Well, if you like that, that is pretty much what the entire show sounds like. You'll have a good time. I found it a little lack luster and lost interest as the show went on. To me the leads duets all sounded the same.
I love the originals, but there's a portion of the song that is virtually a scream-fest. The new version might need to find a middle ground...a little too safe perhaps?
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
I'm not at all a Side Show fan but I love the score and this song. Padgett and Davie certainly have lovely voice (Freudian slip singular). But this recording sounds very bland to me, lacking the orchestral drive, dramatic tempo and the heartbreaking passion and soul Emily and Alice brought to it.
One of the popular SIDE SHOW bootlegs on Youtube is of Ripley & Kennedy.
They sound fine. Just fine. I'm sure seeing the entire production would make the performance stronger, but the intentions don't come across any anything other than 'wah love me' on this recording.
Part of what made SIDE SHOW a cult hit is those unabashed vocals from Ripley & Skinner, who sell even the most absurd of numbers like 'Tunnel of Love'. This production may receive better reviews & be more successful (I hope it is! The show deserves it), but I'll stick to the Ripley/Skinner recording.
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards
I never understood the hate for "Tunnel of Love". Is it the camp? I always thought it brought out what was happening well. But then again, I like "Do Me A Favor" from the original Carrie.
"Sticks and stones, sister. Here, have a Valium." - Patti LuPone, a Memoir
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards