Best Unknown Cast Recording of Popular Shows — Page 2

Jon and Broadwaybound062 which Australian GODSPELL are you referring to? The Original Australian Cast LP (Melbourne) was released in 1971 and featured Colleen Hewitt, there was a second album released as a cheap alternate of the Sydney cast in 1972. The first album is superior. Then during the 1990's there was a not so good revival cast album. I think that it could be one of the last two to which you are referring to.

What about the Australian Cast CD of PAGEANT ? Released and withdrawn within a matter of weeks. (The producer didn't have the rights to make the cast album). As far I know it is the only cast album made of this show.

alterego, I have the 'cheap alternate' you speak of. I saw it in JB, thinking it was one of the broadway recordings. The case does not say ANYTHING about what recording it is. The sparse orchestrations is a shame, and some of the voices are grating at first,however it has grown on me.

And the Australian cast highlights of THE SECRET GARDEN, if only to here Anthony Warlow and Philip Quast sing 'Lily's Eyes' together

They both have AMAZING voices, and I get goosebumps every time I hear it

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1) 2014 Live German recording of Starlight Express - Love the updated orchestrations and I think this iteration of the production captures the best of all the variations comprehensively. And it's the only recording (I believe) to feature the new love duet, "Fur Immer" (I Do). Special shoutout to the original German recording which also has its' charms (some of the very disco-sounding numbers are delightful).

2) German recording of Sunset Blvd. - Helen Schneider (although the youngest Norma on record, I believe) gives a searing portrayal of Norma that is one of my faves. Her pop single version of The Perfect Year is also worth tracking down, I think it's probably my favorite non-show recording of that song.

3) Canadian Sunset Blvd. - Diahann Carroll provides a stunning alternate take on Norma. I find her to be the strongest Norma, which is an interesting choice that seems to work well. I also almost always prefer the art direction for the Canadian editions of shows. The poster for Sunset with the addition of the purple and other Hollywood elements is stunning. That is not represented in the album booklet, but it does contain other key art that is different from the usual Sunset fare and very lively and engaging. I also find the orchestration here to be the only recording that most closely resembles the "live theatre" experience.

4) Canadian Joseph - Although I much prefer Linzi Hateley to Janet Metz, Donny Osmond really does give an excellent performance along with his supporting cast on this recording. Again, my love of the art direction for Canadian editions of these shows contributes to my love for this one. The only problem with the Joseph recordings is they all use the same backing tracks, so we're not exposed to all the nuances the various casts employed in their stage versions.

5) Pearl Bailey's Hello Dolly - This probably isn't "unknown," but it's certainly harder to find. For obvious reasons, this recording is so worth keeping in regular rotation.

6) Vanessa Williams' Kiss of the Spider Woman - Just when you thought the original cast couldn't get any better, this replacement cast (with Howard McGillan and Brian Stokes Mitchell) comes in. This recording is great because it really feels like you're live in the theatre listening. The orchestrations feel much more organic and less-polished, which I prefer. It does contain more music than was on the original cast recording as well (I believe there's another Over The Wall reprise and the whole denouement where Molina completes his mission).

greensgreens said: "5) Pearl Bailey's Hello Dolly - This probably isn't "unknown," but it's certainly harder to find. For obvious reasons, this recording is so worth keeping in regular rotation."

Yes, please! Same book, same score as the OBC, yet a very different show because of what Pearl Baily brought to the role. I believe her Dolly was as uniquely iconic as Channing's.

I like the German cast recording of A Chorus Line. In particular, "Eins". I don't speak German, and even though I know what the English translation is, listening to the number sung in German is really SCARY (in a fun[ny] way)! It feels like the storm troopers are readying to attack.

I love the complete studio cast recording of "Cabaret" with Maria Friedman, and Judi Dench. Fred Ebb breaks my heart on here as well. The only thing I'm not too keen on is Johnathan Price as the Emcee.

Also, want to give a shout out to the Canadian Sunset Blvd, and I enjoy the German cast album of Wicked. No Good Deed sounds so evil in German.

Oh, and what about that rock version of Jesus Christ Superstar that featured the Indigo Girls??? That was an awesome alternative take on the show. I absolutely LIVE for the opening bars of Zealotes. Those guitars are so amazing.