Customer Reviews

Big: The Musical (1996 Original Broadway Cast)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I was recently involved in a Cabaret Troupe revue which consisted only of songs from Maltby & Shire shows. From "big, the Musical," we did "Stars, Stars, Stars," "Fun," "Coffee, Black," and, of course, our main number, "Cross the Line." "Cross the Line" has got to be one of the freshest, most entertaining, and melodic new Broadway numbers out there. There's no doubt in my mind that it will one day be an old musical standby. "Stars" is equally wonderful, with its never-tiresome tune and jovial beat. "Fun" is simply that. "Coffee, Black," is amusing and wildly engaging. I recommend "big, the Musical" simply on the basis of these four songs. I can't wait to buy it.

If you're getting this CD to help prepare for your school or community group doing the musical, there are a lot of changes from the CD to the book. Aside from finding the book in a new key and some chunks added/deleted, Here We Go Again and When You're Big aren't included anymore.

Overall, the music's a little trite, but there are some nice moments -- mostly the stuff sung by the female leads.

I've read that this is one of the greatest recent flops on Broadway. After you listen to this awful music you'll understand why. It's devastintingly terrible! How could they create such a poor music? The film, far from being a very good one, at least kept you alive and well in the theatre seats. But this musical adaptation is really, really terrible.

The first Broadway show I ever saw was BIG. I was ten . I've seen over thirty in the following seven years. Obviously I was hooked after seeing BIG. The music is not the greatest, the cast is not the best. But Maltby and Shire work increidbly well together. This show is a masterpiece for children and teens. A big fan of the movie, this show was a perfect musical adaptation. My favorite song: Dancing all the Time. The show is cute in every way. Although some songs still needed some work, the show is fun in all aspects.

When I first heard that they had made Big into a musical, I was wary to see it. But, when I did, I was amazed at the great music they put into it. The story line was great! The music, wonderful, and the actors? They were spectacular! If it ever came to my city again, I'd go see it! I recommend everyone else does too.

This musical is cute. Thats about the best word I can use to describe it. There are moments where the lyrics are a little funny. Then it will try to be deep, and it just doesn't gel. The voices are alright, but none stand out as amazing. Likewise, no songs are really catchy and keep your interest very well. I imagine this as a high school production, and not sure how it even got to Broadway. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a show to do (unless its for young people), or to listen to unless are a very young listener. Collectors of course should get this, but thats it. New and old Broadway fans will dislike this equally.
You'll notice that even though the review is pretty negative, I still give it three stars. Well, it isn't bad as some others are, it's just blah. Favorite Song: "It's Time"

I used this CD to help me rehearse for the BIG production I was in, but it didn't match the libretto at all. I think there was one song on there that I could use.

My high school did "Big" my sophomore year, and oh my god, it was such a fun musical to do. I kind of forgot about it until my senior year, when I suddenly craved some of that music again. So I purchased this CD and I've been loving it since. They got rid of a couple of the songs and replaced them with others as the show progressed on Broadway, so I was suprised to hear new material (to me anyways), and for the most part, I actually enjoyed these original songs over their replacements that my production contained. This cast is phenomenal and the guy who plays Josh Baskin sounds so much like Tom Hanks at points, its crazy. It's a simple, yet a bit fantastic musical about growing up, and it's funny and romantic, and a lot of fun. I love all the songs, and it's a shame it didn't do too well on B-way. At least this recording will keep the music alive.

"This Isn't Me" is one of my favorite tracks, as it's a lot of fun and has a great beat, but suprisingly it was replaced with "Good Morning to Mom", which was only so-so. "I Want To Go Home" is a great ballad that Josh sings, and its simple, a bit funny, and the ending is the best, as its cute and sad. Another song they got rid of, "Here We Go Again", is a song Susan sings, and again, I like it alot. It has a quirky melody that I like. "Stars, Stars, Stars" is another great song, and is quite cute. One of the more popular songs. "Cross The Line" is the finale to Act I and is also very excellent and up beat, and makes you want to dance. "Stop, Time" is my favorite song on the album by far. Sung by Josh's mom, it is one of the more poignant moments of the show. Heartfelt, sad, and truly beautiful, it defiantely makes you appreciate your mom. Barbara Walsh sounds superb on this: she has a great voice. I love this one. "Dancing all the Time" is another good Susan song, and it leads into "I Want To Know" by Young Josh, which is another good ballad. "Coffee, Black" is another showstopper, fun ensemble song, and again, very comedic. "One Special Man" is Susan's ballad to Josh, and it is very beatiful. My only regret is that its only 2:21 so its a short one, and I just want her to start belting at the end, but no, its a quiet ending. Still, I love this one too. The finale is great too, and features an amazing duet between Josh and Susan. I love the harmonies they do.

All in all, this is a great album. Sample the songs and give it a try. This is a must have!!

i saw this musical at the local high school in 2001 and was plesently suprised i of course saw the movie and the only thing i knew about this musical was it didnt stay long on broadway, so when i saw it was i shocked this is a delight cross the line still resenates in my head 5 years later.

this show is so much fun. It has very ketchy lrics and melodies