The Happy Time (1968 Original Broadway Cast) [CAST RECORDING]

David Wayne, Fred Ebb, John Kander, Robert Goulet

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 10, 1992)
• Original Release Date: January 1968
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: RCA Victor Broadway
• ASIN: B000003F8W
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #33,567 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Neglected Masterpiece!, October 11, 2004

By	David (N.J.) - See all my reviews

A wonderful score. As many reviewers indicated it was a flop. But it had what most mega-hits have, emotional clout. The story involves a world renowned photographer, who makes a journey back to his hometown of St. Pierre, French Canada. It is a story of reflection. and the authors do their very best to make it a very poigant piece.


The music is very melodic, and covers a wide range of musical style,from the swirling title song, to the French Canadian anthem, St. Pierre. It has some bright, bouncy tunes that are too many to name, but at the same time never loses it's poigant edge. It also has it's share of ballads suited to Robert Goulet perfectly. Those that loved him in "Camelot" will cherish the songs "Walking among my Yesterdays", and "Seeing Things".


Kander and Ebb prove that they were the most versatile composers of their time. Do not expect another "Chicago" or "Cabaret". Those were wonderful shows, but the team was aiming for a different target this time. This show has music that just screams "rediscover me". Do yourself a favor and purchase this wonderful score before it is deleted. Highly reccomended.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll haave the happiest of times!!, August 23, 2005

By	RareRare - See all my reviews

Whatever you do, buy this recording. Steal it if you have to. Along with the original casts of "Cabaret" and "Zorba", "The Happy Time" has some of the greatest songs and the greatest performances in the world of orignal cast recordings. Robert Goulet's voice is velvet and the control is astonishing. And David Wayne brings his character to life in the few numbers he has. And Michael Ruppert is wonderful in "Please Stay." Again, please buy.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I rediscovered, March 10, 2003

By	"sbunky" (Canton, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

I never got to see "The Happy Time" on the stage. Actually, I had never even heard of it until the mid-70's after the success of "Cabaret" and "Chicago." I loved those two scores and wanted to hear more of Kander and Ebb's music. I bought "The Happy Time" (on an LP, back then) and played it to death. When my stereo broke down, just about the time CD's became popular, "The Happy Time" got shoved into a closet with all my other obsolete LP's. Recently, while browsing Amazon.com, I found it on CD and ordered it. I can't believe this show ran under a year in New York. Great, great score. The songs are as great as anything Kander and Ebb have ever written. From the rousing "Without Me" and "The Life of the Party" to "Please Stay," "A Certain Girl," and "I Don't Remember You," it seems like nearly every song is a showstopper. I highly recommend this CD to any lover of Broadway musicals. You won't be sorry.