Editorial Review

The people who felt betrayed when Linda Eder covered several pop songs on 2002's Read more

Reviews (152)

the best female singer of the great american standards.
i am turning 60 years old this year. i went to my 1st.broadway
The powerful and beautiful voice of Linda Elder
A great selection of songs.Tremendous amount of energy in Linda's voice.I just love it.

Linda Eder shines with her Broadway album
Wow! Linda Eder has an outstanding voice.She sells Broadway in the styles of Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand.After hearing this you will want more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Pop    6. Pop Vocals    7. Popular Music    8. Rock/Pop    9. Show Tunes    10. Showtunes / B'way    11. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    12. Vocal    13. Vocal Music   

Editorial Review

Based on Irish folk dancing styles, Read more

Features

• Special Edition
• Soundtrack

Reviews (41)

Outstanding!!!
I have every Riverdance DVD and have watched the live show once. This CD is based on the original production (With Michael Flatley and Jean Butler) and while it might not carry the "excitement" of the original show as others have commented, it is a great way to remember the beautiful music and orchestration when you are not close to a DVD player to enjoy the video production. The unfortunate thing in listening to the "soundtrack" of a live/video production is that separated from its visual context, it can be difficult to understand or appreciate. Riverdance is a visual as well as a sound experience. If you have never watched the show, it would certainly be hard to appreciate the music in this CD. I listen to it frequently and love the music more each time. If you are a Riverdance fan, this CD is a must. It's simply superb.

Disappointment after seeing the show
I recently saw the show live & was excited to get the soundtrack.However, as many other reviewers have noted, it was a big disappointment - it doesn't match the charisma of the show.While it does have some great songs on it, you just don't get the feeling you got while actually watching the show, which was a tremendous feeling of excitement & thrill. I must add, I did pick up the 'Lord of Dance' soundtrack & was happily impressed.
Disappointed
Not the type of music I had envisioned...much slower than I was hoping for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Celtic    3. Celtic Fusion    4. Celtic New Age    5. Celtic Pop    6. Celtic/Irish    7. Contemporary Celtic    8. Int'l & World Music    9. Irish Folk    10. Original Cast Recordings    11. Pop   

Editorial Review

One of Stephen Sondheim's most beautiful and most misunderstood scores, Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (18)

Sunday in the Park CD
We just saw the production in London and had the opportunity to meet Jenna Russell and Daniel Evans.Their performances on the 2 CD set really capture the color and emotion that they brought to the stage. It has all the complexity that is typically Sondheim but Evans and Russell are superb as is the rest of the cast.We couldn't imagine Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters being any better.Their British accents add to the flavor, and the orchestration is brilliant.If you like Sondheim or this show, this 2 CD set is well worth the investment.

Great Recording and Impresive Orchestral Reduction
I must say that this recording of Sunday in the Park with George ranks with the original cast album. Although, Mr. Evans and Ms. Russel do not surpass Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters, they are fine performers and perform their parts well. The featured players are also excellent and rank with their originators.
great new recording
I will start by saying I am a Mandy Patinkin fan.I have seen him several times in concert and I love his solo recordings.However, I do not like most of his OC recordings, SITPWG included.This new recording is fresh, exciting, more complete and very well acted.It shimmers from the heart. All of the actors are very well-cast, and handle this difficult score superbly.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Based on the novel Read more

Features

• Cast Recording
• Original recording remastered
• Extra tracks

Reviews (15)

Just Like I Remeber When I was Young
My father was a big fan of Broadway musicals.I remember going to see the Pajama Game and Damn Yankees in a summer stock theater in Warwick R.I. which contributed to me developing my own love for musicals in the 50's and 60's.This recording though in monaural is an excellent reproduction of the LP record my father had and I used to listen to (sans scratches!).I would recommend this to any person who used to like these old classics.I would like to see a local theater group do this some day before it's completely forgotten.The interviews with the composer/lyricist and notes in the CD were wonderful too.

More is less.
A monster hit when it opened in 1954, and still a staple of community theatre groups, PAJAMA GAME has a delightfully refreshing score that never takes itself too seriously.On the whole it offers a better-than-average number of stand-out songs: "I'm Not At All in love", "Hey There", "Small talk", "Steam heat", "Hernando's Hideaway" and the ensmble "7 1/2 Cents."There are, however a few stumbles."A new Town is a Blue Town" is dreary. "Her Is" is silly although the Bob Fosse dance routine made it work on stage. Both these were dropped from the movie version, so I suspect the authors also felt this material was weak.
A great recording, with the best cast, but...
"The Pajama Game" is a truly great musical. Although it's most popular songs have truly been immortalized, such as "Hernando's Hideaway" and "Hey There", the show itself seems to be sadly forgotten by many (depite winning both Best Score and Best Musical in the Tonys). It remains very popular with amateurs and high schools, though.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Musicals    3. Original Cast Recordings    4. Pop    5. Show Tunes    6. Showtunes / B'way    7. Soundtracks   

Editorial Review

Transposing short stories by Japan's modernist writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa to New York, Michael John LaChiusa has come up with an ambitious triptych (two main segments, "R Shomon" and "Gloryday," and a slight, rather unnecessary one, "Kesa & Morito"), at least half of which ranks among his best work. That half is the first segment, "R Shomon," which makes the best of its 1950s noir setting: A swinging song such as "The Thief's Statement/She Looked at Me" segues into the free-flowing title track with great ease, and LaChiusa summons wonderfully moody atmosphere. Unfortunately, the second act, "Gloryday," is less successful--it's less pastichey and more "difficult," but that doesn't automatically means it's better. Even stentorian Idina Menzel (Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (12)

Smart, different show that never gets old
Okay, I'll admit it.I didn't think I'd like this album.
One of the most MEANINGFUL shows of all time
Although my parents would probably never let me see this show live, i have listened to the cd about a million times. You can learn so much from the lyrics such as that there are usally multiple truths and that you and I probably look at the world in totally different ways and that's okay.
A very strange (and wonderful) musical
I bought this mostly because Idina Menzel was in it, but also because i'd heard good things about Michal Jogn LaChiusa. I was expecting something with a little bit more melody, so i think that's what made me apprehensive to liking it at first. that and its extremely blunt lyrics.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals & Cast Recordings    5. Pop   

Reviews (9)

near perfection
well i am a fan of disney music from most disney films so i figured this might be good to own. when i actually looked at the track listing i knew i just had to have this cd and i'm so glad i bought it! this is easily the greatest compilation of disney songs ever!! this is definately one of my favorite cd's and is a must own for any disney lover or music lover in general, and here's why...
Simply Captivating
Bookended by one of the best modern era Disney songs, "Strangers Like Me" and the timeless "When You Wish Upon A Star," this collection from Disney is definitely worth the money.It includes some of the best songs that you and your children have ever heard.Whether or not you've seen all of the films represented here, it's a good bet that you will recognize most of these songs.
TheAudible Heart and Soul of Disney
This, as well as volume 2 and 3, is the finest collection of songs ever assembled by any movie company in the world. They have a timeless quality to them that makes them just as enjoyable now as they were so many years ago. They remind me of my childhood, and they help me relax after a long, hard day of work. A must have for any Disney fan. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cartoon Music    2. Children's Collections    3. Childrens    4. Film Music    5. Musicals    6. Pop    7. Soundtracks    8. Soundtracks & Film Scores    9. Traditional Pop   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (21)

Hilarious-Review From a Conservative, Evangelical Christian Missionary
"Altar Boyz" is one of the greatest shows to hit off-Broadway. I had the privledge of seeing it last summer and I was falling out of my chair with laughter.
Loved the show, love the CD
After seeing the Altar Boyz, a ninety minute off-broadway powerhouse, we had to have the CD. "Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham" do a great job "sending up" boy bands, and learning life lessons without aharmful "bone" in the body of all this fun. "Church Rulez" is lovingly played very often around our [Catholic] household. The CD/Musical is nothing disrespectful, and the campy show is reflected well in this lively CD.

Great Fun
I purchased this item because of being aware of the work of one of cast members (Tyler Maynard).Loved the whole thing it is great fun. Especially appreciated the fact that Tyler's voice had grown considerably since my last knowledge of his work (in college).Would recommend to anyone looking for a fun musical comedy experience. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Pop    3. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (175)

Holy moly ! ! !
Gosh I feel so dumb... I held off from seeing THE PRODUCERS for almost 5 years before finally going to see it for two reasons:1.Though I LOVE Mel Brooks from Sid Ceasar to Space Balls, I thought the original version of THE PRODUCERS was not such a great film - - atleast that was my impression at the time I saw it. 2. Whenever a show gets rave reviews, I'm skeptical, since I can't stand Sondheim and Weber and they REALLY get rave reviews. - - So like a putz, I decided not to see it... then for some reason I gave in, and WOE - - I'd safely say that its not only one of my all time favorite musicals - - but a throwback to the golden years of Broadway (though I doubt nymphomaniac grannies and gay dancing Hitlers would have gone over so well back then.) What makes this music great is that Mel Brooks actually came up in that era...He grew up idolizing Cole Porter, wanted to be Cole Porter, became a quintessential comedy show-biz insider maveric sketch writer in the golden age of TV - - did comedy albums and finally came up with a formula that combined the type of whimsical schtick he learned as a craft with elements of the sexually liberated 70's... and with the producers its almost as if Mel Brooks, with all this wisdom is transported back to his childhood and creates the greatest musical that never was.
I Want to be a producer
This recording is great! I saw the play in november and loved the music. I bought the CD a little later and i am still listing to it. The cast are all great singers and did a great job. The songs are witty and catchy and never get old. You should listin to this.(Warning:See the movie or the play before you listin to this, you might hate it if you've have not.)

Spring Time for "The Producers"
While I'll abmit that Nazi regemes and Hitler are probably some of the least funny thing in the world...i have to admit that the words to Springtime for Hitler are hilarious, just like the rest of the songs on this cast recording.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Film Music    3. Music Theater    4. Musical Theater    5. Original Cast Recordings    6. Original Score    7. Pop    8. Showtunes / B'way    9. Soundtracks   

Editorial Review

After countless alterations, a revolving door of writers and directors (which included Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, Sidney Lumet, and Garson Kanin), crazed tryouts, and an opening night that was delayed five times, Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (22)

Classic Streisand Role!
While not her first show, "Funny Girl" proved to be Barbra Streisand's ticket to immortality.Too bad she lost that year's Best Actress Tony to the equally deserving (?) Carol Channing in "Hello Dolly" ... though she ultimately won the 1968 Oscar for the film version of the classic role.
Early Great Barbra
The fun of this cast album is hearing young Streisand. She still projects so much star quality in her voice, that the album is a gem. But compared to later years, when her voice has aged, improved and been somewhat trained, her singing pails. Yet it's fun to hear, even when she cracks, as in the end of Don't Rain On My Parade. Still a great score, but get the film soundtrack, Barbra's voice is much better on it.

Blah
It was a good recording but i found the actual songs kinda Blah.They had no spice or spunk. . . Just kinda boring. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Classical    3. Musicals    4. Original Cast Recordings    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Showtunes / B'way   

Features

• Import

Reviews (6)

Best of...
Sarah Brightman crossed over from showtunes to ethereal pop over the years, changing her image with nearly every album. From the velvety grandeur of "Eden" to the sparkling "La Luna" to the surreal "Fly." Several of the best songs from the 1990-2000 period are included here, and except for a few omissions, it's a top-rate collection of singles.
Good For A Start, But Loyal Fans, Don't Buy This
Before i start with anything, I don't have this album, but not in this form. I have almost the whole albums of this great soprano, and that means that I already have this album. One of the best Sarah Brightman collections
This is the perfect album for the new fan of Sarah Brightman. It is compiled of some of her best songs including Time to Say Goodbye with Andrea Bocelli, Eden, the haunting A Question of Honour, and live versions of Captian Nemo and La Mer. This album also includes beautifully recorded covers of Scarborough Fair and Whiter Shade of Pale. It is the essential "pop" recordings of Ms. Brightman. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Adult Contemporary    4. Easy Listening/Vocal    5. Musicals    6. Popular Music    7. Show Tunes    8. Vocal   

Editorial Review

It's been said that Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical interpretation of Lynn Riggs's Read more

Features

• Cast Recording
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (14)

Has weaknesses, but star power is not one of them
The Amazon review would have you believe that the cast, outside of Celeste Holm, is largely forgotten. There are many who will forget Alfred Drake only when Ethel Merman, Julie Andrews, Gwen Verdon, John Raitt, and Richard Kiley are forgotten as well. It's like saying that one of the 5 first inductees in the Baseball Hall of Fame is not well known. Drake is a first round Broadway Hall of Famer.
A wonderful beginning
If i had had the chance i would have awarded this cast recording four and a half stars. In many ways Oklahoma is one of my favorite cast albums-i love the light melodic music of most of the songs and honestly feel that this is one of Hammerstein's best efforts as a lyricist. Several of the songs are very, very good, indeed i would go so far as to call them masterpieces. People Will Say We're in Love, with its beautiful flowing melody and rich romantic feeling is one of these highlights. Laurie's other musical moments, Many A New Day and Out Of My Dreams are also very pretty. The soaring captivating title song is also among my favorites. For comic relief i would reccomend Kansas City, The Surrey with a Fringe on The Top and All Or Nuthin. These songs all capture the light, merry, american(in a very positive way) feeling of the piece especially. Oklahoma is without doubt one of the landmarks of the Broadway stage and deserves its place as one of the greatest American musicals. The reason i only gave it four stars is because this particular recording does not do justice to the piece. The stars are all exceptionally talented and the sound quality for such an early recording is not bad, but large sections of instrumental music, ( where for instance is the music from the legendary ballets?) and portions of the songs seem to have been cut. It is a very brief recording, in some ways it seems abrupt and rushed. Also, while i find it highly enjoyable, i must admit that it is in my opinion the least immpressive of Rodgers and Hammerstein's four greatest hits. It is a very positive beginning, but it lacks the soaring romantic power of South Pacific, the wonderful sophistication of The King and I, and the pure genius of R+H's masterpiece, The Sound Of Music. This however, does not mean that i do not reccomend it, indeed i believe that no musical collection is complete without it and this recording is excellent place to start exploring Oklahoma. It has a very historical feeling to it which is another reason why it is a must have for any serious musical fan.

the first commercially-made cast album
1943'S OKLAHOMA! cast-album holds the distinction of being the very first commercially-released cast recording made. The original Decca sets are presented on this release from Decca Broadway, newly-remastered.Read more

Subjects:  1. Musicals    2. Original Cast Recordings    3. Pop    4. Showtunes / B'way    5. Soundtrack   

Editorial Review

If you're looking for one do-it-all Gershwin cast recording, Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (29)

Fabulous
Crazy for You is a wonderful show, and the origenal Cast is full of wonderfulvoices. Having been in the show, I fell in love with the music, and listening to Bobby's unique, peppy voice in this CD made it even more loveable, definatly shown in "Can't Be Bothered Now". Everyone on this CD has so much character in there voices. I'm amazed at how well everyones vocals are!
you're in good company with Jodi B. and Harry G.!
CRAZY FOR YOU is a re-worked version of George and Ira Gershwin's 1930s' delight GIRL CRAZY (which launched the career of Ethel Merman).Opening in 1992, CRAZY FOR YOU met with a glowing reception from critics and audiences, running for several years, and spawning long runs in London and Australia.Jodi Benson (the voice of Disney's LITTLE MERMAID) is a delight as Polly Baker, with Harry Groener as enterprising Bobby Child.Prime turns are provided by John Hillner and Michele Pawk as the sassy Irene Roth.Standouts include Benson's bewitching "Someone to Watch Over Me", Groener's energetic "ICan't Be Bothered Now" and Pawk's cute "Naughty Baby".A must-own disc in your cast album collection.

Crazy For This CD
After a month of listening to the London version, I recieved this as a gift for being in the musical at school. I must say, it's different, but there is no better sound than that of Slap That Bass and Bidin' My Time. The musical is so hard to pull off, but this CD helps you get to know the words. I know every song by heart.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Classical    3. Musicals    4. Original Cast Recordings    5. Show Tunes    6. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Andrew Lloyd Weber's favorite leading lady will quickly make her mark as a pop Read more

Reviews (118)

Dive
DIVE is Sarah Brightman's first work with producer Frank Peterson. The album is all water themed and pop oriented, with mostly ballads, and only one or two more up tempo songs. The tracklist is as follows:
"Dive" into Sarah's world
I've read online on so many sites that Sarah Brightman is an artist that "you either love her or hater her", a forced choice. This album introduced the world to Brightman as a solo artist, an artist that has taken many risks in her career. "Dive" is this rock/pop infused album that's great to hear. Tracks like 'Capt. Nemo', 'Once in a Lifetime', or 'Seven Seas' all paint pictures for the listener of the ocean, of its mystery and beauty. Sarah has not failed the listener in stirring their imagination with her beautiful voice and words. It has to be said that "Dive" is not like her other albums, and the best part is that Brightman continues to take risks in her career. I just started listening to her and whether she does a cover song or not, she makes the song her own and turns it into something out of this world
awesome cd concept.
This cd is a jewel.begining with the intro, that it cath you into the whole cd.Best songs: Ship of Fools,Captain Nemo and Seves Seas. I like Sarah'svoice in this cd is not to soft like harem.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Classical Vocal Crossover    3. Musicals    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Popular Music    7. Show Tunes   

Editorial Review

Perhaps best known for the hit "Send In the Clowns," Stephen Sondheim's glamorous 3/4 waltz-time musical recalls enchanted evenings, white kidskin elbow gloves, and romance of the green-eyed bittersweet and bed-hopping sort. The ruse is that these folks lead "ordinary lives": the father is widowed, remarries, and briefly rekindles a sack-side former flame; the son flirts with the maid; the child bride is cuckolded yet loves and is loved by the son; and the maid has a romp with the butler. Adapted from a mid-'50s Ingmar Bergman film, the play debuted in America in the early '70s and is set in Sweden's turn-of-the-century well-to-do society. Now remastered and heard at the dawn of the millennium, Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (35)

Goregous, Glorius, Genius...Sondheim!
After a long wait, I was finally able to own A Little Night Music, and I instantly fell in love with it. Although the show is known due to the huge hit "Send in the Clowns", the entire score is grand and spectacular. This is probably Sondheim's "prettiest" score due to the constant 3/4 waltz theme. The Night Waltz overture alone pulls the listener in with the subtle strings. The orchestrations just get better as the score continues. Highlights are probably "Now/Later/Soon", which cascades into a wonderful montage, "Every Day A Little Death", "It Would Have Been Wonderful", "The Miller's Son", and, of course, the congested wonder Glynis Johns with "Send in the Clowns". A true must-have for any lover of Sondheim.

A Soft Sondhiem
Like other Sondheim shows, the lyrics are fabulous. But theres no horribly dark lyrics or moods. Myabe a little hint of one in "You Must Meet My Wife" but you have to listen for it. The music is nice and soothing. Everything one would expect from a master. It is a more classical show, but a good one. I would definitly suggest this to anyone. Ballad rich, small talented cast, and a well known Sondheim gem "Send In The Clowns" is hidden here. Nothing like Sweeny Todd, but still wonderful. Favorite songs: "Now--Later--Soon" & "Praise to Women"

A Musical Masterpiece.
Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, and A Little Night Music are Sondheim's masterpiece.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Musicals    3. Original Cast Recordings    4. Pop    5. Show Tunes    6. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Based on Hans Christian Andersen's tale Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (26)

an oldie but a goodie
Loved Carol Burnett then and love her now.This original cast CD is a lovely trip down memory lane.

Nothing like the original --
No offense to any of the subsequent "Freds" but Carol Burnett OWNS this role.The recording is as fresh and funny as anything being done today and this is the version musical theatre fans should have in their library.Get it.

Awesome
My school did this musical last year (Spring 2005) and I had never heard of it before, so I bought both the Revial and the Original Cast Recordings.Fell in love.I was Sir Harry and loved both songs that I sang in.In my opinion, those are the two best songs in the entire musical, but then again, I'm biased.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Miscellaneous    3. Miscellaneous Music    4. Music Theater    5. Musical Theater    6. Musicals    7. Original Cast Recordings    8. Pop    9. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Michael Bennett's 1975 tale of Broadway's gypsies--the chorus dancers--resonated with audiences as few shows ever have, examining with both hilarity and heartbreak the grueling life of ordinary performers always auditioning for an opportunity to be members of a faceless chorus line. And along the way, it picked up the Pulitzer, the New York Drama Critics Award, and nine Tonys, and became the longest-running show in Broadway history. The original cast (eight of whom contributed their real-life memories to the show) included no major stars, but are unmatched on this cast recording of Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban's score, including Priscilla Lopez's poignant "Nothing," Donna McKechnie's yearning dance number "The Music and the Mirror," one of Broadway's most famous torch ballads in "What I Did for Love," and the ultimate high-kicking chorus number, "One." Fans of the show will welcome the 1998 remastered CD, which adds two and a half minutes to "Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love." While still incomplete, the montage now includes "Four-foot ten," "Little brat," and "The worst thing in school...."Read more

Features

• Cast Recording
• SACD

Reviews (35)

chorus line cd
service and timing was exceptional on this purchase.order placed, shipped and received in a matter of a few days.

Perfect First for a collection
The best thing about A Chorus Line is not only does it have great music, great lyrics, and a great script, but also it lets the entire world see what actors, singers, and dancers go through. Which is why I put this as the First CD to buy for someone interested in broadway. If you have a collection and don't have this, best get on that. This show is a great introduction into broadway and a wonderful study of the arts. Favorite Songs: "Sing" & "What I Did for Love"

AN ABSOLUTE CLASSIC!
It's one of the finest soundtracks for a B'way musical I've ever heard. The CD captures the best moments of the show including some songs that will live forever such as "What I Did for Love", "One" and "I Hope I Get It". I've seen the play three times: twice in B'way and once in London (very good but not as good as the B'way version at the Shubert). It's one of those shows that remain forever in your mind and heart and that you know for certain it's a great classic of all times. No collectors of B'way shows can miss this one: it's a MUST, in capital letters. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Pop    5. Show Tunes    6. Showtunes / B'way