One of the best original Spanish cast recordings out there is "Houdini: La Magia del Amor", music by Antonio Calvo, lyrics by Patricia Perrin. The show opened to much acclaim in 1997, in Mexico City. The CD was recorded live at the Benito Juarez Theatre. I recommend it because in terms of structure, the score is very well developed and fits well the format of a book musical. The lyrics are smart and some songs like the quartet called "Mi Decisión" (My Resolution) are fascinating to follow.
Another great original Spanish cast album is the Argentine production of "Dracula" - no relation to the Broadway show by Wildhorn. The Argentine show was written by Pepe Cibrián and Ángel Mahler, and has been a huge hit for 20 years. It is very well done.
Another original Spanish cast album that I enjoy listening to is the new cast recording of Mexico's "Aventurera". Yes, this is jukebox musical based on the movie, featuring hit ballroom Latin songs of the 50s through the 70's, but it is so much fun. I saw the international company when it played New York, and had a blast!
Also, if you want more original Spanish musical materials, you might want to look into some early Spanish musical comedies/operettas, called "Zarzuelas". "Las Leandras", starring Paloma San Basilio (the original Spanish "Evita") is very charming. And also the zarzuelas by Ernesto Lecuona are very good. "Maria La O" and "Amalia Batista" come to mind. Some are still around in vinyl and/or CD transfer.
Updated On: 5/28/12 at 11:32 PM
