Posted: 2/18/22 at 1:54pm
This recording confirms what I said leaving the theater after the first preview (and I think even wrote here) that this score sounds gorgeous and is one I’ll listen to a lot.
Posted: 2/18/22 at 1:59pm
I’ve listened to “The Music Plays On” a dozen times already.
Posted: 2/18/22 at 2:01pm
Jordan Catalano, the first thing I thought of when I first heard “The Music Plays On” was “On the Street Where You Live,” but as a waltz. Absolutely gorgeous.
Posted: 2/18/22 at 2:29pm
CATSNYrevival said: "The album is delightful. I just wish they had included a detailed synopsis in the digital booklet. There is an essay which briefly describes the show, but since most of us listening likely didn’t get to see the show, a more detailed synopsis of the action would have been helpful."
Hopefully we'll get a Complete Book & Lyrics before too long.
Posted: 2/18/22 at 2:33pm
This album is stunning. Carmen's songs have made me teary. I wish I could go see this live.
Posted: 2/18/22 at 2:43pm
I just listened to FOS after having seen the show near the end of its run, so it was fresh in my mind. Has a NINE/Maury Yeston sort of sound to it (which is a good thing); had similar reactions when I first saw NINE on Broadway, whenever that was. Each subsequent time when listening, the music and melodies seemed to get better.
Posted: 2/18/22 at 2:52pm
CATSNYrevival said: "The album is delightful. I just wish they had included a detailed synopsis in the digital booklet. There is an essay which briefly describes the show, but since most of us listening likely didn’t get to see the show, a more detailed synopsis of the action would have been helpful."
Oooh! Might you happen to know where one can find said essay? I've really only pieced together the numbers by way of what folks here have discussed, the vague teaser synopsis posted for their marketing pieces, and an interview or two. Could definitely use more context also LOL. The album is amazing though, it is mixed and orchestrated gorgeously. Will be listening to this one a ton.
Posted: 2/18/22 at 3:55pm
“Sapphire Dragonfly” straight through “Flying Over Sunset” is a stunningly gorgeous study on grief and loss.
Updated On: 2/18/22 at 03:55 PM
Posted: 2/18/22 at 5:20pm
Listening to this REALLY makes me want to see a Carmen Cusack fronted Grey Gardens
Posted: 2/18/22 at 5:32pm
In one word, this album is WONDROUS.
I remember sitting in an airport in early 2015; it was the day that If/Then closed on Broadway, and I was wondering when Broadway would hear from Tom Kitt again as a composer. Seven years was definitely worth the wait for this one.
Flying Over Sunset may not sound like other shows Kitt has written / orchestrated, but the majority of the score is just as exquisite as the most heart-wrenching numbers from his magnum opus Next to Normal. I've been a fan of Michael Korie's lyrics for a while now, and he strikes gold again here. For over an hour, I felt like I was floating on air (even though Carmen Cusack seemingly abandoned me in heaven late in Act II). Definitely lush and old-timey - some "Sondheim lite" numbers as well.
All three leads shine, as does Robert Sella. As much as I wanted to hear this score with Jeremy Kushnier and Erika Henningsen, new cast members Nehal Joshi and Kanisha Marie Feliciano are more than serviceable replacements.
All the credit in the world must also be given to Michael Starobin (who also never disappoints) - what brilliant orchestrations.
"When the stars begin to fade / And the dark gives way to dawn / As the dancers bow farewell for now / The music plays on." I know this cast recording will play on in my rotation for quite some time.
Updated On: 2/18/22 at 05:32 PM
Posted: 2/18/22 at 6:55pm
As in the Beaumont, “The 23rd Ingredient” is sweetly touching. This show’s score carries so much emotional weight; Kitt’s music has an old school elegance without resorting to pastiche. It’s a compliment indeed to say that its timeless qualities do not tether the piece to 2021.
Posted: 2/19/22 at 3:30am
Does anyone know if they expanded the orchestrations for this recording? (Eg more strings?). They sound even better to me on the recording than they did in the theatre but that might just be the opportunity to re-listen with a high volume haha.
Posted: 2/19/22 at 3:00pm
Comparing the credits in the digital booklet to the playbill, they did indeed add musicians to the recording--3 more violins, 1 more viola, and 1 more cello, bringing the total number of musicians from 13 to 18. It really does sound wonderful with this expanded string section.
Posted: 2/19/22 at 4:48pm
I doubt a tour will happen, but I hope this show gets produced elsewhere. This score is so beautiful. Wonder if this could play CTGLA
Posted: 2/20/22 at 5:17pm
There are some nice moments in the score, but it’s not hard to see why this failed. To call it niche is an understatement.
Carmen Cusack is quite wonderful though, what a talent she is.
the young child’s British accent is hysterically bad. Did they give him Mary Poppins to watch? Note to all American directors- BRITS DONT TALK LIKE THAT 🤣
