110 in the Shade OBCR

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 1:03pm

I was wondering if anyone felt that this OBCR was essential for any musical theater fan to have. I was browsing through Amazon to see the price of the OBCR of 110 in the Shade and couldn't believe that the lowest price was $59.99.

However, I am tempted to save enough money and buy it eventually because of the audio samples. I already have the one with Audra McDonald and John Cullum, and though I do love the sound quality and find the performances enjoyable (and love the tracks of dialogue), I have to say that I was a bit disappointed in Audra McDonald's performance of Lizzy and would love to hear another interpretation of the character. How is the Karen Ziemba one?

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 1:06pm

Get it on iTunes! Only $9.99.

I just downloaded it last night from iTunes. It takes some getting used to - especially if you've heard the revival recording first (like me.)

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 1:07pm

Seriously?

I guess that answers my question. Thanks ljay889.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 1:07pm

Inga Swenson is really heartbreaking and powerful on the OBCR, and the full orchestrations are pretty sublime, even if the recording has the trademark distorted sound of RCA recordings of the 1960s.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 1:17pm

Habing seen Audra'a performance live, the CD is phenomenal. I believe that she is a performer that needs to be experienced. The way she became that character was inspiring - truly beautiful.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 1:24pm

MUST HAVE!

Love the revival, but Audra cannot touch Swenson's heartbreaking Lizzie, IMO>

[Born To Reign]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 1:25pm

Have you SEEN Audra? I was bawling halfway through the first act. When she gives that dejected look... I just lose it. I really felt for her.

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 1:27pm

No, I haven't seen Audra so I know I'm missing a lot not having the visual and non-musical scenes played out for me. I'm just judging her performance on the CD.

[Born To Reign]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 1:34pm

I was talking to BobbyBubby, sorry, didn't mean to offend

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 1:35pm

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I wasn't offended because I know that you only get part of the performance on CD.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 1:55pm

Born to Reign:

I agree about Audra's performance. As good and touching as it is, I prefer Swenson. It may mostly be due to me hearing the OBC first.

I love what Audra does acting wise in the role, but there is something so natural and effortless that draws me to Swenson more than Audra.

I also dislike some of the new tempos, but enjoy the recording very much as a whole. Probably on my top 5 of the year.

[LostLeander]

Posted: 7/7/07 at 2:28pm

This is a not a show to showcase Audra's vocal abilities.

Frankly, the score is not terribly suited for Audra's voice (though she still sounds great) - especially the way she decided to sing it.

This is coming from someone who basically has a shrine of Audra McDonald.

The show, for me, was all about how brilliant of an actress she is.

I love the recording, though- but moreso because of her phrasing, emoting, and acting, rather than the pure gloriousness of her voice (like in Marie Christine).

I need to buy the OBC, though. I think I'll do that right now.