Customer Reviews

Two By Two (1970 Original Broadway Cast)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Okay, this is a purely subjective review: This was the second B'way show I ever saw (APPLAUSE was the first). I was 15, from a theater family, and dreaming of someday being a B'way composer. I saw this show before Danny Kaye's famous accident and his notorious hamming onstage to compensate for the broken leg, or whatever. It was a 1-set, 8-person chamber musical, and it was just lovely.

Not one of Rodgers's great scores, but very charming nonetheless. The only 3 numbers that actually "stopped the show" when I saw it were the title song, Madeline Kahn's hilarious comedy number, and the stunning ballad the youngest son sang to his brother's wife. That song, "I Do Not Know A Day I Did Not Love You," is Rodgers at his best--but the rest of the score is not.

Still, considering the sad decline of the B'way musical since then, even a lesser effort like "2X2" now seems better than ever. Compared to most of the recent offerings--Jukebox shows? Stage versions of animated Disney movies?? RENT??!!--it sounds like a masterpiece. Try it.

An often overlooked musical--but it has great melodies and great lyrics. It's a shame that it's not revived more often. Danny Kaye shines.

I too, saw this play as a youngster and have always loved it. Danny Kaye's charisma was at it's peak when seen in person (I saw the show before the injury). It doesn't translate as well on voice only. His voice was not very good, but then, Danny Kaye was not famous for his singing, but for his comedic silliness. And that's just what you get here. His renditions of the songs add a hammy goofiness to the story. This was meant as fun, not Shakespeare. I find the songs to be very enjoyable, catchy and emotive. I can swing from joyous to tearful depending on the song. At this time in my life, the songs have new meanings (An Old Man brings tears to my eyes thinking of my Dad and how true the lyrics are) and I am unable to fathom why people think that Rogers was not at his best. This is a wonderful CD that can be shared with adults and children. I only wish they would revive this show so I could share it with my son. The music is absolutely delightful!

Take it from me, a high school senior who actually performed in this musical last year as HAM, you are truly missing out if you do not have this CD and call yourself either a Kaye fan or a Broadway fan. This CD will warm your heart with laughter and show you why Rodgers and Hammerstein (or at least one of them... :)) WAS AT THE PEAK WHEN WRITING TWO BY TWO! Order it today!

It's Danny Kaye playing Noeh -- how GREAT IS THAT -- beautiful music

When I first got this CD I figured I wouldn't like it just because it was old and the subject (The Noah Story) isn't all that interesting, and then I started listening to it and thought I was really going to hate it becuase Noah's voice is not something I would consider nice to listen to. However, after I listened to the whole thing I found I really liked it. I think that this should be revived because it's quite nice. Some of the lyrics are a little odd, and its got religious underlyings, but it could be revamped and a new broadway hit. This CD is something that almost everyone would enjoy, orchestraitions are very much in the older musical theater style, but the songs are funny and catchy, and tell a wonderful story. Definitly one for the collectors and more serious Broadway listners. Favorite song: "Something Somwhere"

While I had heard the title, I had little knowledge of the work until there was a rumor that my favorite rep company might perform it. Since there seems to be a surge of Rodgers works, South Pacific at Stratford ON and perhaps at the West End next year, I the CD to become familar with the music. It realy is a fine rarely heard work. Moreover, the accompanying booklet gives the history of events, Danny Kaye's injury, recovery and subsequent abandonment of the script that brought the performances to the end. It is well worth hearing the music, but it would take a strong lead to perform.

Great music and story. Appropiate for all ages. Fun to sing along with and fun to act out. Brings new understanding to the Noah's Ark story.

The music of Richard Rodgers was just a shadow of it's former self when this score was written. Nothing could save it. I saw the show the week after it opened, before Danny Kaye broke his leg and started clowning around: maybe it was better then. Not even the comedic genius of Madeline Kahn brightened the evening. There is one beautiful ballad-"I Do Not Know A day I Did Not Love You" but the rest of the score is simply horrendous. When Danny Kaye began to sing "Hey Girlie, Don't Go Yet" to his dying wife, the audience burst into hysterical laughter. Not the intended effect. Collectors will want this score because it is Richard Rodgers. There is no other reason to buy it.

This is a great CD...especially if you have seen the play and like Danny Kaye. I only wish the video of the original broadway cast were available. I would love to see it performed by Mr. Kaye. Enjoy the CD, however. It is a lot of fun.