Customer Reviews

The Fix (1997 Original London Cast)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I bought this CD, I knew nothing about it. I had heard the shortened version of "1, 2, 3" on the Hey, Mr Producer! video. I knew that John Barrowman (drool...) was in it, and that Philip Quast was, too (after hearing him as Javert in Les Miz, I fell in love with his voice),so I figured I should give it a try, why not? Well, I fell in love with it the 1st time I heard it! Don't be turned off by the fact that its about politics-- I have absolutely no interest in politics whatsoever, and I still love it. John Barrowman is Cal, a drug-addicted, unmotivated slacker who is forced by his power hungry mother to enter the world of politics. Barrowman has a gorgeous voice and puts lots of emotion into all his songs. Not bad looking either!! And Philip... he plays Grahame, Cal's cynical,crippled uncle who happens to have a slight crush on Cal. I love all the songs- especially 1,2,3, Cal's opening number which expresses his philosophy of life, America's Son, in which Cal is taught all he needs to know about politics, and First Came Mercy, where Grahame tells of his life as a cripple. The whole score is very fast and edgy-like nothing else I've ever heard before. I mean, have you ever heard a musical before where half the time, the main character is tripping on acid? You should get this CD. Trust me you'll love it!

I became intrigued by The Fix after seeing "One, Two, Three" performed on the Hey, Mr. Producer special. I was not disappointed when I finally got ahold of the recording. The music is great, the lyrics are smart, and the performers are amazing. John Barrowman has a wonderful voice perfectly suited for his role. Philip Quast is the treat of this recording! All his character's emotions come out in his fabulous voice. The best thing that this show has going for it is it's smart lyrics. "Two Guys At Harvard" is filled with perfect rhymes, sarcasm, wit, and humor. This show will have you mesmerized from the opening notes to the final song!

This is bitingly satirical, very cynical take on corruption in American politics, presented in a rock and roll style. The story follows a dysfunctional Washington family as power-hungry Violet, the ambitious widow of a presidential front runner, schemes with the help of her brother-in-law Grahame to get Cal, her slacker son, into politics (and eventually, she plans, the White House). Of course not all goes smoothly, as Cal develops a drug addiction and finds a mistress, threatening his chances, and events spin out of control. For all its cynicism, the show has its funny moments and some engaging songs. Listening to it, I get the feeling that seeing the production on stage would have been a treat. The performances turned in by the three principles--John Barrowman (Cal), Kathryn Evans (Voilet) and Philip Quast (Grahame)--are top-notch, and the show has its share of catchy tunes. Highlights include the rock and roll opening number, "One, Two, Three," and the humorous "America's Son" in which Violet and Grahame school Cal on what, exactly, the American "public" can digest (small words, trite phrases). Quast's knack for sarcasm serves him well; "First Came Mercy" (another of his songs) is also very well performed. How thorough or accurate an examination of (corrupted) American politics it is, I can't say (though I at the very least HOPE there's an element of exaggeration in it), and your level of interest in political commentary/satire might dictate somewhat your level of interest in the recording. On the other hand, there are undeniably excellent performances turned in, and several of the songs, though not necessairily melodic, have memorable tunes and snappy lyrics for the actors to play with.

It was a wonderful musical. John Barrowman was excellent. The songs are great and you will never get tired of them. It's one of the best musicals of all time.

I purchased this CD after having heard one of the songs ("One, Two, Three") on a PBS special. After the first listening, I was instantly hooked. The musical itself examines the corruption of American politics and the desire for power. It is currently playing in London and there is also, I believe, another company that is currently located in Virginia, USA. The score is simply superb and adds incredibly to the storyline. I highly reccomend this album to any fan of musical theater.

Like others before me I bought this CD out of curiousity having heard the song "One, Two,Three" on the Cameron Mackintosh tribute show.

Imagine a combination of Tommy and Chicago with some quite amazing vocal performances. John Barrowman, Philip Quast and Kathryn Evans stand out particularly. The storyline was strong, the music inspiring, the performances faultless. I was left with a burning desire to see the show in the flesh as it were.

I would definitely recommend this CD. Enjoy!

The Fix. A show focusing on the right to nonconformity shuning the ideas of a greedy family. The catchy "One, Two, Three" and "Simple Words" leaves the listener singing away, and the deep lyrical content in each song questions the thoughts and motives within everyone. With some expicit content and lyric, the overall concept of the story stresses the idea of being yourself, and living your "own" life, not a society run life. The actors and actresses talents are supurb. John Barrowman and Philip Quast do an exceptional job in the overall presentation of thier characters. A perfect buy if your looking for something a little "out of the ordinary."

I wholeheartedly agree with all the previous reviews that praise "The Fix!" I first heard the song "One, Two, Three" on the PBS special "Hey, Mr. Producer!" and soon after a friend recommended the CD. On my first hearing I became a Fix Fanatic. The music has wonderful variety, but what grabs me most are the incredible characters the songs reveal. Cal's "One, Two, Three" is simultaneously sarcastic, biting, and haunting, revealing a young man who wants desperately to be indifferent and cynical to protect himself. "Embrace Tomorrow" introduces what I consider the funniest and most intriguing pair of characters in musical theatre, Grahame and Violet Chandler, who hate each other's guts but need each other to achieve their goals. "Control" and "America's Son" are perfect political satire, the former introducing Reed Chandler, the epitome of Politician as song-and-dance man. And I can't watch a political ad anymore without singing, "The economy, crime, taxes!" The hymn-like "I See the Future" not only shows how well Grahame has groomed Cal for his role, but is a potent commentary on the slick, sentimental speeches by which we Americans love to be seduced. "Dangerous Games" has serpentine humor. "Two Guys at Harvard" gives us the details of how the Machavellian trio of Grahame, Reed and Violet came to form their alliance, set to a tongue-in-cheek vaudevillian score with bite in its laugh. But nothing can perpare you for Philip Quast's Grahame in "First Came Mercy." I've heard a lot of musical theatre scores, and that song is by far one of the most powerful, in music, voice, and emotional impact, to be found. It's no wonder both actors who played Grahame Chandler won awards for the role. Cal's song, "Child's Play" and Violet's "Spin" add deeper dimension to these complicated characters. Even if politcal satire isn't your cup of tea, these characters as revealed in these songs are definitely worth meeting. Take advantage of amazon.com's lower prices and buy The Fix! If you're a fan of musical theatre, or even of political satire, you won't regret it!

To quote the title of a song from the show, "I see the future" of musical theatre in John Dempsey and Dana Rowe. I purchased this CD here at Amazon.com on a whim and have come to regard it as one of the finest in my musical theatre collection. The lyrics are engaging, the music captivating, the plot intriguing. All performances are fabulous, especially John Barrowman, Phillip Quast, and Krysten Cummings. If you want to hear what a major up-and-coming songwriting team can do, check out this recording.

Some of the best musicals I've ever heard are the ones that dare to tackle intense subject matter. The Musicals of Kander and Ebb come to mind, as do specific titles by the incomparable Sondheim. Well here comes the next new collaboration. John Dempsey and Dana P Rowe. The two made a bizarre start with their cult musical "Zombie Prom" Off-Broadway, and who just made it big in London with "The Witches of Eastwick." But here is where the began to make their name. They wrote "The Fix" A Smart, risque, and aggressive poilitcal satire. Which boasts an electric score and lyrics that were written to shock surprise and encourage genuine emotion in all it's forms. "The Fix" Is truly an original in every shape way and form. With characters that musicals have never dared to portray. Same goes with the story.

The story goes like this.

The nation is in mourning for the death of potential president Reed Chandler. And his family...? Well they're less than ecstatic, considering he died between the legs of his mistress. Well Reed's power-mad wife Violet has announced, "If I can't be the wife of the President, you can bet your ass, I'll be his mother." By that she's referring to her unambitious, drug addicted son Cal. Violet beckons and ultimately forces her Polio-stricken brother-in-law Graham to train him in the ways of political ethics, and nurture him all the way to the white house.
But what they discover is that the road between here and there is a bumpy one.

this production was directed by "American Beauty" Oscar winning director Sam Mendes, and it shows. Mendes possesses the prowess of shocking the audience, and for making the actors go beyond the bounds of duty. John Barrowman's portrayal of Cal. Is truly gripping and his singing voice is incredible. No one else could ever sing the song "One, Two, Three" like Barrowman can. Next there's Philip Quast's overly sympathetic performance as Graham. He makes you absolutely pity him in the back-to-back songs "Two Guys at Harvard" and "First Came Mercy." then there's the third pivotal player Kathryn Evans as the megalomaniacal widow Violet. You see her character go through some savage turbulence in the course of events. You practically see her at her worst in the song "Spin" when she's drunk and delirious.

The Fix is another musical I feel deserves more attention that it has recieved. One of those that dares to be different. And if you wanna hear what I'm talking about BUY THIS CD!