Customer Reviews

Wonderful Town (2003 Broadway Revival Cast)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

"Wonderful Town" is the 'original' musical adaptation of the play "My Sister Eileen" and features a great musical-comedy score by Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Leonard Bernstein. Now, with this first ever Broadway revival, the fifty year old musical is being rediscovered. Donna Murphy is fast becoming one of Broadway's greatest stars. Her performance on this CD (and on the stage of the Al Hirschfeld Theatre) is one of the most accomplished I've ever heard or seen. Under the musical direction of Rob Fisher, Bernstein's score sounds fresh and vital. The lyrics by the great Comden and Green are among their most inventive. The opening number - "Christopher Street" - is every bit the equal of (and some would say companion to) "New York, New York" from this team's earlier collaboration "On the Town." Whimsical and full of good intentioned high jinks, the score is populated with one character driven number after another. Among the highlights are "Ohio," "A Hundred Easy Ways," "A Little Bit in Love," "My Darlin' Eileen," "It's Love," "Wrong Note Rag" and the crazy-wonderful first act finale "Conga!" (which is terrific on this disc - but all the more memorable if you've seen the show - Murphy brings down the house). If you love musical comedy, don't skip this CD or this show.

This recording of the new Broadway revival is a must-have for anyone interested in the state of old Broadway. During the last few seasons, Broadway has been awash with mediocre revivals of mediocre musicals, most of which added nothing to the originals and failed at the boxoffice. While the current "Wonderful Town" isn't a smash with ticketbuyers, it deserves to find an audience and this CD shows why. The score is simply one of the quirkiest, funniest and most energetic delights in the annals of American musicals, and the current cast lights up the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (and this recording) with boundless razzmataz. At the center of this juggernaut is the euphoric Donna Murphy, who brings her own distinctive stamp and vocal finesse to a role that once seemed impossible to imagine without the incomparable Rosalind Russell. Well, Murphy has achieved the impossible, for she has made the familiar seem brand new and exhilirating. Just listen to "One Hundred Easy Ways...", "Swing" and, most especially, "Conga" to hear how much fun she's having. It's infectious. Murphy hits just the right notes, literally and figuratively, with the tough but tender character of Ruth. She's given fine support by a cast of mostly unknowns. The gentle Jennifer Westfeldt may not have the vocal heft of previous "Eileens" but she's right for the part and balances Ruth's cynicism with a lighthearted wistfulness. The always reliable Greg Edelman is a perfect foil for these ladies and adds a touch of whimsy to a part that could be, let's face it, just a wee bit boring. While the orchestrations are a bit thin on this recording (Broadway's current tendency is to run with fewer musicians), this is the most complete version of the score yet recorded and the production is absolutely pristine. It's a great addition to the revival mania that has overtaken the Great White Way. Buy the CD, then trek on down to the Hirschfeld Theatre for the wonderful "Wonderful Town."

The most recent of the Wonderful Town recordings - the cast album of the current B'way revival - has much to recommoned. Yes, Donna Murphy is great as Ruth, but she has expert support, and the orchestra is glorious! I saw the revival a fortnight ago, glorious, and this CD is a great document. It may not be Bernstein's best Broadway score, but hell, it is just fine, thanks: it is jazzy, upbeat, and does contain one (perhaps lesser known) standard: "A Little Bit In Love." Comden & Green wrote great lyrics: clevery, insightful, and intelligent. What an entertainment!

I am a complete lover of Broadway and musicals. However, my tastes lean toward the newer musicals or musicals with depth and meaning behind them, Kander & Ebb and Sondheim. I have never been a complete fan of the "old-school" musicals, and I was very hesitant to buy this CD. On a whim, I figured "what-the-heck," and boy, am I glad I did.

Bernstein's music is fun and very catchy, and Donna Murphy rocks. I have never been a fan of hers, but I listened to her sing and had to double check the coverlet to make sure it was her singing. I couldn't believe how wonderful she was.

While there is nothing deep about the story, 2 sisters moving from Ohio to New York City and finding love, it is sheer fun and the music, singing, and performances by all the actors bring this exuberant fun to life in this new recording. It's a definite addition to anyone's collection.

For once, these stars prove that emotional value packs a far greater punch than great vocals. While Jennifer Westfeldt and Donna Murphy are both talented singers, their best element is the warmth and humor on the cast recording of the wonderful broadway revival. Get it get it get it!

Frankly, I got this album for one song..."A Hundred Ways to Lose a Man", which I heard on the Braodway station of our digital cable network. I was extremely entertained by the song and loved the style portrayed in this album's particular rendition of it. I got it in order to perform the song myself for a benefit performance. I am very pleased to have it in my collection. As far as the rest of the album is concerned...one has to be "in the mood". It can be a bit annoying at times. Not my favorite Leonard Bernstein...doesn't compare to West Side Story...rather fluffy in comparison and silly, but that's what was intended.

If you need an answer to the question, "What is 'The Broadway Sound' all about?" just play this record: It's jazzy, witty, clever, spontaneous, a little sentimental, and unforgettable.

Buy the CD and then head to the Hirschfeld Theatre while you still can to see one of the most enjoyable musicals in years!

I had only ever heard Rosalind Russel recording of 100 Ways to Lose A Man, I went back and listened to the original. While that was fun, this recording is terrific, capturing the energy, humor, and style of Bernsteins score. Donna Murphy is delightful, as are the rest of the cast. Particularly fun are 100 Ways..., Swing, and Ohio, and It's Love are charming. Another case of a great re-recording of a classic American musical.

the cd of Wonderful Town arrived quickly, was as expected in quality, and the seller was prompt and easy to deal with.

This is an excellent piece of work. Delightful. Charming. Splendid. Funny. Enjoyable. There are so many songs that stand out on this soundtrack, paticularly "one hundred easy ways." Evey time I hear I just can't help but break out in laughter. Excellent soundtrack; a must purchase!!