Annie (1977 Original Broadway Cast) [CAST RECORDING]

Annie (Related Recordings), Charles Strouse, Dorothy Loudon, Martin Charnin, Reid Shelton, Andrea McArdle

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 15, 1998)
• Original Release Date: 1977
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00000AG6Z
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,060 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The original Broadway cast recording of Annie still has as much charm as it did in 1977. Charles Strouse wrote the snappy music and Martin Charnin's clever lyrics capture the misery of the Great Depression, the glitter of the upper-crust life, and the character of the FDR administration. Andrea McArdle shines in the title role, most notably with the classic anthem "Tomorrow," while Tony-winner Dorothy Loudon and Reid Shelton provide support as the hag Miss Hannigan and the benevolent Daddy Warbucks, respectively.

The 1998 remastered edition includes as bonus material 17 minutes of tape Strouse and Charnin recorded for backers' auditions in 1972. They present the seven songs with some plot structure and early ideas for characters ("Miss Asthma" was a precursor for Miss Hannigan). Many of the songs didn't survive the final cut, but "Just Wait" eventually became "Little Girls" and "We Got Annie" was resurrected for the 1982 film. "Tomorrow" also appears--touted as the song's earliest recording--and Strouse and Charnin's rendition will increase your appreciation of McArdle. You won't listen to this rough draft every time you play the CD, but you'll enjoy it if you have any interest in the show. The booklet includes the original synopsis and production notes as well as new notes by Charnin on the extra tracks, but no lyrics. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leapin' Lizards! If you can't decide, chose this one!, June 30, 2000

By	Michael Del Rossi (Monroeville, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

My high school recently performed Annie, and I was cast in the role of Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks. When I found out what part I got, I went out and purchased all three of the available Annie soundtracks and cast albums. I bought the soundtrack from the 1982 movie, the 1999 movie, and the 1977 original Broadway cast CDs. I have closely listened to all of them and here is what I think.

If you can't decide which one to pick from chose, the original Broadway cast. On this CD you get all of the songs from the musical plus many you get cut songs. The only thing about the cut songs is Martin Charnin, who is the lyricist, does not have a very good voice. Now, if you absolutely love either movie version, I suggest you go with them even though they don't have all of the songs from the musical. The 1982 soundtrack is horrible. That one leaves many songs out.

Andrea McArdle is a wonderful Annie. Her "Tomorrow" is very moving. Reid Shelton, I think, is the best "Daddy" Warbucks. Albert Finney, who was in the 1982 movie, is second, and Victor Garber, who was in the 1999 movie, is last. Reid Shelton has the perfect voice, commanding when it needs to be and soft when it needs to be soft. If you like Carol Burnett in the 1982 movie then you will love Dorothy Loundon on this CD! Please buy this CD! You won't regret it!

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Consumer warning - critical flaw in mastering - See 30th Anniversary release, November 27, 2004

By	Staysun "staysun" (Downers Grove, IL USA) - See all my reviews

The charming 1977 musical is not the subject of this note. The show is great and the liner notes are superb.
However, consumers should note that there is a critical flaw in the mastering (at least on the disc version that I obtained).
It is very unfortunate that the manufacturers did not pull this mis-mastered version from the market.
As noted elsewhere (and absolutely correct), an entire track of sound is lost and can only be heard distantly in the background.
If the problem is corrected and later discs are OK, it just compounds the problem with no way to know if you have a flawed disc or an OK disc.
A most unfortunate problem for what should be a joyous recording.
Look for the 30th Anniversary release.Annie: The 30th Anniversary Cast Recordings

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Personal Favorite!, December 16, 1999

By A Customer

From the time I first saw this show in community theater when I was seven, I have been in love with it. It may seem silly to say, but it spawned my interest in theater, musicals, and history! This is a musical that can bring a smile to the faces of the most bitter people. Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin outdid themselves with the charasmatic music and lyrics. "Tommorrow" is one of the most beautiful songs ever written, and was actually the last song from a Broadway show to become a standard. The cast is lead with great passion by Andrea McArdle as the title character, Dorothy Loudon as a delightfully wicked Miss Hannigan, Reid Shelton as Warbucks, orphans that aren't sappy (a great achievment), and a quality ensemble (listen for Laurie Beechmen as "The Star to Be" during the "NYC" number). Annie was the first CD I ever owned, and i've listened to it hundreds of times. Take it from me: It's a keeper!