But there is also the quintessential Chita, she of the dramatic reading of songs, coupled with her trademark vibrato and lower register, that gives real dimension to "The Garden Path to Hell." And her "Puffer's Confession" is a hot mix of emotions. On this recording, her unabashed joy (check out her giggle fit during "There You Are") and her vocal "wink-wink" as she laughs her way through the "Wages of Sin" always makes me smile. The crown jewel, though, is the legendary Chita Rivera, always known more for her dancing and acting than her vocal prowess. (I hope I get to see his ending when I return to the show in a few weeks!) And Peter Benson's take on the hapless Bazzard is fun and heart-warming. Robert Creighton's "Durdles' Confession" is a scream. Andy Karland Jessie Muellercome across particularly well, as they purr and growl their way through their scenes and songs. What a beautiful instrument she possesses! And skip right to "Rosa's Confession." Amazing. Betsy Wolfethreatens to steal the show nightly at Studio 54, and she does the same here. ![]() Block's male impersonation and diva quality belting, this is a feast for the ears and imagination. From Jim Norton's sly, low key delivery to Will Chase's deliciously evil laughter to the easy back and forth of Stephanie J. ![]() They all are acting their asses off without ever sacrificing vocal quality, and you can tell that they are having a great time doing this. To a person (including the amazingly talented ensemble) the cast is on the same page, which comes blasting through the speakers (or headphones). I also love that dance sections have been included in several instances.īut what really sells this recording is the cast itself. His use of themes and motifs blended with a creepy, mysterious and chilling wordless story is genius. Then there is my favorite inclusion: "Opium Den Ballet," aka "Jasper's Vision." Not only is it an incredible instrumental, it really speaks to the depth of talent of Mr. And the infectious "Music Hall" is a clever toe-tapper of a number that quickly re-establishes the over all tone of the piece. Of course, there are the new songs - "A British Subject" and the Act 2 opener, "An English Music Hall." Both song add to the fabric of the show - the former, coupled with "Ceylon" really clarifies conflict between Edwin Drood and Crisparkle's Anglo-centric beliefs of the British aristocracy, as well as their almost unbridled racism and the fierce national pride held by the Landless twins. BlockĪll of that said, it is hard to complain at the completeness of the recording. And considering that this recording includes both the "Encore" and "Reprise" of "Don't Quit," including the unused song as a bonus track might have been nice.Īndy Karl, Jessie Mueller and Stephanie J. I would have liked it to be in this revival - it is a great number that doesn't sound anything at all like "Don't Quit While You're Ahead," which "Settling Up the Score" most definitely does. The second thing I'm disappointed in is that Rupert Holmes didn't take this opportunity to record "A Private Investigation," a snappy little tune that takes the place of "Settling Up the Score" in the licensed version of the show. First, considering that there are two discs in play, it is too bad that they didn't record all of the "Out on a Limerick" Datchery possibilities, and that they didn't do the same with the lovers' endings. OK, the truth is that there is really no "bad news." But there are just two things I'm disappointed in. Complete lyrics available at The Bad News First Production photos by Joan Marcus cover photo by Andrew Eccles logo design by SpotCo. Art direction and package designed by Sean Marlowe. Booklet: Full color, 12 section card stock fold out.
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