The first CD release on Polydor dropped two songs (that WERE on the LP edition) but included all the alternate endings. That one has been out-of-print for more than 15 years now and is highly sought and therefore expensive when it shows up on E-bay.
Varese-Sarabande re-issued it in 1996, restoring the missing songs and essentially offering the version that ahd been on LP with just the opening night soloutions. V/S optioned the rights for a limited time and once they ran out the label was forced to delete the CD from their catalogue.
Since Polydor was absorbed into Universal Music Group, it would seem that if another reissue happens it will be on the Decca Broadway label. A few years ago Brian Drutman said that there were no immediate plans to re-release it. Their concern is that with 2 previous CD editions, sales would be minimal. But the show is frequently done by community groups and regionals, so I would think there would be some interest in putting DROOD back in the active catalogue. Hopefully when they do the re-release will include the full score AND all the alternate endings.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
