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Post by Talissa on Jun 2, 2003 16:20:45 GMT 11
I'm thinking of buying a copy of ITW some time soon, but I'm not sure which one to get, because I'm fairly sure I saw at least two different recordings last time I was at Borders. Any suggestions?
~Julia
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Valentin
Backyard Balladeer
The Engineer
Posts: 46
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Post by Valentin on Jun 2, 2003 22:07:24 GMT 11
Well, this being my favourite show, and having all three of the recordings, I feel I may be qualified to assess them  Also, check out musicals.net ITW Forum - there's a very recent thread (Which Recording?) which deals with this question  Original Broadway Cast: The one that started it all off and that has generally caused most people to fall in love with the show. Some fantastic performances - Robert Westenberg, Bernadette Peters and Joanna Gleason are standouts - and a strong cast in all other respects. It has a full libretto with synopsis, liner notes on the show itself, some great colour photos and a very complete CD. Original London Cast: Generally not as strong as the OBC but still excellent. Clive Carter's Wolf (and Cinderella's Prince) are played a lot darker and scarier and it comes across very well. Imelda Staunton is a wonderful Baker's Wife and does a fantastic joy of Moments (and she sings the whole show in her chest voice - pretty impressive  ). Generally known as the show where people sing 'to the music' - i.e., they sing it exactly as it's noted on the score. Tessa Burbridge is a very good Little Red and Julia McKenzie is the only woman I know who can rival BP for Sondheim performances. She is an oustanding Witch, played very differently from BP, and she sings it beautifully. Also, check out the added 'Our Little World' (not on the OBC) - a lovely song that JMcK does very well There is no libretto, but there are some fantastic liner notes on how the production was staged and why it was done like that as well as a plethora of lovely colour photos that show how much darker this production was compared to the other two. Revival Broadway Cast: There are alot of changes from the original in this - some work well, others don't, but it is sung well enough. Vanessa Williams is good, if a little underwhelming, but is certainly no BP or JMcK. The Princes are very good, as are the Baker and his Wife. Cinderella is definitely the best on here of the three recordings, but it lacks alot of the sparkle and wit (IMO) that the other two recordings possess. One of the best things about this recording is the booklet that comes with it. It's very thick, in glossy full colour and has a complete synopsis, full libretto and some great colour photos (including a few of Vanessa Williams et al in the recording studio). In conclusion, I would recommend the OBC - and, if you enjoy that and want to get another one get OLC. Revival comes last on my list, but is certainly not a bad way to get into the show. Hope I've helped! |
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Post by Talissa on Jun 3, 2003 13:16:46 GMT 11
Thanks, Valentin. That's a fantastic help ~Julia |
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Post by Tinechorwen on Jun 3, 2003 16:50:48 GMT 11
Yeah, excellent reviews, thanks Valentine. Into the Woods is one of those shows I've heard about heaps but have never gotten round to buying a Cast Recording for. If I can find a shop in Perth that actually sells in I'll definitely grab the Original Broadway Cast...thanks. |
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Post by Talissa on Jun 27, 2003 9:18:53 GMT 11
I got the OBC recording yesterday. I haven't finished listening to it yet, but I'm enjoying it. I prefer Anthony Warlow as the wolf, but that's not going to surprise anyone, is it? You know, I'd never noticed how many people die in this show. It's nearly as bad as Les Mis ~Talissa |
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Valentin
Backyard Balladeer
The Engineer
Posts: 46
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Post by Valentin on Jun 28, 2003 4:08:28 GMT 11
*squeals* But Robert Westenburg is fantastic, yes? And how spectacular is Bernadette? I'm glad you've got the recording Also, try and get the video at some point - it brings everything together nicely |
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Post by RoseFyre on Jul 17, 2003 14:06:09 GMT 11
I got the OBC recording yesterday. I haven't finished listening to it yet, but I'm enjoying it. I prefer Anthony Warlow as the wolf, but that's not going to surprise anyone, is it? You know, I'd never noticed how many people die in this show. It's nearly as bad as Les Mis ~Talissa Yeah...only a few characters survive each one, and they're never the characters that you WANT to survive... Oh well - both great shows, and both worth seeing and listening to. |
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Post by Hannah on Jul 17, 2003 19:24:47 GMT 11
This is just my opinion, but... I feel that the OBC has stronger actors, and the OLC has better singers. Therefore I like watching the DVD of the Boradway cast, and like listening to the London cast on CD. This could be because I listened to the OLC CD first..... But the very first time I heard the OLC "Last Midnight"...... *wow* I remember stopping what I was doing... I just had shivers running down my spine... it was so hauntingly beautiful! |
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Valentin
Backyard Balladeer
The Engineer
Posts: 46
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Post by Valentin on Jul 18, 2003 8:38:42 GMT 11
This is just my opinion, but... I feel that the OBC has stronger actors, and the OLC has better singers. Therefore I like watching the DVD of the Boradway cast, and like listening to the London cast on CD. This could be because I listened to the OLC CD first..... But the very first time I heard the OLC "Last Midnight"...... *wow* I remember stopping what I was doing... I just had shivers running down my spine... it was so hauntingly beautiful! Julia McKenzie is also fantastic - I love her inerpretation of The Witch but singing wise I still feel the OBC cast are stronger - but there is something about the OLC - I think it just lends itself to the accent very well |
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Post by magic8ball on Jul 19, 2003 15:54:03 GMT 11
I feel that the OBC has stronger actors, and the OLC has better singers. Therefore I like watching the DVD of the Boradway cast, and like listening to the London cast on CD. Yes, thank God for that MUTE button... -John |
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Also, check out musicals.net ITW Forum - there's a very recent thread (Which Recording?) which deals with this question 
). Generally known as the show where people sing 'to the music' - i.e., they sing it exactly as it's noted on the score. Tessa Burbridge is a very good Little Red and Julia McKenzie is the only woman I know who can rival BP for Sondheim performances. She is an oustanding Witch, played very differently from BP, and she sings it beautifully. Also, check out the added 'Our Little World' (not on the OBC) - a lovely song that JMcK does very well 
