I was fortunate today to find a used copy of the Off-BCR of Grey Gardens for a few bucks. I have never heard the score, but its reputation is solid, it seems. Just started playing it now and wanted to look up the Broadway version and also read about how the two recordings compare.
To my surprise I found that the Off-B recording is now out of print and fetching a sum on Amazon Marketplace. There are still some affordable copies on eBay, though, if someone is looking for it.
The PS Classics website seems to confirm the recording is indeed OOP and not between pressings.
I wanted to ask, is the Broadway recording significantly different? What are the differences? I'm a Grey Gardens musical novice, but I am a fan of the film.
Awaiting strong reactions.
Get both, though I prefer Erin Davie on the Broadway album and the changes they made for the Broadway production. It's nice to see what they worked on though.
I think Sara Gettlefinger is less manic and weird than Davie as Little Edie. I really found Erin Davie extraordinary, and am sad that she hasn't found as good a role since GG, despite some good work in Applause and Night Music. I still think she was too weepy for Charlotte.
Is it on iTunes?? Often albums remain available there after going out of print.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/28/09
I only have the off-Bway recording (it was the only thing the library had) and I enjoy it, though I always mean to get around to getting the Broadway one.
I believe both are on iTunes, but I've only ever listend to the Bway one.
Yes, I checked, and the Off-Broadway cast album is still available there.
Stand-by Joined: 8/12/09
For the Broadway Cast Recording, they simply recorded the new songs, and the rest of the songs are the same exact thing as the original Off-Broadway cast.
To be frank, if you really love Grey Gardens, you should try to get both versions. But to me, the differences aren't too significant to warrant every theater fan to get both recordings of the show.
I still have an extra copy of the Off-Broadway cast from when PSClassics was mailing out the last remaining copies for 5 dollars for everyone who bought the Broadway cast recording. I haven't noticed it really being worth a whole lot.
Sure, no one is saying the demand is there. It could be worth $5, which is how much I paid for it used, incidentally.
The opening song is different (Toyland OffBC, The Girl Who Has Everything BC)
Broadway Cast recording substituted:
Goin' Places instead of Better Fall Out Of Love
Marry Well instead of Being Bouvier
Broadway Cast added:
The Telegram
Broadway Cast cut:
Tomorrow's Woman
Miss Porter's Anthem
All the changes were made to Act 1. Act two remains exactly the same except for the last song. Bway reprises The Girl Who Has Everything while Off Bway reprises Peas In A Pod.
All in all I prefer the Off Bway cd. Tomorrow's Woman and Better Not Fall In Love are gems.
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