Which Parade CD?

While I believe one can never have too many Parade CDs, the original recording is the must have if one is choosing only one. I think the Donmar production's edits for a cleaner book (and smaller cast) benefit most from a live performance. However, I don't feel that the changes improve upon the CD experience as a whole.

I just found out from an MTI rep that the changes made to PARADE for the London (and subsequent LA) production(s) are being interpolated into the MTI licensed version of the show, so the London recording will now more closely reflect the show that will now be done by theaters.

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This is one of those shows where I would definitely suggest getting both. While the Original Broadway Cast Recording has people who I feel are the best fit for the roles (and Carolee Carmello's voice alone is worth the price of purchase), the London Recording is much more complete. You can listen to the latter recording from the first track to the last and actually feel like you've watched the show all over again, as it includes dialogue and different intros for some of the songs. The London Recording also has Lara Pulver as Lucille Frank. Although she's not quite in the same league as Carolee, she is still superb and her "Do It Alone" is magnificent.

All in all, you can't go wrong with whatever you do here. Parade is a wonderful show and each album definitely has something to offer. If you are only going to get one, let it be the OBCR, as it has the best performances and by far the best rendition of (my personal favorite song here) "The Factory Girls/Come Up To Me Office".

How is the dialogue tracked?

I mean, I enjoy small lead-in dialogue that really sets the tone of the performance (e.g. the lead-in to Everything's Coming up Roses and Rose's Turn on the 03 Gypsy revival).

But for extended dialogue, I like it on a separate track so (because I rip all CDs on iTunes) I can choose to check/uncheck it if I feel like listening to it.

Is the dialogue on separate tracks?

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