Baker Street, A Musical Adventure of Sherlock Holmes (1965 Original Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]

Marian Grudeff (Artist), Kai Winding (Artist), Richard Hayman (Artist), The Baker Street Irregulars (Artist), Richard Hayman Symphony Orchestra (Artist), The Baker Street Orchestra (Artist), The Kai Winding Orchestra (Artist), Daniel Keyes (Artist), Fritz Weaver (Artist), Inga Swenson (Artist), Martin Gabel (Artist), Martin Wolfson (Artist), Patrick Horgan (Artist), Peter Sallis (Artist), Richard Burton (Artist), Theodore Green (Artist), Virginia Vestoff (Artist), Raymond Jessel (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 31, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Decca Broadway
• ASIN: B000CQQGVE
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,704 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A FASCINATING, HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MUSICAL . . . ., February 21, 2006

By 

J. T Waldmann "yaakov98" (Carmel, IN, home to the fabulous new Regional Performing Arts Center.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Baker Street, A Musical Adventure of Sherlock Holmes (1965 Original Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)

Fascination with "Baker Street, a Musical Adventure of Sherlock Holmes" during the years since the final curtain came down at the Martin Beck Theatre on the night of November 14, 1965 has grown to the point that Decca Broadway has finally released - for the first time on CD - the long out-of-print original cast recording. All of us who share an interest in the history of the American musical should raise a glass of stout and say, "Well done, mates."

I've probably listened to my LP no more than once or twice, but "Baker Street" always has maintained a special place in my memory. It is, after all, one of the two recorded shows that features my all-time favorite actress/singer - and fellow Nebraskan - Inga Swenson. First appearing in "The New Faces of 1956," she went on to win the 1957 Theatre World Award for "The First Gentleman" and understudied Julie Andrews ("Camelot") before receiving her first Tony nomination for "110 in the Shade." ( In spite of its wonderful Tom Jones/Harvey Schmidt score and Ms. Swenson's outstanding performance, RCA has had the chutzpah to drop the OC recording from its catalogue. Go figure.)

I must admit that I was disappointed the first time I listened to the CD. For the most part, the score sounded derivative and uninspired. What disappointed me most was the fact that, as wonderful as Ms. Swenson is, the songs she is given to sing can't hold a candle to those in "110 in the Shade." Furthermore, one gets the impression, just from listening, that the creators of this show never really decided what the focus should be. Instead of ending Act I with a dramatic musical spot, it ends with a "Perils of Pauline" ticking time bomb. Additionally, the final number, sung by a band of thieves, falls quite some time before the end of the show, which ends with Holmes disappearing into the fog, presumably on his way to America in romantic pursuit of Irene Adler (Ms. Swenson).

Only after reading the published script (Doubleday & Company) and listening for a second time, did I come to appreciate the way the musical numbers fit into the play. Not only was I able to better appreciate the songs, but now, for the life of me, I can't get "What a Night This Is Going To Be" out of my head!!!

With Oliver Smith's Tony-winning sets, Motley's period costumes and the Bill Baird Marionettes enacting the Diamond Jubilee parade, it must have been a fun show to see. But 1965 was the year of "Man of LaMancha" & "Sweet Charity;" "Hello, Dolly" & "Fiddler on the Roof" were still going strong. "Baker Street" closed after 311 performances, with a loss to its investors.

Recommended, especially because of Inga Swenson. ALSO recommended is "Holmes and Watson Sing," Ken Mandelbaum's expert critique of the "Baker Street" CD and fascinating background of the show. If you buy this recording - and I hope you will - then you must read this article. You can find it at www.Broadway.com.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Better than I Thought It Would Be, February 7, 2006

By 

F. C. Beyer "theater fan" (California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Baker Street, A Musical Adventure of Sherlock Holmes (1965 Original Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)

I had heard some bad reviews about this show, but as a Broadway fan with over 150 shows in my collection, decided to give it a chance. I might add that I am also a big Sherlock Holmes fan. Maybe that helps. I was then rather put off to see that even the liner notes did not have anything good to say about the show or score. So, with low expectations, I gave it a listen and was pleasantly surprised. The score has a certain charm and wit, with excellent performances, and that distinctive Broadway sound from the fiftie's and early sixties. I actually found myself humming along to a number of songs. Definitely worth a listen.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HOORAH FOR BAKER STREET - AT LAST!!, March 8, 2006

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Mr. Kurt A. Lerps (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Baker Street, A Musical Adventure of Sherlock Holmes (1965 Original Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)

I was lucky enough to see this lush musical twice - once on opening night and the second time when they changed Inge Swenson's opening number (I thought that "I'm in London Aagin" a much better and more appropriate opening number for Irene). I sorry though that the second number was not put on as an extra on this CD for posterity - it may never have been recorded. I have been waiting for years for this to appear on CD - well worth the wait. Inge Swenson is absolutely glorious and well balanced against the cold, clear portrait of Fritz Weaver's Holmes. Then there is the exhuberance of Teddy Green, who also brought his great presence to Darling of the Day. The musical may have been a 'flop' but I am sure that those who saw and loved it will always have fond memories of a 'hit'. An intriguing score with the soaring voice of Swenson so very memorable. It will more than likely never be revived to the level it was originally produced but thank you Decca for bringing this marvelous musical to life again on CD! Now how about "A Time For Singing".