Customer Reviews

Zorba (1983 Broadway Revival Cast)

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

 

 

After hearing a bit of this musical while surfing the web, I decided it was worth purchasing. Being a huge fan of Kander and Ebb, especially Cabaret and Chicago--I was not sure what to expect, but I am pleasantly surprised to find that this little known musical is just as endearing. The lyrics are clever and the melodies are beautiful, but it's the perfect combination of both--like in songs like "Why Can't I Speak?/ That's A Beginning"--that prove that Kander and Ebb are masters of their craft, and Zorba is no exception! I especially enjoyed the revival cast!

Zorba is a wonderful musical. It is just a matter of time before it receives the proper recognition. I gave this recording 4 stars because it is lacking compared to the original 1968 cast recording. The performances in the original cast by Herschel Bernardi surpass Anthony Quinn's performance. Anthony Quinn is known as Zorba, but his voice is weak for the part. Also, the original cast recording is truer to the darker side of Zorba. Zorba is a gem, but buy the original cast recording if you can find it.

"ZORBA" is another Kander & Ebb-masterpiece. Had to have this recording because I'm a great fan of LILA KEDROVA (saw her in " A Little Night Music" in London) and she sounds great in "ZORBA". Her TONY-AWARD for this show is truly justified!

A highly recommended recording!

Zorba, the 1983 revisal of Kander and Ebb's wonderful 1968 Broadway musical presents the stars of the 1964 non-musical film version(and basis for this show) Anthony Quinn and Lila Kedrova reprising the roles of Zorba and Hortense which they made famous. These two are not exactly singers, but do a remarkable job nontheless owing to their great talent as actors. The production also features Robert Westenberg(Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, etc) as Niko, Taro Meyer as the Widow and, unfortunately, one of my least favorite performers Debbie Shapiro Gravitte as the Woman; I find her over-the-top style ever-annoying! This cast cannot parallel the miraculous original cast which included the ever-charming Herschel Bernardi as Zorba, the winsome Maria Karnilova as Hortense, John Cunningham as Niko, the exciting Lorraine Serabian as the Leader and sultry Carmen Alvarez as the Widow. This production includes some fine new numbers which include the cheerful Mine Song as wonderfully performed by the ensemble, the gentle Woman performed by Quinn and That's A New Beginning(sung by Niko) nicely interspersed into the widow's Why Can't I Speak? With the exception of the three aforementioned musical numbers the rest seem to drag on and lack the original show's brisk tempi, pacing, performance level and excitement!

This was a wonderful musical play with beautiful lyrics and fabulous music. Simpy delightful. Quinn and his cast's performances magnificent. A true delight. Unforgetable!