Customer Reviews

Lizzie Borden (1998 American Stage Company Cast)

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

 

 

If you want satirical camp like the fun "Bat Boy the Musical" or "Reefer Madness the Musical," you'll be disappointed. This is a moving, serious treatment of the sordid Lizzie Borden story. It's dark, moody and stays with you for days. Allison Fraser's dead, emotionless reading of the dialogue (yes, it's on purpose) gives me the chills. A wonderful surprise. I recommend highly.

Having first heard of this play through small talk at a theatre site, I wondered if it would even be available, how truly "great" it would be, and why there were absolutely no names I recognized involved. With one spin of the CD, I was in Fall River, black and white, and steamed with Father. Double entendre, musical allusion, and good story telling abound in this dark horse. Although there is license taken at the end(with a musical reprise interpreting the title lady's guilt), the aura of the period shines in the snobbish ladies, descriptions of places and clothing, etc...

A must have for any true theatre buff, student, or patron.

One let down, however, is the complete absence of any libretto. This would be one smashing read!

I had no idea when I bought this CD that it would be so original and inspiring. Wow! I am really sorry I did not see the show in person! Buy it and hear for yourself....I am sure this not the last we will hear of this musical. Absolutely brilliant....Christopher McGovern and Amy Powers are to be lauded.

I was lucky enough to catch a workshop production of this show in New York a few years ago, and I can't believe it hasn't had a major production yet. The show itself is an extremely compelling chamber musical with only 12 cast members. Its main theatrical conceit is telling Lizzie Borden's story through Lizzie as an adult and Lizzie as a child. This echo effect is what gives the show its heart and also makes it chilling. Instead of a whodonnit, it's more of a whydunnit. The music in the show - and in the nicely produced CD - is wonderful. There are several memorable songs, some of which merit recordings by major voices. My favorite is "House On The Hill." Broadway veteran Alison Fraser gives a lovely performance as Lizzie and it would be great to see her open this on Broadway. The show also has some comic tunes, which relieve the tension created by the story and music. I would compare this most to "Sweeney Todd."

Christopher McGovern & Amy Powers have created a brilliant work of art - one that deserves to be seen and heard. In a musical about Lizzie Borden, I expected songs about murder, but I didn't expect the heart-wrenchingly beautiful, the humorous, or the many other varied types of songs. I've already purchased more CDs to give to friends. I'll cross my fingers that it comes to a theatre near me soon.

The musicalization of Lizzie Borden could have easily been something to fear but with this new musical recording, you'll want to hear it again and again. Christopher Mc Govern's music lures you, uplifts you, romances you and then horrifies you. The story of Lizzie unfolds song after song and the strong lyrics and story will hypnotize and amaze you. Alsion Fraser finds the passion in Lizzie and sores through the score makeing it impossible to imagine anyone else more perfect. All I can say is Invite Lizzie Borden into your home and you'll never want her to leave.

I bought this CD because I thought how funny...a musical based on Lizzie Borden! But to my surprise, it is one of the best musicals I have heard! Alison Fraser's voice is exquisite and completely nailed the character. This musical makes you think about what really happened that day when Lizzie Borden's parents were brutally murdered. Too many good things to say about this one...go buy it and hear for yourself!

I now have the entire office listening and often even REQUESTING that I put this CD on.. NO KIDDING!! I am glad to know that this music, that has only had the benefit of a workshop production has found the following it has. If there is any justice, there will come a time when a producer will come to his senses and put this one off-Broadway or Broadway.. When that time comes I'll have the pleasure of knowing I was one of the first people to have the benefit of such brilliant songs as HOUSE ON THE HILL and FLY AWAY..

The musicalization of Lizzie Borden could have easily been something to fear but with this new musical recording, you'll want to hear it again and again. Christopher Mc Govern's music lures you, uplifts you, romances you and then horrifies you. The story of Lizzie unfolds song after song and the strong lyrics and story will hypnotize and amaze you. Alsion Fraser finds the passion in Lizzie and sores through the score makeing it impossible to imagine anyone else more perfect. All I can say is Invite Lizzie Borden into your home and you'll never want her to leave.

As soon as I saw that Lizzie Borden had been musicalized and Alison Fraser was singing the title lead I bought this cd. I was instantly blown away by the brilliance and haunting qualities to this new score. Christopher McGovern's music is outstanding and Amy Power's lyrics compliment his music beautifully. In a day where revivals are sometimes more welcome on broadway this musical shines, and the composers should be praised for such a great project. A must for the cd collection.