Customer Reviews

See What I Wanna See (2005 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This recording of "See What I Wanna See" offers more evidence that Michael John LaChiusa is the most compelling musical composer working today. No other composer comes up with scores that are as consistently daring, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant. In fact, he's one of the few contemporary musical composers who actually treats musical theater as a serious art form. Instead of relying on the old-fashioned corniness and self-mockery found in so many of today's hit shows (some of them admittedly good), here is a writer who insists musicals are capable of telling complex human stories in a fresh and original way (and, I might add, in ways that are often surprisingly funny-- LaChiusa doesn't seem to get much credit for his sense of humor). For anyone interested in the possibilities of modern musical theater, this new score is certainly a must-have cd.

Of all LaChiusa's recordings to date, "See What I Wanna See" has the most potential to appeal to a larger audience, even those who typically find his musical approach "inaccessible." A commentary of sorts on the search for truth and perspective, "See What I Wanna See," is enjoyably complicated, as it contains two distinctly different (but related) acts that employ different musical styles-- something for everyone, in a way. For those seeking a musical with a sharp edge, they should be satisfied by the jazzy-noir stylings of the first half, "R. Shomon." The second half, "Gloryday," is more eclectic musically and contains a story of touching humanity. For anyone who just likes intelligent musicals, take the whole thing-- including the prologues to each act "Kesa" and "Morito," which are stunningly good opening numbers.

The cast is outstanding. Idina Menzel is superb, easily maneuvering through various emotions in a range of styles (the "Wicked" star's presence will also hopefully lure newcomers to LaChiusa). The rest of the cast-- Mary Testa, Aaroh Lohr, Marc Kudisch, and Henry Stram all turn in memorable performances on disc. They all feel ideally suited to LaChiusa's exciting and often thrillingly original music. This is the kind of cast recording that reminds you why you like musicals in the first place.

to be honest, i bought this soundtrack for idina menzel but i really like some of the other songs. aaron lohr has a great voice as does marc kudisch. but by far, in my opinion, idina sings better than any of them. this score gave her a chance to show off the other sides of her voice aside from the big belt we know from rent and wicked, especially. i never got to see SWIWS live unfortunately but the soundtrack really explains the story with the lyrics and it gives you a synopsis in the booklet. my favorite songs are "louie" "ill go away with you reprise" "no more" and "act 2 finale" but most of the songs are excellent. the music is much different from most broadway scores but its really good and obviously very challenging so i applaud the cast!

I have been a great admirer of LaChiusa's work for several years now but always felt I was missing the final piece of the jigsaw. Intelligent lyrics, challenging music, outstanding dramatic craft - but I somehow didn't "get it".

Not so with 'See What I Wanna See'. Not only is this, to my ear, LaChiusa's finest work to date but one of the best pieces of the decade. Along with the seriously undervalued 'Caroline, or Change', this piece gives musical theatre credibility as a thought provoking and deeply affecting art form. Just as Sondheim's 'Assassins' invited us to consider the human frustration of not having your voice heard, so 'See What I Wanna See' explores what happens when we don't see - or don't want to see. In the process, to quote 'Lear', it helps us to "see better". The cynic might call this a pretentious subject matter but in the contemporary world it's a very valid and raw issue to unpack.

It's extraordinarily done by LaChiusa whose layered music (flawlessly orchestrated by Bruce Coughlin - so few musicians and yet such a thrillingly intricate and full theatrical sound)and penetrating lyrics have an overwhelming impact through admirable subtlety.

'Curiousity', for me, is the core of the piece along with the lyric "Your ears and your eyes/ got used to the lies/ but you're getting the truth today". That applies to us listeners too. Thank you Mr. LaChiusa for a work of such passion, emotion and intelligence that both affects deeply and forces us to think - the mark of involving, dynamic and urgent writing.

"I only told you the truth" the R Shomon characters claim. The key word in that sentence is "only". In the post 9/11 world its a n unsettling lyric. One of dozens of crucial moments that make this recording a must and 'See What I Wanna See' a modern musical landmark.

I had heard good reviews about Michael John LaChiusa's new Off-Broadway musical, "See What I Wanna See", and of course... I bought it because of the connection with Idina Menzel, one of the most talented people and beautiful voices on the planet. But people looking to buy this because they are looking for another "Wicked" or "Rent" will not find what they are looking for. "See What I Wanna See" is nothing at all like the soaring melodies of "Rent" or the contemporary pop of "Wicked". But it is really great in its own way. There are 2 acts and at the beginning of each act, you hear from the 2 lovers in 12th century Japan; Kesa and Morito. Kesa's husband has found out about their affair, and so Kesa plans to end Morito's life. At the beginning of act two, Morito plans the same thing. But who ends up killing whom?? Act 1 is all about a murder that took place in Central Park in the 1950s, a taxicab driver. Both a thief and the man's wife confess seperately to murdering him, but who really did it? Act 2 is about a priest who has lost his faith in God, and so plays 'the greatest practical joke' on the people by telling them that in 3 weeks, on Tuesday, at 1 pm sharp, Christ will rise out of the pond- believe and be free. All the citizens, including a coke-head actress and a Central Park ex-CTA-turned-hermit believe him, and desperately try to change their way of life. But when the day arrives, can the priest tell them that it was all a lie? "See What I Wanna See" is a very strange musical, but it's strangeness is part of what makes it good! So give it a chance, and you will hear all about seeing and believing-- or not believing...

I was fortunate enough to be present for a preview of the off-Broadway musical "See What I Wanna See." I went to see it because of Idina Menzel. While Idina was phenominal, Marc Kudisch was electric, Aaron Lohr was superb, Henry Stram was fantastic but, in my opinion, Mary Testa stole the show. I had never heard of her prior to seeing this show and wow! she was brilliant. She has an amazing voice and stage presence. This CD truely reflects the experience of being at The Public and seeing the show live. Many soundtracks don't achieve this. The CD of "See What I Wanna See" makes me feel like I'm attending the show once again.

Okay, I'll admit it. I didn't think I'd like this album.

I have listened to it more than thirty times in a 2 month period. Sad? Maybe. But this show is intriguing and smart...certainly worth more than one listening to.
It is different because it doesn't baby-step the audience through the stories, and the stories (I believe there are 3) are rather unrelated. Nonetheless, it comes across as beautiful and new rather than pretentious and artsy.

And I have to mention that the cast is OUTSTANDING. Each one of them molds their talent into their characters in such a way that you can't imagine anyone else in those roles.

It's the kind of show that not only gives the audience the benefit of the doubt, but also offers so much variety that there's something for everyone. If you don't particularly like the constant Japanese-infused strands of theme, you might like the jazzy swing of R.Shomon, or the spiritual emotion of Gloryday.

I personally love the whole shabang. This album has made me a Lachuisa convert.

"See What I Wanna See" marks a pivotal moment in the career of composing Michael John LaChiusa in that his music and lyrics brings out the emotion that some of his naysayer allege he lacks in past compositions. This show is all about points of view and the CD gives the listener a good foundation of what the Public Theatre production was about. There are some great vocal stylings on this, too- Marc Kudisch, Mary Testa, Idina Menzel, Aaron Lohr and Henry Stram all provide great voices and deep feelings in each of the multiple characters they portray.
The only reason I knocked off one star was I felt like there should be a more complete recording, including all the underscoring and dialogue. But that's just being nit-picky. Buy this, you'll love it!

I bought this mostly because Idina Menzel was in it, but also because i'd heard good things about Michal Jogn LaChiusa. I was expecting something with a little bit more melody, so i think that's what made me apprehensive to liking it at first. that and its extremely blunt lyrics.
this is definitely a musical that was written to make the audience think, and i enjoyed doing that. listening to what lachiusa (or some japanese author, i don't know) is trying to say made listening to the CD really nice. i liked the lyrics.
All the actors were great, but as i said, i was expecting a little more...singing. i felt as if they were all improvising the notes as they went along and talking have the time anyway. that said, it is a great meaningful CD and i highly recommend it.

At first, I thought the only reason why I wanted this CD was because Idina Menzel was on it. But now, after listening to the whole CD, I was right, Idina Menzel was AMAZING, and all of the other cast members are incredibly talented too.

I would HIGHLY recommend this because it is a very interesting story, it's incredibly complex music (theoretically), but at the same time it is VERY enjoyable!!!! I would give it more stars if I could... but I am only allowed 5... :(

Although my parents would probably never let me see this show live, i have listened to the cd about a million times. You can learn so much from the lyrics such as that there are usally multiple truths and that you and I probably look at the world in totally different ways and that's okay.
Like many other people though, I bought this album because of Idina Menzel, but I ended up admiring everyone in the cast. They all have unique voices and each express themselfs and their characters extremly well in this album.
So whether you are a huge Idina fanatic (like me), or just enjoy great music, I highly reccomend this album.