$25 later and 1 listen later, I believe it's an absolutely brilliant CD. The one available at the theater runs 29 tracks and about 79 minutes. The songlist is totally different than the one listed on Barnes & Noble's website. It includes all of the Dear God reprises and Church Lady songs, but doesn't have the Patti LaBelle What About Love single, much to my disappointment.
The cast is just as good as they were on stage. You can hear the sadness in LaChanze's voice after the various devistations and final heartbreak before her revelation. Renee Elise Goldsberry, who I didn't get to see, is pretty good in her few songs. I would have liked more material for her, though. Felicia Fields seemed too held back, but Hell No! is still one of the best numbers. Elizabeth Withers-Mendes is one of the stronger singers on the album. The male and female ensembles are fantastic in their various numbers. After speaking to Allee Willis a few weeks ago, she seemed upset about the quality of "Big Dog." I didn't notice anything bad about it. It's one of the more rousing numbers on the disc. The whole CD makes you feel like you're sitting in the audience. It's one of the few recordings I've heard that gave me this reaction. If anyone has any questions, post them and I'll be glad to comment.
Updated On: 1/14/06 at 07:50 PM