"Fiddler" revival CD

[children&art]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 2:19pm

I know there is a "Fiddler" CD of the revival with Randy Graff and Alfred Molina - is it decent, should I purchase it or just download the tracks I like off iTunes?

Also, dont you think they should do a re-release revival CD (like they did for "Grease" or "SpiderWoman" or "Wonderful Town") with Harvey Fierstein? I'd love to hear him and Andrea Martin, maybe not so much Rosie.

[SNLMedia]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 2:43pm

I saw the show last March with Harvey and Andrea, and I agree that a re-release cast recording would be wonderful. I thought their chemistry was fantastic, and Harvey's voice added a lot of humor to many of the numbers, especially "Rich Man" and "Do You Love Me".

I purchased the revival recording simply because I collect recordings for every show I see. Although I'm sure Alfred was great on stage, he comes across somewhat bland on the recording.

[JakeBraith]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 3:04pm

Harvey singing "Little Bird" would kill me, but he was bearable in all other numbers, if not enjoyable.

I would buy the CD, I love it.

[sanda]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 3:05pm

No way. Harvey's voice butchered every song of that show. Terriblly miscast.
Updated On: 1/11/06 at 03:05 PM

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 3:16pm

I liked Harvey in the show enough.

[bare_nakedlady]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 3:17pm

I may be alone on this, but I thought Molina was outstanding. I am so glad I had the chance to see him. But I can't comment on Harvey, because I refused to go see him and wreck my memory of Molina.

[sanda]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 3:20pm

You are not alone at all. Molina's Tevye totally got me. Watching his Tevye is one of my most memorable theatre experiences ever. I was so disappointed to see Havey's Fiddler later.
Updated On: 1/11/06 at 03:20 PM

[Enjolras77]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 3:32pm

I would recommend getting the revival recording. It is the most complete recording of Fiddler I believe containing some of the dance music "traditionally" cut in other recordings. It also has the new song that was added to the score (love it or hate it). I really don't see the need to redo the recording with Harvey. Although I am sure he gives a wonderful performances onstage I don't think his voice would transfer well to disc in this role. It worked alright in Hairspray, but I don't think I would want to listen to him "singing" all the classic songs from Fiddler unless I could see him acting at the same time. Give me Molina or Mostel anyday! (or even Topol!)

Updated On: 1/11/06 at 03:32 PM

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 3:54pm

no, bare, you are definitely not alone.

I was absolutely mesmorized by Alfred Molina's performance. I thought the whole production was simply beautiful and especially enjoyed his Tevye.

'children&art', I definitely recommend getting the recording. I find it to be a must-have cast recording.

[philcrosby]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 4:26pm

Molina's performance must have been seen in the theater to really appreciate it ... I find him a tremedous bore on the recording. It starts promising, but stays on the same note the whole time. I will say, though, it is worth having for how much more complete the score is, but for performance quality, the OBC (and even the London cast recording) have my vote hands down.

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 4:30pm

I didn't like Molina (not expressive enough, kinda boring) or Fierstein(not serious enough, as I feel that "Do you love me" isn't supposed to be overly comical) but would recommend downloading "Far from the Home I love" and "Matchmaker". Laura Michell Kelly and the rest of the cast is great!

[Enjolras77]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 4:40pm

I agree...Molina's voice really isn't very exciting on disc--but at least it is singing notes and is in a key. I still think Mostel's Teyve is the best. It is not Molina, so much, as the added music and quality of the recording that makes me recommend the revival cast CD. I think Harvey is a fabulous performer and a broadway treasure--but don't think a recording with him singing a classic theatre role would be very good.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 5:12pm

I don't think buying the Fiddler revival cd is worth it. I bought it, listened to only SOME of the tracks, and it has been sitting on my shelf ever since. I regret buying it .

[broadway_freak2]

Posted: 1/11/06 at 10:35pm

I wouldn't recommend the revival CD with Alfred Molina at all. On the CD Molina sounds like he's bored. When I listen to this version of the CD I usually skip most of his songs. The female vocalist on the Revival are amazing though.

I absolutely LOVED Harvey as Tevye. I wouldn't change anything at all. I would LOVE a re-release of the revival with Harvey and Andrea. I was soo Amazed with Harvey as Tevye. I was just awestruck with his performance. Andrea was simply incredible as well.

[Attendthetale331]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 12:13am

I agree I thought Molina was excellent and I thought the production was beautiful. The reason I think why some critics did not like it was because they didn't follow with the way Fiddler is traditionally played. I dont like Harvey's voice and I don't think I could sit through that show with him but I did hear from some people that he was good.

[ALWrules]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 1:00am

The CD is OK, but the OBC I think is better. This cast is pretty mediocre with the exception of Laura Michelle Kelly

[Alex LaVelle]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 1:10am

Personally, I love the revival recording. While I was in NYC during summer 2004, I got to see the show, and I found Molina's performance impeccable (as well as that of the rest of the cast). I don't think he sounds bored on the recording, but I may be slightly biased by the performance I saw, and that night Molina was lively and seemed to be enjoying himself and connected with the audience on an amazing level. I say get the CD, it's well worth it.

[Jyn326]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 4:15am

I saw Fiddler in June 2004, but I had Molina's understudy. I'm not sure who it was (too lazy to get my Playbill) but the man did a wonderful job. I really enjoyed the whole performance and I wasn't expecting to. I wasn't familiar with the show and had low expectations, but I loved it. I bought the revival cast recording that day.

It's funny that this thread came up because I listened to it in my car yesterday for the first time in a while. I really enjoy this CD, so I recommend buying it.

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 10:27am

I enjoy the Molina recording, and Laura Michelle Kelly's Hodel is worth getting the recording for all by herself.:)

[sanda]

Posted: 1/12/06 at 11:33am

My vote for 'Fiddler' recording will always go to OLC. No one can top Topol in the recording. That voice is so warm and beautiful.

I love Molina's Tevye with all my heart. But I won't recommend revival recording. His performance can only be totally enjoyed live.