Customer Reviews

Funny Girl (1964 Original Broadway Cast)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

FUNNY GIRL has become inextricably linked with the phenomenon that is "Barbra Streisand". She created the role on Broadway in 1964, played it [for a time] in London, then went to Hollywood to do the film. After that? Well, the rest is history.

Yet this recording is where some argue she is heard at her best. Not quite 22 when she did the show, her voice on the CD is a marvel - no other word for it. She brings new meaning to the word "clarion", providing [I think] some of the most thrilling moments to be heard on ANY cast recording. "People" comes from this score and Streisand did a beautiful reading of it in the film. But it can't compare with the simplicity of her version on the stage - it's just exquisite. The score itself is top-notch and compares favorably with Jule Styne's masterpiece, GYPSY. Bob Merrill's lyrics [remember it was HE who gave us those memorable words to "People"] are first-rate, proving that he really was a talent of the first water. Sydney Chaplin as Nicky Arnstein, while not possessing the richest of baritones, is no slouch with a song, and does a really fun, sexy, version of "You Are Woman". A number of songs left out of the film are of course to be found here on the Original Cast CD. Among those is the lovely, lovely "The Music That Makes Me Dance" which Miss Streisand turns into a gorgeous, very moving showstopper. It's one of those Broadway Cast Albums that really is special. With a star perhaps bigger than any in recent history, a score that is up with the best of the sixties, and a recording that's rich-sounding and theatrical, you won't regret this joining your collection. And by the way, THAT overture [like so many from Styne, the overture "king"] is a treat in itself: talk about "setting the mood"! What more can you ask for? Streisand and a score to die for.

The official Broadway cast recording of the Tony-nominated play that was another stepping stone in Barbra Streisand's transition from successful recording artist to unparalleled superstar. Streisand is virtually the only performer who could do justice to Jule Styne and Bob Merril's larger than life score. Two of the most beautiful songs ("Who Are You Now" and "The Music That Makes Me Dance") were actually dropped from the score in the 1968 film adaptation, as were the riotous ragtime number "Cornet Man" and the hilarious "Rat-Ta-Tat-Tat." When originally recorded, Columbia Records (Barbra's label) passed on the rights to the cast album and Capital Records released the record. Much to Columbia's dismay, FUNNY GIRL hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 200 and was certified Gold, a rarity for a Broadway Cast album. This cast album has a simpler, more intimate sound than the film soundtrack version of the score, but isn't nearly as well produced as the latter recording. However, both releases are extraordinary and should be considered separate works.

This breathtaking recording of one of the finest scores in Broadway history is brought to life by a fantastic cast headed by the legendary Barbra Streisand in her first major stage role.

The story of FUNNY GIRL is the story of Fanny Brice; lower eastside nobody who climbs the ladder of success to become a star of the Ziegfeld Follies. The success comes at a cost though: becoming main breadwinner in the family and helping to bring an end to your marriage.

The original production of FUNNY GIRL opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on March 26 1964 and ran for 1, 348 performances. Barbra Streisand, then with only one minor role in a Broadway musical - I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE - was applauded to the rafters. Her supporting cast included Sydney Chaplin as Nicky Arnstein, Kay Medford as Mrs Brice, Jean Stapleton as Mrs Strakosh and Danny Meehan as Eddie Ryan.

Barbra stayed with the show to the end of 1965, then opened the show in London. The Broadway show continued for an additional year with Mimi Hines as Fanny; proving that the musical could stand alone on its own merits.

The magnificent Overture opens this recording; a musical taste of what's to come. Normally this is accompanied by some sort of montage. Numbers sung by Mrs Brice, Mrs Strakosh and Eddie Ryan - "If A Girl Isn't Pretty", "Who Taught Her Everything?", "Find Yourself A Man" - are as comical as the characters themselves.

Fanny is given the hokey Keeny's Music Hall song "Cornet Man", as well as the wistful "Who Are You Now?", "His Is The Only Music That Makes Me Dance" (which is a masterpiece in itself); and "I'm The Greatest Star". Nicky Arnstein is given solos in "I Want To Be Seen With You Tonight" and "You Are Woman, I Am Man".

A fantastic, record-breaking Broadway show, equalled by a thrilling recording which more than evokes the magic of this musical performance.

With the extensive Original Broadway Cast collection I'm fortunate to possess, I have no idea as to how this CD escaped me. The soundtrack is good but, it's not the "live" feeling one gets from listening to a Broadway recording. While the music, lyrics and all the performers are, of course, outstanding, it is the brilliance of the young Ms. Streisand that makes this album indispensable to any lover or collector of the genre. Don't misunderstand; I'm not by any means discreditng the maturity and, shall we say, dramatic orchestrations that exist in her recordings of today; she's still number one. It's just that it is so beautifully refreshing to hear that young, unembellished vocalist's rendition of a great Broadway score. In fact, at times, it doesn't even sound like the Ms. Streisand of today. This is a definite must-have for both Broadway and Streisand officianados. Who could ask for a better combination?

UNIQUE..... TOTALLY UNIQUE.

VERY different from the movie soundtrack ~ the Broadway version gives us a slightly younger Miss Streisand, but what power, intensity, humor and tremendous sincerity mixed with instinctive technique that cannot be surpassed!

The two versions of "Don't Rain On My Parade" are incredible - the first 'Younger' and determined - the 2nd [finale] slightly older, wiser and incredibly moving [must have wiped them out in the stalls eve after eve!]

Hers is a chamelion talent - way, way beyond the ascribed '36 expressions'.

Simply essential to hear over and over and over again and again!

What more can I add that hasn't already been said? Barbra is terrific, the supporting cast is great (even allowing for Sydney Chaplin's vocal inadequecies), the orchestrations are properly bright and brassy ... and the songs by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill still crackle with excitement. This is what Broadway in the 60s sounded like. The album is vividly theatrical, and the remastering lets us hear the full dynamic range. CAREFUL! Be sure you get this release on Broadway Angel. The older edition on Capitol sounds horrible and has no liner notes. The notes for this release (as with all the Broadway Angel releases) are very detailed.

Funny Girl has a hilarious plot with great songs. It is definately one of the best musicals of the past century. This recording is near perfect with Barbara Streisand's amazing talent. She truly is "the greatest star". When i say "near perfect", i mean that its only flaw is its sound quality, which cannot be helped much because it is such an old recording (1964), old---- but not outdated. The songs will live on forever. My favorite numbers?- "Don't Rain on My Parade" and "Rat Tat Tat". Don't bother buying the movie soundtrack, this recording is far superior. Enjoy!

Barbra Streisand's only starring role to date in a Broadway musical is definitely something no theatre-lover should live without. Her performance on the cast recording is much more powerful and energetic than from the movie version of the show, and the music is, on the whole, much stronger. The supporting cast, including Kay Medford and Jean Stapleton, is also top notch. Though not the greatest score Broadway ever created, this cast recording is wonderful to listen to over and over again.

The Broadway cast version is much better than the film soundtrack. This one has three musical gems which were not included in the movie - Who Are You Now?, Cornet Man, The Music That Makes Me Dance. And it's Streisand at her best.

I prefer this album over the movie soundtrack because of the immediacy of the "stage sound", the freshness of a then new show, the young brilliant Streisand, and the inclusion of the poignant "Music That Makes Me Dance". A must buy for the dedicated original cast collector.