May has been a musical let-down!

I was looking so forward to this month with all the cast recording releases (Spamalot, DRS, Little Women, Spelling Bee, and Piazza). I must say, the first three were total let downs. I am most looking forward to Spelling Bee, so I am hopeful that will be a pleasant surprise, but I think:

Spamalot - was a big letdown after all the hype. It's entertaining and fun, but not as good as I expected, especially score wise.

DRS - bigger disappointment. The message by John is so pretentious. The score is good, but nothing new or exciting.

Little Women - surprisingly, I like this the best of the three. The score is beautiful and the performances are great. However, I understand the low ticket sales. Totally reminds me of Jane Eyre - beautiful story, pretty score, but not too exciting.

On a plus note, I burned Mary Poppins from a friend and I love it.

Here's hoping Spelling Bee and Piazza redeem this month of releases.

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DRS isn't the type of show that translates so well to CD. If you haven't seen the show, you should try to. A lot of the jokes aren't coming across on the CD, as much of the comedy is physical.

Spelling Bee's score is weak. I wouldn't get my hopes up.

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So then would you not suggest the DRS recording? I have no chance of seeing the show anytime soon, and I'm dying to hear the music.

I've loved the little bits of music I've heard from broadway.com videos... I'm sure I'll like the whole thing. And I absolutely adore the movie, so I know the basic plot.

i am really pulling for all shook up actually! i haven't seen the show but our choir did a song from it and i really liked the way it sounded and the voices were awesome

Sounds like you feel the way about DRS that I feel about Spamalot. It was ok, but not as good as I expected. I will say I do not like the Spamalot cast recording though.

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In my defense, I saw it before all of the big changes. I literally saw something like they're second show off-Broadway... apparently they rescored a LOT of Act II after I saw it.

I think I'm going to give it another chance over the summer, if I can win their lottery.

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I don't remember if it was precisely the second, but it was VERY early. It was... ugh, I don't even still have my ticket stub. I lost it. And I packed my syllabus that had the schedule on it.

I agree, though - I remember more of what they were doing than what the songs sounded like in those numbers. My memories are far more visual.

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Is it me or do all of Finn's recordings kind of sound the same? There aren't really any "show stopping" numbers. No big belt numbers for the guys. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm in love with A New Brain, but in Falsettos I just didn't feel like there were any show stoppers like you have in others shows. Spamalot, was okay. There are a couple songs (find your grail, all of sarah's songs), but I guess the songs are more based on the performance. None of them are really all that memorable either, just kinda thrown in there. Although, I can't stop listening to sarah's songs.

Don't worry, Emcee.

I've seen it twice on Bway now, once in previews, once after it opened...the score is still weak.

Sorry, Priest.

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My friend sent me the DRS recording, and I love it. I haven't seen the show, and a couple of the jokes or parts confuse me, but the music is pretty darn catchy, and listening to it make me want to see the show even more. So I would recommend getting it. I can't wait to go out there and buy it.

I can't wait for Piazza!!

i can't wait for Piazza or All Shook Up. i'm so excited for some new music. yay. and i haven't been let down so far! my drs recording has not left the cd player.

Loge I'm confused, DRS and Spamalot are, in your opinion, the best Cast Recordings since Ragtime (199 and yet, you are somehow disappointed in them? Frankly I think your standards are too high.

I think any month that produces several Cast recordings that you recommend, "Totally enjoy" and listen to repeatedly is a good month.