Customer Reviews

High Society: Original Cast Recording (1998 Broadway Cast)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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!

This show has to be the best show that I have ever seen in my life-a show which should NOT have closed. However, it did, but one can relive it listening to the soundtrack. Melissa Errico is absolutely, wonderfully, fantastically awesome on the recording, and so is the rest of the cast. This recording shows what a travesty it was that "High Society" closed.

In 1939 there was "The Philadelphia Story" as a stage smash. In 1940 it was a screen smash. In 1956 it was a film musical of some note. Finally in 1997 there opened on a San Francisco stage and the next year in New York a musical based on the second film and on the original play-- thereby completing the cycle. And thank you, DRG, for issuing a CD version of this latest incarnation, High Society (drg 19011). Of course as was done twice before with Gershwin, many other Cole Porter songs are added to those used in the film; so we have "True Love" here and "I Love Paris" there, with the perhaps or perhaps not excusable "additional lyrics" (I hope not an attempt to "improve" on Porter!)-all of which is sung with verve by an energetic cast that are not the cat's meow vocally but are winning nevertheless, headed by Melissa Errico, Daniel McDonald, Randy Graff, Stephen Bogardus, and John McMartin. So if you love Cole Porter-and who honestly does not?-you will enjoy this offering very much indeed.

This is such a wonderful musical - Cole Porter at his best - I listen to it over and over and over. I'm very proud to be producing it for a Northern California Community Theater group - a "Silicon Valley Premiere" since only A.C.T. has done it before my group. Wondeful melodies, music, lyrics - everything. I can picture the show unfolding and the love that is truly evident between Tracy and Dexter, though she has to learn a few things 'bout life first - and come off her "holier than thou" cloud. A wonderful theater experience!

Having been something of the a fan of the movie High Society, I purchased the CD of the musical. I was delighted by some of the new songs in the score, and somewhat disappointed at the resurrection of some old Porter songs. The singing is much better in the CD, sorry Bing.

This CD is wonderful! True, you would think with all the time since it was recorded and when they actually released it that they would have the songs in order. Anyway, it's a great CD with wonderful performers. Melissa Errico is wonderful, and really shines in "It's All Right With Me". Daniel McDonald is always terrific, and especially is on this CD. Anna Kendrick is absolutely adorable- she & McDonald are charming in "Little One", one of my favorite songs. Randy Graff is great, especially in "He's A Right Guy". All in all, this is a wonderful CD for all music lovers- buy it!

I saw "High Society" on Broadway last August and loved it. Melissa Errico and Daniel McDonald, the leads, are fantastic. However, Anna Kendrick really steals the show as Tracy Lord's little sister. The rest of the cast is amazing too. This is a must-buy cd.

Daniel McDonald is the right voice for Dexter! And what a great work for Randy Graff, Bogardus and John McMartin as Uncle Willy! And for Melissa Errico... well, she is so good when she sings "Ridin High" and "It's All Right With Me". Of course, she is not Kate Hapburn or Grace Kelly, but she is lovely and sexy and a good singer. I saw the show in Broadway, not one of my favorites, but funny!!!!!!!!! Long live to Cole Porter's music!