The Thing to Do [Original recording remastered]

The Thing to Do [Original recording remastered]

ASIN: B0002A2VP0

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
When Horace Silver disbanded his quintet of six years in 1964, Blue Mitchell, Junior Cook and Gene Taylor decided to stay together and form the nucleus of the Blue Mitchell Quintet. The band took shape that summer with newcomers Chick Corea and Al Foster. Mitchell has learned wellfrom his former employer; for this debut album he kept the emphasis on consummahe ultra hip groove of the title tune to the now classic "Footprints," this is among the best.

Wayne Shorter: Tenor Saxophone
Herbie Hancock: Piano; Reggie Workman: Bass; Joe Chambers: Drums

Tracks:

Overture - The Orchestra
Why Can't I Be Two People? - Richard Chamberlain
What Has Love Got to Do With Getting Married? - Edith Evans, Michael Hordern
Once I Was Loved - Gemma Craven
What a Comforting Thing to Know - Richard Chamberlain
Protocoligorically Correct - Michael Hordern, Kenneth More
Bride Finding Ball - Richard Chamberlain
Suddenly It Happens - Gemma Craven, Annette Crosbie
Waltz Theme - The Orchestra
Secret Kingdom - Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven
He Danced With Me/She Danced With Me - Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven
Position and Positioning - Christopher Gable
Tell Him Anything (But Not That I Love Him) - Gemma Craven
I Can't Forget the Melody - Gemma Craven
Secret Kingdom (Reprise) - Richard Chamberlain, Gemma Craven

Amazon.com

If one needed an object lesson in the fickle nature of Hollywood and its precipitously shifting tastes, one could do worse than to examine the career of the songwriting brothers Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. After inventing veritable swaths of Disney's musical theme park, TV, and film legacies in the '50s and '60s (including Zorro, The Sword in the Stone, Mary Poppins, and The Jungle Book), the brothers found their talents largely underemployed in TV and film efforts after the death of Walt Disney. It isn't to say that their talents were in the least diminished, as this soundtrack to the 1976 U.K.-produced live-action adaptation of Cinderella ably attests. Fans of the Shermans' Disney canon should find this soundtrack restoration a welcome addition to their collections. The Shermans' music is a familiar, effervescent delight, even as it tackles the full emotional spectrum of romantic and familial entanglements, from Prince Edward's existential ponderings in "Why Can't I Be Two People?" through the king's Gilbert & Sullivan-esque take on royal bureaucracy in "Protocologically Correct" to the romantic pinings of "Secret Kingdom" and "He Danced with Me." The Slipper and the Rose is a musical cult favorite, and for good reason. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

I love this!.......2007-01-14

I love this soundtrack! If you are a fan of the movie, you will really enjoy this. There is only one disappointing thing about this soundtrack.

While all of the songs with words are there, most of the background music is missing. There is the overture and the waltz theme, but no other background music. I was particularly disappointed in the absence of the music from the wedding.

Despite this, I am very glad I have purchased this CD and high recommend it.

a wish come true.......2006-11-04

I'm so happy this soundtrack is no longer out of print. The movie is one of my favorite musicals and all the music from the movie is wonderful!

Memories Return.......2006-06-24

This has to be one of my favorite musicals. And that's saying something. I remember watching the movie with my mom when I was little. When I purchased and played the cd, that all came back. Mom and I busted out singing, "Protocoligorically correct", practically cracking up through half of it; and enjoying the romantic theme "He/she danced w/me"!
The sound recording was well pitched, loud enough to hear, and there wasn't anything fuzzy. This I was very grateful for. I look forward to one day playing it for my daughter so she'll enjoy it to.

Prince Charming and Cinderella.......2005-09-11

I know the beautiful movie and I wished to have the soundtrack. Now I bought it and I am happy. It is a great CD, the actors give the best and the music is very romantic. I recommend the CD.

EXHILARATING! ENERGETIC! ENCHANTING!.......2004-07-11

THE SLIPPER AND THE ROSE is a most EXHILARATING CD, with crisp, catchy, tunes that cause one's heart to be made cheerful! "Why Can't I Be Two People", "Protocologorically Correct", and "Position and Positioning", are songs that I have found marvelously ENERGIZING! I work in a stressful medical environment, and on a dreary day, I slipped this CD into the office CD player, to discover an amazingly, invigorating phenomenon. The stressed out office staff began whistling and humming the tunes....a few even danced down the halls of our clinic, which can be a bit disconcerting when you have specimens in both hands. As the employees got happier, attitudes and energy levels soared! It was exciting to watch the merriment as staff sang and danced along to "Suddenly It Happens", and "What A Comforting Thing To Know". The love songs sung by Richard Chamberlain and Gemma Craven, "Secret Kingdom", "He/She Danced With Me", and "I Can't Forget The Melody", are hauntingly romantic songs, guaranteed to ENCHANT even the hardest heart. This is one of my favorite CD's of all time. The Sherman Brothers outdid themselves; creating a masterpiece that EXHILARATES, ENERGIZES, ENCHANTS.......and occasionally, on a dreary, stressful day, causes the heavy hearts of listeners, to be transformed and ultimately to transcend.

Big: The Musical (1996 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

didn't work for rehearsals
Big for folks doing the Musical
It's Awesome, It's Amazing, It's BIG!!!!
a lost gem
Ungodly awful

Big: The Musical (1996 Original Broadway Cast)
Richard Maltby Jr.
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Big: The Musical
Baby (1983 Original Broadway Cast)
Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Little Women The Musical (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
Seussical: The Musical (Original Cast Recording)

ASIN: B000005AY0
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

Overture/Can't Wait
Talk To Her/Carnival/Zoltar Speaks
This Isn't Me
I Want To Go Home
The Time Of Your Life/Fun
Josh's Welcome/Here We Go Again
Do You Want To Play Games?/Stars, Stars, Stars
Cross The Line
It's Time
Stop, Time
The Nightmare
Dancing All The Time/I Want To Know
Coffee, Black
The Real Thing
One Special Man
When You're Big/Skateboard Ballet
I Want To Go Home/Stars, Stars, Stars (Reprise)/Finale

Customer Reviews:

didn't work for rehearsals.......2007-03-22

I used this CD to help me rehearse for the BIG production I was in, but it didn't match the libretto at all. I think there was one song on there that I could use.

Big for folks doing the Musical.......2006-03-20

If you're getting this CD to help prepare for your school or community group doing the musical, there are a lot of changes from the CD to the book. Aside from finding the book in a new key and some chunks added/deleted, Here We Go Again and When You're Big aren't included anymore.

Overall, the music's a little trite, but there are some nice moments -- mostly the stuff sung by the female leads.

It's Awesome, It's Amazing, It's BIG!!!!.......2006-01-22

My high school did "Big" my sophomore year, and oh my god, it was such a fun musical to do. I kind of forgot about it until my senior year, when I suddenly craved some of that music again. So I purchased this CD and I've been loving it since. They got rid of a couple of the songs and replaced them with others as the show progressed on Broadway, so I was suprised to hear new material (to me anyways), and for the most part, I actually enjoyed these original songs over their replacements that my production contained. This cast is phenomenal and the guy who plays Josh Baskin sounds so much like Tom Hanks at points, its crazy. It's a simple, yet a bit fantastic musical about growing up, and it's funny and romantic, and a lot of fun. I love all the songs, and it's a shame it didn't do too well on B-way. At least this recording will keep the music alive.

"This Isn't Me" is one of my favorite tracks, as it's a lot of fun and has a great beat, but suprisingly it was replaced with "Good Morning to Mom", which was only so-so. "I Want To Go Home" is a great ballad that Josh sings, and its simple, a bit funny, and the ending is the best, as its cute and sad. Another song they got rid of, "Here We Go Again", is a song Susan sings, and again, I like it alot. It has a quirky melody that I like. "Stars, Stars, Stars" is another great song, and is quite cute. One of the more popular songs. "Cross The Line" is the finale to Act I and is also very excellent and up beat, and makes you want to dance. "Stop, Time" is my favorite song on the album by far. Sung by Josh's mom, it is one of the more poignant moments of the show. Heartfelt, sad, and truly beautiful, it defiantely makes you appreciate your mom. Barbara Walsh sounds superb on this: she has a great voice. I love this one. "Dancing all the Time" is another good Susan song, and it leads into "I Want To Know" by Young Josh, which is another good ballad. "Coffee, Black" is another showstopper, fun ensemble song, and again, very comedic. "One Special Man" is Susan's ballad to Josh, and it is very beatiful. My only regret is that its only 2:21 so its a short one, and I just want her to start belting at the end, but no, its a quiet ending. Still, I love this one too. The finale is great too, and features an amazing duet between Josh and Susan. I love the harmonies they do.

All in all, this is a great album. Sample the songs and give it a try. This is a must have!!

a lost gem.......2004-10-14

i saw this musical at the local high school in 2001 and was plesently suprised i of course saw the movie and the only thing i knew about this musical was it didnt stay long on broadway, so when i saw it was i shocked this is a delight cross the line still resenates in my head 5 years later.

Ungodly awful.......2004-06-19

BEWARE. This musical is perhaps one of the five worst pieces of music I have ever experienced. I began to wonder if the composer was attempting to make the world's worst musical. Listen for yourself and enjoy the disjunct vocal lines, the desperate attempt at "fun music", and - worst of all - how the highlight of the entire show both dramatically and musically is the insipidly awful "Heart and Soul". Stick to the movie because this baby is horrendous.

Average customer rating:

I waited for this for five years
Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
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Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD)

ASIN: B00005R5UJ
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

Tracks:

Oh What A Circus - David Essex
Memory - Betty Buckley
The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
With One Look - Petula Clark
You Must Love Me - Madonna
The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
No Matter What - Boyzone
The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
Try It And See - Rita Pavone
Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
Disillusion Me - Gary Band
The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
Magdalena - Tony Christie
Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.

Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!

The It Girl (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Can't Get Enough of "It"
This musical has IT!
Terrific!
This show is "How Do You Say...?" (Ah, yes) AMAZINGLY GREAT!
Wonderful show with great music and lyrics

The It Girl (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
Paul McKibbins , BT McNicholl , Jean Louisa Kelly , and Jessica Boevers
Manufacturer: Jay Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Roadside (2001 Off-Broadway Cast)
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ASIN: B00006HIAC
Release Date: 2002-10-01

Tracks:

Black and White World
Why Not?
Stand Straight and Tall
It
Mama's Arms
What to Wear?
It Reprise
A Perfect Plan
Coney Island
Act One Finale
Entr'acte
Woman and Waif
Stay with Me / Left Hand Arrangement
Step into Their Shoes
Out at Sea
How Do You Say....?
Step into Their Shoes Reprise
You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
Act Two Finale

Amazon.com

If you think that musicals are only outsize, outlandish spectacles hatched on Broadway, The It Girl deftly shows that there are other options. This small show was created in 2001 at the York Theater--located in a church's basement, it's as close as you get to a barn in New York City. Loosely based on the 1927 Clara Bow vehicle It, the show gleefully runs through all the 1920s classic situations and characters: chases, flappers, mistaken identities, a boat cruise, a department-store heir, and fake French accents—it's all there. You can almost hear the ghost of P.G. Wodehouse, librettist for the Gershwins' Jazz Age classics, cheering. The It Girl breezes through thanks to its cast's game can-do energy and the strength of Paul McKibbins and B.T. McNicholl's perky tunes, which deploy nice melodic resources and make the most of a six-piece band. There's enough knowing pastiche here to keep the saccharine at bay, but the creative team also shows genuine resource and love for musicals as a genre. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Can't Get Enough of "It".......2006-02-11

I took my daughter to see a production of this at a theatre in Hopewell where I sometime perform. We really enjoyed the show, and my daughter asked me to buy her a copy if the CD. I can't stop listening to this show. Great score...great orchestrations and great performances. I'm going to buy myself a copy too.

This musical has IT!.......2005-04-14

Maybe I'm biased, because I'm friends with the composer... but I was not when I first saw this musical, and I fell in love with it. A truly toe-tapping score, and adorably witty lyrics. It's a charming gem of a show, and I recommend it to any music lover.

The characters are fun, the story is marvelously scandalous (in a family oriented way), and the performances are top-drawer!

Terrific!.......2003-05-18

Like another reviewer, was lucky enough to see this show at the York Theatre in Manhattan. A wonderful musical score and clever lyrics made this show an absolute delight. A must-have CD.

This show is "How Do You Say...?" (Ah, yes) AMAZINGLY GREAT!.......2003-03-17

This show has a STELLAR cast! The cast is relatively small, only consisting of three men and four women. The music is original and REALLY clever (and based in the 1920s...GREAT TIME)! I listen to this cast album MORE than any other (and I have A LOT of cast albums)! Some of the MOST appealing tracks are "A Perfect Plan," "Coney Island" and "Step Into Their Shoes"! This would be A GREAT show for small theatres or small companies of actors! You'll be glad you bought this cast album after you take the time to listen to it all the way through at least once. You'll find a few songs you like and listen to those OVER and OVER. Two weeks later you'll find a few more songs you like and do the same! ... This is an A+ show!

Wonderful show with great music and lyrics.......2002-10-05

My family loved this show. Our eight year old son kept singing the songs and humming the tunes. He even wanted to listen to it at bedtime. Very catchy lyrics with tunes that keep your feet tapping. The show is full of songs that continually creep into your mind during the day. I often found myself humming a tune or two over and over. Highly recommend.

Mexican Hayride (1944 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

June Havoc sings third-rate Cole Porter score
Cole Porter songs from a forgotten hit.

Mexican Hayride (1944 Original Broadway Cast)
Cole Porter , June Havoc , Wilbur Evans , and Corrina Mura
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Fifty Million Frenchmen (1991 Studio Cast)
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ASIN: B0002VESQY
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Tracks:

Sing to Me Guitar
I Love You - Wilbur Evans
There Must Be Someone for Me - June Havoc
Carlotta
Girls - Wilbur Evans
What a Crazy Way to Spend Sunday
Abracadabra - June Havoc
Count Your Blessings - June Havoc
I Get a Kick Out of You [From Anything Goes] - Mary Martin
What Is This Thing Called Love [From Wake Up and Dream] - Mary Martin
Katie Went to Haiti [From Du Barry Was a Lady] - Mary Martin
Why Shouldn't I? [From Jubilee] - Mary Martin
Let's Do It [From wake Up and Dream] - Mary Martin
My Heart Belongs to Daddy [From Leave It to Me] - Mary Martin

Customer Reviews:

June Havoc sings third-rate Cole Porter score.......2005-04-13

MEXICAN HAYRIDE isn't Cole Porter's finest hour (KISS ME KATE is most definitely his masterpiece) nontheless this score offers some charms. June Havoc, in one of her rare recorded musical theatre roles, is dynamite with "There Must Be Someone for Me". "Abracadabra" is quite good too. Corrina Mura and her lush operatic voice suits the intriguing "Sing to Me, Guitar". MEXICAN HAYRIDE opened on Broadway in 1944 and ran for a solid 481 performances (Havoc left the show early to take the lead in the musical version of SADIE THOMPSON).

Decca Broadway has filled out the CD with `Cole Porter Songs Sung by Mary Martin', an early album of Miss Mary which features her incantory renditions of "I Get a Kick Out of You", "Let's Do It" and a recreation of her star-making number "My Heart Belongs to Daddy".

Cole Porter songs from a forgotten hit........2004-09-29

Cole Porter's 1944 Broadway hit MEXICAN HAYRIDE was pretty much forgotten as soon as it closed. Decca's mini-album covered eight of the hit songs by stars June Havoc, Wilbur Evans and Corrina Mura. For some reason teh show's comic lead Bobby Clark was not invited to the recording sessions. His big number "Count Your Blessings" is sung here as a solo by June Havoc, and "Girls" is sung here by Wilbur Evans. (Such changes were common in the early days of original cast recordings.) To fill out this short selection Decca has included a rare album of Mary Martin sining Cole Porter. All in all a worthwhile package though hardly essential listening.

Brownstone the Musical (2003 Studio Cast)

Average customer rating:

Pleasant Enough
Pure joy
A Different Type of Musical

Brownstone the Musical (2003 Studio Cast)
Liz Callaway , Brian D'Arcy James , and Rebecca Luker
Manufacturer: Original Cast Record
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
I Love You Because (2006 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B0000AYL3S
Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

Someone's Moving In
Cellphone Song
Fiction Writer
There She Goes
We Should Talk
Camouflage
Thanks a Lot/Neighbors Above, Neighbors Below
Pretty City
What Do People Do?
Not Today
You Still Don't Know
Not Today Trio
Babies on the Brain
Almost There [Act I Finale]
Don't Tell Me Everything
One of Them
Fiction Writer (Reprise)
He Didn't Leave It Here
It Isn't the End of the World
Since You Stayed Here
We Came Along Too Late
Books
It's a Funny Thing
It Isn't the End of the World (Reprise)
If It's Time to Go
Almost There (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

Pleasant Enough.......2007-02-19

A pleasant score. Fine singing, especially the wonderful Liz Callaway. The score, however, doesn't have those one or two numbers that stand out and stop you in your tracks. I haven't seen the show, and perhaps when integrated with the text.....

Pure joy.......2005-03-08

I have bought this CD with Wild party and each of them was amazing. Fist I have heard Wild party and after that I haven't thought that I would enjoy the second one but Brownstone was simply so amazing. I didn't skip songs, because all of them are beautiful sung by actors who's singing voice are pure, strong and wonderful.
As you can see, I'm a true Brian D'arcy James fan but each singer amazed me, really.
Buy this Cd if you want to hear a fantastic musical.

A Different Type of Musical.......2004-03-09

I bought BROWNSTONE at the recommendation of a friend and have mixed feelings. I know this show has quite a history as far as transfer from off-Broadway to Broadway and the controversy surrounding its revamping for its journey to the Great White Way. I think the songs are catchy and clever, I just am sort of turned off by the orchestrations. The instruments sound like they are coming from a computer built in 1990. They sound too fake and I think there could be better orchestration, though the melodies are nice. Some songs are just corny like The Cell Phone Song, added only recently. Certain songs are great like The opening, Fiction Writer, Camouflage, and Babies on the Brain.

I would say that if you are looking for a musical CD to add to your collection that is a little different from what you're used to, BROWNSTONE is for you. And also, it features an amazing cast of seasoned veterans and new comers as well.

Tracks:

The Sound Of Music: Medleys: My Favorite Things/Do-Re-Mi - Eric Hammerstein
Babes In Arms: Where Or When - Margaret Whiting
Pal Joey: Bewitched - Eric Hammerstein
Whoopee: Makin' Whoopee - Ken Thorne And His Orchestra
Roberta: Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Eric Hammerstein
All The Clouds Roll Away: Liza - Peter Parker
Guys And Dolls: If I Were A Bell - Gordon Langford And His Orchestra
Sweet Charity: Big Spender - London Promenade Orchestra
42nd Street: You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me - The Dreamers
The Pajama Game: Hey, There - London Promenade Orchestra
Wake Up And Dream!: What Is This Thing Called Love? - The Romantic Strings Orchestra
Revenge With Music: You And The Night And The Music - The Romantic Strings Orchestra

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music