I recently got my hands on the Cabaret Studio Cast Recording with Maria Friedman as Sally Bowles and Jonathan Pryce as the MC. I was so delighted by Friedman's performance. I never thought of her as Sally Bowles given I know her more from roles that are more elegant like Fosca and Marian. Surprisingly she sounds great in this role, and not only does she have a great voice which everyone knows, but she adds the vulnerability and the fears that I think are always in the subtext of the character. I rate her rendition of "Cabaret" as the best I've heard after Liza's. I haven't heard many people on the board talk about this recording or Friedman's performance as Sally Bowles (probably because it's only a studio cast recording) but I wanted to know if anyone had any opinions about it.
Maria is the british Liza. They are both GODS.
She had me from, "Thank G-d you have arrived!"
Grrr.
Maria can do anything. She is fierce. And of course, so is Liza.
Maria Friedman is my hero. I need to get this cd.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/17/04
This CD is even more wonderful because of the performances of Dame Judi Dench as Fraulein Schneider and lyricist Fred Ebb as Herr Schultz. Of course, even better is the Original London Cast of CABARET, which records Dam Judi's rendition of Sally herself, and is the DEFINITIVE recording of the role, IMHO.
Broadway Star Joined: 1/20/06
Muscle23, I wouldn't say Friedman is the British Liza, I mean women like Julia McKenzie, Julie Andrews, or Judi Dench are far superb. But Friedman and Ruthie Henshall are Lizas in the making.
I think this is the best Cabaret recording because it's so complete, it's a 2-disc set, and the true value of this album relies on Fred Ebb's himself performing in it. He always had dreams of performing, one wonders why he never got to do it on a stage. Friedman is a fierce Sally Bowles, you can tell she really gets the role. Every single lead is amazing, Judi Dench, Jonathan Pryce, Gregg Edelman, even Claire Moore and Caroline O'Connor sing on this recording.
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
philcrosby - Where did you get a copy of the Judi Dench "Sally Bowles" recording? The Dame is one of my absolute favorites and I would love to have it! I bought the double CD last week and Maria Friedman is glorious. Dame Judi performs her numbers with such passion. Her "What Would You Do?" breaks my heart. God, I adore that woman! I heartily endorse this recording.
Maria is brilliant in everything.
Dear God I love this woman, my friend Maria. (Get it?)
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/16/05
Dear God I love this woman, my friend Sofia lol
Is this Cabaret widely available? I never heard of it existing before and I'd love to have it. The cast sounds phenomenal
I've only seen it online. It is really expensive though, $40.00 on amazon.com
Dear God I love this woman, my friend Maria
Ya know I love and I smile ev'ry time I see her
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/16/05
BSoBWtrois, will you be at the final performance, in attendance with the likes of me et others from the beloved boards?
Videos