Sheekala, you know, Hunter's accent while singing really annoys me too. He has sort of this twang, that I noticed during Urinetown as well. But his voice is so good, I tend to overlook it, but I definitely know what you are talking about.
Kerry sounded and I know I am going to get flack for this, but....AMAZING! She REALLY amazes me with her incredible belt range, and how strong, and effortless it seems when she belts. She is one of my favorite current Broadway performers right now.
The urchins as I have said numerous times are the best thing about this production, and why shouldn't they be? (Since one of them went to my school....) But they are the highlight of this recording as well.
Micheal-Leon Wooley has always been overlooked by me, but his interpretation of Audrey II is a force to be reckoned with! I LOVE his vocal work, and his interpretation of lines are great. Just the perfect balance of attitude and menace. PERFECT.
Doug Sills was ok.
Rob Bartlett seemed to make the fact that Mushnik is "jewish" more subtle on this recording. I mean when I saw him on stage, there was no doubt he was a Jewish man from New York. Here, you barely notice it. I don't know if it is a good thing or not, since I thought that the Jewish sight gags and choreography in "Mushnik and Son" were TOO over-the-top, but I think maybe he should have stressed the "Jewishness" if that is a word, of Mushnik, so that it would translate more onto the recording. But he was still very fun to listen to, and is the best Mushnik, vocally, and perhaps acting wise that I have ever seen.
Overall, get out and get this CD. It is long worth the wait to me. I listened to the Prologue 20 times last night, and I am not kidding. GET IT! FEED ME!!!!!
Cheers,
The Balladeer
"Someone tell the story...Someone sing the song...."
Hey, maybe Avenue Q is at Border's by now, lol.
