Customer Reviews

SUGAR BABIES (BROADWAY ORIGINAL CAST LP, 1979)

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

 

 

I was unfamiliar with Ann Miller when I first saw this show in Hollywood, CA during its tour. I only knew her as an MGM has-been with a lot of eye makeup. Well, after seeing Sugar Babies I became a life-long fan of the fabulous treasure named Ann Miller. What an incredible performer, with enough energy to power the lights of Broadway on her own. She is reknown as a great tap dancer, but she strangely has never been acknowledged as an amazing singer that could really belt out a tune. This soundtrack is amusing, exciting and heartwarming. Nothing about it, however, can compare to the incomparible Ann Miller.

It seems that the only albums I review are obscure and/or out of print.

About a year ago after a lot of searching on e-bay and other places, I finally located a copy of SUGAR BABIES. I lost out on my first bid, but a second copy showed up and I was extremely happy to be the lucky bidder. I found the recording highly enjoyable, but since it was out of print, I did not write a review. (Mistake) Nor did I consider checking out Varese Sarabande's website. (Second mistake.)

Even though Mickey Rooney gets first billing, it is Ann Miller who really shines on this recording. She's proof that sometimes things -- and people -- get better as they age. She was in top form for this album, and her performance is worth the price. At 56, she could sing and dance practically everyone else under the carpet.

Featuring a number of great songs by Jimmy McHugh and new material by Arthur Malvin, the show is an affectionate tribute to burlesque and even includes some lame, off-color jokes. The whole thing is delivered with gusto and style.

Running for 1208 performances and nominated for 8 Tony Awards, it went on to tour America with Carol Channing and Robert Morse in the leading roles. (The second National Tour headlined the original stars.) Audiences in New York and all over America enjoyed the show. You will too.
Go for it!

I saw this in New York more than 25 years ago: it was a great show that gives a wonderful insight into the old Broadway. It's about time they re-edit this one - hopefully remastered - being one of the greatest musical revues ever.

Sugar Babies is worth every penny you spend on it!
But, it is out of print. [...]I recomend this cd to everyone who loves tap dancing, good songs, and great laughs!

I WAS DISAPPOINTED TO FIND THAT THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE "ORIGINAL CAST" RECORDING - AS ANN JILLIAN HAD ALREADY LEFT THE SHOW PRIOR TO IT'S BEING MADE. ANN JILLIAN WAS PERHAPS THE ONLY "REAL" SINGER IN "SUGAR BABIES". HER NUMBERS WERE SHOW STOPPERS. THE OTHERS (MIVKEY & AN MILLER) BEING "ACTORS WHO SING". THE PRODUCERS ARE SLICK HERE - THEY CALL THEIR RECORDING COMPANY LABEL "ORIGINAL CAST" RECORDS - BUT IT IS NOT THE ENTIRE ORIGINAL CAST THAT'S PERFORMING ON IT SINCE ANN JILLIAN HAD ALREADY LEFT THE SHOW IN 1980 BY THE TIME THEY MADE THIS RECORDING.. BUYING THIS RECORDING IS A TOTAL RIP OFF!