Customer Reviews

Fairy Tales (1996 Original Cast Members)

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

 

 

hello - ELB here, or as some call me, Margot the Indian. I gave this 4 stars because it has some of my very favorite songs ever, like Hummingbird and Dear Dad. I didn't give it 5 stars because I feel some of the songs are rather sloppy, and some of the songs that landed in the final version of the show (we will not count the WPA version in NYC) hadn't been written by the time we released the CD. But, it was my first CD, and I do feel fond of it. Check out the CDs I have made since Fairy Tales. One is called Fruit of the Month Club (produced by Seattle Men's Chorus) and one called Sunday (produced by Windy City Performing Arts) A search on Google should bring up info on how to find them.

Thanks for liking my stuff!
ELB

Not living in an enlightened part of the USA, I never had the opportunity to see this musical. Neither bombastic nor outrageous, the pieces on this CD are touching and lively. "A Hummingbird" was personally moving, having been the primary caregiver to my soul-mate who died in 1994.

Eric Lane Barnes' "Fairy Tales" is a real find, one of those cast albums that makes you want to see the entire show. Although this album contains a few rough tracks -- which ELB himself admits -- it's overall a wonderful showcase for Barnes' work. Widely recognized for his comedic commissions for large choruses and other vocal ensembles, in "Fairy Tales" Barnes proves his ability to write clear, clever character songs. "A Hummingbird" and "The Ballad of Tammy Brown" reveal a hidden poignancy away from his public persona, while the anthem "Keepers of the Light" ends the album on an inspirational note. And for sheer comedic value, the inspired spoof "You're the Bottom" contains incredible vocals work by Jennifer Bradley and Paul Rosenberg. Any fan of witty showtunes and moving songs ought to seek out a copy.

Fairy Tales is a musical about relationships. It is a series of vignettes, focusing on issues of gay life--coming out, Pride Parades, religious views, as well as a variety of others. Many of the issues facing couples are applicable to all relationships. But it is NOT a big, overly-dramatic piece. The majority of the music is uptempo, and the lyrics are hilarious! I have so many friends who relate to this musical! It's probably best enjoyed by a gay audience, but everyone I've talked to, gay or straight, has enjoyed it immensely. I almost fell out of my seat a few times I was laughing so hard. The love ballads aren't sappy, and there are plenty of light-hearted jokes about everything imaginable. "You're the Bottom" is a song with two people who are having a little too much fun insulting each other during a break-up. "The Gay Guys" is great!

I'm disappointed that there are so few songs on this recording; the show has at least twice this many, if not more, and many of the ones not featured are some of the funniest ones. If you get the chance, definitely go see this show!