Queen of the Mist-Original Cast Recording [Soundtrack]

Original Cast (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 19, 2012)
• Original Release Date: 2012
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Razor & Tie
• ASIN: B00805D1KS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,349 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Act One Opening

2. There Is Greatness In Me (Pt. One)

3. There is Greatness In Me (Pt. Two)

4. Letter To Jane/The Tiger

5. Charity

6. Glorious Devil/The Waters

7. The Barrel/Cradle Or Coffin

8. Types Like You

9. Do The Pan

10. Floating Cloud

11. Laugh At the Tiger

12. On The Other Side

13. Act One Finale

14. The Quintessential Hero

15. Million Dolar' Momma

16. Expectations

17. Bookings (Pt. One)

18. Break Down the Door

19. The Green

20. Bookings (Pt. Two)

See all 22 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Based on an astounding and outrageous true story, 2-time Tony Award® nominee Mary Testa stars as Anna Edson Taylor, who, in 1901, at the age of 63, set out to become the first person to shoot Niagara Falls in a barrel of her own design. Navigating both the treacherous Falls and a fickle public with a ravenous appetite for sensationalism, this unconventional heroine vies for her legacy in a world clamoring with swindling managers, assassins, revolutionaries, moralizing family, anarchists and activists. Convinced that there is greatness in her and determined not to live as ordinary, Anna decides to battle her fear and tempt her fate. With a soaring score that incorporates turn of the century themes with LaChiusa's signature complexity and insight, Queen of the Mist is the story of a single great fall, and how one woman risked death so that she could live.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars LaChiusa does it again... July 2, 2012

By Steven Valenti VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Michael John LaChiusa's musicals have become some of my most-listened-to cast recordings in the last decade. When I feel too awash in musicals that are just a bit too light (even if I enjoy them), I can always return to the composer who insists on writing musicals that tell unusual, challenging stories about the human condition. His shows are consistently compelling and resonant--qualities too often missing in many shows and cast recordings.

"Queen of the Mist," his musical about Anna Edson Taylor, the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel, is yet another fine effort by LaChiusa (who seems incapable of anything less). It contains his trademark haunting, complex, and yes--catchy--melodies, this time with a turn-of-the-twentieth-century flavor. Mary Testa stars as Taylor and, as she's demonstrated in other LaChiusa shows like "Marie Christine" and "See What I Wanna See," she is an ideal performer of LaChiusa's music. She has no trouble nimbly navigating the music's intricacies and the complexities of this desperate character, who at the age of 63 grasped at one last chance at greatness. This is a bravura performance: intense, funny, and ultimately very moving. The musical's final number, "The Fall," is as honestly poignant a scene from a musical I've heard in some time.

The disc contains an admirable amount of LaChiusa's book, and some fine support from the rest of the small cast, particularly Andrew Samonsky as Taylor's friend and manager. My only complaint is this score, as good as it is, could benefit from a larger orchestra. There are a few times when the use of keyboards jarringly sticks out. It's been over a decade since LaChiusa was on Broadway with a nice size orchestra. His music deserves a full scale treatment. Nevertheless, highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story September 6, 2012

By Mike

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love musicals that you can follow the story and plot by simply listening to the music. This is a good example. But there is nothing like seeing a musical in person and especially on Broadway. I can't wait to see this one even if it's done by a local playhouse.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Mary Testa Rules! November 13, 2012

By Raymond J. Yucis

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was fortunate enough to see this show and having it preserved on disc is a godsend. Serious musical theater lovers will revel in this score and the titanic performance by Mary Testa. It's a perfect combination of actress and role. The entire ensemble is first-rate and the orchestrations are excellent.