Small question about "Caroline, or Change" in "Show Business"

[BDrischBDemented]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 2:33am

So, I just watched "Show Business" for the first time in quite some while, and I was really curious about the first scene of rehearsal for "Caroline, or Change". It's when they first show Jeanine Tesori, and she's conducting a rehearsal with the band of a song, and she's very much into it. My question is, what song are they rehearsing? I enjoy the ten seconds or so they play, and I'd like to know more.

I suppose the follow-up would be "Is it worth it to get OBCR of the show?", and I'd be inclined to say yes if only based on what little I saw of it in "Show Business". Since I tend to trust your opinions, what are your thoughts on the score?

Thanks for the help.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 3:28am

I can't remember the song they were rehearsing but yes, the OBCR is well worth owning. I was lucky enough to see the show on Broadway and, in my opinion, it is a masterpiece. Tesori's score is nothing short of incredible. My suggestion is that, at least for the first time you listen to it, you listen to it from start to finish in one sitting.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 3:40am

I agree. Listen to it all the way through the first time. I'm not sure about the song either, but the DVD gives you plenty of score highlights. There should be no question that it's a cast recording you should own.

[ratherbewhaling]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 3:54am

I have my copy of showbuisness at hand so i can tell you that they the song is "Laundry Quintet"

and to answer your other question, yes the cd is worth buying a thousand times over and listening to it is such an experience because it's entirely sung through and all the songs meld together.

[jbdc]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 10:17am

I don't think I'll ever forget the first time I listened to that recording. I've never had a listening experience like it. In my opinion, it's up there with with Into the Woods or Sunday in the Park with George as a brilliant score.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 10:30am

I echo what everyone else said. After seeing "Show Business" and hearing the funky, bluesy score I was immediately drawn in. I also recommend listening straight through, you will get the whole story. It is just wonderful. I think it is a masterpiece as well. Im so sad I missed it on Broadway.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 10:42am

It's my favorite cast recording along with PASSION and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. It's simply brilliant in every way possible.
I also recommend just sitting down and listening to the whole thing, it's not just a cast recording, it's an experience.
Bettyboy, I'm also sad I missed it on Broadway but even more, I'm sad that Broadway (especially the critics) missed it. What's interesting is that it got a lukewarm reception in New York but the tour earned raves all over and the show was a critical smash in London.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 3:10pm

It's a fantastic score and the Broadway production was riveting. The tracks "I Hate the Bus" and "Lot's Wife" are worth the money alone, but it truly has tons of great material.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 3:47pm

Tonya Pinkins is just thrilling. I spontaneously burst into tears everytime I listen to "Lot's Wife". Dottie and Caroline's songs are also riveting. As much as I adore Idina, Tonya Pinkins was robbed that night of a much deserved Tony. She was heartbreaking, "slam goes the iron...Flat..flat..FLLLAAAAAATTTTT!!!" Perfection!

[homeimp]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 3:56pm

I love the score for "Caroline". The final half hour of Act 2 packs such a tremendous wallop that it puts many completes OBC recordings to shame. A tremendous, heart-breaking, yet still hopeful, musical play with an exciting and varied score.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 4:01pm

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE should have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

That year, I AM MY OWN WIFE, a brilliant play that has NOTHING to do with American life, won the Pulitzer.

I know that musicals have won only about once a decade, but this decade's should have been CAROLINE.

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE is a compelling American story told through powerfully sung and acted music.

I also agree that Pinkins should have absolutely won the Tony.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 4:05pm

This is one of my favorite musicals, and the cast recording is an absolute marvel. Luckily it was recorded almost in full, and like many have said truly makes for an experience to listen to. Don't hesitate picking up a copy.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 5:11pm

Couldn't agree more with WannaBe's post.
I'll take it a step further though, I think the show should have won Best Score, Book, Musical, Actress, and I still can't believe that Veanne Cox and Chandra Wilson were robbed of nominations.
In other words, pick up that cast recording asap.

[Kad]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 5:57pm

Caroline, or Change is one of my favorite cast recordings. So full of so many wonderful moments."I Hate the Bus", "Lot's Wife", "Salty Teardrops", "Dotty and Caroline"... I really regret that I couldn't have seen it on Broadway.

[BDrischBDemented]

Posted: 4/20/09 at 6:55pm

Wow. Touche. I'll be grabbing this as soon as possible, then. Thanks, everyone!