Passion Question

[Elphaba]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 2:26am

Given the choice of the original British cast recording of Passion or the OBC, I'd like some feedback and what you all would buy. I have a chance of getting one.....

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 2:32am

Michael Ball is a stronger Giorgio than Jere Shea (Ball is on the London recording), and "I Love Fosca" is great, but I would get the OBC, if only for Murphy's once-in-a-lifetime performance. Marin Mazzie is a stronger Clara as well.

[amasis]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 5:04am

I agree with Governor about getting the OBC first; but if you have a chance to get both, the London one is definitely worth getting for Michael Ball's performance.

[feinstein9]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 5:14am

i don't yet have the london version, but like the previous two said, the obc is rockin. also, you should rent/buy the dvd of the obc. it's really a fantastic theatrical expreince.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 10:11am

I have them both. My favorite is probably the Broadway cast recording. Jere Shea, Donna Murphy and Marin Mazzie all do such a wonderful job singing that beautiful music.

As for the London cast recording, Michael Ball is glorious and he can deliver a song so well. I too am a fan of "I Love Fosca". Maria Freedman makes a fantastic Fosca as well. However, Helen Hobson as Clara made me want to vomit. What were they thinking? Her voice is so, so wrong for the part!

[aspiringguy715]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 12:10pm

I recently bought the OBCR and love it. I've come to realize that I have to listen to each Sondheim recording I have over and over to fully appreciate it all.
I suppose you have to see Donna Murphy to get the full magnitude of her performance because I didn't get much from the recording. I was really impressed by Jere Shea. He comes across so (no pun) passionate for Clara and desperate for love. I really liked his voice as well. If Michael Ball is supposed to be better, I might just go buy the London recording as well!
I should really get the DVD to see Donna's performance and to get a full grasp on the musical.

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 12:14pm

Yes, the DVD is a must-have if you like the recording. It was filmed on a sound stage and not in a theater, so it feels much more small and intimate, which is perfect for the show.

[apdarcey]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 12:49pm

go with marin and donna. at least that's what i think