Customer Reviews

Carousel: Music Theater Of Lincoln Center (1965 New York Revival)

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This lovely cast album from the 1965 Lincoln Center revival of CAROUSEL is a real treat. First of all, John Raitt once again plays the role of Billy Bigelow (after originating it in the original Broadway company), and secondly the lovely Eileen Christy is one of the finest Julie Jordan's captured on disc. Susan Watson (BYE BYE BIRDIE, BEN FRANKLIN IN PARIS, NO NO NANETTE) is a pert and perky Carrie, with Katherine Hilgenberg giving thrilling voice and presence to wise Nettie. Reid Shelton (ANNIE) is a perfect Enoch Snow, and Jerry Orbach (CARNIVAL!, CHICAGO) gives Jigger a menacing and slimy quality which is just what's called for. Eileen Christy has a bell-clear soprano which is heartbreaking in "What's the Use of Wond'rin" where Julie resigns her feelings and hurt at Billy's treatment of her. John Raitt's performance as Billy is even better here than on the OBC (if that's possible). One of the delights of the Lincoln Center musical revivals was the chance to see stars back in roles they had originated years before (like Ethel Merman in a 1966 revival of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and Alfred Drake back as Hajj in KISMET). Now, how about reissues of the other Lincoln Center revivals?...(Rise Stevens in THE KING AND I; Patrice Munsel in THE MERRY WIDOW; Florence Henderson in SOUTH PACIFIC).

This 20th anniversary production of the R&H classic was the first original cast recording since the initial production. Raitt may reach for breath in some of his numbers but his acting is far better than in the original production. Susan Watson is a vivacious Carrie in MR. SNOW and Eileen Christy is an acceptable Julie. This is the first complete recording of the IF I LOVED YOU scene (an operatic mono studio cast recording of the mid-fifties is "nearly" complete). The JUNE number contains the first recording of the "Tell it to em good, Carrie" intro. Here also is the first recording of the reprise of MR SNOW. BLOW HIGH is abridged as is the CAROUSEL WALTZ (5:29 minutes of the 7:15 whole). Jerry Orbach is only adequate as Jigger. WHEN THE CHILDREN ARE ASLEEP is fine, but also abridged. First recording of some of the dialogue from this scene. The SOLILOQUY is very well done, though lacking some lung power. A REAL NICE CLAMBAKE gets an expanded rendition. WHAT'S THE USE OF WONDRIN lacks introspection in Christy's interpretation. Hilgenberg sings wonderfully as Nettie in YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE. THE HIGHEST JUDGE is as in the original very powerfully sung by Raitt. STONECUTTERS CUT IT ON STONE is eliminated in this recording. All in all, this is a fine recording, well sung, orchestrated and recorded and worthy of inclusion in one's library next to the 1945 original cast recording. Liner notes disagree with the jewel case in timing the recording at either 50:53 or 47:08.

When I was a child, we had a copy of this particular version of Carousel. I decided to try and get it on CD and it took a long time because I couldn't match exactly the cover art of the record I remembered with the CD artwork, which is actually a section of the original album art.

Anyway, I was thrilled to find this, and I must say that it is a wonderful rendition of the Carousel music score. I have the more common original 1946 version and I like this one better, and I've played sound samples of the more recent versions and I still like this one better. What a find!

And if you don't already know, Carousel has the greatest Fathers' Day song ever. I dig this out every Fathers' Day and play it.

The superior recording of this show 20 years after it opened in 1945 is only one of the reasons to purchase this cd. John Raitt when he originated the role of Billy Bigelow used a chesty deep baritone sound.By the time he was in "The Pajama Game" Mr. Raitt had developed a lyrical head sound that he used in fine form until his passing last year at 88 years old. He sounds marvelous in this recording of "Carousel." He was clearly the best singing actor of his generation. He is complimented by Eileen Christy, a fine sounding Julie. Ditto for Jerry Orbach, who paid his dues in the role of Jigger. Mr. Orbach was to become the reigning "Broadway Baby" 3 years later in "Promises Promises." We miss him as well.

This album is an obscure jewel, which, despite my love of the show, "Carousel," I had missed for all these years - until today. What a cast it has and what performances they gave.

John Raitt, as Billy Bigelow, was 48 when these recordings were made so he had, perhaps lost a step vocally but dramatically he was at the top of his game. On balance, his performance was outstanding.

The Young Eileen Christy had a lovely, fresh voice, which was perfect for Julie Jordan. She showed secure musicianship and great taste. Equally effective, I thought was Susan Watson as Carrie.

Despite its brevity (only one minute forth-five seconds), the highlight of this album was the wonderful contralto voice of Katherine Hilgenberger in her rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" It was simply thrilling.

I own recordings of many Broadway musicals and not a single one of them has better ensemble performances than this 1994 reissue of the1965 recording of the Lincoln Center's Production of "Carousel." Try it, you'll like it!

This is my favorite version of "Carousel"; I like it so well that I keep it on my computer and play it while answering my emails.

My comments pretty much agre with Mr Anderson here.. a very worthwhile recording of the show. Vividly theatrical, if a little too declamatory at times. Minor quibbles:

1.) Sound (as on most RCA discs from the era) is somewhat harsh and the Digital format only reinforces that.

2.) Liner notes reprinted from the Lp jacket with a very skimpy synopsis. And no one bthered to update the bios which stil1 refer to Rodgers as being alive.

Otherwise a very fine album of the show.