Customer Reviews

Ethel Merman's Broadway (1995 Original Cast)

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

 

 

Although Ms. McKenzie has a very nice voice, she is no Ethel Merman. While the songs she covers are wonderful standards, this impersonation is a caricature that lacks respect. It isn't true to Merman,who was so much more than just loud.

Nice to hear the songs revived but in my opinion this artist sounds like another Broadway voice - but not Merman. Very nice voice but without Merm's salty Brooklyn tones, her humour and trumpet-like purity of projection. Just a note: if you're going to imitate Merman, the word 'ever' is pronounced 'evaaaaah'!

I was very disappointed by this recording. It in no way does justice to a unique and very special performer. Save your money and find the real thing.

I SAW RITA'S SHOW A FEW DAYS AGO AND IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST B'WAY MUSICALS I HAVE EVER SEEN (AND I'VE SEEN HUNDREDS). RITA COULDN'T BE MORE CHARMING AND HER SINGING HAD ME SMILING FOR THE ENTIRE 2 HOURS (EXCEPT FOR 2 OR 3 VERY TOUCHING MOMENTS). WITH SO MANY WONDERFUL SONGS, IT'S DIFFICULT TO PICK FAVORITES. BUT..."SOME PEOPLE" FROM "GYPSY" WAS SO TERRIFIC, IT NEARLY KNOCKED ME OUT OF MY SEAT! I'VE NEVER HEARD IT SUNG WITH SUCH PASSION, DETERMINATION AND EMOTION. I'VE SEEN 3 DIFFERENT "MAMA ROSES" AND RITA SANG "SOME PEOPLE" BETTER THAN ANY OF THEM (IN ORDER OF EXCELLENCE: TYNE DAILY, PATTY LaPONE, BERNADETTE PETERS). I'D LOVE TO SEE RITA AS MAMA ROSE. I WISH SHE WOULD HAVE SANG "ROSE'S TURN". SHE SANG "EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROSES," WHICH WAS EXCELLENT, BUT "ROSE'S TURN" MIGHT HAVE GIVEN ME A HEART ATTACK! I'D PUT UP "BACKING MONEY" TO STAR RITA IN "GYPSY". IF I'M SO LUCKY TO SEE THAT HAPPEN IN MY LIFETIME, I COULD THEN GO TO HEAVEN PERFECTLY HAPPY. IF YOU LOVE B'WAY MUSICALS, GET THE CD; YOU'LL FIND IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO PLAY ANYTHING ELSE!

This album is a MUST for Ethel Merman fans! Rita McKenzie is as close as anyone can get to recreating the Merman magic. She uncannily talks like her, and undoubtedly, sings like her.
Every song is sung with gusto and that brassy Merman style. With full orchestral backing, each song is a gem and a lasting tribute to the late great Ethel Merman

Rita McKenzie is a good singer and does her best singing the songs that Ethel made famous in her acclaimed one woman show honoring Ethel.Rita McKenzie herself admits there is only one Ethel and she is just honoring Ethel in this CD by singing the songs.Rita McKenzie is a Good singer who has starred in many stage plays and musical plays and if you like Rita McKenzie and these songs then you would enjoy this CD.Rita McKenzie should record more songs.

I dont think any one else could have made a great impersonation of ms. Merman.....its nice to have the songs brought back to life after all these years...I agree that noone is Ethel Merman but Rita McKenzie is as close as we can get...I would say buy this cd and charish it...its a great recording

What a treat to hear Rita Mckenzie bring Merman to life in this Broadway show. I'm so glad they recorded "World Take Me Back" from HELLO DOLLY . It's never been recorded with a full orchestra , Incredible! ! Get the cd,