Basic Library of Cast albums

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 3:14am

The question comes up here often as to cast albums of "classic" shows that belong in every basic collection. I compiled this listing for Public Libraries several years ago and have updated it to share it with you.

This list does not include any of the currently running Broadway shows.

Cast albums did not really come into vogue until OKLAHOMA! was recorded in 1943. Earlier shows are represented by studio cast recordings often made years after productions closed.

1900 - 1920s :
BABES IN TOYLAND (studio cast on Decca)
MERRY WIDOW (studio cast on DRG)
LADY BE GOOD (Studio cast on Nonesuch)
THE STUDENT PRINCE (stuio cast on DRG)
NO NO NANETTE (1971 Broadway revival on Sony)
OH, KAY! (studio cast on Nonesuuch)
THE DESERT SONG (studio cast on Decca)
SHOW BOAT (complete recording on 3 CD set from EMI)
GOOD NEWS (Studio cast on Jay)
THE NEW MOON (Concert cast on Ghostlight)

1930s :
STRIKE UP THE BAND (studio cast on Nonesuch)
GIRL CRAZY (Studio cast on Nonesuch)
OF THEE I SING (1952 revival cast on DRG)
PARDON MY ENGLISH (studio cast on Nonesuch)
ANYTHING GOES (studio cast on EMI)
PORGY AND BESS (complete on 3 Cd's from RCA)
ON YOUR TOES (1983 revival cast on Jay)
BABES IN ARMS (studi cast on New World)
BOYS FROM SYRACUSE (Concert cast on DRG)
TOO MANY GIRLS (studio cast on Painted Smiles)

1940s:
PAL JOEY (studio cast on Sony)
LADY IN THE DARK (London cast on Jay)
OKLAHOMA! (Original Broadway cast on Decca)
ON THE TOWN (studio cast on Sony)
CAROUSEL (1993 London cast on RCA)
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (1966 revival cast on RCA)
FINIAN'S RAINBOW (1960 revival cast on RCA)
BRIGADOON (studio cast on DRG)
KISS ME KATE (original Broadway & studio cast on EMI)
SOUTH PACIFIC (original Broadway cast on Sony)

1950s:
GUYS AND DOLLS (1992 revival cast on RCA)
THE KING AND I (1977 revival cast on RCA)
PETER PAN (original Broadway cast on RCA)
THE PAJAMA GAME (original Broadway cast on Sony)
DAMN YANKEES (original Broadway cast on RCA)
MY FAIR LADY (original Broadway cast on Sony)
WEST SIDE STORY (original Broadway cast on Sony)
MUSIC MAN (original Broadway cast on EMI)
GYPSY (original Broadway cast on Sony)
SOUND OF MUSIC (original Broadway cast on Sony)

1960s:
CAMELOT (original Broadway cast on Sony)
BYE BYE BIRDIE (original Broadway cast on Sony)
HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS... (original Broadway cast on RCA)
A FUNNY THING...FORUM (original Broadway cast on EMI)
HELLO DOLLY (original Broadway cast on RCA)
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (original Broadway cast on RCA)
MAN OF LA MANCHA (original Broadway cast on Decca)
MAME (original Broadway cast on Sony)
CABARET (original Broadway cast on Sony)
HAIR (original Broadway cast on RCA)

1970s:
COMPANY (original Broadway cast on Sony)
FOLLIES (1985 concert cast on RCA)
GREASE (original Broadway cast on M-g-M)
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (original Broadway cast on Sony)
A CHORUS LINE (original Broadway cast on Sony)
CHICAGO (original Broadway cast on Arista)
PIPPIN (original Broadway cast on Decca)
ANNIE (original Broadway cast on Sony)
EVITA (original Broadway cast on Decca)
SWEENEY TODD (original Broadway cast on RCA)

1980s:
42ND STREET (original Broadway cast on RCA)
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (original Broadway cast on RCA)
DREAMGIRLS (Concert cast on Nonesuch)
NINE (original Broadway cast on Sony)
CATS (original Broadway cast on Geffen)
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (original Broadway cast on RCA)
LES MISERABLES (complete recording on First Night)
INTO THE WOODS (original Broadway cast on RCA)
GRAND HOTEL (original Broadway cast on RCA)
CITY OF ANGELS (original Broadway cast on Columbia)

1990s:

MISS SAIGON (Complete recording on EMI)
THE SECRET GARDEN (original Broadway cast on Columbia)
CRAZY FOR YOU (original Broadway cast on EMI)
BLOOD BROTHERS (original London cast on RCA)
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN (original Broadway cast on RCA)
PASSION (original Broadway cast on EMI)
RENT (original Broadway cast on Geffen)
TITANIC (original Broadway cast on RCA)
THE LIFE (original Broadway cast on Sony)
RAGTIME (original Broadway cast on RCA)

Notable off-Broadway productions:
THREEPENNY OPERA(1954 revival on Decca)
THE GOLDEN APPLE (original cast on RCA)
THE FANTASTICKS (original cast on Decca)
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN (original cast on Decca)
GODSPELL (original cast on Arista)
MARCH OF THE FALSETTOS & FALSETTOLAND (original cast on DRG)
ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (original cast on RCA)
ASSASSINS (original cast on RCA)
THE LAST FIVE YEARS (original cast on Sh-k-Boom)
URINETOWN (original cast on RCA)

and some notable flops (1950-1999)
A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN (original cast on Sony)
PAINT YOUR WAGON (original cast on RCA)
CANDIDE (original cast on Sony)
GOLDILOCKS (original cast on Sony)
ANYONE CAN WHISTLE (original cast on Sony)
DEAR WORLD (original cast on Sony)
MACK AND MABEL (original cast on MCA)
THE GOODBYE GIRL (original cast on Columbia)
STEEL PIER (original cast on RCA)
PARADE (original cast on RCA)

Five more 2000 - 2007

THE PRODUCERS (original Broadway cast on Sony)
HAIRSPRAY (original Brodway cast on Sony)
THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (original Broadway cast on Nonesuch)
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (original Broadway cast on Ghostlight)
GREY GARDENS (original Broadway cast on PS Classics)

Updated On: 5/15/09 at 03:14 AM

[Urban]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 3:30am

Wow. Facinating list of Cast Recordings. Heck, now I have the urge to go out to find half of these I don't have.

[whimsical]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 3:42am

I need to work on the 1900-1920s section.

Updated On: 8/17/05 at 03:42 AM

[magruder]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 6:56am

As much as I enjoy the JAY recording of Good News, it's essentially the 1974 version of the score, with a lot of interpolated songs. I wish there was an actual recording of the 1927 version of the score.

Merrily We Roll Along is an RCA release.

[jobiennj2]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 7:19am

I think the 1960s can use a Jule Styne, particularly Funny Girl.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 11:38am

Thanks for the correction Magruder. I was debating if I should list the Sondheims as RCA or Sony since next month they transfer to the Sony catalogue with the reissues. You are right about GOOD NEWS. Given the number of hit songs it is surprising there was no earlier recording - even a studio cast version - done. The M-g-M film soundtrack (8 tracks) was available for many years although it is hardly an authentic representation of the score.

As for FUNNY GIRL, I considered it as well but ultimately when it came to whittling down the list I kept the 10 shows from the 60s that are more frequently revived.

The self-imposed guidelines were: Shows done frequently by community and regional theatre groups, Shows of historical importance and interesting overlooked artefacts.

[Marquise]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 11:46am

i love your list frontrowcentre. I'm saving it to see what i don't have/am interested in for future purchases.

"promises, promises" wasn't included in your list of '60s hits but basing it on your criteria i would say it's omission would be correct.

great job!

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 12:09pm

Thanks Marquise!

It is just a basic library of 100 Cd's that I feel should form the basis of any cast album collection. One other criteria: I ignored revues and juke box shows.

I also left out key 90s shows like RENT because they are still running and felt that current shows would be on everyone's shopping list anyhow.

Glad you find it helpful.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 12:44pm

A few quibbles with your list:

I didn't see Jesus Christ Superstar. I think it's important because it is the musical that introduced ALW & Tim Rice to America.

I believe Pippin should be on the list to more fully represent Stephen Schwartz.

Once on this Island played on Broadway and I think it should be listed with the Broadway recordings. (Actually same with Godspell).

I don't consider Parade a flop. (I'm not sure if it made back it's money, but it was not what we think of as flop). Also, since it played the big theater in Lincoln Center, it is considered "Broadway" and was nominated for Tony Awards.

I belive that the Papermill Playhouse recording of "Follies" is the best out there. It has all the songs from the various versions that Sondheim wrote.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000FDK4/qid=1124296600/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/102-6513913-6209748

And just for the sheer fun of it, I would add:

The Unsinkable Molly Brown
Big River
Purlie
House of Flowers
Shenandoah

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 12:51pm

It's sad to see PARADE there under "flops"...

[bjivie2]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 2:16pm

I think including almost every single Sondheim show is a mistake. There are a few must-have Sondheim shows like Sweeney, Company, Into the Woods, Follies, but Passion and Merrily are not exactly the most necessary in a collection.

[CastAlbumFan]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 3:19pm

Hmmm, since MARCH OF THE FALSETTOS and FALSETTOLAND are now only available in the combined 2CD format, may I suggest replacing one of them in the Off-Broadway list with LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE, JAQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS or I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER AND PUTTING IT ON THE ROAD?

[Magdalene]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 3:26pm

I wouldn't worry about the RCA or Sony designation, since they are essentially the same company now.
I really enjoyed your list!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 3:54pm

Also under "Off-Broadway" you have to add "Nunsense". It ran for several years and spawned a franchise.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 5:31pm

A few quibbles with your list:

LOL I am sure there will always be quibbles...it is highly subjective.

I didn't see Jesus Christ Superstar. I think it's important because it is the musical that introduced ALW & Tim Rice to America.

Good point. AND it is done a lot by community groups.

I believe Pippin should be on the list to more fully represent Stephen Schwartz.

Yes and another show that seems to have had a life in regional/community stagings.

Once on this Island played on Broadway and I think it should be listed with the Broadway recordings. (Actually same with Godspell).

I debated whether to count these as Broadway or Off but either way they are on the list :)

I don't consider Parade a flop. (I'm not sure if it made back it's money, but it was not what we think of as flop). Also, since it played the big theater in Lincoln Center, it is considered "Broadway" and was nominated for Tony Awards.

Well here I am sad to report PARADE was a flop. Commercially it was presented by the non-profit Lincoln Center Theatre and its ultimate finacial status is less important, but it played 3 months mostly to smallish audeinces and never achieved much status beyond a cult show. Much as you or I or anyone here thinks it is an important show, it was still a box office failure. (And again, it IS on the list!)

I belive that the Papermill Playhouse recording of "Follies" is the best out there. It has all the songs from the various versions that Sondheim wrote.

It is a very good recording but I find the tempos a bit slow at times and some of the performances are less polished than the ones on the concert recording. Also the concert captures the genuine excitement of the event.

And just for the sheer fun of it, I would add:

The Unsinkable Molly Brown
Big River
Purlie
House of Flowers
Shenandoah

Good shows all but aside from BIG RIVER and maybe SHENANDOAH these are ones not done all that frequently.

I think including almost every single Sondheim show is a mistake. There are a few must-have Sondheim shows like Sweeney, Company, Into the Woods, Follies, but Passion and Merrily are not exactly the most necessary in a collection

Perhaps not but MERRILY recieves quite a few regional stagings each year. PASSIION not so much but the number of shows in the 1990s (once revues and revivals are factored out) was limited indeed.

Hmmm, since MARCH OF THE FALSETTOS and FALSETTOLAND are now only available in the combined 2CD format, may I suggest replacing one of them in the Off-Broadway list with LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE, JAQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS or I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER AND PUTTING IT ON THE ROAD?

JAQUES BREL is a songbook show/revue.
LITTLE MARY - both OBC and OLC are now out-of-print.
I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER... is possible but is the show done that often?


Also under "Off-Broadway" you have to add "Nunsense". It ran for several years and spawned a franchise.

Oh yes, although this and FORBIDDEN BROADWAY are more like revues.

There are probably other songbook shows and revues to add to the list. I just decided not to go there.

[SorryGrateful]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 5:41pm

What about Cabaret? I'm not quibbling, honestly, I just figured it's a standard by now and is performed a lot, even, eerily enough, in high schools.

EDIT: I'm an idiot. Never mind. I didn't realize Cabaret was sixties, though.

Updated On: 8/17/05 at 05:41 PM

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 7:09pm

Yes, the original production of CABARET was 1966.

[Demitri2]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 8:16pm

Hmm....Excellent list but I still would bump one of the shows in the '60's list (possibly "Forum") to include "Funny Girl". Why you may ask? Because as historic value goes for that decade, my parents took me to see all the shows you listed except "Forum" and the ONLY reason we didn't see "Funny Girl" was because it was by far the hardest ticket to get of any Broadway show I know of (finally saw it with Mimi Hines but it wasn't the same). Streisand was the toast of Broadway during her brief run in "Funny Girl" and I really can't think of a Broadway star that had as much impact on the theater scene in the fab sixties. She AND the show were a phenomenon of its time and her link to the show still gave it a healthy run even after she departed. Unfortunately due to her association with the role, the thought of a revival without her has always seemed unwise. Few hit sell-out shows with a long profitable run are considered unworthy of a revival, but "Funny Girl" is definitely the exception to the rule. Not a great show granted but certainly a show that had more impact in its time than most others.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/17/05 at 8:30pm

I'd add PETER PAN in the 1950's section. I'd say it's a must-have if not for anything but its historical recognition. But it's a great score, so a plus.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 8/18/05 at 12:44am

FUNNY GIRL does have a good score and the cast album is a good one (although many people seem to prefer the soundtrack recording) and the main reason I bumped it off the list was that the show, as you mentioned, is not really revivable. Even community groups seem to shy away from it.

PETER PAN is another 50s classic (the 50s and 60s were overloaded with worthy titles.)

Hmmm..if we keep adding titles at this rate in a week out the Basic library of 100 cast albums will hold 200 titles!

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 8/18/05 at 5:21pm

I have every one of these from the '60's
most of the 70s and 80s
I need more, I need them all.
It is a very nice list to start, I think I'll make it the go point to build my collection from the 60 or so it already contains. Then hit those other suggestions as well.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 8/18/05 at 6:01pm

Remember it is just a guideline. If you really don't like a score or a composer you don't HAVE to buy those titles. I was aiming for a good overall representation taking into account Tony & other award winners, important scores, and shows that have proven longterm popularity with frequent community and regional revivals.

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 8/18/05 at 6:45pm

I'm curious as to why you chose to include Blood Brothers rather than, say, Tommy, the Will Rogers Follies, or The Scarlet Pimpernel, all three of which I have seen in community productions.

Personally, I would replace it with the double set under the premise that it was the cast album of Falsettos, then use those off-broadway slots for Floyd Collins and I'm Getting My Act Together...

[sanda]

Posted: 8/18/05 at 9:00pm

I recommend Chess for the 80's. Beautiful score, great performers, great orchestra, and the strong Disco music makes you get a touch of 80's.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 8/18/05 at 11:37pm

I feel like a theatre enthusiast fraud for not listening to more than half of those cast recordings. :-p