sit through it? Please. I can't stand this cast recording the only good thing about it is Christine Ebersole.

They could have done SO much better. I get what they tried to do and I see where they could have improved. I've turned off the music now and have left it for another day, maybe on a day when I can't hear properly.

Isn't she amazing!.......2007-06-28

I mean, can you believe her? I mean, Christine, not Edie. Well, Edie, too. And her mom. But then Christine is both of them, isn't she. I mean...

Average customer rating: Pure pleasure audra is definitive 110 In The Shade Revival CD - Next Best Thing to Being at The Show Wonderful Cast Album Fabulous recording of a terrific score

110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) Manufacturer: P.S. Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000PMG9GW Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. Another Hot Day
2. Lizzie's Comin' Home
3. Love, Don't Turn Away
4. Poker Polka
5. The Hungry Men
6. The Rain Song
7. You're Not Fooling Me
8. Cinderella
9. Raunchy
10. A Man and a Woman
11. "She Walked Out On Me..."
12. Old Maid
13. Evenin' Star
14. Everything Beautiful
15. "Stay and Talk..."
16. Melisande
17. Simple Little Things
18. Little Red Hat
19. Is It Really Me?
20. Wonderful Music
21. The Rain Song (reprise)

Amazon.com

More than four decades after its Broadway debut, the Roundabout Theatre's 2007 revival of 110 in the Shade is a glorious showcase for soprano Audra McDonald, and an eloquent statement for an underrated and neglected work. Based on N. Richard Nash's play The Rainmaker, 110 in the Shade tells the story of a Texas town stuck in a blistering heat wave. Lizzie (McDonald), the daughter of a local widower (Broadway veteran and TV star John Cullum), has resisted all suitors, including the sheriff (Christopher Innvar), until a potential huckster named Starbuck (Steve Kazee) arrives in town promising to bring rain ("The Rain Song"). Just like Marian the librarian, Lizzie thinks she sees right through the scam ("You're Not Fooling Me"). McDonald shines in her solos ("Love, Don't Turn Away," "Old Maid"), but Cullum, Innvar, and Kazee also get their moments either in duets with McDonald ("A Man and a Woman," "Simple Little Things," "Is It Really Me?") or by themselves. 110 in the Shade is obscure compared to Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's most famous work, The Fantasticks--none of its songs ever entered the popular culture like "Try to Remember"--but it's a beautiful, evocative score that is tailor-made for McDonald's rich voice. It's also much more sumptuous than The Fantasticks, even in Jonathan Tunick's pared-down, Tony-nominated orchestrations. (Also nominated were McDonald, Cullum, lighting designer Christopher Akerlind, and the show itself for Best Revival of a Musical.) P.S. Classics puts out its usual first-rate package, with color photos, introduction by Peter Filichia, synopsis, and libretto. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Pure pleasure.......2007-07-19

Couple of days ago, I saw "110 in the Shade" on Broadway in the Roundabout Theatre revival. At intermission, in a trance of emotion, I went straight to the souvenir stand to buy the cast album (available at a non-ripoff price of $20, I'm glad to say). This is something I hardly ever do, but I had just seen and heard Audra McDonald and Christopher Innvar sing the duet "A Man and A Woman," and I had to have that music. Been playing the score ever since. It's a delight and I like the orchestrations very much. McDonald is an utter joy, but Innvar was an unexpected discovery and on the strength of his performance, should have had bigger billing.

audra is definitive.......2007-07-18

Though the score of 110 IN THE SHADE is modest in musical scope, Audra McDonald sings it with all the passion, conviction and care that one could hope for. The other performances on the recording are good, especially Steve Kazee, whose Starbuck feels lighter and more expressive than Douglas Horton on the original cast recording. Bobby Steggert makes the most of every one of Jimmy's lines. Christopher Innvar sounds far better on this recording than he did in the theater. There is a great deal of dialogue on the CD, which may be more enjoyable to those who have seen the production than to the casual listener. The reduced orchestrations are in many cases more imaginative and expressive than the originals, which tended toward bombast in telling this intimate story. They often are reminiscent of Copland's "Appalachian Spring", and I would imagine that's not accidental. If you are an Audra lover, buy this immediately, you'll never hear a finer version of Lizzie's numbers than are offered here.

110 In The Shade Revival CD - Next Best Thing to Being at The Show.......2007-07-15

Any fan of 110 In The Shade will appreciate this recording; it is very well recorded and features the stunning vocal performance of Audra McDonald. This CD more than holds its own when compared to the studio cast version of 1997 and it is head and shoulders above the original cast recording of 1963.

If you have seen the recent revival at Studio 54, or you are a fan of the show, you will definitly want to have a copy of this CD

Wonderful Cast Album.......2007-07-13

Saw a number from this show on the Tony Awards and ordered it immediately. Was not disappointed. The whole album is wonderful.

Fabulous recording of a terrific score.......2007-07-12

This is simply the best recording of 110 In The Shade, a sadly neglected show by the composer and lyricist of The Fantasticks. It's a far superior score to The Fantasticks, but the original show didn't enjoy a long run on Broadway. Listen to the original broadway cast and I think you can hear why. The original cast sounds pallid in comparison to the cast on this terrific recording led by Audra MacDonald, who seems to have finally found a great part for herself. The supporting cast does not disappoint and the orchestra plays brightly. The only competition to this set is a British recording (now out of print) with cast that featured Karen Ziemba. That's a good set but Audra MacDonald's performance makes this recording the definitive version.

Average customer rating: Do yourself a favor Revival Musical Hits the Mark Check out Company! This recording disappoints, especially in relation to the live performance GOOD COMPANY

Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) A Chorus Line - The New Broadway Cast Recording (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B000LV6R4G Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

1. Opening
2. Company
3. The Little Things You Do Together
4. Sorry-Grateful
5. You Could Drive a Person Crazy
6. Have I Got a Girl for You
7. Someone Is Waiting
8. Another Hundred People
9. Getting Married Today
10. "What did I just do?"
11. Marry Me a Little
12. Side by Side by Side
13. What Would We Do Without You?
14. Poor Baby
15. Barcelona
16. The Ladies Who Lunch
17. "You have a good third husband, Joanne"
18. Being Alive

Amazon.com

There may be no original Broadway cast recording more iconic than 1970's Company, with its funky organ sound and Elaine Stritch's not-quite-there high notes, but the December 2006 Broadway revival makes its own mark. For Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's piece about a single man observing the benefits and follies of marriage, director John Doyle borrows the same controversial concept he used for his 2005 Sweeney Todd: the actors playing instruments on stage (now referred to in many circles as "Doyle-izing," and not always with affection and delight). But when you're listening to a cast recording, as Bobby would say: What do you get? For one thing, you'll have to adjust to some different sounds created by Doyle and his music supervisor, Mary-Mitchell Campbell. It's a benefit in "Side by Side by Side," which begins with a jazzy double-bass line. It's a drawback in "You Could Drive a Person Crazy," in which the trio's doo-doots are replaced by their saxophone lines. You also get "Marry Me a Little," cut from the original show but by now very familiar and welcome, as well as a lot of the contextual dialogue before, between, and even within numbers. Finally, the strong cast led by Raul Esparza makes this the best-sung Company we've ever gotten (and they play very well too), and Stephen Sondheim's score is still a landmark in musical theater. There will never be a replacement for the original Broadway cast recording, but this revival recording can stand on its own and in some respects may be more flat-out enjoyable to listen to. --David Horiuchi

Album Description

Maverick British director John Doyle, a 2006 Tony Award winner, enjoyed a surprise Broadway hit last year with his radical reworking of Sweeney Todd. He dispensed with the pit orchestra and handed all the instruments over to his on-stage performers, who doubled as musicians in between their turns acting and singing. Doyle has taken a similarly unorthodox approach to his revival of another Stephen Sondheim classic, the revered yet notoriously difficult to stage Company. As with Sweeney Todd, the results of this theatre-as-concert have entranced both critics and audiences. Linda Winer of Newsday called it "the very best revival that Broadway has ever seen of Stephen Sondheim's landmark 1970 musical."Variety described it as "striking, revelatory and thoroughly compelling." For Sondheim fans, the recorded score to Company has long been as much an object of adoration as the six-time Tony-winning play itself. Company on disc functions as a deeply moving song cycle, even apart from George Furth's libretto, about the vicissitudes of marriage and the joys and trials of the single life, seen through the eyes of the coolly dispassionate Manhattan bachelor Bobby on the occasion of his 35th birthday. This is truly the stuff of sex and the city - wry, sophisticated, painfully honest and deeply melancholy, even in a comic seducing-the-stewardess duet like "Barcelona." As with Sweeney Todd, which featured a bravura performance from lead actor Michael Cerveris, Doyle has found in rising star Raúl Esparza (Cabaret, Taboo, The Normal Heart) an extraordinary singer and actor who, in the words of the New York Times' Ben Brantley, gives Company "the most compelling center it has probably ever had." "Mr. Doyle and his invaluable music supervisor and orchestrator, Mary-Mitchell Campbell, have shaped Company into a sort of oratorio for the church of the lonely," says Brantley. He also praises the work of the entire ensemble - playing five married couples, three single women and one deeply ambivalent, unmarried man: "It's their work as a team that sounds new depths in Company in ways that get under your skin without your knowing it." Variety's David Rooney concurs: "Angel Desai's `Another Hundred People' nails that quintessential New York song; Heather Laws lands every laugh in the mile-a-minute `Getting Married Today' with amazing speed and clarity; and Barbara Walsh is bone-dry as brittle, world-weary Joanne. She reveals the emotional hunger beneath the character's hard shell and adds fresh nuances to `The Ladies Who Lunch,' a song indelibly associated with Elaine Stritch." As Time Out New York put it, "Sondheim's expert musical etchings, his acid craftsmanship, remain unmatched." Sondheim fans will note that this new version of Company, to be released by Nonesuch and PS Classics, restores the original act one closer, "Marry Me A Little," which was dropped from the show before its 1970 Broadway debut; the song has since taken on a life of its own as an orphaned Sondheim gem. The Company cast album is produced by PS Classics co-founder Tommy Krasker (Sondheim's The Frogs, Saturday Night, Assassins, and Sweeney Todd, among others). Along with Company, Nonesuch has also released the original cast album to Doyle's 2006 production of Sweeney Todd and the Tony-nominated A Light in the Piazza, which features a score by Nonesuch artist Adam Guettel.

Customer Reviews:

Do yourself a favor.......2007-07-14

Don't think, just because you have all the other versions of 'Company', you can do without this version. It has additional dialogue and superior sound. Highly recommended!

Revival Musical Hits the Mark.......2007-07-13

Raul Esparza's performance in this revival makes the album a must have. What a talent! What a show! Well worth the cost.

Check out Company!.......2007-07-11

I fell in love with this show when I saw it in NYC and I promptly bought the cast recording upon my return. This was one of those shows that I'm sure will resonate with me for the rest of my life. Although the show doesn't seem to make much sense by listening to the cast recording, you understand what its about and even though this show was written more than 40 years ago, its still relevant today. The theme of marriage and domestic partnership is still something that remains in the minds of all people; whether married or single. This cd airs out all of the thoughts that we all have likely heard or felt in our lifetime.
This cd is truly beautiful and by far one of my favorite Broadway cast recordings of all time.

This recording disappoints, especially in relation to the live performance.......2007-07-07

I am going to assume for a moment that anybody reading this and the other reviews is already a fan of Sondheim and Company. I am also going to assume that most people reading this are familiar with multiple recordings of this show and, hopefully, multiple performances. This is the best and truest means of judging a show, its score, and its recordings. Of course this isn't always possible, but in regards to this show, I have to say this new recording of Company is probably the weakest of the bunch ESPECIALLY after first seeing the show live. I also saw the "Doyle" Sweeney last year and think the new orchestrations were brilliant and translate well to recording. Imagine my surprise when I recently saw the new Company and found it to not only equal but SURPASS the impact of the Sweeney staging. I had purposely delayed the purchase of the new cast recording until I had first seen the show live and unfortunately the CD doesn't contain the excitement, originality, and freshness that was portrayed by the actor/musicians on stage. I think Company is nearly the ideal show for this minimalistic approach but on the recording, it just seems... empty? The listener is also drawn to shortcomings in the musical performances (instrumentally) that I didn't notice (or forgave) when I was in the theatre because the experience in and of itself was so moving and direct. I also don't want to get caught up in an argument of whether this is the best sung version or not, because it all depends on your personal preference/prejudice. The singers in this show may be the best *trained* from a technical standpoint, but the passion portrayed by the singers of the OBC will never be paralleled. All in all this is a decent recording but certainly not definitive and not the one I would recommend to someone who has never heard the show before.

GOOD COMPANY.......2007-07-01

If you're a Sondheim fan, or if you just like lyrics that challenge the listener, this version of COMPANY is a must. I saw this production on Cincinatti before it moved to Broadway, and it was perhaps the most enjoyable theater experience I've had. The soundtrack is a great listen, even if it's all familiar, much of it having been covered by other artists since the show's first soundtrack in 1970. It all builds to a powerful emotional climax when Raul Esparza sits down at the piano and sings "Being Alive". Magical. Buy it--you won't be sorry, only grateful...

Average customer rating: Loved it Get ready to laugh until you cry! A Lot of Spam Love, love, love this soundtrack! Hamalot!

Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Eric Idle , John Du Prez , Tim Curry , David Hyde Pierce , and Hank Azaria Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast) The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2005 Original Broadway Cast) Avenue Q (2003 Original Broadway Cast) The Light in the Piazza (2005 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B0007OY2TE Release Date: 2005-05-03

Tracks:

1. Tuning
2. Overture
3. Historian's Introduction to Act I
4. Finland/Fisch Schlapping Dance
5. Monks Chant / He Is Not Dead Yet
6. Come With Me
7. Laker Girls Cheer
8. The Song That Goes Like This
9. He Is Not Dead Yet - Play Off
10. All For One
11. Knights of the Round Table/The Song That Goes Like This (Reprise)
12. Find Your Grail
13. Run Away!
14. The Intermission
15. Historian's Introduction to Act II
16. Always Look On The Bright Side of Life
17. Brave Sir Robin
18. You Won't Succeed On Broadway
19. Diva's Lament (What Ever Happened To My Part?)
20. Where Are You?
21. His Name Is Lancelot
22. I'm All Alone
23. Twice In Every Show
24. Act II Finale
25. Always Look On The Bright Side of Life - Company Bow

Amazon.com

As gleefully silly yet wickedly smart as the beloved British comedy troupe and their 1975 cinematic savaging of the Arthurian legend that inspired it, this adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail by MP's Eric Idle and longtime musical co-conspirator John Du Prez has much more on its feverish agenda than merely trashing King Arthur and firmly upending his Round Table. The film's plot remains largely intact, but its core songs ("Knights of the Round Table," "Brave Sir Robin") and comic thrust have been both expanded and satirically redirected, a musical comedy shotgun that takes dizzy aim at pop culture in general, and Broadway in particular. After typically Pythonesque distractions that somehow find us in "Finland..," stars David Hyde-Pierce, Tim Curry, Hank Azaria and company get busy conjuring the Lady of the Lake with the unlikely help of "Laker Girls..," while cast members Sara Ramirez and Christopher Sieber deliciously skewer contemporary Broadway cliches via the loopy showstopper "The Song That Goes Like This," a tune whose reprise also deliciously sends up every overwrought stage diva from Merman to Minelli. Idle has shrewdly ripped off--well, interpolated--Life of Brian's "Always Look On the Bright Side" for the new show, and even a snatch of "The Lumberjack Song" in "He Is Not Dead Yet." "You Won't Succeed on Broadway" reveals the frankly Semitic secret to stage success, and the French get can-canned on "Run Away!" Meanwhile, our bravest knight is de-closeted on the Manilow-mauling "His Name is Lancelot" before the familiar sound of clomping coconut shells brings down the curtain on the season's goofiest if satirically dead-on comic delight. --Jerry McCulley

Have Fun with More Irreverent Musicals

Urinetown	The Rocky Horror Picture Show	The Frogs
Zanna Don't	Hedwig and the Angry Inch	Avenue Q

Customer Reviews:

Loved it.......2007-06-26

The play was great, and so is the CD. Even my partner, who's generally not a Monty Python fan, says it's "hysterical."

Get ready to laugh until you cry!.......2007-06-25

Being in the unfortunate position of living in a country where Music Theatre is virtually dead, I thought `what the heck' I'll purchase this just to see what it's like. I've never been a huge Holy Grail fan, and have only seen the movie one or two times. This musical is the first musical cast recording that has an independent storyline that you can actually gauge from the recording. It's so refreshing to actually WANT to listen to the entire recording from start to finish more than a handful of times. Most musicals have a few awesome songs that have you keep coming back for more but this musical has so much continuity that I can't help but listen from start to finish.

Don't read what some of the other commenter's have written. This is brilliant and hilarious. And if you have a slightly warped sense of humour you'll love (and appreciate) this musical so much more.

P.S. I love the songs that reference "The song that goes like this." This is supposed to be repetitive to mock its self and Broadway. It is also more comprehensive than some may lead you to believe... however just remember its called `Spamalot' not `Holy Grail' so don't expect too many Holy Grail references.

A Lot of Spam.......2007-05-22

Great CD if you like someone who can laugh at themselves. The play mocks the whole broadway musical experience. Listening to it can almost make sitting in traffic bearable...no I wouldn't go that far, but the songs are funny and will put you in a good mood.

Love, love, love this soundtrack!.......2007-05-18

The show was so much fun, and now getting to hear the soundtrack brings all the funny bits right back. These tunes are infectious! Even my 3-year-old hums them to himself. Any Monty Python fan should own this.

Hamalot!.......2007-05-15

Overall, pretty good. I liked the inclusion of various other Python bits (Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Finland, etc.), but there was an appalling lack of Tim Curry on this album (Um, hello? Rocky Horror, anyone?). Also an over-reliance on songs with lyrics like, "This is how this song goes," or "Every show has a song like this." Some more inventive lyrics would have been welcome. (Mr. Idle, meet Mr. Brooks!)

Still, pretty good. Buy it for $11 or less & you won't feel taken.

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3. Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?
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5. Enough Time
6. Eric Dolphy in Europe, Vol. 3 [Live]
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8. Farmer's Market
9. For Django [CD-single] [Import]
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