FOLLIES Recordings - which one?- Page 2

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 12:54am

If you do get the original 1971 cast (on Broadway Angel) it is cheap as are all the reissues in that series ($11.98 on Amazon) - The Lincoln Centre Concert (my favourite version) and the Paper Mill Playhouse (a very close 2nd) are both double Cd's and expensive ($23.98 - $25.9 though worth every penny as far as I am concerned.

The London cast used a much altered script (you'll find a synopsis in Kurt Ganzl's book of the Musical theatre) and was originally issued on 2 short Cd's. teh current "highlights" Cd is missing just one track - not a song really but an introduction to Act II (YES! They put an intermission it it for London!!) that is just orchestral noodling with some lines of dialogue over top. It's not at all important and by eliminating this track they could squeeze the rest onto a single CD. Still it is my least favourite version of the 4.

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 6:44pm

I'm in the middle of a year-long journey through Sondheim. Basically, I buy a new album whenever I get some spare cash. These are ones that you MUST check out:

* Sweeney Todd
* Assassins (both albums are teriffic, but I slightly prefer the off-Broadway)
* Sunday in the Park With George
* A Little Night Music
* Passion

Also, you should see if your library has "Art Isn't Easy." It's absolutely fascinating and an in-depth look to every Sondheim show (well, the version I read included through Into the Woods, but I think it's been revised since then). And if it's the book of Critical Essays I think you're talking about, read it. Very good stuff :)

[jv92]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 6:46pm

The OBCR is the greatest, if abridged, recording. The performances, orchestrations and energy are spot on. Everything else is fine too, but the OCBR is the way to go.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 11/16/05 at 8:04pm

I'm def. going to look into Passion - it kind of interests me more than Follies does. I usually don't like the "old" sound that most Sondheim shows have, but I love Company. The song "Barcelona" is constantly stuck in my head, i love that song. And I'm waiting for the new Sweeny recording. Not sure about "A little night music" - I'll have to look more into it. I have Assassians - the new Broadway version. Its okay, there really aren't that many "songs" - or at least that I remember. The only song I listen to on the recording is "Something Just Broke" I love the way the chick from the Wicked tour sings her little part. Other than that though, i don't really like it. Although it does have brillant packaging. ha.

EDIT: They do have that book at my library. "art isn't easy" I'm def. going to check it out after I read "everything was possible"
Updated On: 11/16/05 at 08:04 PM

[Flahooley]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 2:38pm

At the end of the day, despites its major faults, I must vote for the Original Broadway Cast recording.

The London version is a little lifeless to me. The Papermill has a lot of razzamatazz...but little of the sadness that makes the show so powerful. The concert version is fun and Barbara Cook is peerless, but, like Papermill, little sense of the underlying ache that gives the show its unique emotional punch.
Updated On: 11/17/05 at 02:38 PM