Customer Reviews

The Rothschilds: A Musical (1970 Original Broadway Cast)

5 star:		(5)
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This is the most "through-composed" of the musicals of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, as befits the 18th/19th century European setting. Hal Linden's Tony Award-winning performance comes through loud and clear as the partriarch of the family, as does fellow Tony-winner Keene Curtis in a variety of roles. "Sons," "Rothschild and Sons," "Pleasure and Privilege" are standouts. A neglected gem of the musical theater.

Bock and Harnick may not have reached the heights they did in Fiddler but they have produced a forgotten treasure. The album is better than the show. The songs and emotions are clearer and more effective when you don't have to bother with the labored book which is heavy on European politics and 18th century bond trading. Hal Linden is in fine voice and surprisingly we even get to hear a young Jill Clayburgh vocalize.

This has to be one of my all time favorite cast recordings. Although as a Broadway musical it didnt have nearly the success of Fiddler it is non the less an excellent recording,and it did win at least TWO Tonys.(I understand the one that Hal Linden won was one of the reasons that he got the job in "Barney Miller".
Of course the best number on the recording is "In my own lifetime",and "Sons" is just slightly chauvinistic but....
Hal Linden is of course magical, Keene Curtis does how many roles and Paul Hecht as the oldest son steals the show in his number with Jill Clayburgh. I do know of one piece of music that was cut from the show that I would love to get my hands on,called "Its just a map". Well worth a listen!

Bock and Harnick followed the wild success of Fiddler On The Roof with this minor history of the European banking dynasty, and it contains many gems. In My Own Lifetime is a beautiful ballad, performed brilliantly by Hal Linden who won a Tony. This show propelled him to stardom and the leading role in Barney Miller on television, the show also introduced Jill Clayburgh to Broadway, and eventually Hollywood.
A terrific addition to any Broadway collection.

The item (CD) was received in a timely fashion and I was very satisfied with the product and the way it was handled. I greatly appreciate the fact that Amazon had this CD available to sell and especially the fact that I could hear the songs from the album!
Thank you, Elle Stern

I had the privilege to see The Rothchilds in 1970. This show is sooooo overlooked and neglected. The show is history put to music. Considering the troubled times we live in I'm truly surprised High Schools are not doing this one. All generatons should see this and hear the wonderful music. This is Yellen and Harnick at their best. Hal Linden is a stand out. High School Theater Departments take a look.

If you saw this show it is a must for your collection

quiktime has sequestered the resources to hear your samples, and of course, it won't play them.
try arguing with it..

maybe you could provide us chickuns with alternate media players?? uh, how about it?