42nd Street (2001 Revival Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 June, 2001)
list price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

Mounting a revival of 42nd Street seemed a bit premature--after all, the show had closed in 1989 after nearly nine years on Broadway. But as a giddy love letter to the musical theater, it can't be beat, so we're not going to complain. Inspired by Busby Berkeley's movie, the show includes one great Warren-Dubin number after another, making it a feast of titanium-plated hits that include "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me," "Dames," "We're in the Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," and, of course, the title song. The leads are on the bland side, but the rest of the cast--most notably Mary Testa, Jonathan Freeman, and 2001 Tony-winner Christine Ebersole--has more than enough spunk to fuel this revival. This is one of the most joyous albums you're likely to hear in a while. Just close your eyes and prepare to be swept into a wondrous world of sassy dames and high-kickin' chorus girls. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (31)

it's just fluff, not a lot of impressive substance
there are some very good songs in this show, but overall the content and many songs did not impress me at all. let me quote one for you-
what's cute about a little cutie?
it's her beauty, not brains
old father time will never harm you
if your charm still remains...

keep young and beautiful
it's your duty to be beautiful
keep young and beautiful
if you want to be loved

does anyone feel a little bit uncomfortable with these lyrics? i know it was written awhile ago, but not so long ago that these kind of messages were readily accepted... i hope. i personally can't say i loved the show when i went to see it two years ago. the plot was unconnvincing and the themes personally bothered me. i'll admit that there are some winning songs in the album. some of my favorites being 'you're getting to be a habit with me' 'i only have eyes for you' and the title song, but my disliking for the actual show makes me regard the soundtrack in a negative light. if you will buy a cd for a handful of good songs amid many other, well, not so good, thenbuy it. first read up on the plot though. compared with the good, moving broadway plays, this one just doesn't measure up. it's all fluff. if you enjoy fluff, by all means get the cd.

Not the greatest, but good.
Out of the many soundtracks I own, I can't say 42nd street is my favourite. However, it gets a listen every now and then. The length of it isn't so much a problem [I can listen to the 2001 The Producers and restrain from growing tired], there are a few songs I don't care for. Not to mention, some I blatantly skip over. However, "You're Getting To Be a Habit with Me", "Only Have Eyes For You", "Lullaby of Broadway", "A Quarter to Nine", and "42nd Street" are all excellent, and worh the 20 bucks. The beginning of the sdtk isn't the most enthralling show tunes I've heard, but the latter half makes up for it. If you're aim is to work towards completing your broadway collection, by all means, get this album! But if you're not much of a fan of musicals, there are better. 3.5 stars.

The Big Parade
Even though the original performace only closed in 1989, after a nine year run(one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history), its really no suprise to see 42nd Street back in action. With catchy, classic songs such as the perky, slighty corny "We're in the Money", the comedic "Keep Young and Beautiful", the classic "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me", the wonderful title song, and of course the big one, the turning point, the always great "Lullaby of Broadway", the show is larger than life. Christine Ebersole is truly a star, with an amazing vocal range. If you listen to all of her songs, you will hardly believe you are hearing the same person. David Elder has a perfect tenor voice, Michael Cumpsty, although everyone says he is no Jerry Orbach, has excellent acting skills, Mary Testa and Jonathan Freeman are the perfect pair, and Kate Levering is a talented Peggy Sawyer. The addition of some new songs, such as "Keep Young and Beautiful", "I Only Have Eyes for You", "With Plenty of Money and You" and the new verse to "42nd Street", make the show even greater. The "grandaddy of all backstage musicals" will never die: 42nd Street, that big parade, really will go on for years. ... Read more

Asin: B00005K9KC
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musicals    4. Pop    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   

Avenue Q (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 October, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
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Editorial Review

Avenue Q will only fuel the frustration of those who think that Broadway has given up on sophisticated entertainment geared to adults. "Whatever happened to Cole Porter's witty rhymes and mature subject matter?" they'll say. Well, it's hard to deny that Avenue Q's main frame of reference is Sesame Street and that its humor can be very broad--yes, there's profanity and puppet sex. But the show also displays heart("The More You Ruv Someone" typically begins with "Why can't people get along?") and a pretty satisfying zany streak. Musically, the score is rooted in 1970s pop, with nods to the aforementioned Sesame Street. The excellent cast, dominated by John Tartaglia and Stephanie D'Abruzzo, does it justice, milking the humorous numbers for all they're worth and finding pathos in the more straightforward ones. Not bad for a childish show.--Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording
• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (141)

to the person below who said it's "horrible & disgusting"-
"horrible and disgusting"?!this has got to be the funniest thing I've ever heard! Avenue Q is a riot.if you've ever seen this musical on Broadway, you've seen 850 people all around you laughing their heads off and falling out of their seats laughing.There's a reason this cd has an average (AVERAGE!) Amazon customer review of 4-1/2 stars, and there's an extremely good reason it won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical (!!!), the 2004 Tony Award for best Score, and the 2004 Tony Award for Best Book of a musical.The person who said "(excuse me, I don't even consider it a musical)" is obviously just a moron.Is that why it's sold out on Broadway so much that you can't even get a ticket?Almost everyone I know loves Avenue Q and has the album on their ipods because it's hilarious and touching and very human (despite the puppets) all at the same time.Perhaps as you say, "any civilized person would not listen to such garbage" but then I guess I'd never want to be one of those civilized people you're referring to.Boy am I glad I'm not living in your world.You're missing the joke that the rest of us are having a great time enjoying...It sucks to be you.:)Avenue Q rocks.

Horrible. Disgusting
This is the trashiest musical (excuse me, I don't even consider it a musical) that has ever been put out. It should be destroyed and burned. It is downright disgusting and horrible and any civilized person would not listen to such garbage. I would have given it -5 stars, but it wouldn't let me give below a one (and it doesn't deserve it.)

Eh...good for a chuckle...
I bought it because it won at the Tony Awards.I figured it had to be wonderful.And it's alright.Definitely very juvenile humor.Which isn't a slam.I chuckled.It was probably worth the purchase just for the song "What do you do with a BA in English."If that's not the actual title, it's close enough.As an English major who struggled to "find myself" after college, I appreciated the sentiment.

I can't say it blew me away.I think I enjoy a more serious and adult musical.Even that comes out wrong because this one is very much "adult."This is the only CD in my entire collection that I will hide from my young nieces.Heh.Maybe I should say I enjoy a more serious and dramatic musical.

This one will give you a chuckle if you don't mind the irreverent and often off-color humor.In the right mood, I enjoy it. ... Read more

Asin: B0000BZK1R
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Pop    3. Show Tunes    4. 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
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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   

The Boy From Oz (1998 Original Australian Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 December, 2001)
list price: $29.49 -- our price: $29.49
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Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (5)

Re-listening to OZ from Oz
I've been relistening to the original original cast recording of this show.I'm really starting to enjoy it and find it quite entertaining. It has its own wonderful quality and well worth listening to over and over again.
It definitely would NOT have worked on Broadway with these arrangements because it retains too much the quality of a lounge act; not nearly 'big' enough for Broadway.BUT the performances are really terrific and the period arrangements are true to form.
I wish PRETTY KEEN TEEN, SURE THING BABY and TAUGHT BY EXPERTS had been kept in the Broadway production
Enjoy!

OH BOY, WHAT A JOY,THE SHOWS A HIT!!
The Boy From Oz had its world opening at HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE Sydney in 1998. As a theatre lover and seen over 70 shows, this musical stands out as #1 around Australia and soon to hit and rule the world.
The music is outstanding.
The cast is the best.
The show PHENOMINAL!!!!

The songs lift your spirits beyond belief. They just make you feel you are up there on that stage with the cast. You would understand why the songs are on this cd and the order they are in as they happen in the show if you saw it first, but trust me you can listen to the cd before you see the show.
The cast featured on this cd are Australias best!
TODD MCKENNEY (Singin'In the Rain, Crazy for You, 42nd Street, Strictly Ballroom{movie})just to name a few, Plays Peter Allen.
CHRISSIE AMPHLETT (The lead singer in the band "The Divinyls", plus several shows) plays JUDY GARLAND.
JILL PERRYMAN (Austarlias lady of the stage and screen {small and big} Hello Dolly!, Funny Girl, Annie, to name a few) plays Peter Allens Mother MARION WOOLNOUGH.
ANGELA TOOHEY (Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar) plays LIZA MINNELLI. A very scary fantastic roll. You would think you were watching Liza on stage she has the role down so well.
Robyn Arthur (Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, Cats, Cosi) plays several roles.
Murray Bartlett (4th season of Sex and the City, Australian tv & theatre shows)plays Greg Connell. Peter Allen's partner.

The music that features in this show is outstanding and moving. There are moving/love songs: All i wanted was the dream, Sure thing baby, Quiet please, there is a lady on stage, I'd rather leave while i'm in love, Best that you can do, Love dont need a reason, I honestly love you, Dont cry out loud, Tenterfield Saddler
Fun and enjoyable songs:Continental American, When i get my name in lights, Pretty Keen teen, Only an older woman, Dont wish too hard, Sure thing baby, Taught by experts, Not the boy next door,everything old is new again, she loves to hear the music, I still call australia home, I GO TO RIO!!

The stage, the music, the fun and the life of Australias and the worlds most out there and amazing enterainer comes to life in this musical and cd. When it comes to a stage near you, you have to buy tickets. And if your anything like the millions of Aussies that have seen it you will see it again and again. With the likes of the Phantoms, Les Mis etc.. around and gracing our stages after 20 or so years, i know THE BOY FROM OZ will still be around gracing our stages and our childrens stages for many many many years.

OH BOY! WHAT A JOY! THE BOYS A HIT!

THIS MUSICAL EXPERIENCE WILL TAKE YOU FROM NEW YORK TO RIO AND OLD LONDON TOWN! BUT STILL CALL AUSTRALIA HOME!
OR YOU MIGHT WANT TO GO TO RIO!

Fantastic!
Well, I saw this play while in Syndey in '98, and loved it then, and the more i listen to the soundtrack, the more i love it. It is amazing, and it totally recaps the feel of the play. I honestly love you, and TenterfeildSaddler are two of the most amazing songs ever writen, and they are evenmore wonderful on this fabulous album! All praise Peter Allen ... Read more

Asin: B00000B8WV
Sales Rank: 99293
Subjects:  1. Australia    2. Music Theater    3. Pop    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores    7. Vocal   

Cabaret: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1998 Broadway Revival)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 June, 1998)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

The 1998 Broadway production of Cabaret is that rarest of revivals, one that feels like an utterly new show. Despite their incredibly familiarity, the songs of Kander and Ebb sound as lively and lascivious as ever, and the revised score augments the original with several tunes written specifically for the Oscar-winning 1972 film ("Mein Herr," "Maybe This Time"). In the central roles of deluded chanteuse Sally Bowles and the MC, respectively, Natasha Richardson and Alan Cumming have big pumps to fill; they successfully do so with distinctive flair, eschewing the ham-fisted tendencies of Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey to impart this complicated yet enthralling vision of 1930s Berlin with a fiercely individual spirit. --Kurt B. Reighley ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording
• Cast Recording

Reviews (83)

Cabaret RULES!!
Recently, I saw this brilliant show by the name of...Cabaret! Though it has been around for many years, I had no knowledge of it until a couple of months ago. Honestly, I went in fully expecting to be disappointed, but was I ever wrong!! I LOVED it! I went straight home after that and looked for the album. That's when I discovered that Alan Cumming was in a version of the play as my favorite character, the Emcee. EVEN BETTER! I love Alan Cumming--he is such a talented guy! I highly recommend this album!!

I just love that CD!
I've seen the french version from Quebec of the playstarring Sylvie Moreau as Sally Bowles and François Papineau as the Emcee, last july and I fell in love with the music. I wanted to hear again the music(I bought the movie first but some songs of the play are not in the movie and the story in the movie is changed a bit...), and after reading the really good reviews of this CD here, I ordered it last week. This CD is so good I was not disapointed! It really takes me back to that night I saw the play, even though I saw the play in french!

A Classic! Go see it for yourself!!
"Cabaret" is one of my all time fav musicals. The music is fun, sad, catchy, meaningful and the choreography and vocals are also amazing!I'm so glad they decided to tape this recording DURING the show. You can hear the audience getting excited and having fun at the show. It makes it a lot more fun if you havent had the privlege of seeing this anazing show on stage. I saw the tour with Leah Thompson ("Caroline In The City") and she was phenominal, as is Natasha Richardson in this recording.I'm glad they added "Maybe This Time" which wasn't on the original score.If you love the movie Cabaret check out the Broadway revival version. I really hope they make another recording soon! All of my "Cabaret" Cd's (original, movie, this one) are being played out!! ... Read more

Asin: B000007QGL
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Musicals    3. Pop    4. Show Tunes    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Chicago - The Musical (1996 Broadway Revival Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (28 January, 1997)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

"Chicago's plot was cynical and satirical in 1975, but today feels like a documentary." So says Walter Bobbie, the director responsible for this revival of the Kander, Ebb, and Fosse "musical vaudeville," which began as a minimalist concert staging for New York City Center's Encore! series before moving on to Broadway, critical acclaim, and Tony Awards. Actually, it'd be hard to go wrong with any production, no matter how it's staged, because the Roaring '20s jazz-based music here is simply great. Some people actually prefer the original's Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera as Roxie and Velma to Ann Reinking and Bebe Neuwirth, but no matter. Joel Grey is perfect as Amos Hart, James Naughton matches Jerry Orbach's original Billy Flynn, and again, the music here is wonderful. A near-flawless classic. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (93)

And all that jazz
Chicago is simply a wonderful musical.And this revival has ran longer then the original production.But it is the music that keeps me coming back to the recording ofd Chicago.

Bebe Neuwirth and Ann Reinking are pretty good as Velma and Roxie.Bebe, of course is remember as Lilith from Cheers. She surprisingly has a pretty decent singing voice, and it is quite easy to believe that she is an evil woman in this production.

Joel Grey as Amos, quite an odd choice at first.But he is able to pull off the goofy Amos very well.There is something quite likable about that character.

James Naughton playing Billy Flynn.What can I say?When he holds the note for such a long time in the Both Reach for the Gun, it just simply blew my mind away.

That being said, this musical is not very kid friendly.But for teens and over, it will be a delightful experience.This is Kander and Ebb at their best.

A thirteen-year-old's review of Chicago
As a thirteen-year-old who has seen Chicago performed professionally twice, I think it is safe to say that I know a hell of a lot about this musical. Don't be decieved by my age. Here is my review of the Broadway revival cast recording.
1)Overture - 10/10 - This beautiful piece of music sets the mood perfectly. One of my favorites on the CD.
2)All That Jazz - 8/10 - The orchestrations are exciting but Bebe Neuwirth is... shmeh! Her vocals are really lacking. I much prefer Chita Rivera's version on the OBC recording.
3)Funny Honey - 4/10 - One of the worst performances on the album. Ann Reinking's voice sounds like a cat in a meat grinder. She must have smoked five packs of cigs a day for the past thirty years. However, the strings are pretty.
4)Cell Block Tango - 10/10 - One word: fabulous.
5)When You're Good To Mama - 8/10 - Marcia Lewis is perfect as the Matron but the orchestra sounds a bit off to me... Not enough "umph", so to speak.
Gotta run! sorry I couldn't finish! This is a MUST HAVE for any broadway fan!

A thirteen-year-old's review of Chicago
As a thirteen-year-old who has seen Chicago performed professionally twice, I think it is safe to say that I know a hell of a lot about this musical. Don't be decieved by my age. Here is my review of the Broadway revival cast recording.
1)Overture - 10/10 - This beautiful piece of music sets the mood perfectly. One of my favorites on the CD.
2)All That Jazz - 8/10 - The orchestrations are exciting but Bebe Neuwirth is... shmeh! Her vocals are really lacking. I much prefer Chita Rivera's version on the OBC recording.
3)Funny Honey - 4/10 - One of the worst performances on the album. Ann Reinking's voice sounds like a cat in a meat grinder. She must have smoked five packs of cigs a day for the past thirty years. However, the strings are pretty.
4)Cell Block Tango - 10/10 - One word: fabulous.
5)When You're Good To Mama - 8/10 - Marcia Lewis is perfect as the Matron but the orchestra sounds a bit off to me... Not enough "umph", so to speak.
Gotta run! sorry I couldn't finish! This is a MUST HAVE for any broadway fan!
... Read more

Asin: B000003G7W
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Musicals    3. Pop    4. Show Tunes    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Gypsy (2003 Broadway Revival Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 August, 2003)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

The casting of cute, petite Bernadette Peters as the formidable Mama Rose in the 2003 revival of Gypsy led to a few raised eyebrows: Was this egregious miscasting? After all, previous Roses have included Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, and (on TV) Bette Midler, all of them strong women who can belt with the best of them. Peters took a slightly different approach to the role, emphasizing the dramatic reading of her songs instead of blasting her way through sheer power--she acts the material as much as she sings it. Nowhere is this as convincing as on "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and especially "Rose's Turn," the latter as good a rendering of showbiz madness as you're ever likely to hear. Peters's acting skills are further emphasized by the generous helpings of dialogue that frame the musical numbers. The rest of the cast is superlative, and Marvin Laird conducts a spirited orchestra. Discussions as to which recording ofGypsy is the definitive one will never end, but this album certainly deserves to be included among the finalists. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (87)

ONE OF THE BEST "GYPSY" RECORDINGS
Everyone has their own opinions, and feelings, and tastes when
it comes to this Musical To End All Musicals.So I'll be brief.
Bernadette may not sound young and dewy, but she's 57 years old
and to these ears, sounds great.Yes, she had well-known
vocal problems during the early run of this show, and there are
slight traces in this recording.But it is nowhere near the
disaster that some of these reviews would have you think.She
still has an amazing singing talent, and this performance is
full of fire!I saw the show late in the run and she sounded
absolutely fantastic.But anyway, there are other benefits to
this cast recording....a Herbie with a very nice voice (which
is rare), and Tammy Blanchard is wonderful as Louise/Gypsy.
After repeated listenings, I have found it to be a wonderful CD,
deserving of it's Grammy Award.Get it and enjoy!

Overrated, indeed!
Each of the OTHER nominated shows for Grammy Best Cast Recording was WAY better than Gypsy.(We all know, of course, that this album was nominated only due to the presence of Ms. Peters.)

This reminds me of another overrated show that won the Tony recently -- Hairspray.It's not about the quality.It's all about the HYPE.

Overrated!
Certainly not deserving of the Grammy (for cast recording).Each of the other nominated productions is MUCH BETTER than this poor excuse of a revival. ... Read more

Asin: B0000AKY5G
Subjects:  1. Music Theater    2. Pop    3. Showtunes / B'Way   

Hairspray (2002 Original Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (13 August, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

The cast recording for the Broadway musical of John Waters's 1988 paean to dance, music, big beautiful women, and integration is a sheer delight. It's wonderfully upbeat all the way through, with a classic feel that's in keeping with the story's setting in the early 1960s. The characters come alive in these songs, from Marissa JaretWinokur's (Tracy Turnblad) opening lines in "Good Morning Baltimore"to the stunningly upbeat finale, "You Can't Stop the Beat." The music is byMarc Shaiman,whose recent projects include South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut,as well as a number of film soundtracks, and his compositions aresimultaneously solid and exuberant. Shaiman and Scott Wittman's lyrics brim over with the unreserved passions and primary-color emotions that made the film so successful. Regardless of one's familiarity with the story or the stage production, it's hard to avoid the appeal of this recording; even the less cheerful songs are awash in bright colors, without disrespect for their subjects. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (164)

Okay
I saw this musical on Broadway.I found the music to be fun and the '60s feel 'groovy' (although appreciating it would depend on whether you like '60s atmosphere or not). The casting was interesting, with the ugly voices and everything (although I think Marissa and Harvey played their roles well). Overall: a wonderful musical.

The weakness is in the fact that one needs to see the production itself to appreciate the recording.Since it's shrieky and shrill, those not used to "non-quality singing" and who haven't seen the show prior to buying the CD would hate it, which is why I'm not surprised that it's been getting such flak.Also, while it's a show that one would certainly enjoy watching -- it's pure entertainment -- that's exactly what it is: it is not your intensely moving musical that goes above mere entertainment.In this sense, I agree that it is overrated in terms of awards.

My advice: Buy the recording AFTER you've seen the show.(You'll enjoy it.)

Tuneful First Half, Useless Second Half, Overall Pretty Good
I've never seen the show and I'm still trying to figure out what exactly it's about, but I enjoyed this recording nonetheless. It definately comes from the theater, with a definate 60s flavor. The songs are cheerful and tuneful, and yes, as reviews have said, a bit whiney (somewhat due to character needs). Many of the songs will stay in your head after listening.

The best songs are in the first half, of the recording, quality goes down towards the end. "Good Morning, Baltimore," "The Nicest Kids in Town" "I can hear the bells" and "Welcome to the 60s" are the best songs. The second half is dotted with reprises and useless, irritaing songs like "You can't stop the beat."

Overall, a good buy---I'll listen to it again.

There is more to this show than cutesy pop tunes
I don't usually write reviews but was urged to do so after reading one reviewer say "there wasn't much to the story".Quite the contrary!!!I have seen the movie more times than I can count and have seen the show twice.Yes, it looks and sounds quite innocent on the surface with its homage to 60's pop and the bright vibrant colors and "over the topness".It is easy to dismiss this show as "bubble-gum" entertainment with really nothing much to say.But look beyond the surface and you will see and hear a much deeper story.This story reflects the changing times of the era in the country's battle over civil rights of black americans.Listen to the words of some of these songs and you will hear the voice of the struggle of those times.A struggle that is still going on, not just for Black Americans but for every other minority in this country.So I quite disagree that "there is not much to the story".It has quite a powerful story to tell, one that should not be ignored. ... Read more

Asin: B00006AALQ
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musicals    4. Pop    5. Showtunes / B'way   

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   

Little Shop of Horrors (2003 Broadway Revival Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 October, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Does this score kick butt or what? While the staging of the 2003 Little Shop of Horrors revival is entertaining enough, the recording is even more rewarding. Since you're not distracted by the sight of a huge plant devouring one cast member after another, you can focus on Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's ace songs. No wonder the show is a high-school and summer-stock fave, packed as it is with appealing characters and catchy 1960s-flavored tunes. As Audrey, Kerry Butler won't make anybody forget Ellen Greene, but she certainly is lovely. Hunter Foster's Seymour strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and klutzy desperation as he delivers perfect interpretations of all his songs. Even better, this cast album is a complete rendition of the show, unlike the recording of the 1982 Off-Broadway production ("Call Back in the Morning" is now included for instance), and comes with a glossy booklet. Cherry on top: Five previously unreleased songs are included in demo versions performed by the show's authors. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (50)

Wonderful!
I do respect the original recording, but frankly I found that Audrey's voice ANNOYING.I think she could have got the message through that she was a blonde bimbo from New York without making her voice painful to listen to.On this recording, however, I absolutely love the song "Somewhere that's Green."It's heart-wrenching without being ear-splitting. I also found all of the songs with the trio in them utterly delightful.This CD is SO well done, and a pleasure to listen to. I loved the slightly more Jewish twist to "Mushnick and Son,"while all the additional tracks are fun, if unpolished. All in all, if you are a Broadway fan, this is a great recording to get.

Ellen Green/Kerry Butley/Jackie Joseph Audrey's a character.
I was not able to see the broadway version, but did see the touring company in Los Angeles. I loved the show (previously I had only seen the movie and a couple high school productions), despite what is percieved here as "disney-fying" it, and in the lobby I bought the soundtrack. Yes, Foster's Seymour is lacking, and Mushnik isn't perfect. Douglas Stills is great as are the girls (all of this has been stated in other reviews).

My main comment is on Ms. Butler as Audrey. I think we can all agree that Ellen Green played the part to perfection. Unfortunately Ms. Green is likely getting too old to play Audrey and either way I'm sure the Broadway producers wanted a fresh face/ voice in the role. It's just silly to say "only Ellen Green can play Audrey" Remember folks the role wasn't even originated by her, but Jackie Joseph in the 1962 Corman film of the same name. Musically yes, Ms. Green was untouchable, but Kerry Butler does some WONDERFUL things with the role (musically, of course. I didn't see her act the part). She's got some beautiful touches on "Suddenly Seymour" that I have to listen to over and over, and she is far more than servicable in her other songs.



[SPOILER]



Her death scene is absolutely riveting



[/SPOILER].

So to anyone that hasn't heard this CD, I HIGHLY reccomend buying it and making up your own mind about Audrey. The bottom line is that if you put aside your prejudices about Ellen Green's obvious superiority, you might actually enjoy Ms. Butler's fantastic performance.

From listening to acting
I first bought this CD after I learned my high school choir would be performing 'Little Shop of Horrors' for our spring musical. I was trying out for the role of Seymour (which I later won), so I would only listen to the songs he was in. However, after hearing the overture, I simply couldn't skip over one song just because my character wasn't in it. LSOH is a great alternative to the typical happy ending glossy musical that Broadway is over-croweded with. This new, updated version of LSOH has a modern feel, while still managing to stick to the roots Alan Menken intended for it to have. It's packed with comedy that, some of which, is likely to go over most peoples' heads, but it always comes back to tell the story of what Seymour must do in order to reach fame.

Hunter Foster does a superb job as Seymour, the nerdy, down-on-his-luck Skid Row floral assistant who discovers the talking plant Audrey II. His tenor voice is a true gift to Broadway that definitely needs more recognition than he is given in today's theatre community. Kerry Butler, however, leaves more to be desired from the character of Audrey. A common mistake that many critics make is comparing her to the great Ellen Greene, who played Audrey in the very first off-Broadway production of LSOH. She doesn't quite deliver the heart and good nature that is Audrey and she is, unfortunately, aware of this problem. Trying to correct it, Butler makes many efforts to pull off something she is not. It takes a gifted actress to pull of the part of Audrey. However, what she lacks in acting skills, she pulls off in some of her songs. 'Somewhere That's Green' isn't her best, but she makes up for it in 'Suddenly Seymour.' Other cast members, such as Douglass Sills, who plays the sadistic dentist Orin, is absolutely hilarious in the song 'Now (It's the Gas)'.

And then there's Audrey II- the man-eating, trash-talking carnivorous plant ready to take over the world. Michael Leon-Wooley does an outstanding job playing the plant's voice. In the show-stopping song 'Feed Me', Wooley and Foster deliver a rock-esque performance that needs the push of the 'repeat' button on your stereo afer you hear it for the first time.

I'm not going to give away the ending, but be prepared, it's not what you would normally expect in a boy-meets-girl musical. The show's message is ultimately 'All that glitters is not gold.' Seymour and the rest of the victims on Skid Row must learn this the hard way, but not before some definite powerhouse performances knock you off your feet. It's sad that the most recent 2003 revival only lasted one year on Broadway. However, many high schools and theatres across America continue to perform it. This musical isn't likely to die anytime soon. ... Read more

Asin: B0000CEROJ
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Pop    4. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA (Original 1999 London Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 October, 2000)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Put together by Abba's own Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! manages to cram over 20 of the Swedish supergroup's songs into a threadbare plot. It goes a little like this: Young Sophie is getting married and she's trying to identify which of three men is her father. That's about it. Wisely, the musical doesn't mess around with the songs, save for the insertion of some dialogue or for having some of them performed by a man (it works amazingly well). Abba fans will jump on this import of the London production, but traditional fans of musical theater should consider it as well. After all, Andersson and Ulvaeus's songs have always felt as if they were more than isolated pop gems and actually belonged to a longer narrative. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (130)

BEST
One of my fondest memories of childhood is waking on Summer Saturday mornings with the sun streaming through the windows, the North Atlantic ocean crashing against the rugged coast and the music of ABBA on the stereo. This before I could even dress myself. 1976. Greatest Hits (North American Release)-VINYL. Agnetha was sitting under the autumn leaves on a park bench wearing suede boots with the toes pointed inward. The ever amorous Frida was kissing Benny. Mamma Mia, their first Canadian Hit. S.O.S. Fernando. We ate it up and wore out the grooves. Next up, CBC Television Special -ABBA's Canadian TV Debut featuring Frida and Agnetha singing "Mamma Mia" in front of a haystack on a Farm outside Edmonton, Alberta. Low budget TV. LOL! (I was a child and I remember everything in vivid detail!) 1976-Knowing Me, Knowing You. Early Summer Evenings. I can hear the Jukebox at the Local Pool Hall from the yard "Knowing Me, Knowing You; There is Nothing We Can Do" and the equally catchy B Side "Happy Hawaii" (one of my all time favorites, an early version of the inferior "Why Did It Have to Be Me" included on "Arrival"). 1977-The Album. 8 TRACK - Big Mistake. Told Sister, no more 8 Tracks! ("Oh and there's another 8 Track at the store with ABBA in a helicopter. What's that? Don't get it, it's probably 2 Years old!!!" LOL!) "Take a Chance On Me", "The Name of the Game", and another of my all time favorites "Move On" (later used in Canada for "Halo" Shampoo Commercials). ABBA had taken over the world - or so it seemed. 1978 Dryspell. And then they came back. New York City. Winter 1979. Concert for Unicef, United Nations General Assembly. CBC TV. A Wednesday Night. 10:30 PM North Atlantic time. Waiting for an eternity. Suffering through CBC schlock like "Music Camera" and "The Nature of Things". Way, way past my bedtime. Sick with the flu. Refusing to go to bed. Fighting with Mother. Swearing at the CBC (in my head). And then it started. Rod Stewart. Bee Gees. Donna Summer. Olivia Newton John. And Gilda Radner introducing "Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn, Ani-Frid or to put it another way, "ABBA"". Agnetha and Frida in skin tight matching catsuits. Pre-pubescent. And frankly confused by the fuss. And the world heard the first chords of "Chiquitita" LIVE. Flashforward. Alexandra Disco in Stockholm, Sweden. Cover Shot for "Voulez Vous". Back to VINYL - 8 TRACK is for the birds! Older sister (Much older. LOL!) getting ready to go out with "Does Your Mother Know" blaring in the background. And a favorite non-Single "As Good as New". CJON Radio. Playing B Side to "Chiquitita", "Lovelight" (between Bette Midler "The Rose" and Donna Summer "Hot Stuff") Sent us scrambling to find out what Album that song was from (the song surfaced in 1997 when ABBA's Canadian Label Remastered all of their CDs and included all of the B Sides as Bonus Tracks on the Remastered CDs). CBC Special from Switzerland Ski resort with Canadian Disco Duo -"The Raes" ("Que Sera, Sera", "Don't Turn Around") and their special guests, "ABBA". ABBA performs Chiquitita in the snow. And then it happens. ABBA comes to Canada! 1979 North American Tour kicks of in Edmonton, Alberta. Now in Toronto. And coming further East and ever closer...MONTREAL! The Forum. Agnetha performs with a Fever. And South they go and forever out of reach. Christmas 1979. ABBA - Greatest Hits, Vol. II. "Rock Me"? Where did that come from? "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme" another favorite. "Dancing Queen"? - missed that one the first time around. Yes, REALLY! Maybe that 8 TRACK with ABBA in a helicopter on the cover was worth checking out after all! LOL! 1980. American Top 40 with Casey Casem. "The Winner Takes It All" become ABBA's last U.S. Top Ten. "Our Last Summer", "The Way Old Friends Do". 1981. "The Visitors". "One of Us" and "When All is Said and Done" and a chapter closes in Music History and in one life.
And the world moves on. Flashforward. 2004. Dutch born, New York City resident and Recording Artist AMBER releases "My Kind of World". Sounds nothing like ABBA. But this person who loves ABBA, loves this CD and maybe you will too! Check it out: AMBER - MY Kind of World!

Great cast recording, worth it just for Lisa Stokke vocals
I have seen the Broadway and Las Vegas production.Honestly, the Vegas production was much better than the Broadway cast, in terms of individual talent/casting, overall ensemble and energy.The broadway cast lacked the energy of the Vegas cast, and I thought most of the vocals were thin and weaker by comparison.That being said, Broadway's original cast was still very good.But I'd rank Vegas #1, the London cast recording #2 and Broadway 3rd.

I think the London recording captures most of the energy of the stage production, and it continues to grow on me every time I listen to it.I also think lead Lisa Stokke has a gorgeous voice, and definitely the best of the 3 productions I've heard.Her voice is clear, powerful and she acts the part wonderfully.I think her voice is ideal for the part of Sophie, despite having heard her version last (after seeing B'way then Vegas).

The only negative in this cast might be Siobhan McCarthy, who plays the role of Sophie's mother.At times, her voice is flat and wavers a bit.But what bothers me most is her singing in 'The Winner Takes It All'.It's all great until she get to the word 'All'....which sounds like 'Ool' in her heavy british accent.

Of course, the best part of the CD is the music, especially the great orchestrations!As an ABBA fan, I love how the show music stays true to the original versions, but with added power and energy due to the layers a full pit orchestration can bring.

I agree with some people that this is not a 'great' play.But as a vehicle for showcasing the brilliant music of ABBA, it works great.This show will run for years...it is timeless, and will appeal to all audiences.I strongly reccomend this cast recording!

Great and all, but...
WARNING: SPOILER

I saw this show on Broadway and thought that it was really great. Donna (Dee Hoty) sounded a bit to old for her part, but otherwise was really good, as well as was the other cast also. I actually like this alblum, but this Donna sounds way to young to do the part. I thought that some songs were better on Broadway (Super Trouper was better on stage.)

I really liked this show, but I am afraid I can only give it four stars because of Donna's character. She basically hijacked the show. She was all right until she got married to Sam instead of Sophie to Sky in the end. That really ticked me off a bit. No offense to anyone who liked Donna's character. They just overdid her part in the show.

As for the show, it starts out slow, but when we get introduced to the three possible dads, thenit picks up.

Overall, this show lives up to all the hype, but Donna could have been toned down a bit. That is all. ... Read more

Asin: B000031WEN
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musicals    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Showtunes / B'way    7. Soundtracks    8. Swedish Pop/Rock   

Movin' Out (Based on the Songs and Music of Billy Joel) (2002 Original Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 October, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

A criticism that has long dogged Billy Joel's career involves his songs' direct, heart-on-the-sleeve emotional sentiments and a musical approach that often revels in pop music's past glories instead of reacting against them. Ironically, those are the very strengths of Twyla Tharp's dialog-free pop ballet based on Joel's infectious canon of music, including his recent forays into the classical realm. This live cast recording is fueled by the piano and vocals of Michael Cavanaugh, who, backed by an ensemble handpicked by the songwriter, gooses every last drop of drama from Joel's already theatrical songs with a verve worthy of the legend himself. But divorced from Tharp's always kinetic choreography, and despite angular reworkings of "We Didn't Start the Fire" and other Joel standards, it's a collection that sometimes sounds akin to Joelmania: not really Billy, but an incredible simulation. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

• Live
• Soundtrack

Reviews (48)

A Great Album, But The Wrong Singers
I have one problem with this album, one and only one problem, that is Billy Joel doesn't sing it. These singers are very good, don't get me wrong, but I need the real Billy Joel. All of Billy Joel's fans probably agree that no one can compete with Billy Joel. Besides this fact, it is a great album.

It's SOOOOOOO Great!
I saw this show in NYC and it was great!The music is excellent and Michael Cavanaugh sounds a lot like Billy Joel.I would totally recommend this CD!!!!!!

Show mus be good but could be better
There are many good things about this CD but there are many bad things also.the guy who sings the songs is very good. but I can not excuse how they cut of 99.9 percent of "James" and "The Longest Time" .There is hardly any of the songs verses there. And I absolutely HATE,DESPISE,and CAN NOT ACEPT how they bruitly murdered "WE Diddent Start The Fire"!!! They changed it completly changed it from an uptempo pop song to a hard rock grunge song. They also left out the two albumsStreet life sarenade and glass houses. instead of putting in so many songs from Fantisys and dulusions put inone of the instramentals on street life like Root Beer Rag or The Mexican connection. And they should have put in It,s stil Rock and Roll To Me. So I Would only buy this if I were trying to complete my colection of Billy Joel CDs.And if you are planning on buying this buy it used or when it goes lower in price. It is really not worth more than $15.00. but it is not compleatly bad so knock yourself out. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LWQK
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Showtunes / B'way    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Nine - The Musical (2003 Broadway Revival Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 June, 2003)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

This version of Maury Yeston's Nine is so finely wrought that it deservedly won the 2003 Tony for Best Revival. While not a blockbuster, the original 1982 production, staged by Tommy Tune, was a nice success and allowed Raul Julia to make a splash as the only man in an otherwise entirely feminine cast. Inspired by Fellini's film 8 1/2,Nine succeeds in creating a strong male lead while parcelling out great songs to several different women. The mere fact that Antonio Banderas doesn't get eaten alive by the power cast around him (Chita Rivera, Mary Stuart Masterson, Jane Krakowski, and Laura Benanti) testifies to his charisma; even better, his singing is surprisingly confident ("Only with You" is downright sweet). And leave it to the Broadway pros to shine like diamonds: Listen, in particular, as Jane Krakowski steals the show with her sassy delivery of "A Call from the Vatican." You may need a cold shower after that one. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Reviews (38)

A stellar version of "Nine"
This revival recording of "Nine" is superb.I actually prefer it to the original Broadway recording and the London concert version (which are both fine). Maury Yeston's music and lyrics are among the best for any modern musical, and the cast here is ideal.

The performances are exemplary, from Antonio Banderas as womanizing film director Guido Contini and Mary Stuart Masterson as his long-suffering wife Luisa, to Laura Benanti, Jane Krakowski, and the rest.Their singing easily matches or surpasses the previous casts, and their acting on the whole is stronger.They just feel more assured to me.Banderas also sounds more feasibly Italian than previous Guidos, which is useful in terms of the character. For their part, the women put on fake accents, which has the potential to be a distraction, but here didn't bother me at all.

Highlights from the score and this album include Banderas's charismatic rendition of "Guido's Song," Krakowski's sexy "A Call from the Vatican," Benanti's almost impossibly-beautiful version of "Unusual Way," and Masterson's bitter and expertly acted "Be On Your Own." The orchestra here is smaller than previous versions, but this doesn't detract in any significant way. The strength of the music and the performances comes through just fine.

I love this!
I loved this recording. Antonio Banderas isn't too good, but the rest of the cast sounds great to me. the music is beautiful and it all fits well in my range (random tidbit.) I would definitely reccommend buying this.

This is not NINE
Nine is a beautiful show... one of the most amazing shows I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. I did not see the revival, and this recording does not in anyway make me wish I had. Antonio's performance is extremely flat. It all seems so calculated and rehearsed, which is not at all Guido's character. Guido Contini is charming, smooth, and a con-artist in many ways. Antonio missed that completely. I saw his performance on the Tony Awards show, and it made me want to cry. There was none of the character I loved so much there.

The other performances were, for the most part, ok to good. None surpassingly great, except Chita Rivera, who, sadly, does not have enough to do to save the show.

Get the original! ... Read more

Asin: B00008Z1NB
Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musicals    4. Musicals & Cast Recordings    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes   

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
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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   

The Producers (2001 Original Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 April, 2001)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

The Producers was the vehicle that first proclaimed Mel Brooks's decidedly singular comic vision as a film director in 1968. At the time, the world may not have been entirely ready for the depth charges of hilarity he unleashed; but more than three decades later, it seemed almost foreordained that the film's retooling as a full-fledged musical--directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman--would become the smash hit of the 2000-2001 Broadway season (even before opening at the St. James Theatre in April). Brooks is, of course, no stranger to the Broadway musical genre or to songwriting, but skeptics might find themselves taken by surprise at just how outrageously well all the threads come together for the new show.

The film's absurd core vignette--the infamous "Springtime for Hitler"--if anything gains a few notches in hilarity when framed by a character-rich musical that comes off as both parody and valentine in its mimicry of Broadway's "golden age." Brooks (with the help of idiomatically expert arrangements by Glen Kelly) has cooked up a variety of numbers constituting a virtual primer of old-fashioned American musical comedy styles (there's even a toying with Cabaret-style decadence), but they're always coated with an extra layer of zaniness. In fact, the whole show becomes a Chinese box of parodies within parodies. But what really gets the whole mix working is a surefire cast headed by Nathan Lane playing Max Bialystock and Matthew Broderick doing a delightfully nebbish turn with delusions of misplaced glory as his sidekick, Leo Bloom.

From his first big number (musically winking at Fiddler on the Roof), Lane hungrily lays claim to the role, undaunted by his formidable predecessor, Zero Mostel. Even on disc, you can visualize his over-the-top mugging as a dethroned "king of Broadway" who was "the first producer ever to do summer stock in the winter." Comedy, as they say, is all about timing, and that's exactly what Lane gets right. His interactions with Bloom, Franz Liebkind (Brad Oscar), and Roger de Bris (Gary Beach) are priceless, even when only in sound. As for the tunes, Brooks crafts a number of truly memorable ones--don't be surprised to find yourself horrified as you hum along with "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop" and, of course, "Springtime for Hitler." --Thomas May ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (166)

Not Anti-Nazi Satire, but Anti-German Racism!

Well, Germans are used to to the fact that Hollywood and the whole entertainment industry are a racist business. In countless movies and TV-series Germans show up either as the villain or as a stupid Sauerkraut-eater - and, of course, Germanas today are all Nazis, e. g.: Hart to Hart, The Big Lebowski, all James-Bond-Movies, True Lies, Die Hard, Rebel without a Cause, The Simpsons, Lost in Translation, No one lives forever, South Park, Six Feet under....

Did you know that more than 80 % of the Germans today were not even born earlier than 45? And that most of the others were merely childern? No? Don't you think they feel insulted by this play? Many reviews say "Yes, it's offeding, but, hey: It's only fun!" Well, there are people out there that don't find it funny at all to be called mass murderers today. You Americans wondered in the course of the last 3 ode 4 years, why many foreigners don't like you although you don't think you did something wrong. That's it. You can't offend someone and then simply say "hey, that's only fun!" It is simply disrespectful of other peoples feelings and costumes.

Moreover, the play does not only suggest that all Germans are Nazis (today!), but it also does not mock about the Nazis but about Germans and German culture (and there is a difference, don't you agree?): E. g. Bavaria is only one of 16 (!) German states, the bavarian dance made ridicule is named "Schuhplattler" is part of the traditional culture, and if you don't like the german language - frankly, the American English does not sound any better. I prefer French and Italian. Do you understand or even speak a single word in German? Ever been to GErmany? I guess not. Just read the book by American Mark Hertsgaard: "The Eagle' Shadow. How America Fascinates and Infuriates the World". You cannot behave like a bull in a china shop and then only say: "It's fun!"

But there is something even more worriying about this play. It plays down the terrible atrocities that took place in Germany's 20th century history. The problem is, that the German did not take the Nazis too serious but that they did not take then serious enough. Many could simply not IMAGINE (because it was such an unprecedented crime) that they really wanted to to what they said. It actually makes me shiver that also you just look at the show (not matter if you find it impressing or ridiculous), but not at the MEANING (= most terrible atrocities!) that is behind it!!!

If you want to read a funny satire about Germany, try "Deutschland: A winter's tale" by Heinrich Heine;or read "The Harz Journey" by the same author. There is more to German culture than what is shown in this play. Read "Faust I/II" or "Elective Affinities" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe or "The Robbers" by Friedrich Schiller. Or the short stories by Heinrich von Kleist or E. T. A. Hoffmann. If like something funny, try the modern book "The 13.5 lives of Captain Bluebird" by Walter Moers, a really funny and sophisticated book.

As to German music, there is more to it than traditional Bavarian stuff that is made ridicule in this play. What abourt "the merry widow" by Franz Lehar - an operetta (musical) from 1905. It is very funny and does not need to insult anybody. There are great CDs in english, or try the (best) full-length version in German Language with Cheryl Studer, Bryn Terfel and the Wiener Philharmoniker (the booklet contains an english translation of the lyrics). By the way, the guys who wrote the libretto were jewish.

If you are intersted in German music I would recommend the CD by Mischa Maisky and Sergio Tiempo, "Mendelssohn: Cello Sonatas / Variations / 7 Songs Without Words" (Deutsche Grammophon). One piece on this CD is originally a song with lyrics by Heinrich Heine: "Auf den Flügeln des Gesangs" = "On the wings of song". Now THAT is typically German - Mr. Mendelssohn understands the meaning of forest. ;-)))

Compare these examples with Mr. Brooks' stupid and racist propaganda - and THEN judge for youself.

Playing down nazis murders and racist!
Well, I did not see the play live on stage, but I watched the DVD, the Movie and heard, of course, the CD.

As for the music itself: Average if not even bad. Nothing new, orginal, a kind of musical historicism.

As for the singers and musicians: They do it quite well - if they were protagonists in a provincial theatre in a smalltown in the middle west.

Up to here: Simply another overrated play due to media-hype.

But the problem with the play is the content and the lyrics:

HITLER AND THE NAZIS ARE NOT FUNNY AT ALL, BUT A GANG OF MASS MURDERERS! They killed millions of human beings and left even more millions injured, homeless, orphaned or at least traumatised. And all (except for one or two, if I am correct)of you reviewers find it only "funny"???

Has anyone of the fun-lovers ever wondered how the victims of the nazis and their children and grandchildren might feel about this play??? The biggest mass murdrer that ever lived on earth is regarded as somewhat comical? Are you crazy? Do not the most terrible pictures come to your head seeing these nazi-bastards? This "play" contributes to a dangerous trivializiation of 20th century history. What effect will it have on the youngsters? Just remember British Prince Harry wearing a Nazi dress at a costume party in early 2005. Very funny!

Moreover, the play is also an insult to all Germans today. Never thought about that? Haha.


Resumé:

"The producers" is a stupid racist play that plays down nazi mass murders. The fact that so many Americans find it "funny" and like this "musical", well, this teaches me a lesson about America.

PS:

I gave it nevertheless 1 Star, because it is the lowest rating.

I Wanna Be A Producer!
This show is really made for Broadway fans for really you have to be a Broadway fan to get some of the jokes. This show has become a national hit and it's easy to see why it brought attention back to Broadway with a witty cast, and funny songs.

But, really the hype has overdone this show and in my opinon nothing could out shine the actual movie despite the fact the movie only has two songs in it. I was kind of disappointed that "Flower Power" was cut from the show but, none the less the show is still great. I really enjoy the songs "Springtime For Hitler", "I Wanna Be A Producer", "Deutsche Band", and "Till Him."

I'm serverly disappointed that Matthew Broderick didn't take home the Tony for his performance since he did a better job than Bialy in the show.

All in all this a C.D that all us musical buffs will love... but, I still I get more laughs out of the movie. ... Read more

Asin: B00005AY6I
Subjects:  1. Film Music    2. Music Theater    3. Original Score    4. Pop    5. Showtunes / B'way    6. Soundtracks   

Rent (1996 Original Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 August, 1996)
list price: $32.98 -- our price: $29.49
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Into Broadway's creative vacuum of revivals, movie adaptations, and Hollywood star vehicles comes Rent, the story of squatters, junkies, performance artists, struggling musicians, drag queens, aspiring filmmakers, and HIV-positives (and you thought Miss Saigon's helicopter landing was cool). Undoubtedly among the defining pop cultural events of 1996, Rent has already won four Tony awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. More importantly, it threatens to bring substance back to the Great White Way.

Transposing Puccini's 100-year-old opera La Bohème into modern day Bohemia (19th-century Paris's Left Bank becomes late-20th-century New York's East Village where the scourge of tuberculosis becomes the plague of AIDS) Rent celebrates life among the young, sick, and unconventional. While Broadway shows are hardly the place for authentic portrayals of the latest marginalized hipsters, composer Jonathan Larson (who died at age 36, days before his musical opened) managed to sculpt vivid characters and scenes that bring Avenue A as close as it will ever come to 42nd Street. And by telling a socially relevant story of living without the guarantee of a future (renting, that is), Larson does his own little bit to define an X'ed generation. At worst, Rent is the Hair of the '90s.

For the majority of us who won't be seeing Rent anytime soon, the Original Cast Recording is more than just an after-show souvenir. Well-packaged with a complete libretto, the two-CD set is a worthwhile album separate of live performance. Full of songs that are funny and catchy, inspiring and touching, smart and hip and not overly sentimental, Rent mixes showtune pop with elements of rock, R&B, dance, gospel, and tango to make one of the best albums of the year--certainly the best rock opera in decades. La vie bohème, indeed. --Roni Sarig ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (510)

I do not understand the hype
I do not understand the hype that this musical has.There are maybe only a few song's on this Cd that I really like and the music it in my eye's to rock for musical's.

One Blaze of Glory achieved in the after-life
Johnatan Larson sadly died before the Broadway Premiere of "RENT", his brilliant debut as a musical theatre writer/director. But he was meant to be remembered for years to come, as his worked would achieve greatness with the passage of time because of the quality of it.
Great music, great production values, a story adapted from the opera "La Boheme", with contemporary themes, and powerful lyrics make this one a true and total winner.

THIS SHOW IS SO AMAZING!
Rent has to be one the best broadway shows ever maade!! The music is amazing! It has a rock feel to it but alos some R&B like the song Santa Fe. I have seen this show 5 times and it is well worth it! ... Read more

Asin: B000005ALT
Subjects:  1. Music Theater    2. Pop    3. Showtunes / B'way   

Boy George's Taboo
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 April, 2003)
list price: $18.98
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Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (11)

Great
I bought the Cd it was very good music especially when i need time to relax. This music also helps me meditate. I reccomend this Cd to anyone that can have a few minutes to enjoy good music. Although the music can be loud it is easy to sleep with it on.

Bring it BACK to Broadway!!
My best friend had purchased tickets for us to see Taboo before they announced the clsing date. We both enjoyed the show which I personally thought was phenomenal. Euan was great, Raul was amazing, and the Boy, of course, was VERY flamboyant! All good ingredients for this wonderful show...especially George's solo in a glass box, "Ich Bin Kunst". Even the solo performance of "Il Adore", by George's wife for George's death scene was spectacular. If they were still open, I would be there at least once a month. Definitely getting the soundtrack when it's released!

Taboo
This is not the NYC recording!!! This is the London cast. The NYC cast is slated to record Feb. 2. ... Read more

Asin: B00006GODF
Sales Rank: 106736
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Showtunes / B'way