Customer Reviews

110 In The Shade (1963 Original Broadway Cast)

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

 

 

I now own both recordings of this show, and without any doubt, find this recording the most preferable. The vocal qualities of all three leading players are superlative. It is unfortunate that Broadway audiences did not get to experience this musicalisation of "The Rainmaker." Inga Swenson is an actress who has been missed by American audiences. I understand she sustained an ankle injury that caused the show to fold shortly after opening. Her characterization comes through radiantly on the CD. She registers so many emotions it would be impossible to list them all here. The other performances also contain fire and brilliance. The men's voices (lyric baritones) are full of character and life as well.
The newer recording is a disappointment. The two gentlemen are very fine, but Ms. Ziemba, at present one of Broadway's darlings, is vocally not suited for the role. The piece is written for a lyric Soprano. She is a belter, and her singing lacks head voice -- a definite requirement for the part of Lizzie. I looked forward to hearing the entire score, but after listening to the first disc, I quickly put on the RCA original cast and was reintroduced to expressive, lyrical singing that told a story via vocal quality. I suggest the Original Recording hands down to anyone.

This show ran a bit shorter than Schmidt and Jone's Fantasticks- but it was a better show. Nash's Rainmaker was a perfect vehicle for a musical and Inga Swenson as Lizzie was brilliant. It's a shame she only did a few shows before reaching fame on TV in Benson. Now, Robert Horton was already famous on TV when he did this show and afterwards he happily returned (never to try singing again). The supporting cast was great, particularly Stephen Douglass.

Don't miss this great score.

This is one of the best Broadway recordings ever! It has a very energetic score and the songs will pick you up if you are feeling low. The cast fit perfect in their parts and the story is wonderful (although cliche). If you're looking for a bright and cheerful change to todays brooding scores and songs get this cd and you'll treasure it forever!!!!!

I will admit I'm old enough to have seen the original, the one with Inga Swensen, Lesley Ann Warren and Ray Danton. That is one show I'll never forget...the brilliant edge of Ms. Swensen's incredibly lovely voice sending a golden glow out over the audience with "Is It Really Me?", the hilarity of Ms. Warren and her "Little Red Hat" and the magic of Danton with his masculinity and vulnerability showing through at all times. There is no way you can leave the theater without a profound appreciation for the incredible score, and a feeling that all is well with the world. I have played the CD often over the years. I never tire of it. And I am fully capable of appreciating a later version, the one with the beautiful and exceptional Audra McDonald. In short, this is a show not to be missed. Once you've seen it, you'll never forget it!!!

1963's 110 In The Shade has one of the most glorious overtures in Broadway history. The musicalization of librettist Richard Nash's play the Rainmaker boasts terrific music by Schmidt and Jones(the Fantasticks, I Do! I Do!, Celebration, Road Side, etc)who wrote a plethora of songs for the show(over 100!)and used just 16. Their work ranks up there with Loesser, Styne, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, Lerner and Loewe and others of their stature. Inga Swenson(New Faces of 1956, Baker Street, etc) stars as the spinster Lizzie and beautifully sings the wistful "Is It Really Me?", the hopeful "A Man And A Woman" the contentious duet with Robert Horton as Starbuck "You're Not Foolin' Me" and the emotional 1st Act finale, the desolate "Old Maid". Swenson is ably supported by Stephen Douglass(Make A Wish, Golden Apple, Damn Yankees, Show Boat-'66 revival, etc) as File along with Will Geer, Steve Roland, Scooter Teague(West Side Story), Lesley Ann Warren(Drat The Cat!, Victor/Victoria the film, etc) and a solid ensemble who mezmerize with "It's Gonna Be Another Hot Day", "The Hungry Men", "Everything Beautiful Happens At Night" and "Wonderful Music". I was much too young to see the original, however, I was lucky enough to see the New York City Opera production at the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center with the solid Richard Muenz(who was also wonderful in NYCO's Pajama Game and Camelot revival with Richard Burton) and Karen Ziemba. In my mind, it stands as a close second to the original. There is also a fine two cd recording with Ron Raines, Muenz and Ziemba on Jay Records. The most recent revival pales in comparison to all of the previously mentioned! Now if we can only get the 1967 London Cast recording with an altered score and their musical Philemon on cd!

Songs Include : 1. Overture (From "110 In The Shade") Orchestra 3:22 / 2. Gonna Be Another Hot Day (From "110 In The Shade") Stephen Douglass and Townspeople 4:07 / 3. Lizzie's Comin' Home (From "110 In The Shade") Will Geer;Steve Roland;Scooter Teague 2:15 / 4. Love, Don't Turn Away (From "110 In The Shade") Inga Swenson 2:01 / 5. Poker Polka (From "110 In The Shade") Stephen Douglass;Will Geer;Steve Roland 2:04 / 6. Hungry Men (From "110 In The Shade") Townspeople 2:26 / 7. Rain Song (From "110 In The Shade") Robert Horton and Townspeople 3:54 / 8. You're Not Foolin' Me (From "110 In The Shade") Inga Swenson;Robert Horton 3:57 / 9. Raunchy (From "110 In The Shade") Inga Swenson;Will Geer 2:48 / 10. A Man and a Woman (From "110 In The Shade") Inga Swenson 3:37 / 11. Old Maid (From "110 In The Shade") Inga Swenson 3:20 / 12. Everything Beautiful Happens at Night (From "110 In The Shade") Lesley Ann Warren and Townspeople;George Church;Scooter Teague 1:58 / 13. Melisande (From "110 In The Shade") Robert Horton 4:27 / 14. Simple Little Things (From "110 In The Shade") Inga Swenson 3:31 / 15. Little Red Hat (From "110 In The Shade") Lesley Ann Warren;Scooter Teague 2:24 / 16. Is It Really Me? (From "110 In The Shade") Inga Swenson;Robert Horton 2:06 / 17. Wonderful Music/Rain Song Finale (From "110 In The Shade") Stephen Douglass;Robert Horton;Inga Swenson 3:22

I saw the original staging when it came to San Francisco. We were lucky enough to see Inga Swenson and Lesley-Ann Warren in their roles. Starbuck was played wonderfully by Ray Danton (Robert Horton on the album). I don't know if this was a post-Broadway tour or the warm-up before opening on Broadway, but it was a magical show for me. Lesley-Ann Warren's "Little Red Hat" brought the house down.