Which Cast Recordings Are Worth Getting?

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:01pm

I have been slack with keeping up with the newer cast recording releases. Which ones do you suggest I get tomorrow?

Updated On: 10/11/06 at 05:01 PM

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:06pm

How recent are we talking? If you mean in the last few years, I recommend the following that have frequent rotation in my collection:

* The Light in the Piazza
* Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
* The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
* Altar Boyz
* Sweeney Todd revival
* Sunday in the Park With George OLCR
* Spamalot (I'm a Python nut, so I loved it)
* The Drowsy Chaperone is fun, but not necessary

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:10pm

These are the ones I already have out of your list:

* The Light in the Piazza
* The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
* Sweeney Todd revival
* Spamalot

[ahmelie]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:14pm

Has anyone heard Bright Lights, Big City? I was very dissapointed, I could see someone who was really into RENT liking it, which I am not, I wouldn't recognize it for anyone else.

Does anyone have it/like it?

And I like Kit's list, mine is very similar.

[snl89]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:14pm

I def recommend A Chorus Line revival :) I actually knew NOTHING about the show, but because there was so much talk about it I figured I should get it, and I absolutely LOVE it. I've never heard the obcr, so I honestly couldn't tell you if I like it better or anything, but yeah... its just awesome. Some AMAZING singing on there. Oh and also, if you dont have it, WEDDING SINGER!! seriously, get it, its the most addicting music ever :P

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:15pm

Then I suggest you go out and buy my other recs We all know that I have phenomenal taste

EDIT: I would also add the 2003 Assassins OBC if you don't have it. I prefer some of the performances on the Off-Broadway recording, but I love the orchestrations and the expansion of the Balladeer. Plus the dialogue scenes are fabu!

Updated On: 10/11/06 at 05:15 PM

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:19pm

I love The Wedding Singer cast recording.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:20pm

I sure do have the 2003 Assassins cd.

with the rest of your list, I really have no interest in those. I have heard various songs from each and wasn't too impressed.

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:25pm

I think I just find Altar Boyz amusing because I was majorly into boy bands and I have had a lot of experience with "fundamentalist" Christians. I think it's even funnier if you are Catholic; I played it for my Catholic friends and they were practically on the floor with laugher.

Don't discount DRS; it took a few listens but is every bit as catchy and wonderful as The Full Monty (which also took a few listens for me to appreciate).

I also recommend the OLC of Kiss of the Spider Woman if you don't have it. The cast is phenomenal and it is on the verge of becoming my favorite Kander and Ebb score.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:27pm

In regards to "Kiss of the Spider-Woman," I like the Broadway recording with Vanessa Williams than the OLCR . . . though both are great.

Updated On: 10/11/06 at 05:27 PM

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:34pm

I've never heard the Broadway recording; I'm a HUGE Anthony Crivello nut as well as Brent Carver and Chita Rivera. I just can't see another recording comparing for me.

Although I would love to hear Brian Stokes Mitchell's take on "The Day After That." As well as Vanessa's "Where You Are" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman."

[theatrewolf]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:34pm

I have Bright Lights Big City and yes, I was disapointed with it. I usually put it on if I just want back ground noise. I liked Jesse L. Martin in Rent, but didn't care for all that much in BLBC. Oh well.

[Paulyd]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 5:41pm

for me it has to be the OBCR of Company. I havent heard the new version, but i'll bet anything that it wont even come to the original.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 6:06pm

Go to your local Tower Records--over the next few weeks the store will close. Big discounts. Pickings are slim, but there are always some gems there...

[WickedOne2]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 6:06pm

My favorites right now are Jersey Boys (I've seen the show three times and I am still not sick of the cast recording) and The Wedding Singer. I also love See What I Wanna See and Hair (The Actor's Fund Benefit)

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 6:35pm

I suggest "The Color Purple". I listen to it quite often. I agree that "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" takes a few listens. (Even after seeing the show, it took a few times for me to enjoy it). I do like "Bright Lights, Big City". A lot of people are raving about "Grey Gardens" and I would put 'Spring Awakening" on yout "to buy" list for the future. Love the music in that show!

Updated On: 10/11/06 at 06:35 PM

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 6:36pm

add:

-Bernarda Alba
-See What I Wanna See
-audra mcdonalds' Build a Bridge

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 6:38pm

Unfortunately there is not a Tower Records anywhere near me at all. I don't even think there is one in my state.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 6:47pm

Ok! Here is my list so far of cds to listen to and possibly buy tomorrow.

1) My Fair Lady OBC (Def. getting)
2) A Chorus Line NBCR (Def. getting)
3) Sunday in the Park with George OLCR (Def. getting)
4) RAGS
5) Bernarda Alba
6) Grey Gardens

[thevolleyballer]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 7:44pm

Recently, at least, I'd say these are key:

-A Chorus Line Revival
-Avenue Q
-Hairspray
-Spamalot
-Little Shop of Horrors Revival
-Wicked
-The Producers
-The Wedding Singer
-Thoroughly Modern Millie

For shows in the past five or so years, these are some great staples that are definitely worth getting and adding to your collection.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 8:22pm

The Light in the Piazza and Parade!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 8:25pm

I have "Light in the Piazza" and "Parade"


I also already have:

-Avenue Q
-Hairspray
-Spamalot
-Little Shop of Horrors Revival
-Wicked
-The Producers

[snl89]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 8:33pm

ok, I have a new one to add to my list, cause I just got it off itunes like a few hours ago and I am already MADLY in love with it :) Last 5 Years, if you dont have it already. Seriously, some of the greatest acting AND singing I think I've EVER heard on a recording. Norbert and Sherie have talent oozing EVERYWHERE.

oh and, to reiterate what other people have said, See What I Wanna See and Bright Lights, Big City! they're both INCREDIBLE

Updated On: 10/11/06 at 08:33 PM

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 8:37pm

Yeah, I already have "Last 5 Years" too. I listened to a little bit of "See What I Wanna See" at barnes and noble and I wasn't too impressed with it.

[Parks]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 9:22pm

I will also say THE WEDDING SINGER. I've been listening to it daily since June 6th (the day it came out) and I STILL am not sick of it. In fact, I listened to it on the way home from rehearsal a few mintues ago . It's very well done and it sounds great!

Spelling Bee is also very good...but maybe not quite as good if you haven't seen it. I don't know if I'd like the recording before having seen the show. Maybe.