MOLM is a bit different. The OBCR was recorded by Kapp in 1965 and does not have the best sound quality. That show needed a new digital cast album that would also be more complete.
RAGTIME has a note complete CD, recorded in modern digital sound with a first rate cast. I think Sony would be better off aggressively marketing the original rather than splitting sales by releasing a second CD.
Sorry Eric, not trying to be "grouchy" - but as I pointed out earlier, cast albums are hugely expensive and don't generally sell that well. Not only that the revival casts rarely outsell the originals. Outside of hardcore collectors, most fans are content with one recording of a score.
With FINIAN'S RAINBOW we are in a different situation. The OBCR was recorded in 1947 in mono and truncated to fit 11 songs (plus a shortened Overture) onto six 10-inch 78's. It's a good recording but still limited by the technology of the day. RCA Victor taped the 1960 revival, more complete and in stereo but it is now out-of-print on CD and also sound-wise suffers just a bit. This is a score that could really use a more modern recording.
If both (or either) get recorded I'd be first in line to buy it. If only one get's recorded I would prefer FINIAN'S.
Apparently producers of both shows are having trouble raising the money to make the Cd's. This is also the case with MEMPHIS -a new score that needs a cast album lest it "fade away forever."
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com