BEE, PIAZZA or CHARITY - Which to buy?

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 6:19pm

Okay, gimme a hand here people.

I finally got paid at work and want to buy a new CR, and I'm tentative on which to get.

BEE - LOVED their TONY performance and I always enjoy a good humorous Cast Recording, but I've heard a good amount of talk about the score not living up to the rest of the show's aspects. Finn is a great composer, but I haven't seen the show so I don't want to dive right in and wind up with a CD that's collecting dust.

PIAZZA - Again, I haven't seen it. BUT...it won for best score and I've heard nothing but raves for the music and Guettel is genius so that's definitely a pro. Plus, I love Kelli O'Hara and Victoria Clark so I'm sure I would enjoy it. I don't want something loaded with ballads, though. I'm hoping there's a light-heartedness to it.

CHARITY - It's not out yet, but it's something I want to buy. I know Christina Applegate isn't the best singer in the world, but I fell in love with her after her performance at the TONYs and I LOVE the show's score. I don't own a CHARITY CR yet and I'm thinking of just holding out until this one comes out.

So, I'm stuck. Any opinions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.

[gavrochegirl]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 6:21pm

If you want fun,try BEE. If you want serious but beautiful music, try PIAZZA.

[QtKt]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 6:21pm

Thanks for asking my opinion, love.
Piazza.
Updated On: 6/12/05 at 06:21 PM

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 6:23pm

As a recording Bee is inferior to Piazza and musically Piazza is very difficult on a lazy ear but is beautiful if you are harmonically adjusted. Both are great choices but I'd go with Piazza.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 6:24pm

Definitely pick up PIAZZA first -- no contest.

Then get the OBC of SWEET CHARITY with Gwen Verdon -- a classic.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 6:24pm

Piazza

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 6:46pm

Piazza.

The only reason I am buying the new CHARITY CD is for Denis O'Hare's two delightful numbers.

Here's a taste of Piazza online. Make sure you check out Guettel's demos. His wordless vocalese to 'Dividing Day' with guitar accompiament makes it sound Brazilian, like something out of Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Mandy Patinkin was interviewed about Johnathan Shwartz' radio show today, raving about PIAZZA. He described being in tears all through it, he was so emotionally devestated by it.

He had a similar reaction to seeing Patti in the London LES MIZ.

Piazza sound clips

Updated On: 6/12/05 at 06:46 PM

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 6:46pm

My vote also goes to Piazza.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 6:55pm

piazza.

listen with an open-mind, imagine the characters, and give it a few plays...then come back and tell us how obsessed you are!

[zoran912]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 6:56pm

Another vote for PIAZZA!!!

I'd go with Piazza or Spelling Bee. Guettel and Finn are both great songwriters.

I'd get a different recording of Sweet Charity. Applegate doesn't seem to quite fill the large shoes given to her.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 6:57pm

Skip the Charity revival cast recording. Get the original first.

Piazza and Bee are great recordings.

[My Fair Lady]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 7:01pm

Piazza.

[alphieboy]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 7:03pm

Bee- I love, love this recording!

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 7:09pm

If you haven't already. You can sample two Charity CR songs at www.drgrecords.com

The original Charity is ofcourse great. But the new CR will include Oscars new song, a couple reprises, and more dialogue in songs. Plus it will have rare demos etc we have NEVER heard before. The OBC is a must have though. And i've seen it around for a cheap price. Ususally under $14 dollars. I would get both Charity recordings IMO.

But Piazza really is BEAUTIFUL. But if you don't want a lot of ballads... I don't know if this is for you.

[Jera]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 7:49pm

Piazza

[Staci1818]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 7:51pm

Piazza

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 7:52pm

definitely Piazza. It's fabulous!

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 7:55pm

Oscar's new song is such a waste time. That said, the only reson to get the new recording would be O'Hare, who comes off best of the bunch. Not that it was too hard for him to do that.

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 7:58pm

Piazza does have quite a few ballads, but it's never dreary or somber. Much of the score is light and hummable (Passeggiata comes to mind immediately), and overall, it is romantic and gorgeous (Il Mondo Era Vuoto, Say it Somehow, The Light in the Piazza, Love to Me).

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 8:01pm

Another vote for "Piazza".

[BroadwayBound06]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 8:08pm

Only way I would but CHARITY is if it was Charlotte, I really hopes she takes the role over.

Deffinatly get PIAZZA it's well worth it.

[futurewinnerbud]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 8:08pm

I bought spelling bee first, but I'm just buying piazza right now off itunes.

[Princeton78]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 8:44pm

I'd say Piazza or Charity. I haven't heard the Charity recording, but loved the show. The OBC of Charity is great too, and usually cheap to buy.

May I also reccomend DRS?

[Jwei123]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 8:46pm

PIAZZA!

I love the music. Guettel is brilliant.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 6/12/05 at 9:12pm

Piazza, no question.