BROADWAY'S BROADS: There Is Nothing Like a Dame

This is part of the Sony Broadway reissue series.

Principal cast: Bob Holiday (Superman/Clark Kent); Jack Cassidy (Max Mencken); Patricia Marand (Lois Lane); Eric Mason (Perry White) Linda Lavin (Sydney); Michael O'Sullivan (Dr. Abner Sedgwick); Don Chastain (Jim Morgan).
Engineers: Fred Plaut, Robert Waller, Ted Brosnan.
Recorded at CBS 30th Street Studio, New York on April 3, 1966. Includes liner notes by Didier C. Deutsch and Lee Adams.
All songs by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams.
IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE, IT'S SUPERMAN opened at the Alvin Theater in New York on March 29, 1966 and ran for 129 performances, closing on July 17, 1966.

This 1998 reissue contains three bonus tracks not included on the original release.
Principal cast: Jack Cassidy, Allen Case, Roger White, Barbara Ruick.
Additional personnel: Cy Walter, Bernard Leighton (piano).
All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Music by Jules Styne, lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.

Principal cast includes: Phil Silvers (Hubert Cram), Nancy Walker (Kay Cram), David Burns (Brains Berman), Nancy Dussault (Tilda Mullen), and John Reardon (John Henry Wheeler).

Recorded at the Manhattan Center, New York on January 8, 1961. Liner notes written by Steven Suskin and Mary Martin.

Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman.

Principal cast includes: Pearl Bailey (Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi), Cab Calloway (Horace Vandergelder), Emily Yancy, Chris Calloway, Winston DeWitt Hemsley, Sherri Peaches Brewer, Mabel King, Morgan Freeman, Roger Lawson.

Recorded November 17, 1967.

Music composed by Mitch Leigh. Lyrics written by Joe Darion.
Performed by the America Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Paul Gemignani.
Principal cast: Placido Domingo (Don Quixote/Cervantes); Mandy Patinkin (Sancho Panza); Aldonza (Julia Migenes); Carolann Page (Antonia); Jerry Hadley (Padre); Rosalind Elias (Houskeeper); Robert White (Barber); Samuel Ramey (Innkeeper);
Placido Domingo, Jr. (Anselmo); Alvaro Domingo (Pedro).
Recorded at BMG Studio A, New York, New York on June 4-6, 1990. Includes liner notes by Mervyn Rothstein.

Includes liner notes by Bill Rosenfield.
Digitally remastered by Hsi-Ling Chang.

Music composed by Cy Coleman. Lyrics written by Ira Glasman.
Principal cast includes: Pamela Isaacs (Queen); Kevin Ramsey (Fleetwood); Lillias White (Sonja); Chuck Cooper (Memphis); Sam Harris (Jojo); Bellamy Young (Mary); Vernel Bagneris (Lacy); Rich Herbert (Lou); Gordon Joseph Weiss
(Snickers).
Recorded at Clinton Studios, New York, New York on May 5, 1997. Includes liner notes by A.E. Hotchner.
THE LIFE was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show.

Principal cast includes: Paul Nicholas, Keith Burns, Claire Moore, Gary Martin, Bogdan Kominowski, Victor Spinetti.
Principally recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London, England in February & March, 1992.
Contains additional lyrics written by Tim Rice in 1992.

Full title: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (Highlights).
Principal cast: Len Cariou (Sweeney Tood), Victor Garber (Anthony Hope), Merle Louise (Beggar Woman), Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Lovett), Sarah Rice (Johanna), Edmund Lyndeck (Judge Turpin), Jack Eric Williams (The Beadle), Ken Jennings (Tobias Rigg), Joaquin Romaguera (Pirelli).
Recorded at RCA Studio A, New York, March 12 and 13, 1979. Includes liner notes by Robert Kimball.
All songs written by Stephen Sondheim.
This CD contains highlights of the musical on 1 disc and comes with lyrics.
The abbreviated edition of the soundtrack to Tim Burton's 2007 film, SWEENEY TODD, presents 16 numbers from the blood-soaked movie musical, which features Johnny Depp performing in the razor-wielding title role. While those devoted to Stephen Sondheim's Broadway production and/or Burton's cinematic interpretation may opt for the more comprehensive deluxe edition of the album, this version offers up all the key songs, including "No Place Like London" and "Epiphany," a track that fully showcases Depp's expressive singing.

Music by Jule Styne, lyrics by E. Y. Harburg.

Principal cast includes: Vincent Price (Priam Farll), Patricia Routledge (Alice Challice), Brenda Forbes (Lady Vale), Peter Woodthorpe (Oxford), Teddy Green (Alf), and Charles Welch (Henry Leek).

Producers: George R. Marek, Andy Wiswell.

Recorded at Webster Hall, New York, New York in 1968. Includes liner notes by Steven Suskin.

Digitally remastered by Bill Rosenfield and Marian Conaty.

"This is one of the most witty, melodic and underrated Broadway scores ever, and those who love big, well-built musical comedies are in for a real treat with this beautifully remastered recording. . . . If you want to hear the latest 're-discovered' musical, grab a copy of this recording ASAP!" -- John Kenrick, Musicals101.com

Tracks:
1. Overture
2. He's A Genius Performer: Vincent Price (Singer), Peter Woodthorpe (Singer), Charles Welch (Singer)
3. To Get Out Of This World Alive Performer: Vincent Price (Singer)
4. It's Enough To Make A Lady Fall In Love Performer: Patricia Routledge (Singer), Teddy Green (Singer), Marc Jordan (Singer)
5. A Gentleman's Gentleman Performer: Patricia Routledge (Singer), Vincent Price (Singer), Teddy Green (Singer), Marc Jordan (Singer), Mitchell Jason (Singer)
6. Let's See What Happens Performer: Patricia Routledge (Singer)
7. Panache Performer: Peter Woodthorpe (Singer), Brenda Forbes (Singer)
8. I've Got A Rainbow Working For Me Performer: Vincent Price (Singer)
9. Money, Money, Money Performer: Teddy Green (Singer), Marc Jordan (Singer), Reid Klein (Singer)
10. That Something Extra Special Performer: Patricia Routledge (Singer)
11. What Makes A Marriage Merry Performer: Patricia Routledge (Singer), Vincent Price (Singer), Joy Nichols (Singer), Beth Howland (Singer), Teddy Green (Singer), Marc Jordan (Singer)
12. Not On Your Nellie Performer: Patricia Routledge (Singer), Teddy Green (Singer), Marc Jordan (Singer)
13. Sunset Tree Performer: Patricia Routledge (Singer), Vincent Price (Singer)
14. Butler In The Abbey Performer: Vincent Price (Singer)
15. Finale

Full title: Sondheim: A Celebration At Carnegie Hall.
These are highlights from the 2-disc set of the same name.
Recorded liver at Carnegie Hall, New York, New York on June 10. 1992. Includes liner notes by David Thompson.

Original cast includes: Ann Duquesnay, Jared Crawford, Raymond King, Savion Glover, Baakari Wilder, Jimmy Tate, Vincent Bingham, Dule Hill, Jeffrey Wright.
Recorded live at the Ambassador Theatre, New York, New York on May 11, 1996. Includes liner notes by George C. Wolfe.
BRING IN 'DA NOISE, BRING IN 'DA FUNK was nominated for a 1997 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Track Listing
1. Well You Needn't
2. These Foolish Things
3. Star Eyes
4. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
5. Pent-up House
6. Blues in the Closet

Personnel: Chet Baker (trumpet); Bobby Jaspar (tenor saxophone, flute); Amadeo Tommasi (piano); Rene Thomas (guitar); Benoit Quersin (bass); Daniel Humair (drums).

Recorded in 1962. Includes liner notes by Ira Gitler.

Digitally remastered by Joe Lopes and Jay Newland (September 1991, BMG Recording Studios, New York, New York).

This is part of the Bluebird Records Masters of Jazz series.

Chet Baker's good looks and somewhat halting delivery made him seem the James Dean of jazz. However, behind the youthful charm and celebrity image of his early years, he was a musician who transcended such sub-genres as "bebop" or "cool." In fact, SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW is testament to the fact that Baker's musical output can't be easily pigeonholed.

On this 1962 release, we hear the legendary trumpeter on uptempo versions of "Blues in the Closet," the little-known but cleverly penned Oscar Pettiford tune, and an inventive version of Thelonious Monk's "Well You Needn't," where Baker slowly builds his solo until he explodes into a deluge of ascending and descending chromatic flourishes. Although Baker was much more than just a ballad player, intimate versions of "These Foolish Things" and the title track, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" add an air of dreaminess to one of Baker's most distinctive albums of the '60s.

Original score written by John Latouche and Jerome Moross.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Principal cast: Laurence Naismith (Kris Kringle); Craig Stevens (Fred Gaily); Valerie Lee (Susan Walker); Fred Gwynne (Marvin Shellhammer); Janis Paige (Doris Walker); Paul Reed (R.H. Macy); David Doyle (Mr. Psawyer); Cliff Hall (Judge Martin Group).
Recorded at Columbia Records 30th Street Studio, New York on October 6, 1963. Includes liner notes and a plot synopsis by Didier C. Deutsch in English, German, French and Italian.
All songs written by Meredith Willson.
HERE'S LOVE opened at the Shubert Theatre, New York on October 3, 1963 and ran 338 performances, closing on July 25, 1964.

This recording received a 1998 "Critic's Choice" award from Gramophone
magazine.

Music composed by Julie Styne. Lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim.
Principal cast includes: Ethel Merman (Mama Rose); Jack Klugman (Herbie); Sandra Church (Louise); Lane Bradbury (June); Paul Wallace (Tulsa); Jaqueline Mayro (Baby June); Karen Moore (Baby Louise); Faith Dane (Mazeppa); Chotzi Foley (Electra); Maria Karnilova (Tessie); Bobby Brownell, Gene Castle, Steve Curry, Billy Harris (Newsboys); Marvin Arnold, Ricky Coll, Don Emmons, Michael Parks, Ian Tucker, Paul Wallace, David Winters (Farmboys).
Producer: Goddard Lieberson.
Recorded on May 24, 1959. Originally released on Columbia (OL 5420).
Composer: Jule Styne.
Lyricist: Stephen Sondheim.
GYPSY, which opened on May 21, 1959 at the Broadway Theatre in New York, remains one of the most enduring works of American musical theater, thanks largely to Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim's memorable score and the inimitable voice of Ethel Merman, all beautifully captured on the original cast recording. For Styne, GYPSY was a crowning achievement and a perfect example of his ability to suit his music for a particular singer. And while Sondheim had initially hoped to write not only the lyrics but the music as well, the task turned out to be the ultimate proving ground: his lyrics were perfectly suited both to the music and the characters.
This remastered version of the original cast recording offers a few departures from its predecessor, particularly in the restoration of several edits and the occasional use of alternate takes. As explained in the liner notes, a longer production schedule (to say nothing of more advanced technology) allows for careful examination of the original masters, a luxury not afforded the original producers, who were under pressure to get the job done as quickly as possible. In addition, the reissue contains several bonus tracks not included in the original release.

Embraceable You: Broadway in Love

My Fair Lady (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

Includes liner notes by Andre Bishop.

Principal cast includes: Miyoshi Umeki (Mei Li), Larry Blyden (Sammy Fong), Juanita Hall (Madam Liang), Ed Kenney (Wang Ta), Keye Luke (Wang Chi Yang), Arabella Hong (Helen Chao), Pat Suzuki (Linda Low).
Producer: Goddard Lieberson.
Reissue producers: Didier C. Deutsch, Darcy M. Proper
Recorded at Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York, New York on December 7, 1958. Includes liner notes by Didier C. Deutsch.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.

A chamber version of the big bustling 1956 folk opera by Frank Loesser, this revival of The Most Happy Fella opened on February 13, 1992 at the Booth Theatre, on Broadway. In spite of stellar performances by its cast – led by Spiro Malas as big-hearted Napa Valley vintner Tony; Sophie Hayden as Rosabella, his mail-order bride; Charles Pistone as Joe, the foreman whose picture Tony has sent instead of his own to lure Rosabella; and Liz Larsen as Cleo, Rosabella’s friend – and enthusiastic reviews, the show failed to find an audience and closed after playing 229 performances. Loesser’s robust score survives in this well nigh perfect recording, the first in stereo.

Music and lyrics written by Frank Loesser.
Principal cast includes: Spiro Malas (Tony); Sophie Hayden (Rosabella); Claudia Catania (Marie); Buddy Crutchfield (Ciccio); Tad Ingram (Postman); Liz Larsen (Cleo); Mark Lotito (Pasquale); Bill Nabel (Giuseppe); Charles Pistone (Joe); Scott Waara (Herman).
Recorded at BMG Studio A, New York, New York on March 23, 1992.

Tracklist:
1. Prelude 1:13
2. Ooh, My Feet 2:15
3. I Know How It Is 4:33
4. Somebody, Somewhere 2:12
5. The Most Happy Fella 3:52
6. Standing on the Corner 2:40
7. A Long Time Ago 1:56
8. Joey, Joey, Joey 3:38
9. Rosabella 2:38
10. Abbondanza 1:39
11. Sposalizio 2:41
12. Benvenuta 3:04
13. Aren't You Glad 2:46
14. Don't Cry 3:25
15. Fresno Beauties 3:13
16. Love and Kindness 2:10
17. Happy to Make Your Acquaintance 3:56
18. Big 'D' 5:01
19. How Beautiful the Days 3:09
20. Warm All Over 2:15
21. I Like Everybody 1:46
22. My Heart Is So Full of You 3:11
23. Mama, Mama 2:49
24. Song of a Summer Night 2:54
25. Please Let Me Tell You 1:27
26. I Made a Fist 1:05
27. Finale 2:15

Music composed by Elmer Bernstein. Lyrics written by Carolyn Leigh. Principal cast includes: Anthony Roberts, Marilyn Mason, Brenda Vaccaro, Tommy Tune, Barnard Hughes, Hiram Sherman, James Congdon, Joe McGrath, Bob Gorman, Patti Davis, Alexander Orfaly, Jennifer Darling, Rex Everhart. Recorded at Webster Hall, New York, New York on December 17, 1967. Includes liner notes by Peter Marks. Digitally remastered by Harold Hagopian & Hsi-ling Chang (1999, BMG Studios).