Customer Reviews

Showboat (1971 London Revival Cast)

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

 

 

This is recording of "Show Boat" as performed in London's Adelphi Theatre in 1971 - there were numerous versions of this legendary musical,but this one lasted 910 (!) performances and it was the longest-ever-running of "Show Boat" on stage.It's different from other versions of "Show Boat" as Andre Jobin and Lorna Dallas were opera singers,so naturally the whole production had a light-operatic sound.As this musical worked on a stage for 43 years before 1971. it has to bring something different - in this case some old songs were added - "How'd you like to spoon with me" was written even BEFORE original "Show Boat",and "Nobody Else but Me" was added from 1946. Broadway revival.With so many "Show Boats" to choose from,I recommend this one which was a big succes for Cleo Laine,wonderful and talented british jazz singer in the role of Julie.Cleo was THE reason why this show lasted so long and as the words about her spread across Atlantic,she made her legendary concert debut in Carnegie Hall,which in turn opened doors to her international carrer.Laine's versions of "Can't Help Lovin Dat Man","Bill" and "Nobody Else But Me" are breathtaking,I suggest to listen this album simply because she was great in that role - she did theatre music before ("Valmouth") and after ("Cleo sings Sondheim") but you have to hear this one!

I really enjoyed this rendition of Show Boat, In my opinion it's much better than the Movie Soundtrack. It is a little difficult to get used to the English pronunciations on some of the songs ("cot-ton blossom" instead of "cot'n blossom"). But I got used to it. The meat and potato songs" "Can't Help Lovin' that Man of Mine" and "Ol' Man River" are really great! Actually, the only song that I enjoyed less than than the Movie Soundtrack was "After the Ball" and even that wasn't bad. Would definitely recommend this CD

If you only want a very good sampling of Showboat, this CD is for you. The performance is extremely vital and passionate. The singing is simply magnificent. If only those American Idol singers could sing like this. And the sound is as clear as a bell. I found this CD at a dollar store. It has turned out to be one great bargain.

This is a terrific recording unfortunately not having all 23 bands of the original LPs or one version on cd. Stanyan Records issued the original and they still show what I think is the shortened version of this 1971 London cast recoring in their online catalog at about $10.

This is a wonderful recording. Cleo Laine (most famous as a jazz singer) is terrific, and Thomas Carey's version of "Old Man River" is a genuine showstopper. If you like Show Boat, this is the recording you want to have.

Showboat has always been my favorite musicals, and movie - but I went out of this way to get the London stage version with Cleo Lain's character "Julie". "Bill" is without doubt THE BEST versions in history - in my humble opinion. Chillingly, hauntingly beautiful!

i know of other soundtracks of the same one that are much better