Customer Reviews

The Most Happy Fella (1992 Broadway Revival Cast)

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

 

 

Over thirty years separate the original cast recording and this present release. In bringing this wonderful Loesser show back to the stage, Gerald Gutierrez reduced the accompaniment to two pianos. The reduction provides a much more intimate and clean interpretation when compared to the original album. One wishes a more complete score was provided. However, every track in this current release sparkles! Those familiar with the original album will delight in hearing the rich vocal harmonies more clearly against the lighter background. For example, "Song of a Summer Night" has a charming lilt and delicacy unmatched in the earlier recording. Shortie Long's voice dominates in the always-popular "Standing on the Corner" of the original, but Scott Waara blends his vocal lead with the others to produce a much more satisfying quartet. A superb recording!

The cast and their voices are wonderful. But I didn't realize that this CD, fromthe original cast of the revival at Goodspeed, is with piano only. Doesn't give you the full impact of such glorious music. It does, however, show you that the show CAN be done without a full orchestra...in case any community theatres, high schools, or budget-minded companies are looking for a great old book musical with some wonderful music.

BUT, if you're looking for a great CD of the production, I would steer away from this production in favor of one of the others that have the full orchestras accompanying them.

Dennis

Musical Theatre Actor/Producer from Seattle

I saw this show at a "neighborhood theater" last weekend. The first song was alittle "depressing" about the "sore toes" of waitresses. I thought I was in for a L O N G evening in the theater. But, the show kept getting better and better until I also "fell" for Tony---even though I'm a guy! If you have a chance to see this show sometime, go see it. I'd even recommend it for kids even with "the pregnancy" aspect of it as long as mom or dad is/are there to "explain" in case there are any questions about the baby to be from the "small fry". OK, the songs are not quite up to Rogers and Hammerstein or Irving Berlin. But, taken on it's own merits, you'll come to "love" Tony and the rest of the cast just like I did! Email: boland7214@aol.

The CD has songs from a Broadway stage presentation of this great 50s (or so) musical. I remember it well.

It is so good, so cute, one wonders why it wasn't made into a movie.

The song, "Big D" is clever and witty with just the right twang. I ain't from Dallas, but ah 'preciate them Texans even more.

Loving, but offbeat plot avers that "Alls well that ends well."

I bought this instead of the fully orchestrated version (on the advice of Amazon reviewers) and I don't regret it. The piano-only accompaniment really allows you to hear the voices and appreciate the fantastic music. This is a wonderful score, with many great performances.