Original Cast Recordings

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 2:44pm

We have already compiled a basic library of original cast recordings as a reference list for collectors starting out:

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=863740#1345147

Because I did not include cast albums of current (recent) shows many people have PM'd me asking what CD's of current/recent shows are worth having.

There are OCR's like the recently closed LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA that are endless sources of enjoyment no matter how many times they are played, joining classics like SWEENEY TODD, COMPANY, HELLO DOLLY!, MY FAIR LADY and OKLAHOMA!

Some shows come across better on CD than in the theatre. THE WEDDING SINGER has produced a highly enjoyable disc, joining the flops like GOODBYE GIRL, WOMAN OF THE YEAR and STEEL PIER that remain favourite listens.

Some, like LESTAT are recorded but never officially released.

Some, like LION KING are show so dependent on visual spectacle that the recordings fail provide enjoyable listens and turn the spotlight on weak or mediocre lyrics.

Shows like SPAMALOT offer excellent souvenirs but give away too many jokes, so I do not recommend listening to them in advance of seeing the show.

Then there are cast albums that after one listen you never want to hear again. (For me it would be the London OCR of MAMMA MIA.)

So, lets have some fun here.



Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.


ONE that is better to see than listen to.

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening.

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.

Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!

I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com

[thevolleyballer]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 2:49pm

I never tire of listening to THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. I don't know, something about that show I just love listening to. I'd also say WEDDING SINGER, HAIRSPRAY, and AVENUE Q.

THE WEDDING SINGER is definitely better on disc than in the theatre. I'd also say SPELLING BEE as well, for that matter.

The revival of BIG RIVER should have been recorded. However, that would have been highly inappropriate, as it was a Deaf West production.

AVENUE Q is a show that you have to see in person -- you can't just listen to that beauty. :)

LES MISERABLES -- you've got to see the show before you listen to it. That's what I think, at least.

I played THE COLOR PURPLE and TARZAN, and I've yet to pick them up again. Bah.

[jasonf]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 2:55pm

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.
AVENUE Q - I'm just happy every time I put it on.

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.
THE WEDDING SINGER - the show was OK, but I almost chose this CD for the answer to this question.

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.
DRACULA - I've heard pieces of it and want to hear the rest.

ONE that is better to see than listen to.
SPAMALOT - like the original post said, too many jokes given away on the cd and the music just isn't that great otherwise.

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir of the evening.

I would have to assume Drowsy Chaperone. I haven't seen it yet, but I have the CD and can't help thinking that I'll enjoy it much more once I've see it.

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.
The Color Purple -- it did absolutely nothing for me.

[Mother's Younger Brother]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 3:05pm

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.
BILLY ELLIOT

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.
ALL OF THEM

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.
ENCORES CAN-CAN

ONE that is better to see than listen to.
DROWSY CHAPERONE

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening.
SPAMELOT

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.
THE WEDDING SINGER

[gustof777]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 3:09pm

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.

Well I've had it for about a month now but I have been CONSTANTLY listening to Bernarda Alba. It's amazing and I find so many new things in it everytime I listen. I'm a huge MJL kinda guy so I could say any of his albums but this is most recent.


Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.

I really hate to say this because I really really love the music but The Last Five Years in my opinion is more moving and powerful on disc. Maybe that's just because few performers can measure w/ Norbs and Sherie but I just have felt very disconnected emotionally when I've seen it. I love the CD and it's another that I could listen to forever.


Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.

I want to say Little Fish but there is a small possibility that it might so I'm gonna say BARE...so sad I miss it. That cast just deserved an album and I don't care if it wasn't Sondheim or whatever but that music was damn good and very moving.



ONE that is better to see than listen to

This is not to say that I don't like listening to the CD b/c I do and listen to it often but I really think that Light in the Piazza is soo much more moving and powerful live than on CD. I found myself loving songs that on the CD I skipped.


ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir of the evening.


Spelling Bee. I had the CD for almost a year before I saw the show and felt very much like I knew everything and while I still liked the show i don't think I did nearly as much as I would have if I had waited to buy the album. I just knew too much. But I would definitley want the CD afterward.


And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.

I can't say I have listened to Tarzan at all after my first listening. Not to say that it was awful but a little bland and not that much struck me as worth repeated listening. Very dissapointing because I wanted to love it.

[maybethistime]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 3:13pm

THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA - A current show that I never tire of listening to.

SONG & DANCE - Better on disc than in the theatre.

THE THREEPENNY OPERA (2006) - Not recorded that I wish had been.

42nd STREET - Better to see than listen to.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE - Better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir Of the evening.

BIG - Played once and never again.
Updated On: 7/25/06 at 03:13 PM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 3:18pm

RECENT SHOW: See What I Want To See

BETTER ON DISC: Tarzan?

NOT RECORDED: Bare

BETTER TO SEE: The Producers

BETTER TO SEE BEFORE YOU LISTEN: Caroline, or Change. It's such a great show, but there is a lot going on. I think the visual helps.

ONE LISTEN: My Life With Albertine. Couldn't get into it.
Updated On: 7/25/06 at 03:18 PM

[elmore3003]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 3:25pm

LESTAT has been recorded.

[RentHead2]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 3:29pm

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to. Okay, there are a couple that I play at least once a day: Wedding Singer, Bright Lights, Big City (even though its not an OBC), The Last 5 Years, and Rent. Rent I have been listening to for almost 10 years...now thats dedication :)

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.
They were all really good in both, but if I have to name one I would probably see the wedding singer. But that doesn;t mean its crap in the theatre, they just do some songs better. But ITS YOUR WEDDING DAY is much better live.

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.
Hmmm, good question. Well this is kind of a crappy answer but I will say the cast they esembled for the Bright Lights Big City in Philly because Jeremy K and Orfeh (sorry its mispelled) were that good in person!

ONE that is better to see than listen to.
Wicked and Jersey Boys, it was so damn intense in person you can't beat it. And to see Idina Fly in that theatre, one word: wow!

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening.
Okay even though it wasn't recorded till much later, SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE....amazing amazing amazing. I mean there was so much more than what meets the eye seriously. It was great.

[SNLMedia]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 3:31pm

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.

Hairspray

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.

Slut

ONE that is better to see than listen to.

Avenue Q

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening.

The Light in the Piazza

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.

Fiddler on the Roof (2004 Revival)

[Weez]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 3:39pm

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.
'The Light In The Piazza'. Absolutely beautiful dammit. ^_^

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.
I think 'The Last Five Years'. The story is so well told through song that seeing it acted isn't an absolute necessity.

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.
Does it have to be Broadway? Because I want the Australian 'Sunset Boulevard' with Hugh Jackman. I was heartbroken when I finally heard for definite that such a beast didn't exist. ;_; If it has to be NY-based, then 'Bare'.

ONE that is better to see than listen to.
'Wicked'. It has catchy songs, but it really has so much in the way of eye-catching visuals that it's a shame not to see them.

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening.
Pass. Sorry. ^_^

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.
'Brooklyn'. I just can't get through the whole thing. XP

Updated On: 7/25/06 at 03:39 PM

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 3:40pm

NEVER TIRED OF LISTENING TO: Thoroughly Modern Millie

BETTER ON DISC: Urinetown...? not sure what I should answer here

NOT RECORDED: La Cage Aux Folles revival

BETTER TO SEE: The Lion King

BETTER TO SEE BEFORE YOU LISTEN: Phantom of the Opera

ONE LISTEN: Avenue Q and Light in the Piazza. Sorry Oh and Brooklyn.

Updated On: 7/25/06 at 03:40 PM

[JudasIscariot]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 3:42pm

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.
-Does Taboo count? If so, that is my answer.

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.
-Wicked

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.
-In My Life

ONE that is better to see than listen to.
-Spamalot definatly, as previously stated. It is so much better to see it in person.

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening.
-Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat


And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.
-The Drowsy Chaperone, I don't like it that much.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 4:07pm

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.

Wicked, even though I realize that the score is mediocre and am no longer a huge fan of the show, I can still listen to it and not get bored.

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.

This is a tough, but I'd have to go with Candide, I love the score, but the book isn't strong.

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.

Chita Rivera: The Dancers life. I realize that I could easily compile a playlist from all the shows that the songs come from, but hearing her where she is now and hearing how she changed would be amazing. And it would be nice to hear the new songs too, though they don't compare to the others.

ONE that is better to see than listen to.

Tarzan, LOVED seeing, I can only listen to a few songs on the cd.

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir of the evening.

Bernarda Alba, I can't see enjoying it had I not seen the dancing and everything on stage.

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.

Spamalot, never made it through the whole show and have the cd for over a year. Can't stand it.

[folkyboy]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 4:19pm

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.
Even though it's popular, Wicked. I realize maybe one day I'll get sick of it but not right now.

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre. Definitely The Wedding Singer. Although I suspected such when I was watching it all go down on stage.

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been. Carrie. Although I do have a bootleg from it it's still not the same as having it being all lush and full in my ear.

ONE that is better to see than listen to. The Light In The Piazza

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening. The Drowsy Chaperone

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again. The Color Purple

Updated On: 7/25/06 at 04:19 PM

[ashley0139]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 4:22pm

RECENT SHOW: See What I Want To See

BETTER ON DISC: The Lion King

NOT RECORDED: Lennon

BETTER TO SEE: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

BETTER TO SEE BEFORE YOU LISTEN: Avenue Q or 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. A lot of the comedies are better so that the jokes aren't ruined.

ONE LISTEN: I really try to give them all more than one listen, but the closest would probably be the revival of Sweet Charity.

[ErinDillyFan]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 4:28pm

Name a cast album current that you never tire of listening to.
SPELLING BEE

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.
Hair

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.
????

ONE that is better to see than listen to.
Wicked or (Joseph & the ATDC)

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening.
Spelling Bee

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.
Follies


Updated On: 7/25/06 at 04:28 PM

[bwayboi4life42]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 5:35pm

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.

*** THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. I never get tired of it.

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.

*** LES MISERABLES. Only because I can skip through the parts I don't like or that are boring (which are quite a few).

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.

*** THE THREEPENNY OPERA. Brilliant show. Talented cast.

ONE that is better to see than listen to.

*** THE COLOR PURPLE. I love the CD, but it was so much better seeing the show in person. One of the greatest experiences I've ever had in a theatre, without a doubt.

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir of the evening.

*** MISS SAIGON. You should definitely see it first, then listen to the OCR.

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.

*** BROOKLYN, FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL, and AVENUE Q.

[jv92]

Posted: 7/25/06 at 7:34pm

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.
The Light in the Piazza is just beautiful and moving. The album is so well produced as well.

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.
Thou Shalt Not has a pretty enjoyable score. It's not perfect though.

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.
None. Most of the show I've watned recorded have been.


ONE that is better to see than listen to.
The current Sweeney Todd revival has an excellent cast album, but to truly appreciate it, see the show!

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir of the evening.
See Piazza before you buy the album. I didn't like it at first, but it grew on me and it grew on me even more when I saw the show.

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.
Phantom of the Opera. I've played Tarzan because I enjoy the film songs and lost my copy of the movie sountrack.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 7/26/06 at 12:04am

RECENT SHOW: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

BETTER ON DISC: No Strings

NOT RECORDED: Encores! No Strings- Emily Skinner and Marc Kudisch were amazing together!

BETTER TO SEE: Lion King

BETTER TO SEE BEFORE YOU LISTEN: Company- the dialouge really is amazing and while it is great to listen to it has a more personal feeling in the theatre.

ONE LISTEN: Brooklyn, the worst recording I've heard.

[philcrosby]

Posted: 7/26/06 at 8:21am

Current Show I never tire of listening to: HAIRSPRAY

Better on disc than in the theatre: CAMELOT.

ONE show not recorded that you wish had been: 1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE. (The re-worked CANTATA doersn't count.)

ONE that is better to see than listen to: MAMMA MIA. Fun on stage, but for a listening experience get the ABBA originals.

See the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir of the evening: CONTACT.

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again: the revival of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. Absolutely dreadful.
Updated On: 7/26/06 at 08:21 AM

[bjh2114]

Posted: 7/26/06 at 8:39am

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to: So many to choose from, but I guess I'll pick Light in the Piazza

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre: RENT

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been: La Cage Aux Folles revival


ONE that is better to see than listen to: The Drowsy Chaperone

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir of the evening: Jersey Boys

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again: Mamma Mia! (hated it, the change all the original lyrics!)

[Eastwickian]

Posted: 7/26/06 at 9:44am

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to.

- It's 'Light in the Piazza' for me as well. Just stunning.

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.

- Wicked

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.

- 'Carrie' (and 'Our House', but that had a live DVD released)

ONE that is better to see than listen to.

- 'Billy Elliot'

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir of the evening.

- 'Witches of Eastwick' (had to get it in somewhere!) Like many book musical comedies, the show is so much more than just the score

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.

- Notre Dame de Paris. And it's really never again because I sold it on eBay.

[defygravity2oz]

Posted: 7/26/06 at 10:02am

ONE Recent Show: Hairspray

ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre: TARZAN

ONE show not recorded that you wish had been: In My Life

ONE that is better to see than listen to: Spamalot

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

ONE that you have played once and never again: Spamalot

Updated On: 7/26/06 at 10:02 AM

[Pippin]

Posted: 7/26/06 at 10:49am

Name a cast album (ONE please) of a current (or recent show, say within the last 2 years) that you never tire of listening to. SPELLING BEE

Next, ONE that you feel is better on disc than in the theatre.

PIAZZA: YOU CAN HEAR THE ORCHESTRATIONS MUCH BETTER ON CD.

Then, ONE show not recorded that you wish had been.

LENNON


ONE that is better to see than listen to.

SPAMALOT, I WOULD IMAGINE.

ONE where it better to see the show first then get the OCR if you want a souvenir f the evening.

THE WOMAN IN WHITE

And finally ONE that you have played once and never again.

SPAMALOT