Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]

Fred Ebb (Artist), John Kander (Composer, Performer), Karen Ziémba (Performer), Kristin Chenoweth (Performer), Rosa Curry (Performer), Debra Monk (Performer), Ronn Carroll (Performer), Gregory Harrison (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: John Kander, Karen Ziémba, Kristin Chenoweth, Rosa Curry, Debra Monk, et al.
• Composer: John Kander
• Audio CD (July 29, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: RCA Victor Broadway
• ASIN: B000003GAQ
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #74,023 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They Closed Steel Pier, Didn't They?, February 21, 2000

By 

Bill (West Chester, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)

I had heard of Steel Pier and seen the number "Everybody Dance" on the 1997 Tony Awards, but other than that, didn't know much about it.

During the summer of 1999, after I was cast as Bill Kelly in a regional revival, I purchased the CD and fell in love with Steel Pier and it's wonderfully romantic score. The opening and closing instrumental piece, "Rita's Theme" still brings tears to my eyes when I hear it.

The show is a little long and the book, somewhat corny with the ghost theme. But, it's a well crafted, fine score. There are some musical montages missing from the CD, but the majority of the score is in tact.

Interestingly enough, the vocal books we used in our production came directly from the broadway show and still contained written notes from the original. Fans of the show might be interested to know that before the show opened, there was a longer version of "Leave the World Behind" with an intro that included a reprise of "Second Chance" sung in rhythm to the snoring sounds of the sleeping marathon contestants.

Collectors of broadway theatre music should not be without Steel Pier gracing their collections. I highly recommend Steel Pier.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still enjoying this album 7 years later!, January 30, 2004

By 

Mark Andrew Lawrence "Theatre Reviewer" (Toronto) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)

I caught a performance of STEEL PIER a few days after the 1997 Tony awards (where the show won NONE of its eleven nominations!) and found it mostly enjoyable. The book was indeed the weakest link mainly because it spent too much time trying to build up the secondary characters (dancers in a marathon) and pulling focus from the more intersting romantic triangle involving a marathon dancer, her "secret" husand, and her "ghost" partner.

Although it closed after a short run, it did get a highly enjoyable cast album that allows musical theatre fans to savour a fine score by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Among the highlights: a beautiful haunting piano theme heard in the prologue and finale of the show. Standout numbers include: "Second Chance", "First you Dream" and "The Last Girl."

RCA has gone to great lengths to give this show a highly polished and professional sounding recording. The synopsis and libretto help, but the show comes through beautifully. Great use of sound effects in the opening..seagulls, the sound of the shore...it adds a nice touch and gives you an "in the theatre" type of listening experience.

A year or so ago, I caught an amature production locally. While not as well sung or performed as the Broadway company (and still with some lag in the book)I found myself again moved by the songs and story. I suspect in time STEEL PIER will be revised and revived.

Above all thank you John Kander and Fred Ebb for this wonderful score and all the other wonderful sores you have given us!!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great music, too complex story, April 27, 2000

By 

Simon Cross (RUSTINGTON, West Sussex. United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast) (Audio CD)

This is a first-class recording of a first-class score. All the performances are great, in particular Karen Ziemba, Debra Monk, Daniel McDonald and Kristin Chenoweth.

If there is a problem with this show, it has to be the book; a stunt pilot crashes but is given an extra three weeks of life. This he chooses to spend meeting a special lady at a dance marathon.

Do not let that put you off though, the music more than stands up for itself. The orchestra is good, and really powers the dance and speciality numbers along. When things get a little quieter and more introspective or romantic, the songs are among the finest in Kander & Ebb's collection.

I would recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys a big, ballsy classic musical.