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Sony's new series of remastered classic original cast recordings--each volume comes as a three pack--is an unbeatable bargain. The first volume brings together three milestones of Broadway history. The legendary performances of Jill Haworth, Lotte Lenya, and Joel Grey in
Cabaret set the standard for interpretations of this dark work. Also included are eight bonus tracks (with four previously unreleased Kander and Ebb demo cuts).
West Side Story remains as explosively vibrant, daring, and modern as it was decades ago. Bernstein integrated jazz and Latin percussion into his electrifying score, dazzlingly translating New York's unique vitality into a musical idiom. This reissue adds over 20 minutes of "symphonic dances" as well as liner notes and production photos. Also included in this set is a vintage work from
West Side Story alumnus Stephen Sondheim.
Company still sounds as modern as it did when it opened in 1970. Donna McKechnie, Susan Browning, and Pamela Myers spoof the Andrews Sisters with gusto in the tongue-twisting "You Could Drive a Person Crazy," while Browning and Dean Jones's "Barcelona" is filled with longing and heartbreak. And, of course, Elaine Stritch reigns supreme, proving once more that you don't have to be the best singer to steal a musical. An extra track features Larry Kert (Tony in the original
West Side Story) singing "Being Alive." After this, you'll want to grab the remaining three Best of Broadway volumes for your collection as well.
