CAROLINE OR CHANGE Cast Recording

[little_sally]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 5:54pm

I haven't seen the show yet but I like Tonya Pinkins and I am a big fan of Tony Kushner. Is the the cast recording worth buying?

[Matt_G]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 5:55pm

It is absolutely worth every penny. You will not regret it.

[BernieG]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 5:58pm

It's great.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 6:03pm

It is WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get it today :)

You'll love it.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 6:06pm

It's awesome.

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 6:18pm

A gorgeous cast recording. Tonya Pinkins is hoarse very few times (sometimes however it still comes through a tiny bit) but she is in full voice for the whole recording. The supporting players are excellent and the completeness of the recording adds to the shows epic story telling capabilities.

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 7:30pm

This is easily one of the best cast recordings available. Even friends who did not appreciate the show are enjoying the recording.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 7:49pm

I just bought it, about a week and a half after seeing the show. It's helping me to forumlate my opinion of the show as a whole, and it's a really excellent CD. The music is really eclectic and it's definitely worth buying.

[Christopher_Acts]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 7:54pm

I must say...the only reason I bought the recording was to expand my collection.

I gave it a chance and listened to it all the way through...

I started off very closed-minded, I knew I wasn't going to like it...

But it grew on me...

I still haven't listened through it again...I feel that it needs to be listened all the way through, instead of broken up.

Although...nothing I would dance around the house singing.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 7:56pm

I agree......listen to it all the way thru and read the stage directions in the libretto.

I've never seen the show, but feel like I understand it. I'm so glad that did such a comprehensive recording.

[JaiMonster]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 12:12am

It’s really an amazing cast recording. Go get it now!! Better yet go see it too!

Also I just wanted to say Tonya is in full voice and sounds great!! As to her being "hoarse" I don’t think that’s the proper term. There are points with in the show and the CD where she makes the choice to do things with her voice for emotion, soul, passion, pain, for the character, for the R&B/gospel feel of the score. Not b/c she is "hoarse" or can’t reach the notes. Listen to her on The Wild Party or Play On (I recommend both) she reaches the notes flawlessly and doesn’t sound hoarse. Why would they release a CD where the lead sounds bad? Clearly these are conscious decisions.

Jai

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 12:15am

A stunning presentation of the astounding musical.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 12:16am

the only person on the recording I can't stand to listen to, is the Jewish mom. Her voice is terrible.

[Plum]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 12:17am

Why would they release a CD where the lead sounds bad?

This was just being discussed in the "Unexpected Song" thread. They try not to do that, but cast recordings are usually done in one very rushed day to cut expenses. Each song only gets a few takes. So if you don't get a good take...you might have to settle, unless you want to take an ultra-expensive extra day. Watch the documentary of the OBC recording of Company to see what I mean.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 1:47am

Are there audio clips somewhere online so I can listen to some of the score?

[JaiMonster]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 2:37am

Plum- you are totally right. And yes I understand that cast recordings are usually rushed and hurried. Good point, thank you.
In this age of Britney Spears and the threat of digital orchestras (my point was) if tonya was hoarse or had vocal issues they could fix it in post production ya know? They left it in for a reason, just like she sings like that in the show for a reason. Nonetheless, the recording and show are amazing. CoC is one of the best shows of this past season!

Jai

[J.]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 3:05am

I walked by the CHANGING CAROLINE Theatre the other day and noticed on the billing that Capathia Jenkins is in the show! This means that I have to see it for sure. She was in my favorite show, THE CIVIL WAR, and was outstanding. I must see her now even though its not as good a show.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 9:58am

J - if your favorites show was The Civil War - you just said all I will ever need to know about you - OY VEY.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 10:06am

I was thinking the same thing. I saw the premiere of Civil War in Houston. It was the only show I left at intermission. Great music, awful awful awful awful show.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 10:31am

the thing I didn't like about it (Civil War) was that it felt like I was being shouted at by 30 tenors for two hours - just standing there singing song after song in their highest registers and making my skin crawl. The only time the show came alive for me was when the african american ensemble did their scenes - they had real souls and sang with emotion and made me feel something other than fear of losing my hearing.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 1:14pm

BUY IT !!!! In other news... its on TDF again for all shows this weekend !! July 16th-18th !! Woo hoo !!!
The TDF seats for this have been excellent. First few rows of the Mezz, center... $101 seat normally

"Caroline, our maid... Caroline, our maid... Caroline, Caroline..." ... sorry, couldn't help myself !!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 1:21pm

I probably knew a dozen different people who got comps for "Civil War" during its brief Broadway run and every single one of them ended up leaving at intermission -- the only show I've ever heard of that happening for (I ended up turning down my comps because of it).

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 1:21pm

I think Tonya sounds fabulous on the CD--regardless of whether or not the coarseness to her voice was intentional or not. It works. Veanne Cox (Jewish mother) also works for me--it isn't perfect singing and that fits her character so well.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 3:14pm

Margo - good choice - I, personally, don't think you missed a single good thing.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 7/13/04 at 3:17pm

There are a lot of great songs in CIVIL WAR: "Tell My Father" (one of the only songs to make me cry), "I never knew his name" and many many others. I have never seen the show, but by the recording....I think it is one of the most heartfelt shows I have heard.