Customer Reviews

Flowers For Algernon (1979 Original London Cast)

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

 

 

As in everything he portrays *Michael Crawford* steals the show once again. The music on this cd may sound a little strange at first (you have to get used to it). But after listening a few times you will be starving to hear more! I am so pleased that they made this cd even though the show didn't last very long. It is very emotional and takes you on a journey. Much like his other fabulous shows (EFX, POTO, Hello, Dolly!). I only wish he would do another musical or release a new cd (after his 99 Christmas album) sometime soon :)

This isn't one of Michael Crawford's best achievements, however, he does an excellent job playing Charlie Gordon. As in everything Crawford does, he is the show's rescuer. Some of the songs are rather clever as far as lyrics are concerned, but I think this classic story could have been handled a little better. Yet, it is definately worth having if you are a Crawford fan.

One of my favorite Charles Strouse scores. I really just like Charles Strouse IN GENERAL - his genius is a great fixture of Broadway and has been so for over 45 years - cannot wait for his new MINSKY'S score debuting early 2009. The only thing keeping me from giving this recording 5-stars is the fact that the sound engineering is just so bad. As is the case with many OC Recordings - they were recorded on the cheap originally and will always sound as if they were recorded on the cheap!(CARMELINA being the notable exception on the OC Label!!) Too bad really - this score deserves so much better than the limited means the producer Bruce Yeko was able to provide. Yes, of course, we are all happy that Bruce Yeko made the effort to capture these scores at all rather than let them evaporate into the ether. One can still wish that things had been a bit more ideal!

This is a great book and an excellent musical. I never knew that it existed because the musical is called "Charlie and Algernon." I am not a big Crawford fan, but the CD works with him as Charlie. I rated the product a five just because it is a great item to collect. I would love to see a revival of this musical.

Crawford's performance is noteworthy and a few of the songs are right on track. Unfortunately, there are some clunky melodies and lyrics that really hurt along the way. Diehards should certainly have this, though; I'm glad I do. But only about half the score is worth repeat listening. And an orchestration that isn't so tiny and whiney would help.

I highly recommedn this album. I would give it ten stars if I could. Michael Crawford is wonderful in the role of Charlie Gorden. It is an album with some beautiful songs.