Merrily 2012 Encore's recording

[qazdannywsx]

Posted: 4/16/13 at 6:25pm

I'm debating whether or not to purchase the new cast recording. I have the original Merrily and the 94 revival. It's an amazing cast and I always like new orchestrations, but is it worth buying a third version?
Did anyone buy it? Is it good?

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 4/16/13 at 6:42pm

I mostly love it-- I think as a fan of the score it complements the other recordings (I have the same other two as you.)

[qazdannywsx]

Posted: 4/16/13 at 7:06pm

Mostly? What didn't you like?

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 4/16/13 at 7:10pm

Well I still miss some of the changed music from the original--but that's an unfair complaint. Lin-Manuel seems to divide people--or get the most criticism. I think he's fine and acts the role well but I get why some feel he can't sing well enough (this seems to be the reason for having Frank sing along to more of Good Thing Going.) The new orchestrations and the sound of the orchestra itself, is exceptional.

[qazdannywsx]

Posted: 4/16/13 at 7:17pm

Hm. I was actually looking forward to at least hearing Lin's Franklin Shepard Inc. I love him anyway, good singing voice or not. And more Colin Donnell? Fine by me.

[broadwaybabe1234]

Posted: 4/16/13 at 11:17pm

I personally like the encores recording the best. I feel like its easier to understand the brilliant lyrics. I also like the expansion of Gussie's role, beautifully sung by Elizabeth Stanley on the recording.

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 4/16/13 at 11:24pm

This was a fine production...but why oh why was Anyone Can Whistle not recorded????

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 4/17/13 at 3:13am

It's worth buying...Elizabeth Stanley's number was probably one of the best numbers I have ever seen in any musical, EVER!

[mallardo]

Posted: 4/17/13 at 6:14am

^ Totally agree with that. Elizabeth Stanley is sensational throughout. I also agree that Lin Manuel Miranda is the weakest link but perhaps it's because Lonny Price was so uniquely good on the OCR. His are the biggest shoes to fill.

[qazdannywsx]

Posted: 4/17/13 at 3:59pm

Play Esq: I know!!! I'm recently obsessing over Anyone Can Whistle, which led me to look for the nonexistent ecording on iTunes. Then the Merrily recording came up as a suggestion and now I'm wondering if to buy it.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 4/17/13 at 4:04pm

Buy it!!!

mallardo, I'm glad you agree with me.

By the way, did you get to see Amy Spanger in Chicago? As much as I love her, I don't know if I can sit through the show anymore (great show, but I'm tired of it)

[newintown]

Posted: 4/17/13 at 4:23pm

I also feel that Keenan-Bolger's voice sits too high for her to sing Mary's stuff comfortably.

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 4/18/13 at 1:21am

But Wolfe sounds great (even if Beth is a much smaller role.)

Re Anyone Can Whistle, that was a missed opportunity. The Kahn charity concert is long out of print, and I don't like the live sound of it. Of course there's that Friedman/Barrowman recording JAY recorded of the entire score what--at leas 12 years now that is still in their vaults. JAY's complete recordings often have much slower tempi than I like and some other issues, but I'd still snap it up.

[newintown]

Posted: 4/18/13 at 10:49am

I'd love a recording of Encore's Anyone Can Whistle - I think it was the best I've ever seen Murphy and Esparza, and the orchestra was perfect.

That Carnegie Hall concert... I was there, and never would listen to it again. I love Kahn, but she's no belter; I love Peters, but she was already too old and couldn't remember her lyrics. And Bakula is a just a nice-looking void...

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/18/13 at 6:26pm

Saw the show the evening of the original cast reunion. A thrilling night. Lin was the only minor drawback and I think is the reason I don't own the recording. I went in curious as to how he would be. He wasn't awful but, in my opinion, miscast.