'Peter Pan' cast recordings question

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 7:34pm

Hi all!

I own the 1997 London Studio cast recording of 'Peter Pan' starring Cathy Rigby, but see that an audio recording also exists of the 2000 television broadcast.

It seems that the principals (Peter, Captain Hook, and Wendy) are all played by the same actors in each.

My question to those of you who own or have heard both:

Is the 2000 Television soundtrack recording worth purchasing if I already own the 1997 Studio cast recording?

Having never heard the 2000 recording, I'm just not sure if there are noticeable differences in the performances, orchestra, or recording quality that would make the Television soundtrack a good addition to what I have or if it would be more like just having a duplicate.

Thank you for any opinions and advice!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 7:44pm

It's worth it if you like the changes that were made to the production in later years. There are noticeable differences in the performances as they changed a little over the years and some the orchestrations are a little different. The 2000 soundtrack has a different prologue, the new PC "Ugh-A-Wug" including the entire dance section as well as the new arrangement for "Distant Melody". It also includes some new music never recorded before including the dance music at the top of act two and the curtain call music. The downside is that there are a few cuts here and there, but they're not too distracting. These include a shorter Overture and minor cuts to "I'm Flying" and "Hook's Waltz".
Updated On: 10/17/08 at 07:44 PM

[gypsy4]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 7:48pm

i've notice that there has been many drastic changes to book and score that have benn realy good. have they released the cathy rigby version for performance use? because it's alot better than what has been avaliable.
Updated On: 10/17/08 at 07:48 PM

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 7:55pm

Thank you for your detailed thoughts, CATS! I appreciate it.

Given the things you mention, I'll probably end up getting the soundtrack.

Just out of curiosity, if you had to pick a favorite out of the two, which would it be?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 10/17/08 at 8:13pm

I like the 2000 soundtrack the best. However, I should point out that the 1997 version is the more "classic" of the two. It's closer to the original production and the original arrangements. The 2000 soundtrack is the updated version of the show that features the changes I mentioned. Some people prefer the more classic approach.