Customer Reviews

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is quite something when a great stage show can transfer well to a recording and still retain it's charm. But when that happens, it is magical.

Happily, this is the case with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

The stage show is pure, fun old-fashioned musical comedy, but with modern style, pizazz and kicks. Jack O'Brian has done some of his best work in directing this marvelous show and Jeffrey Lane did a fantastic job developing the movie into a smart, fast-paced, fun show.

But, the real acheivement, that really shines on this recording, is the uber-catchy, uber-funny and uber-witty score by David Yazbek. Yazbek, a Hollywood veteran, had a hit on Broadway in 2001 with his first stage show, a musical version of The Full Monty. The show had a healthy run and was well-recieved, if a bit over-shadowed that year by The Producers, which dominated the press, the public and the Tonys. But the score to The Full Monty was full of zaniness and wacky intelligence, and with it, luckuly for us, Yazbek caught the Broadway bug.

His score to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is full of some of the most intelligent and down-right wittiest, and catchiest (Man, are these tunes catchy!) tunes to hit Broadway in some years.

Showstopper after showstopper. And, most important in a Broadway Cast Recording, the "re-listenable factor" is through the roof. Yazbek can be hysterically vulgar one lyric and then go into "Cole Porter mode" the next.

His lyrical genius can asily be observed in any of the songs. But the greatest asset is that his wit doesn't prevent him from being very funnily inane the next minute. ("Magic can happen anywhere/I knew this guy at camp/Who ate his t-shirt on a dare/My hotel gives away free shampoo/Nothing is too wonderful to be true").

The music itself is very "Hollywood-ish" and it works perfectly for the show.

The cast is magnificent in every sense of the word.
John Lithgow was more impressive actually seeing him onstage because he is at such ease. But his voice, though passable at best, posesses a quality that fits Yazbek's score miraculously. He's not a singer, that's for sure, but he is just fine and passes with flying colors. He is just so smooth and suave. A great performance on this recording.

Norbert Leo Butz's performance relies heavily on the physical comedy, so the sheer magnitude of his performance doesn't fully transfer, but his voice is golden and he shines.

Sherie Rene Scott has one the most crystal clear, powerful, yet sweet voices I've ever heard. I could listen to her for hours. Her first song, 'Here I Am' is funny and gorgoeusly sung. Her voice is heaven-sent.

Joanna Gleason is a legend and she shows it here, even though it is in a supporting role. She still posesses that beautiful quality to her voice that won her a Best Actress in a Musical Tony in 1988 for INTO THE WOODS. Her ability to perfectly interpret a lyric is a rare gift.

Gregory Jbara is even better on this recording than he was live. Not a stand-out, but still great. And his song 'Chimp in a Suit' is beautifully interpreted.

To sum up this score and this recording in three words:
Catchy.
Clever.
Cool.

Buy it.

The show is absolutely terrific & the songs get better and better with each listening. At first, I felt Mr. Yazbek's score for "The Full Monty" was better, but have changed my mind after listening to to this cd a few times.

There are many great tracks, but standouts include:

Give Them What They Want
What Was A Woman To Do
Great Big Stuff
All About Ruprecht [hysterical!]
Here I Am
Nothing Is Too Wonderful To Be True
Love Is My Legs
Dirty Rotten Number

Overall, I think "Spamalot" was a better show, but "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" cast recording is a better repeat listen!

I made a vow to myself that, after a less-than-shining experience not long ago, I would never again see a Broadway musical without first being familiar with the show's music. However, while recently in NYC I gave in to temptation and caught a performance of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". I was already a fan of the movie and absolutely couldn't resist the idea of seeing several of my Broadway idols in the flesh. So, I was hesitant but hopeful.
Yet from the first moment the overture began, I was transported. The mood of the piece is immediately set, and you are swept up in the intrigue and underhanded dealings of our loveable scoundrels. I was delighted from the start. The performances are all utterly top-notch. Lithgow is simply a marvel, and it's such a treat to see him here, I was literally awestruck at his first appearance on the stage. His "Love Sneaks In" is definitely one to pull on the old heart strings. Sherie Renee Scott has always been one of my favorite Broadway singers...her voice is simply unreal for its crystal quality and clear belt, not to mention her ability to carefully and tenderly interpret lyrics (every time I hear her exclaim "These fries are French!" I laugh). Joanna Gleason is a legend. She's got such ease and charm, it's a pleasure to watch and even more so to hear her.
Of course, he who truly runs off with the production is none other than Norbert Leo Butz. The rumors are true: He's incredible. I've always loved his gorgeous voice, from "The Last Five Years" to "Wicked" to this production. He doesn't get the opportunity to play the swooning love interest like the previous two productions, but the lushness and depth of his voice still shines through. And his miraculous range as a performer is astounding both in person and on this soundtrack. He goes from "Great Big Stuff" to "All About Ruprecht" to "Love is My Legs" (my far-and-away favorite track, it never ceases to make me smile) and manages to infuse each number with so much energy and magnetism. I can only imagine the outcry if he doesn't roll away with the Tony.
The cast as a whole has one thing which really makes the difference between an okay show and a great one: Joy. Every actor has such a good time up there, it's obvious. And infectious. There's nothing an audience responds to better than the cast that truly enjoys themselves and each other. And you need only listen to "Dirty Rotten Number" to witness the obvious admiration and affection our two main scoundrels have for each other both in and out of character.
Combine the beautiful music and this stellar cast with the amazingly witty and literate lyrics in each number. Every track must be listened to several times over before all the references and jokes and asides are deciphered. There are still moments of awe when I pick up a line I previously missed or wonder to myself, exactly how DOES a writer pull off something like that?
In all, this is a truly unique experience. No, it's not laden down with some deep message about life or love. No, it's not scathing social commentary (though there are a few lines in there, most especially the "Bushes from Tex" passage in "Ruprecht", which speak to today's audience: "The Bushes from Tex were nervous wrecks because their son was dim....But look what happened to him!" Let me assure you, the audience went wild!). It's good, (mostly) clean fun, the soundtrack to which I have played innumerable times since I was fortunate enough to receive a free copy before the performance. Of course, there is bonus material on the newly-released soundtrack which makes me wonder if I shouldn't go buy that as well! It's worth the money for the ticket AND the soundtrack. If you're fortunate enough to live in close proximity to Broadway, I urge you to see it. If not, listen to this soundtrack and enjoy thoroughly.

I bought this CD after the Tonys came out, along with all the other nominees. After a certain amount of disappointment over SPELLING BEE and LIGHT ON THE PIAZZA, I left this CD on the counter for months. I finally opened it a few days ago....and CANNOT stop listening to it!!! Wonderful performances, (especially by Sheree Renee Scott and Joanna Gleason in terms of vocals, but the men are really funny), hilarious lyrics (the song about brother Ruprecht is a scream), and even one song that - in an added track at the very end - Scott proves could become a cabaret or jazz standard. I have heard repeatedly that the CD cannot do full justice to the live performance, and I am sure that this is true. However, as one reviewer put it, the "relistenability factor" is proof of this CD's success. How rarely one comes across that in a musical comedy CD anymore. I'm saving my pennies to get to NYC as soon as possible to see the show.

Having been a musical-lover for most of my life, I bought this soundtrack simply because it was another one to add to my ever-growing list. What I did not know was that I would get caught up in the witty lyrics and catchy melodies so much that I went online and bought tickets to see the show.

After seeing the show, I love this soundtrack even more. The songs have a wholesome sound to them that is reminiscent of older musicals, but a closer listen reveals hilarious (and sometimes vulgar) lines in each and every song.

Lithgow, although not a wonderful singer like the rest of the cast, still presents an aura on stage that is well transferred onto the recording. His opener "Give them what they want" is done to his calm, suave character, while the more traditional "Love Sneaks in" shows a softer side.

Norbert Leo Butz in this show has to be possibly the funniest thing i have ever seen. While a bit of his character's personality finds it's way to the recording, much of his character is defined by physical comedy, so a bit is lost. Still an amazing singer who belts out "Great Big Stuff," which has to be the best show-stopper next to wicked's "Defying gravity."

Sherie Renee Scott's voice is simply amazing. "Here I am" is a very catchy song that shows off what she can really do.

Joanna Gleason, although in a supporting role, does just as well as one who is familiar with broadway would expect. Her voice is amazing. Likewise, Gregory Jbara's voice, (although he's doing a french accent during the whole show) is very well balanced, and one of my favorite songs has become this duo's "Like Zhis/like Zhat."

I would highly suggest buying this product if you are any sort of broadway fan. It's funny, witty, and has so many zany lines you catch something new everytime you listen!

At first, I borrowed this from the library because I love Norbert Leo Butz. He was very good in Wicked, but the part of Freddy Benson seems made for him. I can't wait to see the show; the entire cast is amazing. Some of my favorite tracks:
-Great Big Stuff
-All About Ruprecht
-Here I Am
-Ruffhousin' mit Shuffhausen
-The More We Dance
-Love is my Legs
-Dirty Rotten Number

All three of the leads are completely at ease in their parts, even though John Lithgow and Sherie Rene Scott have since moved on. If you like good old-fashioned comedy, this is a show for you!

This is a Great Big show with Great Big laughs and a Great Big cast. This show is amazing and Norbert Leo Butz is a the top of his form as the sloppy con man Freddy Benson. Sherie Rene Scott lets her beautiful voice soar in songs like "Here I Am" and "Love is My Legs". John Lithgow is not a singer but even he shines in this cast recording.

Great Songs include:
Give Them What They Want- A great way to star a great show. 10/10
Great Big Stuff- Obviously the show stopper from Norbert.
10/10
Chimp In A Suit-A nice song if not a little confusing on the CD
8/10
Oklahoma?-Hilaroius
8/10
All About Ruprecht-Catchy and wierd but in a good way
9/10
Here I Am-Sherie's big entrance is wonderful
10/10
Nothing Is Too Wonderful To Be True-A standard love song but Norbert makes it good.
9/10
Ruffhousin' Mit Shuffhausen-Incredibly funny, but not because of the song.
10/10
Like Zis/Like Zat- And cute and catchy escape.
8/10
The More We Dance- A cute tango.
9/10
Love My Legs-Kinda like "The Song That Goes Like This" from Spamalot, but I like this one better.
9/10
Love Sneaks In- although John Lithgow isn't a singer he does well in this song.
8/10
Dirty Rotten NumberOne of the best songs in the show.
10/10


It Is interesting to me thatpeople say that this score is worse than the Light in the Piazza. TLP is sweeling soaring and completly BORING!!! DRS is just plain fun with catchy song that stay with you even after your 1000th listen to the CD. Buy It Today!!!!



If you like this you will probably also like:
Spamalot
Mary Poppins
Wicked
Avenue Q
The Boy from Oz
Hairspray

Expecting a "The Producers"-like rush for tickets, I bought tix for "Spamalot" as soon as they went on sale. Never saw the movie, just wanted to see the show, since it was expected to be the smash of the year. It was funny, and mildly enjoyable, but the only thing that kept me through was Sara Ramirez, and in fact, it was only because of her that I bought the CD, to which I have listened, like...twice.

I had no prior knowledge of "The Full Monty," and even with "Wicked," "The Last 5 Years," "Aida," and "Into the Woods" under my belt, it wasn't until my friend burned me a copy of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" that I got hooked. The music is so darn catchy that I have listened to it enough times to wear out the burned copy, so that I had to buy my own. And boy, what a treat to have the extras at the end! After that I went out and bought Sheri Rene Scott's personal album "The Men I've Known."

I also went out and got tickets, which were pitifully easy to get, for the show itself, and it only cemented my love of the show. Though I did listen after John Lithgow's warning told me not to, and was a little aggravated with myself afterward, but it's such a good CD!!! The Show itself outshined Spamalot in every way! It was witty, had an excellent story line, and was just brilliantly acted and sung. I was not disappointed with a single cast member.

John Lithgow, while most definitely not a singer, is so forgivable in his down-right heartfelt performance, which translates so beautifully to the CD. This was his first musical, and while his voice wasn't the greatest ever, he acted his way through his songs better than a few others I've seen, though I won't mention any names. He's a fine, fine actor, and it was so interesting to see him stretch, and hit it dead-on, in such a different genre.

Norbert Leo Butz. Wow, what can I say? He stole my heart in "Wicked," where he was probably not utilized to his full potential, but in "The Last 5 Years," you really get a better taste of his performing abilities. In this, he was allowed a free reign, and it is just so entertaining to watch him work. If you've seen the Tony's you know pretty much how he does his thing, and the CD does a pretty good job of capturing it. It's no substitute for live, but good enough. He's just an awesome actor/singer! Even as a schmuck, he's just so darn lovable. And the knock-out voice he has doesn't hurt either.

Johanna Gleason. Well, if you've ever seen "Into the Woods" you know what she can do. She's a power house in her own right, and there was more of her on stage than on the CD, but she's just so very charming in her duet with Gregory Jbara. I only wish they had given her more to do. Give her anything, and she'll make gold out of it. A rather under-tapped talent if you ask me. You'll enjoy her on the CD though, she just fits so well with the musical comedy.

Last but not least, Sheri Rene Scott. Now there's someone to watch. She's been around for a little while, but still hasn't found the stardom she so obviously deserves. The voice in this girl is phenomenal!!! To listen to her sing is out of this world. It's so clear, and powerful, yet she is able to utilize it to suit her character. I'd say "Here I Am" is my most favorite track on the CD, and once you listen to it, you'll see why. She simply bubbles with hysterical comedy, and is truly convincing in her part. But when she lets go, boy, that's really something to see. You get a good taste of it on the CD, but if you can see her live, do it.

So, yeah, BUY THIS CD!!! Even if you're not particularly fond of musicals, you'll enjoy the catchy, almost "big band-ish" type of music, and the lyrics WILL make you laugh. A GREAT buy, for anyone with the least bit of a sense of humor.

"Dirty rotten scoundrels" is without a doubt one of the highlights Broadway has to offer this year. Most people are familiar with the 1988 movie starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin and it is upon this movie the musical is based.

This is the second show written by the composer and the lyricist David Yazbek, the first one, "The full monty", being also made on the basis of a movie. This recording confirms David Yazbek's talent for writing excellent musical comedy shows, a genre that often seems to be underrated nowadays.

The story corresponds to the one in the original movie: we follow the adventures of the two tricksters, Lawrence (John Lithgow) and Freddy (Norbert Leo Butz) in the French Riviera, while they are trying to woo a rich American heiress Christine (Sherie Rene Scott). Of course, things are much complicated than that, so in the end the story takes an unexpected turn.

This CD has the principal musical numbers, thus being a nice summary of the show and at the same time it is also a very enjoyable listening. The score boasts with the tuneful melodies that win over the listener from the very beginning. However, this show would loose much of its appeal if it weren't for David Yazbek's catchy and humorous lyrics. There are many lyrical parts that will make you laugh throughout this show, "The Bushes of Tex/Were nervous wrecks/Because their son was dim/But look what happened to him", being just one of them. This sort of clever and witty remarks blends perfectly with the liveliness of the score.

The cast was wisely chosen. John Lithgow has just the right amount of humour and sophistication the character of Lawrence calls for, while Norbert Leo Blutz and Sherie Rene Scott are also very noteworthy. Joanna Gleason must also be mentioned. She plays an American divorcee Muriel, and her rendition of "What was a woman to do" is one of the best songs on the CD.

The CD comes with a synopsis, libretto, the lyrics and the production pics. Apart from the main musical numbers, it also features a funny warning message from John Lithgow for the home listeners and three bonus tracks. Two of them are demo recordings sung by David Yazbek himself and the third is Sherie Rene Scott singing her big number "Nothing is too wonderful to be true", accompanied by the piano only.

If you are looking for a good show from the current Broadway season, or simply a fine musical comedy, look no further. "Dirty rotten scoundrels" will provide both plus a good score packed with witty lyrics.

The material may not be perfect but the performances are very close! Butz, Lithgow and Scott shine in this cast recording.