The Lion King (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 November, 1997)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

An Oscar win might suggest a score that would need a miracle to be bettered--but this colorful stage adaptation of Disney's The Lion King does so with flair. Composers Mark Mancina and Lebo M worked closely together to fuse the movie's many disparate elements. Where there was a veritable army exercising creative influences for the animated tale, this brings it all under the wings of a like-minded few. This is genuinely apparent as one track flows into the next. The African rhythms--both vocal and in instrumentation--come across as authentic and original all at once. No doubt this is largely through Mancina's passion for peculiar instruments and the possibilities suggested from nightly live performances. "Grasslands Chant" is a good place to hear this. The hit favorites are here of course, but both "Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" are pleasingly unrecognizable with chorus and shifting beats. Better still is the likelihood they will now be eclipsed by some of the new numbers. Mancina's own "He Lives in You" being a strong contender. With a sound mix as crisp as you'd hope to find, this is rousing stuff. --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (111)

Something that Broadway Just can do.
This cd is awasome, every single song is like you are watching the musical with the awasome orchestra. One of my favorites songs is: He Live in You (Reprise). When I hearded this song I was listening again and again because when I hearded is was like I was in the show. Other awasome songs are: The Circle of Life, Shadowland, Endless Night, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, King of Pride Rock/The Circle of Life(Reprise), but I think that the whole cd is perfect, awasome something that just Broadway can do

Great Soundtrack, better than the disney one
I have been a fan of "The Lion King" ever since it came out. I was just a little kid, but to this day it remains my favorite disney movie (along with the little mermaid and beauty and the beast). When it came out, I had the video, the disney soundtrack and even a simba stuffed animal (i still have all 3). Anyway, as much as I love the disney soundtrack, I feel that this one comes more alive and after seeing the broadway musical (it was FANTASTIC), this was the one i play more. It is different, more upbeat, tangible and interesting. Although I recommend both, if you have to pick one, the broadway soundtrack is the best one. Anything to do with the lion king is bound to be great anyway.

Now this is what Broadway is all about!
When I was about 7 [I am 12 now] I saw this on Broadway and it blowed me away and I thought it was just going to be some cheap costume cr*p but it was perfect! I knew I had to pick the soundtrack up. The soundtrack is just as magical as the scenery is eye popping. I always feel like I am right there, sitting in the orchestra pit seeing it live. And of course if you are a huge huge fan, you will recall and very familiar smell when you open the CD [Smell the lyric booklet and compare it to when you saw it live] And that's just a prelude. This CD has some songs that have great meanings to life and are very very well sung. Here are my favorites:
.He lives in you
.Circle of life
.The Maddness of King Scare
.Be Prepared
.Hakuna Matata
.The Morning report
.Shadowland

And don't let the shortness of the list fool you. Every moment in this CD is awesome and so memorible. I remember this being my first CD ever [As well as my first show when I saw it Live] and if it weren't for this, I wouldn't like musicals as I do now. This CD and the show will seriously change your life.

My main suggestion is for you to go see the show and buy this CD like right now. It rocks and is the second greatest show Broadway has ever seen [Les Miserables is my personal favorite] ! I also reccomend seeing Beauty and the Beast on stage with comes very close to this. ... Read more

Asin: B000001M1B
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Musicals    3. Pop    4. Show Tunes    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Aida (2000 Original Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 June, 2000)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

For his second Broadway musical (and first time out writing a full show directly for the stage), Elton John certainly set his sights high by turning to one of the grandest of all operas as a source. His continued collaboration with lyricist Tim Rice has produced a work far closer to the agreeable pop style and formula of the team's Disney musical, The Lion King, than to the majesty and tragic passion of Verdi's opera. But the compelling tale of conflicting loyalties and star-crossed lovers--retooled in part by acclaimed playwright David Henry Hwang--inspires some of John's signature melodic felicity, as in "Elaborate Lives" and "Every Story Is a Love Story." And the original cast recording marks a dramatic leap forward from 1999's dreary mishmash studio concept album, thanks to the heat generated by Heather Headley and Rent star Adam Pascal as the forbidden lovers. Sherie René Scott can turn on a dime from a parodic stance ("My Strongest Suit") to sad resignation ("I Know the Truth"), while the three get to blend in the ensemble "A Step Too Far"--a pop counterpart to the intensity of operatic ensemble. The score touches on reggae and gospel, and on all-out rock balladry (where it's fun to hear Pascal clearly imitating John's characteristic vocal inflections), but it's most touching in the more reflective moments given to Headley's dignified Nubian princess. --Thomas May ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (241)

Some good some bad
When I frist got this CD and when I saw the show I really loved it but now It is just Ok to me.There are something's I like and there are something's I do not like.The one thing I really like is Some of the singing but the music is way to poppy for Musical's.

Aida no more
One of the worst shows to ever grace the Broadway stage.Only claim to fame was the fact that Elton John and Tim Rice were behind it.Unfortunately, not exactly a good collaboration.Unoriginal tunes, cheesy plot and lines, lame acting, poor singing.One could go on and on and on about this gigantic failure of a production, but nothing says it more than the poor sales of its low-quality cast recording.

Wonderful
This is not only an AMAZING musical, but also a wonderful soundtrack. It has a heartfelt and very moving story and score and extremely complicated to put on. Also, in reference to another reviewers remarks, unless you happen to be from my high school, IC in Memphis, you are sadly mistaken about being the first to get the rights first in the nation. Today was the last performance and our cast did a wonderful job in showing just how the music in Aida can apply to all generations and move the audience. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RCVM
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Film Music    3. Original Score    4. Pop    5. Show Tunes    6. Showtunes / B'way    7. Soundtracks   

Cats (1981 Original London Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 June, 1998)
list price: $38.49 -- our price: $38.49
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Editorial Review

Since its debut in 1981, London's and the world's longest-running musical still fills seats in a dozen theaters worldwide. Uncountable recastings and reorchestrations later, Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats strives to please the ears of ever-new generations. This is the original cast recording, and it retains a freshness from the still-recent opening, its novelty untarnished by decades of success. Also, the abundance of "names"--both singers and musicians--makes this one of the high-class musical recordings of all time. Elaine Paige rose to stardom as Grizabella with the hit "Memory"; at the time, though, bigger names were Wayne Sleep, Paul Nicholas, and Brian Blessed. Sarah Brightman and Bonnie Langford are also on the cast list. Lloyd Webber himself plays keyboards and the impressive roster of session musicians includes Barbara Thompson and David Locke. Lloyd Webber, well versed in the practice of "auto-quotation," can always look back to this work for cat-chy material: the Overture, "Old Gumbie Cat," "Rum Tum Tugger," and "Mr. Mistoffelees"--the list of good tunes and themes goes on and on. This remains a fun listening experience, even for those few who still haven't caught the show. It's also available in a highlights version. --Yngvil V.G. ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (41)

CATS: London VS Austrailia
Overture: Tie

JS for JC: London

Naming: Oz

Invitation: Tie

Gumbie: London. 2 words: More Lyrics!!

Tugger: Oz

Grizabella: London

BJ: London. It also has more lyrics.

MJ&RT: BOTH!!! I liek both tunes equally but I prefer London more.

Old D: London. Yet again, more lyrics.

(Pekes and Pollicles is only included on the Oz version).

Jellicle Ball: London

Memory: London

MOH: London

Gus: Tie

Growltiger: Tie. My version would go like this: London Pirates, Oz slow part w/Siamese, Billy McCaw, London Ghengis, Bway catfight, and London finishes it off!

Skimble: Oz

Macavity: Oz

Misto: London

Journey: Tie

Addressing: London

CatsLondon V.S Cats Broadway!!!
I know you think you'v seen alot of these v.s things for cats
but I couldn't help myself!

Overture:same

Jellicle songs for Jellicle Cats:London

The naming of Cats:This song is HORRIBLE!

The Invitation to the Jellicle Ball:Broadway

The Old Gumbie Cat:Broadway

The Rum Tum Tugger:I like London a bit better.

Grizzabella:Broadway

Bustopher Jones:Broadway

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer:London

Old Dueteronomy:Broadway

The Awful battle of the Pecks and Poticles:Broadway

The Jellicle:Same

Grizzabella the Glamour cat:Broadway

Memory:Broadway

The moments of Happiness:I like Ken Page(Broadway) and Sarah Brightman(London) but they don't work together"sniff"

Gus the Theatre cat:Broadway

Growltiger's Last Stand(the ballad of Billy Mccaw):London

Skimbleshanks the Railway cat:Broadway

Macavity the Mystery cat:Both are VERY BAD!

Mr.Mistoffelees:Can't pick between them!

Memory:Betty Buckley(Broadway)is more stronger.

The Journey to the Heaviside Layer:Broadway

The Ad-dressing of CATS:BOTH!!!

Cats Broadway V.S Cats London
Overture-London

Jellicle Songs For Jellicle Cats-London

The Naming Of Cats-broadway

The Invitation To The Jellicle Ball-Broadway

The Old Gumbie Cat-Broadway & London

Th Rum Tum Tugger-Broadway & London

Grizabella The Glamour Cat-London

Bustopher Jones-Broadway

Mungojerrie And Rumpelteszer-Broadway good but the hole time Mr.Mistoffelees is singing. London good but it is jazzie and slow.

Old Deuteronomy-So Broadway

The Jellicle Ball- Browdway exelent London not as good

Grizabella-Browdway

The Moments Of Happiness-Broadway

Gus:The Theatre Cat-Browdway & London

"Growltiger's Last Stand"
Including "The ballad of Bill Mccaw"-Broadway

Skimbleshanks:The Railway Cat-Browdway & London

Macavity:The Mystery Cat-So Broadway!

Mr.Mistofflees-Broadway & London

Memory-Broadway & London

The Journey To The Heaviside layer-Broadway & London

The Ad-Dressing Of Cats-Broadway ... Read more

Asin: B000006XI0
Subjects:  1. Music Theater    2. Musicals    3. Pop    4. Show Tunes    5. Showtunes / B'way    6. Soundtrack    7. Soundtracks   

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Broadway Revival Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 March, 1999)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

It's easy to see why You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown is so popular. With its simple set and small cast, it has become a staple of high-school drama and small-scale productions all over America. Of course, this doesn't necessarily translate into a grandiose Broadway show, but this Michael Mayer-directed production is enjoyable. Anthony Rapp (Rent) plays an effective Charlie and Ilana Levine's Lucy is fun. The lively "Snoopy" number (Roger Bart plays the canine's role) is the musical's highlight, but such tunes as "Beethoven Day" really date the musical. Some may find it simplistic; others will love it. Which probably makes it a lot like the "Peanuts" comic strip itself. --Jason Verlinde ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (111)

Musical Both With Great Standouts and Horrible Ones
This music has a small cast, implying that each and every member has to be outstanding, and amazing because there is no ensemble to save them.In fact in many of the songs each of these characters needs to be in strong voice to carry their own unique vocal part.Also, each character sang alone atleast once in the show and for some characters, it was painful.

The Good:We'll start off with the good first, which clearly outweighs the bad.Anthonys Rapp injected so much charlie brown into his voice and his tone it is amazing.There is no denying this recording with Anthony Rapp alone but there's more.Kristin Chenoweth steals the show with My New Philosophy, given both comedy and a difficult vocal to deal with she pulls each off spectacularly.Following suit with Chenoweth is Roger Bart as snoopy.Outstanding with the character and quickly captures snoopy in two outstanding solos requiring both range and tone.Stanley Mathis pulls off a huge performance with beethoven day and shows off a tremendous Tenor range.

The Bad:Linus Linus Linus, the wimp of the charlie brown classics but does that really mean a wimpy performance is necessary?It sounded like no energy to me.A. BD Wong wasn't given much to work with, and B.BD Wong didnt do anything with what he was given.Now Lucy was utterly terrible.Im hoping she acted better than she sang because I have never heard a worse broadway vocal performance.However, it somehow fit considering Lucy's abrasive annoying and painful personality.The voice fit all of those adjectives.

Wong and Levine bring the show down but do not bring it down far enough to overshadow the tremendous talent and successful performances in the rest of the cast.

4 Stars B to A- range.Somewhere in between there.Very very good so go out and buy it!

Fun and Classic
When I originally bought this CD, I got it just for Kristin Chenoweth. I'd heard her sing "My New Philosophy," and hoped she would have more songs of her own.I was disappointed to find out that she only had small parts in other songs, and quickly cast the album away.But recently, I heard the local community theatre will be doing the show, so I got the CD out again and gave it another try... and was delighted!

The music is fun and classic, at the same time.Many have chosen the original, off-Broadway version because it brought back memories, or the way the characters are portrayed are more similar to the comic versions, but I disagree.As a younger fan of Broadway showtunes, I've grown up listening to the more pop and fun music of shows, like Thoroughly Modern Millie and Wicked. I've never listened to the older shows, prefering the newer CDs.So for me, this is a perfect choice.The songs are upbeat and fun, and the portrayals of the characters are right on the button.

Anthony Rapp is a perfect Charlie Brown. He's lonely, simple, and yet somewhat desperate for friendship and love.His joy in finding a friend in "The Doctor is In," or finding a pencil in the classic "Happiness" is contagious.Roger Bart is a hysterical Snoopy. He's fun and full of energy, especially in "Suppertime." Kristin Chenoweth, mentioned before, is an amazing Sally. She's fun and silly, and definately has an amazing voice.The CD is worth the cost just for her "My New Philosophy"!And Stanley Mathis is amazing. His energy and georgous voice is shown in "Beethoven Day" is just too fun! The only two problems are Ilana Levine, the unbelievably screechy Lucy, and B.D. Wong, whose lisp just gets in the way.But luckily, Ilana Levine gets better after a try or two, and B.D. Wong is only annoying in "My Blanket and Me."

The revival has two new songs- "My New Philosphy" and "Beethoven Day," both are super-fun and definate highlights.But all the other songs are fun too. "The Kite" is pure fun and energy, with a secret need to get the kite in the air.The opening is a classic tune and the ultimate in fun. "Glee Club Rehearsal" is just funny, and the classic "Happiness" has been made better then ever before.

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" has been a classic for ages, but it's even more of a classic now.

I LOVE IT
I've seen a lot of musical's and personally I think this is one of the best, especially for kids. The lyrics are hilarious are kids can really relate to the characters. They are also the lovable peanuts gang that you grew up with. I saw this musical on Broadway and immidiatly went out and bought the CD. It's really great!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00000I8B1
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Showtunes / B'way   

The Sound of Music (1959 Original Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 September, 1998)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Most of the civilized world identifies this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic with the Robert Wise film, one of the most successful movie musicals of all time ("The Sound of Money," critic Pauline Kael termed it). Which is why this recording can be so disconcerting. Not only are there different tunes ("How Can Love Survive," "Laendler," "No Way to Stop It," but no "Confidence" or "Something Good," both written for the film), but Captain Von Trapp is played by heavyset folksinger Theodore Bikel, a far cry from young Christopher Plummer. Mary Martin was not only much older than the film's Julie Andrews, she wasn't even British! Then again, neither was the real Maria--and the stage version is, in many ways, more faithful to the Von Trapp Family Singers' true story. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (25)

Sound of Music-Sweet and Complete
Yes, Mary Martin was a little old for Maria, but she becomes the character in this CD.The remastered version brings out a richer sound, but the original 1959 audio is a little funky (i.e. use of reverb, levels of singers microphones-especially kids) This, however is the original, and the movie version will never come close to the stage production.How can Love Survive?, and No Way to Stop It, showcase Max and Elsa's show-stealing capabilities.Theodore Bikel makes a fine Captain, especially in a very simple version of Edelweiss, not the over-produced version the movie portrayes. In all, a very fine album.

As seen and heard on stage
This is another of those fine Columbia original cast recordings (lovingly remastered by Sony) that puts you front and centre for a performance of the show.

It is true, Mary Martin may have been too old for the free-spirited Maria (she was 47 at the time) but remember too that it was while appearing in SOUND OF MUSIC that she taped the TV version of PETER PAN where she played a 12 year old boy.She had that star quality!Theodore Bikel was a folk singer himself and knew exactly how to sell "Edelweiss."

The movie is a rare case where a stage show was improved on its transfer to screen, but for listening purposes the story and charcters come alive better on this cast recording.Get both albums... there is much to enjoy either way!

No need to choose..enjoy both!
It is the most complete version of the original stage score. True, "How Can Love Survive" and "No Way to Stop It" would have no place in the movie, but they are enjoyable on the cast album.

R & H were probably rushed on this one.FLOWER DRUM SONG opened Dec 1, 1958..which gave them just 9 months to get SOUND OF MUSIC ready for rehearsals in August 1959. Some of the ideas Ernest Lehman came up with for the film, especially the song placements, were improvements that might have occurred to Rodgers, Hammerstein and company had they not been rushing to make an opening night.

Mary Martin maybe was too old..she looks too old in the pictures, but the warmth in her voice is unmistakable. Remember too that while starring in SOUND OF MUSIC on Broadway she taped the 3rd TV version of PETER PAN and pulled off playing a 12 year old boy! A great actress!!

Theodore Bikel was perfect as the Captain and as a folk singer himself he knew what to do with "Edelwiss." (Even though Christopher Plummer was dubbed in the movie by Bill Lee the song is better sing here by Bikel!)

I think the chief objection people may have to this cast recording is the very fact that it sounds theatrical... the kids especially seem to go for volume and enunciation. Those not used to theatrical performances might find this a little disconcerting.

One bit of trivia for opera fans: In the list of ensmble singers is the name Tatiana Troyanos who would later become a major opera star!

***Correction.. Matt Ballinger is on the RCA album from the 1998 revival with Rebecca Luker, not this album. From his picture in the booklet for that recoirding I suspect he was not even born in 1959. (Or 1969. Or 1979.) This is the recording one other reviewer says the Maria sounds too much like a soprano... No one ever said that about Mary Martin! ... Read more

Asin: B00000AG6Y
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Classical    3. Musicals    4. Show Tunes    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Fiddler on the Roof (1964 Original Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 July, 1989)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Fiddler on the Roof is one of Broadway's great classics. Based on the tales of Sholem Aleichem, the musical tells the humorous and heartbreaking story of the milkman Tevye as he tries to maintain the simplicities of his traditional life even as his daughters grow up and Russia heads toward revolution. Many of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's songs have become touchstones of popular culture, including "Tradition," "If I Were a Rich Man," and "Sunrise, Sunset." As Tevye, Zero Mostel leads--and at times dominates--the original 1964 Broadway cast, displaying irrepressible swagger and bluster. A young Julia Migenes plays his middle daughter, Hodel, while those who only know Bert Convy as a game-show host will be surprised by his pleasant voice as her suitor. The CD includes two previously unreleased songs but no lyrics. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (22)

This recording redeemed the show for me
After seeing a lethally abysmal community theater production of Fiddler on the Roof, I went through the next several years bearing a dormant but definite hatred toward the show.However, after listening to the original cast recording - as I am doing even as I write this review - the show has been almost entirely redeemed in my mind.No small feat.

Zero Mostel, of course, carries the show.He is wonderful.That is pretty much all there is to say.After that he must be heard.The voices of his family are uniformly unpleasant, although that of Julia Migenes (as second-oldest daughter Hodel) is commendably penetrating.That said, it works for the songs.It isn't as though the performers didn't have a choice.They clearly have range, or they wouldn't have been cast in the first place! Some of them are downright terrific.The actress playing Grandmother Tzeitel, a small role (she only sings in Tevye's dream sequence) is particularly striking.Absolutely, astonishingly wonderful is Austin Pendleton as Motel in his lone number, "Miracle of Miracles".This performance I would listen to over and over again on its own.Remarkable.

Last but not least, there is Bert Convy as Perchik.(Yes, THE Bert Convy of "Tattle Tales" fame!) His performance is remarkable too.Quite a step away from the Game Show Network.

All of the numbers are worth a listen, or two, or three.

Good Musical...Not-So-Good Recording
I love the musical Fiddler on the Roof...but this recording wasn't too impressive. The singing quality isn't really that great...it often sounds like the performers are screaming or off key. What I do like about this album is the fact that it includes all the songs from the musical. The songs I enjoy the most from this album are "If I Were A Rich Man," "To Life," "The Dream," "Sunrise, Sunset," and "The Rumor." Overall, this album is ok...it's worth a listen.

wonderful, heartfelt and entertaining!
If only they had made a video recording of this wonderful, successful tour de force production, starring the legendary Zero Mostel, as Tevye the dairyman(you might know him as Max Bialystock in "The Producers" and also in "The Front"--a wondeful comedian and engaging actor).Everytime I hear this recording, I can SEE the performers singing, dancing and bickering in my imagination.This soundtrack definitely brings you into Anatevka, a peasant village in Russia.Tevye, a god fearing man with three young daughters he wants to marry off, is having real trouble deciding on the proper husbands for them because the young women prove perfectly capable of making the decision for themselves.

Not only are great, well-loved songs like "Tradition," "Matchmaker," "If I Were a Rich Man," and "Sunrise, Sunset," on this special "Broadway Deluxe Collector's Edition" album, but there are bonus songs and commentary from Sheldon Harnick, the lyicist for the numerous wonderful tunes.Definitely entertaining and educational!I really wish they had kept "When Messiah Comes," (the lyrics are hysterical!) "How Much Richer Could One Man Be?" (a beautiful song written for Perchik, a young student who courts Tevye's daughter, Hodel).Also, you must listen to Vladimir Spivakov's masterful violin interpretation of "If I Were a Rich Man"--it will bring tears to your eyes.

This is the original cast, and, in my opinion, the best!The singing, acting and music is top notch and everyone should listen to this.I guarantee that even if you aren't a big fan of musicals, you will come to love "Fiddler on the Roof" and even find yourself humming these popular songs for days after you have first heard the soundtrack! ... Read more

Asin: B000002WB3
Subjects:  1. Musicals    2. Pop    3. Show Tunes    4. Showtunes / B'way    5. Soundtrack   

West Side Story [Original Broadway Cast]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 September, 1998)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $7.99
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Editorial Review

What is there left to say about this musical, deservedly one of the most famous in the canon? Created by what lyricist Stephen Sondheim described as "a unique concatenation of people" (Leonard Bernstein, Sondheim, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins), the show remains as explosively vibrant, daring, and modern as it was decades ago. Bernstein integrated Latin percussion and jazz into his electrifying score, dazzlingly translating New York's unique vitality into a musical idiom. West Side Story has been adapted for jazz and interpreted by pop and opera singers, but you owe it to yourself to check out the original version to see what the fuss was all about. This new reissue adds over 20 minutes of "symphonic dances" as well as liner notes and production photos. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (26)

One of Broadway's finest scores...but not the best recording
Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's "West Side Story" ranks among my top 3 favorite Broadway scores ever.The beautiful, soaring music beautifully captures the passion and emotion of the simple, somewhat-dated, but ultimately compelling update of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."Somewhat unusually for me, however (since I usually prefer the original cast recordings over others), this is not my favorite recording of the score--there's nothing particularly wrong with any of the performances, but the production just seems to rob the music of its energy.The "Tonight" quintet, for example, is one of the most exciting and tension-filled moments in the show, but here it just comes across as flat and lifeless.Overall however if one is able to find a better recording or, ideally, see a live performance, they will experience first-hand the beauty, the passion, the energy of "West Side Story."

Romeo and Juliet on the West Side
Although the idea of a modern ROMEO AND JULIET, set as a conflict between two gangs, one American and one Puerto Rican, is itself inspired, it is really Leonard Bernstein's score, enhanced by young Stephen Sondheim's lyrics, that makes WEST SIDE STORY special.In his excellent liner notes, Ken Mendelbaum suggests that the original 1957 cast of WEST SIDE STORY will never be surpassed, and listening to the original cast recording I am tempted to agree.What makes these singer-actors so ideal is the fact that their youthful vitality goes with voices that do full justice to Bernstein's brilliantly integrated and complex score, which, though sometimes "jazzy," is classically based and often operatic (the conflict in the score between jazz and opera represents the conflict in the story between violence and love).Larry Kert as Tony, for example, has a boyish yet wide-ranging tenor that deals effortlessly with the tricky rhythms of "Something's Coming" and the long lines of "Maria" (what a beautiful pianissimo at the close of this song!), "Tonight" (ditto), and the Bellini-esque "One Hand, One Heart."His sound is complemented by the perfect purity of Carol Lawrence's (Maria) soprano.As the been-around Anita, Chita Rivera (who became a star with this role) makes a strong impression in "(I Like to Be in) America" and "A Boy Like That," which is set against Maria's "aria," "I Have a Love," with potent results.Not only are the two "fight scenes" electrifying to hear, but the entire recording has a theatrical energy typical of all the cast albums produced for Columbia by Goddard Lieberson (GYPSY, starring Ethel Merman, is another that I'd highly recommend).And it is wonderful to have, as bonus tracks, Bernstein's own symphonic suite based on the show's dance music.This CD is a priority for any musical theatre-lover.

An Essential Original cast Album!
Recorded just days after WEST SIDE STORY opened on Broadway this original cast disc is one of the best from the golden days of Goddard Lieberson at Columbia Records.He knew exactly how to translate a stage musical to records.The prologue needed more excitement so he added the sonds of the gang members and had the orchestra increase the tempo.Not every note would fit (the Lp was very long for its day: 57 minutes!) so some trims were made here and there but done with such skill that they are hardly noticed.On the other hand, the entire "Somewhere" Ballet is heard here. It was not used in the movie.

Some people prefer the movie soundtrack for its beefier orchestrations. It too is a very fine recording of the score. But this is the first, the original. The way WEST SIDE STORY sounded when it premiered.

Sony's reissue sounds sensational: crisp, and clear with every orchestral texture.The bonus tracks are a symphonic suite of dances that Bernstein extracted for concert performances. ... Read more

Asin: B000056TB2
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Classical    3. Film Music    4. Musicals    5. Original Score    6. Show Tunes    7. Showtunes / B'way   

Les Miserables (1985 Original London Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 May, 1998)
list price: $34.98
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Editorial Review

This recording captures the 1985 London cast that transformed an obscure French musical based on Victor Hugo's gargantuan novel of pre-Revolutionary France into a worldwide phenomenon throughout the late-'80s and '90s and became one of the best examples of the era's trend of blockbuster musical spectacles. Yes, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schoenberg's score tends to recycle its themes, but the beautiful melodies and stirring anthems rarely fail to captivate and touch its audience. Colm Wilkinson is the heroic Valjean, Patti LuPone is the tragic Fantine, Michael Ball is the love-struck Marius, and Frances Ruffelle is the despondent Eponine, with Roger Allam (Javert), Alun Armstrong and Sue Jane Tanner (the Thénardiers), Rebecca Caine (older Cosette), and David Burt (Enjolras) filling out the excellent cast. Fans will want to take note that this recording includes some material that was revised when the show crossed the pond to Broadway--"Little People" was lost altogether, while the "Love Montage" was significantly rewritten. Les Misérables sounds especially vivid in its 1998 remastering, and a synopsis and full lyrics are included. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (105)

Okay
I love this musical and have the four English language recordings. This particular recording is good, but like many people, I find the Complete Symphonic and the 10th Anniversary Recordings to be superior. In the Eponine role, for instance, while Frances Ruffelle's acting is superb, her singing isn't -- she has such a bad voice and an annoying way of articulating (she eats her words); Kaho Shimada and Lea Salonga do much, much better. If you're a big Les Mis fan, however, it wouldn't be bad to get all four recordings as they show the musical's transformation over the years.

Les Mis 85 -An Examination of Valjean andJavert
Original concept album, delightfully complete Symphonic Recording, and drab Broadway Transfer aside, the "Les Miserable Original Lodon Cast Recording" still remains the difinitive.


Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, the part he was born to play, is unconventional, unique, and a fantastic actor, many qualities he lost during his transfer to broadway, in which he sounded strained and tight throated.His voice is something to expierience, and he handles his solos wonderfully.He especially soars in Bring Him Home and What Have I Done.



Roger Allam as Javert is also a highlight.Many Les Mis fans openly prefer Phillip Quast as the relentless inspecter, and although Quast is, I'll admit, exceptional, he is still nothing more then a close second to the original Javert.Allam sounds old enough to be the character, a characteristic many other Javerts have lacked, his voice, like Wilkinson's, is equaly unique, and ranges from dark, to emotional, all with a slight nasal quality that ties it together with an eerie feel.My only gripe is Soliloquy, which although sung beautifully, one of the best on his part, lacks the overwhelemed, life threatening emotion necessary for that point in the characters development, something I will give Quast for finding and excuting perfectly.

(Some of you may have noticed I haven't mentioned Terrance Mann, and I must throw in my two cents -Mann is a wonderful Rum Tum Tugger, a greaat singer, but not a Javert.To his credit I will quote him, seeing as he returned to the role 16 years after he left it, now suitably older, and as I've read, a better singer -

"When I did the show originally, I'd never taken voice lessons," he said. "I'd just been kind of rockin' and rollin' and gutting out stuff. Since then I've learned about the voice, learned about where to place it. When I did the show before, I would tend to put a lot of tension in my throat. Now I don't know if you call it confidence or just a certain ease of being on the stage, but I'm more relaxed and comfortable."

Alan Wasser, general manager of Les Miserables since it opened, has seen the show as many times as anyone. He said the difference in Mann's Javert then and now is striking.

"There's a mature sort of bearing he brings to the part now. Javert is a serious older force, as opposed to the super vigor that Terry used to bring to it.")

The best London cast recording ever made!
Man, I first was intoroduced to this in the 10th Anniversery DVD. It blew me away. Then I was being cheap and I bought the Original Broadway Highlights recording. It was very disapointing the songs they chose to put on there. Then I was having trouble picking the next COMPLETE recording of the show. Of course,this is not complete, but it's still great. Anyway, I deciced to get this one because of Patti Lupone. Although she stunk in this recording, I was FORCED to listen to the rest of this recording by my brain. So I did, and loved it. Some of my favorite songs are:
.Prolouge [The whole thing]
.One day more
.Stars
.Look down
.Master of the house [Lol]
.Do you hear the people sing?
.Red and black

I do kind of miss "Solilquy" but still, this is the greatest London recording of anything I've hear. BUY THIS!!! Forget about the Original Broadway and Concert version!

... Read more

Asin: B000006ONF
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Showtunes / B'way   

Disney's Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (26 April, 1994)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Way back in 1991, many of us saw the single-handed salvation and revival of the old-fashioned American-style Broadway musical comedy. True, it was in the form of a feature-length Disney cartoon, but Beauty and the Beast had it all: a wonderful, tuneful score (including a huge hit title-song), off-the-wall choreography, a great opposites-attract love story with an ultimately happy ending, comic subplots, colorful period costumes, a romantic location in small-town France, and an irresistible cast, including Angela Lansbury as the voice of a teapot. Alan Menken's songs, with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, literally introduced the characters ("Belle" and "Gaston") and carried them gracefully through the old fairy tale with its new animated twists. Disney understandably decided to transpose this cinematic miracle to the Broadway stage in 1992. Beauty and the Beast at the fabled Palace Theatre has done as much as anything to revive New York's theatre district; it led to a similar animated film-to-stage transfer of The Lion King, which allowed for the magnificent restoration of the 1902 New Amsterdam Theatre, which was the cornerstone of the cleanup of 42nd Street, which in turn transformed Times Square and "Broadway" into the world's number-one tourist destination. And we're all terribly grateful. But, on stage, Beauty and the Beast was flat, and most of that lack of fizz is, alas, captured on compact disc. The good songs are all here, such as "Be Our Guest," but the performances of them are mostly perfunctory--the exception being the vocal renderings of Susan Egan as Belle, the Beauty. Further, the Disneyfication of the Broadway musical seems to extend to faceless and interchangeable (read: cheap to hire) players, a practice that extends to The Lion King. The only "names" in the original Beauty and the Beast cast were Beth Howland as the teapot and Tom Bosley, a mere shadow of his former Fiorello, as Belle's father. Even worse, unlike The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast was not reinvented for the stage. It's my theory that the kids who made up the live audience (and many of their parents) were filling in the blanks from repeated viewings of the cartoon on video. If you're willing to do the same when only listening, this CD might do. But why, when the movie soundtrack album is available? --Robert Windeler ... Read more

Reviews (59)

Beauty And The Beast Soundtrack
I went to see the play and I loved the songs!I just had to buy the soundtrack!My favorite songs are "Home" and "If I Can't Love Her".I think this is the best CD in my library.

The BEST Music EVER!!!!!
I have always loved the story of Beauty and the beast! I love the theme of the story! And the music is not any less magical! But what I like most about this soundtrack is, it has my favorite song "If I cant love her" where as the Disney version dose not. This music is really some that you will want to listen to over and over, I know I have!!

A Classical Broadway Adventure!
I got this Cd from the Library and I was amazed at how wonderful it was. Not only did they stick to the original material but they mangaged to fit in some new songs. I've never went to the broadway show but thats where imagination comes in for some people Including me. Also this Cd has more emotion. For instance in Belle's number "Home" it kind of empathizes how much she wants to return home. Also the Beast has WAY more emotion in this Cd. His songs: How long must this go on and If I can't love her show his feelings. "How long must this go on?"shows how he's still angry with what happened to him. "If I can't love her" is a Fabulous song for the beast considering it shows his Kind side. Also more interesting things are revealed for instance in "Something There" we learn the beast never learnt to read alot. The emotion he gives when he says that he never knew books could make him forget what he is is a great emotion. Gaston number 'Me' is interesting and I like belles lines for unknown reasons. Some of the numbers like "Gaston and Be our Guest" are in my opinion a bit long. However all in all this is a great CD! Purchase 'the tale as old as time' broadway CD! ... Read more

Asin: B00000DT8E
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Musicals    3. Pop    4. Show Tunes    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Pinocchio (Disney Gold Classic Collection)
Director: Hamilton Luske, Ben Sharpsteen
Average Customer Review:
DVD (26 October, 1999)
list price: $29.99
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Editorial Review

This Disney masterpiece from 1940 will hold up forever precisely because it doesn't restrain or temper the most elemental emotions and themes germane to its story. Based on the Collodi tale about a wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy, Pinocchio is among the most magical, mythical, and frightening films to come from the studio in its long history. A number of scenes make permanent impressions on young minds (just ask Steven Spielberg, who quoted the film more than once in Close Encounters of the Third Kind), and the songs ("When You Wish upon a Star") can't be beat. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• THX
• Animated

Reviews (116)

Platinum edition due. Wait!!!
Pinocchio is planned to be re-released on a platinum/special edition (the time has not been announced yet).

The first limited issue release of this DVD was weak. Disney then re-released Pinocchio on "Gold Collection", but many of the disk inside were still limited issue disk. The limited edition DVD contains no bonus features and has a modest transfer (The sound is excellent, but the picture is sometimes grainy and color is in need of restoration).

Basically, Disney gave this film and viewers the shaft (on the first DVD release). Pinnochio Platinum wont be out till at least 2007, but it may be worth the wait. I hope when the new DVD comes out that Disney does not censor it (as they have with other DVD titles such as Melody Time).

(NOTE: the little mermaid is scheduled for platinum in 2006). Dont miss Cinderella platinum in fall 2005

...Well
if you honestly, seriously, loved your kid, and wanted him to be safe and not expose him to innappropriate stuff, this should not be shown to him. This DVD/VHS is chock full of useless stupid nonsense that I never liked. I think that if you wanted to watch something educational, watch some presidential speech.. or rugrats.. none of these new age cartoons or old age cartoons such as this. " i want to be a real boy ". Well, for one you can't talk in real life, and, nobody loves you enough for oyu to be real. This video was never one of my favorites, but instead i've always hated it in heart. If I could put a penny on every stupid line said in this movie, I would be richer than mr.gates. This thing has horrible acting, unbelievable bad singing, and it hurts me to watch it.. knowing that people actually encourage kids to watch this. I for one think if blood and groteskness is innappropriate for their kids, this is much much worse. This and the little mermaid.. basically really all the older disney films. If you other people can recall, on the old L.M. VHS box, there was a ..Long... golden.. figure in the background of the castle. Remember? That just shows how uncalled for this is, and how all this money thats being made is going tot he wrong people..... over at disney..

Avoid this film, and L.M. at all costs!

Sincerely from the heart of,
Me.Alex.

Sleeping Beauty
I recieved the movie in very good condition and on a very timely basis. Thank you ... Read more

Asin: B00001QEE9
Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family    2. Feature Film    3. Family   

The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 February, 2001)
list price: $37.98 -- our price: $30.49
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

What's left to be said about Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera a decade after its premiere? That it's maddeningly ubiquitous? A stitch-up of various themes shoplifted from the Italian operatic repertoire? A critic-proof crowd pleaser that's probably being staged somewhere in the world as you read this? A megahit that will likely outlive Titanic in the pop-culture pantheon, Phantom has largely redefined--for better or worse--the manner in which modern musicals are conceived, staged, and marketed. Its influence has reached far beyond the traditional confines of London and Broadway. A favorite example: an abridged version that was the centerpiece of Los Angeles's longest-running transvestite revue, replete with 14-inch chandeliers and a man-playing-a-woman-playing-a-man in the title role. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (308)

Michael Crawford + Sarah Brightman = An Incredible Show!
Phantom of the Opera has to be one of my favorite musicals that I have gotten to listen to over and over again.I was lucky enough to see the show (not with SB and MC) back in 1992, but when I listen to the CD to the original London show, it is just so much better.

Sarah Brightman is incredible as Christine.I don't think that there is anyone else who has the range that she has.She is truly flawless.

Michael Crawford.Wow.Let me just say that his voice is that of an angel.If there's an Angel of Music, it is him.Whenever I heard him sing, my heart just melts.Music of the Night is just wonderful.I feel like I am actually there with him.That is how powerful his singing is.

The rest of the cast is wonderful as well, but SB and MC stand way out.

If you are thinking about buying the soundrack to Phantom, buy this one!These two performers will truly blow you away.

MICHAEL CRAWFORD!
OK, I'm gonna say it right now. I LOVE Michael Crawford's voice.
I think he is THE Phantom and I can't stand to hear people criticize him. I'm telling you now, I am VERY biased. He has the perfect tenor voice for Erik and I for one think he does show plenty of emotion in his voice. No one will ever perform "The Music of the Night" as well as him. One thing I love about him is his range. He can hit those very high (and I'll admit, a tad nasal) notes and also lower his voice to a deep, almost crooning, timber that I adore. If I had to pick a place on the OCR where I thought he sounded weak, it would have to be "The Point of No Return." He wasn't at his best there, but that's really the only place where he falters.
Now as for Sarah Brightman...this is why I had to take off a star. I really don't like her voice here. In fact, the first time I ever heard her, I thought "Why is Carlotta still singing?" By the time I got through my first listen of the OCR, I hated her. But as time went on, she began to grow on me and I can tolerate her now. But I still cringe whenever that duck-like quality slips in, such as the word "point" in "The Point of No Return." And I'm always irritated when I hear the "r" she added on to "opera" in the title song. But she is superb with the high notes, especially the "Think of Me" cadenza and she sounds great at the very end of "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again."
The supporting cast is excellent especially Rosemary Ashe as Carlotta and Steve Barton, with that warm, soothing baritone, is my favorite Raoul.

The Phantom Of The Opera is there, inside my mind!!
Back in January 2004, I was at a friends' house and she was on the internet and I walked into the room that she was in and I heard this incredible orchestral music playing and it turned out to be The Overture from this Phantom CD and I totally loved it!!!I loved how it had this organ and then she played The Phantom Of The Opera and I knew at that moment that I had to get the whole CD of The Phantom Of The Opera.

After I got the whole Original Cast Recording, I listened to it all but my favorites were and still are The Overture and The Phantom Of The Opera!I just totally love the organ and in The Phantom Of The Opera, I love the singing and that orchestral part that plays after the very first time Sarah Brightman/Christine sings "The Phantom Of The Opera is there, inside my mind" and there is that very short break before the Phantom/Michael Crawford starts singing for the very first time in that song, it's so awesome!!Sarah Brightman sounded like a real Opera singer and I am surprised she never became one.Michael Crawford has such a powerful voice and I love that part when he sings "She is singing to bring down the chandelier!"I just love that part!

The whole CD is amazing and The Phantom Of The Opera is now my all time favorite musical because of the Operatic and Orchestral music that plays!This 2 disc version of The Original Cast Recording comes with the Libretto which has all the dialog and lyrics to everything, even some stuff that wasn't included on the CD but stuff that you would hear in the real production on Broadway.This is a wonderful CD and recommend it to anyone who likes orchestral or musicals! ... Read more

Asin: B00004YTY2
Subjects:  1. Music Theater    2. Musicals    3. Pop    4. Show Tunes    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Annie (1977 Original Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 September, 1998)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

The original Broadway cast recording of Annie still has as much charm as it did in 1977. Charles Strouse wrote the snappy music and Martin Charnin's clever lyrics capture the misery of the Great Depression, the glitter of the upper-crust life, and the character of the FDR administration. Andrea McArdle shines in the title role, most notably with the classic anthem "Tomorrow," while Tony-winner Dorothy Loudon and Reid Shelton provide support as the hag Miss Hannigan and the benevolent Daddy Warbucks, respectively.

The 1998 remastered edition includes as bonus material 17 minutes of tape Strouse and Charnin recorded for backers' auditions in 1972. They present the seven songs with some plot structure and early ideas for characters ("Miss Asthma" was a precursor for Miss Hannigan). Many of the songs didn't survive the final cut, but "Just Wait" eventually became "Little Girls" and "We Got Annie" was resurrected for the 1982 film. "Tomorrow" also appears--touted as the song's earliest recording--and Strouse and Charnin's rendition will increase your appreciation of McArdle. You won't listen to this rough draft every time you play the CD, but you'll enjoy it if you have any interest in the show. The booklet includes the original synopsis and production notes as well as new notes by Charnin on the extra tracks, but no lyrics. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (39)

Tomorrow Is Always A Better Day
This musical will always be one of my favorites of all time- and it's no wonder that it played to sold out houses when it premiered on Broadway. Annie is a charming musical that is sure to make you smile everytime you listen to "Tomorrow." When I left the show, I felt a little better about my life and more optismistic about to Tomorrow. But who, can't love Annie? The kids are joyous, the story is brillantly done, and the music is cathcy. It's a musical that adults will of course, want to take the kiddies too but, as soon as you leave you too will be singing "Tomorrow" as well. All in all you must buy this C.D. it will make you smile with each listen! And remember Tomorrow is always a day away-

Great !
Great songs and vocals! But why was the "Maybe" reprise left out? It's been in the show any time I've seen it. Also I thought the 2 "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile" versions should have been separate not clumsily smacked together. Otherwise I'd give it 5 stars! I personally didn't notice the technical problems, I'll have to listen next time.

Consumer warning - critical flaw in mastering
The charming 1977 musical is not the subject of this note.The show is great and the liner notes are superb.
However, consumers should note that there is a critical flaw in the mastering (at least on the disc version that I obtained).
It is very unfortunate that the manufacturers did not pull this mis-mastered version from the market.
As noted elsewhere (and absolutely correct), an entire track of sound is lost and can only be heard distantly in the background.
If the problem is corrected and later discs are OK, it just compounds the problem with no way to know if you have a flawed disc or an OK disc.
A most unfortunate problem for what should be a joyous recording. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AG6Z
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Classical    3. Music Theater    4. Musicals    5. Show Tunes    6. Showtunes / B'way