"I disagree. If the cast recording is not good, then there is no way the show is gonna be good."
"There is no way a show can be good if it has a mediocre cast recording. Pure and simple."
You are wrong on so many levels.
I liked Little Mermaid's cast recording, but didn't care for the show. I like Chicago's cast recording, but didn't care for the show either. I didn't care for Legally Blonde's cast recording much, but thought it was a good show.
A cast recording isn't the only thing that makes a show. You forgot book, orchestrations, sets, costumes, etc.!
"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611
The BILLY ELLIOT cast recording is just ok at best. The show is one of the most incredible theatrical experiences I've had in my life ! Don't be too narrow-minded.
book, orchestrations, sets, costumes, etc. is a small part of a musical. The songs and the people singing them and the way they sing them is way more important.
"Nope just stating the truth. The cast recording is the number one consideration when I look for a show for our community theater"
i know this gonna shock, BUT THIS IS BROADWAY NOT COMMUNITY THEATER
Attend the tale of Bovine Boy
His party threads we all enjoy
But does he have Mad Cow Disease?
He doesn't eat beef - but cows skating? - oh please!!!
With cocoa!?!
And lemonade!?!
The heifer-mad poster of Broadway
(World)
When I listened to the Drowsy Chaperone cast recording, I thought it was terrible, save for about 2 songs. Then I saw it. It's now one of my favorites.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention...I'm the good cop, he's the bad cop.
jackson also thinks sweeney todd is a god awful show and loves wedding singer, that should tell us everything we need to know
Attend the tale of Bovine Boy
His party threads we all enjoy
But does he have Mad Cow Disease?
He doesn't eat beef - but cows skating? - oh please!!!
With cocoa!?!
And lemonade!?!
The heifer-mad poster of Broadway
(World)
Really? Really?! First of all, the show does not come from the cast recording, the cast recording merely consists of musical numbers (and sometimes dialogue) from a show. Second of all, reviewers of the recording said it was a poor representation of the actual show, which I believe is somewhat correct. However, Xanadu is a fun night at the theater; it's irreverent, hysterical and not afraid to make fun of itself. You really can't judge a live theatrical experience from a recording. For shame.
XANADU got nominated because it is (in my opinion) the third best new musical this year (#1 is A CATERED AFFAIR, 2 is IN THE HEIGHTS, and 3 is XANADU).
It also got nominated because it exceeded expectations, to say the least. And it's extremely, undeniably fun. Can we discuss how the heck CRY-BABY got nominated instead? It's a far, far, far worse show and it got the same amount of nominations. Now that's an argument. There is, in my mind, no argument about XANADU being nominated. It was fun and brisk entertainment and deserved a mention.
<-- Gwen Stewart, SOLoist at the last show of RENT Cages or wings?
Which do you prefer?
Ask the birds.
Fear or love, baby?
Don't say the answer
Actions speak louder than words.
(Tick, Tick... BOOM!)
Whilst I disagree entirely that a show is only as good as it's recording, I would also like to point out that the recording of 'Xanadu' does not do the show justice at all in my opinion. I just don't think it is well produced.
The show is great - not sure where I stand on it's award nomination yet though.
"book, orchestrations, sets, costumes, etc. is a small part of a musical. The songs and the people singing them and the way they sing them is way more important."
Hahahahaha! Tell that to all of the scenic designers, costume designers, orchestrators and book writers who work in the theatre! You are extremely ignorant and uninformed! If the design was such a small part of the show, the actors could do it themselves! No, that's why there are professionals hired to perform those extremely challenging and meaningful jobs. Anyone educated (and most who aren't) in theatre can tell you that every area has to work together to be a successful show. The design needs to fit the needs of the story, the book and score need to fit the story, and the actors need to fit and be able to effectively portray the design, story, score, and book.
I guess the scenic design is just a small part of the revival of Sunday in the Park with George! Hmm, and to think they actually spent a lot of time and hard work for such a small and unimportant aspect of a show. Oh well, it's so hard to find good help these days.
"Light the candles! Get the ice out! Roll the rug up, it's today!"