42nd Street (2001 Revival Broadway Cast) [CAST RECORDING]

Harry Warren (Composer), Todd Ellison (Conductor), Christine Ebersole (Performer), David Elder (Performer), Jonathan Freeman (Performer), Kate Levering (Performer), Mary Testa (Performer), Megan Sikora (Performer), Michael Arnold (Performer), Mylinda Hull (Performer), Al Dubin (Artist), Michael Cumpsty (Artist)

Product Details

• Performer: Christine Ebersole, David Elder, Jonathan Freeman, Kate Levering, Mary Testa, et al.
• Conductor: Todd Ellison
• Composer: Harry Warren
• Audio CD (June 12, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Atlantic / Wea
• ASIN: B00005K9KC
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #24,741 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Mounting a revival of 42nd Street seemed a bit premature--after all, the show had closed in 1989 after nearly nine years on Broadway. But as a giddy love letter to the musical theater, it can't be beat, so we're not going to complain. Inspired by Busby Berkeley's movie, the show includes one great Warren-Dubin number after another, making it a feast of titanium-plated hits that include "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me," "Dames," "We're in the Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," and, of course, the title song. The leads are on the bland side, but the rest of the cast--most notably Mary Testa, Jonathan Freeman, and 2001 Tony-winner Christine Ebersole--has more than enough spunk to fuel this revival. This is one of the most joyous albums you're likely to hear in a while. Just close your eyes and prepare to be swept into a wondrous world of sassy dames and high-kickin' chorus girls. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the sleeper hit of the season gets a dynamic cast recording, December 18, 2001

By	Byron Kolln (the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

42nd STREET made a surprise return to the Great White Way this year even though the original production had closed not ten years ago. The sleeper hit of the season, this production also proved to be an audience favorite and among other things brought the divine Christine Ebersole back to Broadway...in a performance that saw her win a Tony.

The entire cast sounds fabulous here in a sparkling recording that also includes much of the dialogue and incidental music adding to the theatricality and makes you feel like you are listening to a real performance.

Kate Levering (now replaced by Meredith Patterson) is a lovely and sweet Peggy Sawyer who goes on to replace the injured star Dorothy Brock (Ebersole) before the opening of the new show 'Pretty Lady'.

Among the outstanding cast as Mylinda Hull, Michael Cumpsty, David Elder, Mary Testa, Amy Dolan, Jonathan Freeman and Beth Leavel.

An exiting and galvanising listening experience.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars it's getting to be a habit with me!, August 2, 2001

By	Ginevra M (Oceanside, New York United States) - See all my reviews

I have a history with 42nd Street; it was one of the first movie musicals I ever saw, and I have always loved it. I also loved the original cast recording. When I heard they were bringing it back to Broadway, I was extremely excited and bought the cast recording the day it came out. This cast is to die for, as are the incredible orchestrations. Christine Ebersole and David Elder are my favorites on the recording. Ms. Ebersole has a beautiful voice. Her rendition of I Only Have Eyes For You is not to be missed, and her versions of the songs that were originally in the show (such as You're Getting To Be a Habit With Me and About A Quarter To Nine) make Tammy Grimes's pale in comparison. David Elder and his powerful tenor send chills down my spine in the Dames/Keep Young and Beautiful sequence and I Only Have Eyes For You, and his Young and Healthy is great. Jonathan Freeman and Mary Testa radiate comedy and are in great voice (I still think that Ms. Testa should have won the Tony). The songs are familliar and you'll find yourself singing them everywhere. This is a great cast album and is extremely well done. (I also saw the show on Wednesday, 8/1, and it was incredible beyond my wildest dreams. If you're in NY or are going to be, see it!)

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Does Longer Equal Better?, June 12, 2001

By	"julian_marsh" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

The only way for the latest cast recording of 42nd Street to compete with the Original Cast Album is size. CD technology has allowed for the inclusion of the show's extensive dance breaks, and the inclusion is a welcome one...thrilling would be the word. On top of this, Christine Ebersole tops the original's Tammy Grimes, shining most in a newly added number (obviously) not on the original. The only times when this recording severely pales to that of the 1980 cast is in Lullabye of Broadway and the vocal finale, where the power of Jerry Orbach's voice is sorely missed.