Sweet Charity (2005 Broadway Revival Cast) [Cast Recording, Extra tracks]

Cy Coleman (Artist), Dorothy Fields (Artist), Christina Applegate (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 12, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording, Extra tracks
• Label: Drg
• ASIN: B00080Z732
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,210 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #72 in Music > Broadway & Vocalists > Musicals > Contemporary Musicals

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The best thing about this CD is the score: Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields's songs have lost none of their incisiveness over the years, and even a lackluster revival such as this one doesn't entirely succeed in dulling their edge. In the title role, Christina Applegate means well and tries hard, which isn't enough to make us forget Gwen Verdon, the powerhouse original Charity. Even "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This," a showstopping number if there ever was one, shines like a 40-watt bulb when it should be 400. As Charity's paramour Oscar, Denis O'Hare gives a wonderful, multifaceted performance, though of course Oscar doesn't get songs--except for the welcome addition of "A Good Impression." While this production is adequate but no match for the original recording, fans will be delighted by the bonus tracks. Backed by a small ensemble, Coleman sings four 1963 demos, including an intimate, delightful "I'm the Bravest Individual." The composer also pairs with Fields for a live version of "Big Spender" recorded in 1972. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Christina takes on "Charity", August 22, 2005

By 

Byron Kolln (the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sweet Charity (2005 Broadway Revival Cast) (Audio CD)

Overall very pleasing recording to the 2005 revival of SWEET CHARITY starring Christina Applegate in her Broadway debut. She has an attractive and easygoing singing voice which is perfect for the lovelorn taxi dancer Charity Hope Valentine. Though at times she sounds eerily like previous Charity's Gwen Verdon and Shirley MacLaine. On the whole her performance on disc is delightful.

Denis O'Hare is a wonderful Oscar and performs a glowing reading of the Title Song. Kyra DaCosta and Janine LaManna, as Charity's cynical dancer buddies Nickie and Helene, have a ball with "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This" and "Baby Dream Your Dream".

The orchestra, under the direction of Don York, is crisp and solid. The Overture, though, has been sadly-abriged (a real shame because the SWEET CHARITY Overture is one of the all-time greats). However, this recording gives us the Entr'acte and other incidental music that was not included on earlier cast albums.

Some interesting bonus tracks: Christina Applegate performs an alternate verse from "Where Am I Going?"; and some rare Cy Coleman-Dorothy Fields demo recordings. DRG has packaged the disc in one of their flimsy cardboard-style cases, with a foldout insert containing photos and extensive liner notes.

A fine SWEET CHARITY but hardly the definitive rendition.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous recording of a CLASSIC score!, July 13, 2005

By 

Lou "L.S" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sweet Charity (2005 Broadway Revival Cast) (Audio CD)

The new Broadway recording of the Cy Coleman/Dorothy Fields score "Sweet Charity" is a great recording. This score is considered one of Broadway's best scores, and this new recording serves the score justice.

Christina Applegate leads the show as Charity, and she does a fantastic job. She is very charming on the recording, and although she might miss a note or two - she still does a great job. Some of Christina's best moments are - "Charity's Soliloquy" which hasn't been in a professional production of Charity since the 60's! Christina also shines on the shows famous hit "If My Friends Could See Me Now", the charming "I'm The Bravest Individual", the heartbreaking "Where Am I Going?", and the new finale for the show which is a beautiful reprise of "I'm The Bravest Individual."
Also starring in Charity is one of Broadway's favorite leading men - the wonderful Denis O'Hare. Denis does a great job as Charity's wacky love interest, Oscar. Denis does a great job on "I'm The Bravest Individual" with Christina, "A Good Impression" which is new for this producion", and the wonderful title song. The supporting cast for Charity is great. As Charity's two buddies are Janine LaManna, and Kyra Da Costa. These two ladies do a fantastic job on "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This", and the beautiful "Baby, Dream Your Dream." Paul Schoeffler does a beautiful job on his big power ballad "Too Many Tomorrows."

Overall - this is a fantastic recording of this show. This recording also includes some treats! The songs "A Good Impression", and "I'm The Bravest Individual - Reprise" have never been in a production of Charity, they are new for the revival - and they are great songs. This recording also includes Christina singing a unused verse of "Where Am I Going?", and a few demos sung by Cy Coleman.

This recording is a real treat for anyone who loves Sweet Charity, loves the score, or loves Christina Applegate.

Check this recording out. It will bring you fun, laughs, and good times!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm so glad I bought this!, July 13, 2005

By 

Pman2006 (New York USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sweet Charity (2005 Broadway Revival Cast) (Audio CD)

I saw this show last month and was blown away by it. I've seen quite a few Broadway shows and this has got to be the only revival I have completely become obsessed with. I am so happy a soundtrack has been released ( I am still upset that the Neil Patrick Harris/Debbie Gibson soundtrack of 'Cabaret' has not been released)but that's not important in this reiew. The entire soundtrack of 'Sweet Charity' is amazing! Christina Applegate and Denis O'Hare are incredible!. My favourite songs were 'Big Spender' and 'If my Friends Could See Me Now', but now that I bought the cd and I am listening again, I have to admit that 'Charity's Soliloquy' and 'I'm The Bravest Individual' have replaced the latters.
I greatly admire Christina Applegate being that this is her first time on Broadway. Her portrayal of Charity actually beats Gwen Verdon's and Shirley Maclaine's portrayal's (don't kill me for saying that) but I can't help it! Christina IS CHARITY!