High Society: Original Cast Recording (1998 Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]

Cole Porter | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 20, 1999)
• Original Release Date: April 20, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Drg
• ASIN: B00000IISW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #172,019 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Musically fine adaptation of classic musical movie., July 18, 1999

By 

Michael Sassella (CANBERRA, Australian Capital Territory, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: High Society: Original Cast Recording (1998 Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)

This CD was a thoroughly pleasant surprise. The 1950s MGM musical, 'High Society', is fondly remembered by many. However, I've always thought its score and the performances of the songs, especially by Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong (ironic, kindly), Celeste Holm and Bing Crosby were its best features. The book seems dated and irrelevant. Earlier attempts have been made to bring 'High Society' to the stage and they, like this version, have raided the Cole Porter songbook to flesh out a fairly short film score. Oddly they, like this version, have omitted my personal fave song from the movie, 'Mind If I Make Love to You', a sensuous piece of sophisticated '50s show music. Am I the only person who likes it? Why is it left out by revivalists? This version, unlike in particular a very disappointing London cast recording from the '80s, strikes me as a fine Cole Porter musical. The interpolated songs generally work very well. While 'High Society' (the song) loses something when not delivered by Louis Armstrong, the Greek chorus of singers who present it here are a valid alternative. Best thing about the disc is that the vocal qualities are even throughout and invariably impressive. Additionally it offers snatches of dialogue which are convincing and give the songs context. While the Capitol 'High Society' soundtrack recording is a must for fans and is irreplaceable this version is utterly different and totally valid on its own terms. It's also a thoroughly enjoyable hour of classy music. If in doubt - buy!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Why even bother?, April 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: High Society: Original Cast Recording (1998 Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)

I was really dissapointed when I listened to the recording. Melissa Errico has been my favorite actress ever since "My Fair Lady" and I was so excited to hear her sing on the recording. She didn't sound very good. I thought she sounded like she was forcing a lot of the notes, and it just sounded loud instead of pretty.

The CD has places where it seems like it was just madly put together, at some places the actors weren't even together when they were supposed to be. The CD does not seem to provide me with a favorable memory of the show; rather just justifies its closing.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well did you Evah? What a swell party this is!, April 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: High Society: Original Cast Recording (1998 Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)

This is the one of my most anticipated CDs since I saw the show in April in previews. Yes, the show was weak, but the casting was amazing, the music. THe direction/choreography was windy and pretty bad for a past Tony nominee. Besides the "technical facts", the disc is highly enjoyable, and is a MUST HAVE for all who have seen the show.

Melissa Errico, Anna Kendrick, Daniel McDonald and Randy Graff give the most unforgettable performances. Just like onstage, Anna Kendrick steals the show, but hey, thats show biz. Frankly, the spices up the album, and it would be "without comic relief" if she wasn't on it, and probably a lot more boring.

On a last note, buy the CD, you won't regret it.....it retains the excitement (what there was) from B'way and actually adds more and makes it more enjoyable!

BTW, on the reprise of High Society, there is a section that resembles the Hot Honey Rag from Chicago! teehee!