Dreamgirls - which recording?

[AngusN]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 5:14am

Hi guys, I'm relatively new to the show 'Dreamgirls' and as it is one of the most discussed shows at the moment (due to the film) I was wondering, which recording is the best to buy, and why?

[GhettoBway]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 7:19am

buy both the obc is not complete but its a classic

[jasonf]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 7:58am

I agree with GhettoBway. Start with the OBC because it IS a classic and the music is great on there. The concert is the full show and VERY well done (you can't beat that cast - ahem, Bill Condon, pay attention) so definitely worth buying as well.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 8:15am

I would go with the concert CD. I've never actually been a fan of the OBC recording since none of my favorite songs are on it. You'll get a much better sense of the show from the concert since it is complete.

[Urban]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 8:39am

The Concert recording is great, but the OBC has something the Concert recording will never have: Jennifer Holliday.

I say get the OBC first and if you like that, move onto the concert recording. Then you'll not be disapointed.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 9:39am

You need both. The OBC isn't the full score, but has those great performances. The concert is the complete score, which is worth hearing.

[Marquise]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 11:27am

The concert is the full show and VERY well done (you can't beat that cast - ahem, Bill Condon, pay attention)

oh, no. the concert cast may be the complete score but audra was all wrong for deena. heather headley's vocals were shot by the time she got to singing "ain't no party" (it's incredibly painful to hear), tamara tunie was bland and lilias white was "off", her "and i am telling you. . ." which is usually "on point" was extremely underwhelming on this cd. she soared on i am changing" but otherwise she was lacking. so please, bill condon don't pay attention to this concert cast. . .

[Demitri2]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 11:28am

I'd definitely start with the condensed OBC recording and then pick up the double set later. Having seen both the original cast and later the concert cast...well there's no comparison. Although I'd seen White replace Holliday during the tour run and she was wonderful, the original Dreamgirls were perfection. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Loretta Devine WERE the Supremes and Jenifer Holliday will always be a force to be reckoned with in the role of Effie.. And though I love Audra, her voice just didn't seem right for the role...it was much too theatrical for me and less Motown sounding than her predesesors.

[jacco]

Posted: 10/31/05 at 11:53am

I LOVE the OBC, but never really grew to like the Concert version. Too many painful notes on there....