Into the Woods

1. I Don't Wanna

2. In the River

3. It Could Have Been Me

4. Woods

5. Day or Night

6. Memory

7. Too Many Tears

8. Expecting

9. Walk Walk

Into the Woods,The Call,Elektra / Wea,Alternative Pop/Rock,Popular Music,Rock,Rock & Roll

Average customer rating: Good classic recording Into the Woods (remastered) Get Into Into the Woods Great sound - thin book(let) Sondheim's most beloved musical

Into the Woods (1987 Original Broadway Cast) Stephen Sondheim , Bernadette Peters , and Joanna Gleason Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Into the Woods Sunday in the Park with George (1984 Original Broadway Cast) A Little Night Music (1973 Original Broadway Cast) Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979 Original Broadway Cast) Company - A Musical Comedy (1970 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B0009A40MA Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

1. Into the Woods (Prologue) - Tom Aldredge, Paul Gemignani
2. Cinderella at the Grave - Kim Crosby, Paul Gemignani, Merle Louise
3. Hello, Little Girl - Danielle Ferland, Paul Gemignani, Robert Westenberg
4. I Guess This Is Goodbye/Maybe They're Magic/I Guess This Is Goodbye - Paul Gemignani, Joanna Gleason, Ben Wright, Chip Zien
5. I Know Things Now - Danielle Ferland, Paul Gemignani
6. Very Nice Prince/First Midnight/Giants in the Sky - Kim Crosby, Paul Gemignani, Joanna Gleason, Ben Wright
7. Agony - Paul Gemignani, Chuck Wagner, Robert Westenberg
8. It Takes Two - Paul Gemignani, Joanna Gleason, Chip Zien
9. Stay with Me - Paul Gemignani, Bernadette Peters, Pamela Winslow
10. On the Steps of the Palace - Kim Crosby, Paul Gemignani
11. Ever After - Tom Aldredge, Paul Gemignani
12. So Happy (Act II Prologue) - Tom Aldredge, Paul Gemignani
13. Agony (Reprise) - Paul Gemignani, Chuck Wagner, Robert Westenberg
14. Lament - Paul Gemignani, Bernadette Peters
15. Any Moment/Moments in the Woods - Paul Gemignani, Joanna Gleason, Robert Westenberg
16. Your Fault/Last Midnight - Kim Crosby, Danielle Ferland, Paul Gemignani, Bernadette Peters, Ben Wright, Chip Zien
17. No More - Tom Aldredge, Paul Gemignani, Chip Zien
18. No One Is Alone - Kim Crosby, Danielle Ferland, Paul Gemignani, Ben Wright, Chip Zien
19. Finale: People Will Listen - Bernadette Peters
20. Giants in the Sky [*] - John Cameron Mitchell, John Cameron Mitchell
21. Back to the Palace [*] - Kim Crosby, Kim Crosby
22. Boom Crunch [*] - Maureen Moore, Maureen Moore

Amazon.com essential recording

As conceived by Stephen Sondheim and cocreator James Lapine (following their Pulitzer Prize-winning Sunday in the Park with George), Into the Woods tells the intricate tale of multiple fairy-tale characters crossing paths in the woods, not merely resolving the characters' dilemmas but also exploring what happens after happily ever after. Sondheim's chamber-scale music, recipient of the 1987 Tony for Best Score, is one of his most beautiful and accessible, and is at its most poignant in "No More," "No One Is Alone," and "Children Will Listen." The original Broadway cast is outstanding top to bottom, most notably Bernadette Peters as a rapping witch and Joanna Gleason, who won a Tony for Best Actress. The CD booklet includes production photos and--so important for a Sondheim show--full lyrics. Fortunately, this cast was also captured on video and DVD. --David Horiuchi

Album Description

A Classic Stephen Sondheim Musical Available Now at a New Low Price!

Featuresbonus tracks, digitally remastered and new liner notes.

Customer Reviews:

Good classic recording.......2007-06-16

Well worth the money for Bernadette Peters's performance as the Witch. However, not all the minor characters are as good, and I feel the London Cast is a more rounded recording in terms of quality. I feel that all the available cast recordings for Into The Woods are lacking in some way or another, but it is a hard show to do, so it is understandable.

Into the Woods (remastered).......2007-05-12

I first seen this musical on a local television station that was doing a pledge drive. I instantly fell in love with it. I think for one reason was cause i love fairy tales. and combining all our favorite fairy tales into one story was a awesome idea. I wrote the station asking them once a month when they were goign to re-air the program. they told me they might re-air it one day when it fit into their schedual. I can see/hear why Joanna Gleason won a Tony for her performance and it was amazing. I love all the songs on this CD but my favorites are as followed:

I Guess this is Goodbye/Maybe They're magic
I Know Things Now
It Takes Two
Stay with Me
On the Steps of the Palace
Lament
Any Moment/Moments in the Woods*
Your Fault/Last Midnight*
No one is Alone
Children will Listen
(* means Favorite)

I love all these songs for diffrent reason.

the Bonus tracks are very kewl. I love Kim Crosby's (the Original and only Cinderella for me) vocals on Back to the Palace. It is like she never left the character and the emotion is there. Boom crunch is my favorite of the bous tracks cause it is something i have always wanted to hear since i found out it was cut from the show.

Get Into Into the Woods .......2007-04-06

This CD was my trial for the greatcomposer Stephen Sondheim. I had wanted to know his style before I went to see his movie, Sweeny Todd, (Starring Johnny Depp and Directed By Tim Burton). I had heard that this was a great buy. I gritted my teath and bought it. I knew that people said he had a different style, but I had no idea was lying instore.

AMAZING! It was absolutely stunning! I loved the CD. It was beautiful. My Mom has not developed a liking to it, and it is very sharped and flatted (Like on a piano)But beautiful. I compare it to the wonderful musical Dreamgirls, because you love it or hate it. Just as in the way that HEnry reiger used the voices to sing and not so much music; Stephen does the same thing. Like in GIANTS IN THE SKY the actopr sings one note and the piano plays a flatted or sharped version. Ity is wonderful. The Best songs are:
PROLOGUE INTO THE WOODS
EVER AFTER
HELLO LITTLE GIRL
I KNOW THING NOW
GIANTS IN THE SKY
ACT 2 PROLOGUE
YOUR FAULT
FINALE PEOPLE WILL LISTEN
BONUS TRACKS!
GIANTS IN THE SKY

BUY THIS CD! WONDERFUL AND AMAZING!!!! BEtter than the LION KING

Great sound - thin book(let).......2007-04-01

This remaster sounds wonderful. The booklet should include the lyrics and the liner notes are just poor - uninformative and fawning. However the bonus tracks are terrific, alternate lyrics for a children's version and one cut by John Cameron Mitchell before he bloomed into Hedwig (here he's Jack).

Sondheim's most beloved musical.......2007-03-31

Of all Stephen Sondheim's musicals, INTO THE WOODS is certainly his most popular and beloved work. During it's 1987 premiere, the show introduced a whole new generation to the magic of Broadway. The original cast is still definitive, and the cast album is one of the all-time classics.

The story weaves together the familiar childhood characters Cinderella, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Little Red Ridinghood, and Rapunzel; and explores their stories beyond the "Happily Ever After" ending. Whilst Act One is full of delights and pretty much tells the stories as we remember them, Act Two presents a darker and harrowing portrait as the characters, without the help of the Narrator, attempt to rid the kingdom of a Giant on the warpath...

The original cast is still definitive, headed by Joanna Gleason (in a Tony-winning performance) as the Baker's Wife. Her character holds the entire story together, and she reaches a heartbreaking climax with "Moments in the Woods", one of the most beautiful, tenderly-comical songs ever written for a musical. Bernadette Peters plays the Witch, who magically transforms from ugliness to beauty at the end of Act One. Peters brings a lot of gleeful comedy and schtick to the role, particularly in the "Witch's Rap", but also tugs at the heart during the "Lament"; and she gets to belt a frenzied 11 o'clock number, "Last Midnight".

The supporting cast is equally first-rate, with Kim Crosby's crystalline soprano perfectly suited to the high-flown and beautifully-drawn Cinderella; Ben Wright as Jack; and Danielle Ferland's feisty and funny Little Red Ridinghood. Chip Zien brings a lot of depth and feeling to the role of the Baker, and Robert Westenberg skillfully handles the dual roles of Cinderella's Prince and the Wolf.

This is probably Sondheim's most accessible score, but it's a deceptively-difficult one. The music is presented in a chamber-style, with emphasis on piano and strings. The entire score as a whole is fabulous, but highlights would have to include "On the Steps of the Palace", where Cinderella contemplates meeting her Prince again; "Giants in the Sky" where Jack reveals his adventures with the beanstalk; and "No More", where the Baker and his estranged father unite in their grief.

This reissue of the 1987 Original Broadway Cast has been crisply-remastered with three bonus demo songs, from a proposed children's version of the musical ("Back to the Palace", "Boom Crunch", and a re-written "Giants in the Sky").

INTO THE WOODS opened on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on November 5, 1987, and ran for 765 performances.

[Sony/BMG 82876-68636-2]

Average customer rating: Good classic recording Into the Woods (remastered) Get Into Into the Woods Great sound - thin book(let) Sondheim's most beloved musical

Into the Woods (1987 Original Broadway Cast) Stephen Sondheim , Bernadette Peters , Joanna Gleason , Tom Aldredge , and Chip Zien Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Into the Woods Sunday in the Park with George (1984 Original Broadway Cast) A Little Night Music (1973 Original Broadway Cast) Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979 Original Broadway Cast) Company - A Musical Comedy (1970 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000002WAB Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Prologue
2. Cinderella At The Grave
3. Hello, Little Girl
4. I Guess This Is Goodbye; Maybe They're Magic
5. I Know Things Now
6. A Very Nice Prince; First Midnight; Giants In The Sky
7. Agony
8. It Takes Two
9. Stay With Me
10. On The Steps Of The Palace
11. Ever After
12. Act II Prologue
13. Agony
14. Lament
15. Any Moment; Moments In The Woods
16. Your Fault; Last Midnight
17. No More
18. No One Is Alone
19. Finale

Amazon.com essential recording

As conceived by Stephen Sondheim and cocreator James Lapine (following their Pulitzer Prize-winning Sunday in the Park with George), Into the Woods tells the intricate tale of multiple fairy-tale characters crossing paths in the woods, not merely resolving the characters' dilemmas but also exploring what happens after happily ever after. Sondheim's chamber-scale music, recipient of the 1987 Tony for Best Score, is one of his most beautiful and accessible, and is at its most poignant in "No More," "No One Is Alone," and "Children Will Listen." The original Broadway cast is outstanding top to bottom, most notably Bernadette Peters as a rapping witch and Joanna Gleason, who won a Tony for Best Actress. The CD booklet includes production photos and--so important for a Sondheim show--full lyrics. Fortunately, this cast was also captured on video and DVD. --David Horiuchi

Album Description

A Classic Stephen Sondheim Musical Available Now at a New Low Price!

Featuresbonus tracks, digitally remastered and new liner notes.

Customer Reviews:

Good classic recording.......2007-06-16

Well worth the money for Bernadette Peters's performance as the Witch. However, not all the minor characters are as good, and I feel the London Cast is a more rounded recording in terms of quality. I feel that all the available cast recordings for Into The Woods are lacking in some way or another, but it is a hard show to do, so it is understandable.

Into the Woods (remastered).......2007-05-12

I first seen this musical on a local television station that was doing a pledge drive. I instantly fell in love with it. I think for one reason was cause i love fairy tales. and combining all our favorite fairy tales into one story was a awesome idea. I wrote the station asking them once a month when they were goign to re-air the program. they told me they might re-air it one day when it fit into their schedual. I can see/hear why Joanna Gleason won a Tony for her performance and it was amazing. I love all the songs on this CD but my favorites are as followed:

I Guess this is Goodbye/Maybe They're magic
I Know Things Now
It Takes Two
Stay with Me
On the Steps of the Palace
Lament
Any Moment/Moments in the Woods*
Your Fault/Last Midnight*
No one is Alone
Children will Listen
(* means Favorite)

I love all these songs for diffrent reason.

the Bonus tracks are very kewl. I love Kim Crosby's (the Original and only Cinderella for me) vocals on Back to the Palace. It is like she never left the character and the emotion is there. Boom crunch is my favorite of the bous tracks cause it is something i have always wanted to hear since i found out it was cut from the show.

Get Into Into the Woods .......2007-04-06

This CD was my trial for the greatcomposer Stephen Sondheim. I had wanted to know his style before I went to see his movie, Sweeny Todd, (Starring Johnny Depp and Directed By Tim Burton). I had heard that this was a great buy. I gritted my teath and bought it. I knew that people said he had a different style, but I had no idea was lying instore.

AMAZING! It was absolutely stunning! I loved the CD. It was beautiful. My Mom has not developed a liking to it, and it is very sharped and flatted (Like on a piano)But beautiful. I compare it to the wonderful musical Dreamgirls, because you love it or hate it. Just as in the way that HEnry reiger used the voices to sing and not so much music; Stephen does the same thing. Like in GIANTS IN THE SKY the actopr sings one note and the piano plays a flatted or sharped version. Ity is wonderful. The Best songs are:
PROLOGUE INTO THE WOODS
EVER AFTER
HELLO LITTLE GIRL
I KNOW THING NOW
GIANTS IN THE SKY
ACT 2 PROLOGUE
YOUR FAULT
FINALE PEOPLE WILL LISTEN
BONUS TRACKS!
GIANTS IN THE SKY

BUY THIS CD! WONDERFUL AND AMAZING!!!! BEtter than the LION KING

Great sound - thin book(let).......2007-04-01

This remaster sounds wonderful. The booklet should include the lyrics and the liner notes are just poor - uninformative and fawning. However the bonus tracks are terrific, alternate lyrics for a children's version and one cut by John Cameron Mitchell before he bloomed into Hedwig (here he's Jack).

Sondheim's most beloved musical.......2007-03-31

Of all Stephen Sondheim's musicals, INTO THE WOODS is certainly his most popular and beloved work. During it's 1987 premiere, the show introduced a whole new generation to the magic of Broadway. The original cast is still definitive, and the cast album is one of the all-time classics.

The story weaves together the familiar childhood characters Cinderella, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Little Red Ridinghood, and Rapunzel; and explores their stories beyond the "Happily Ever After" ending. Whilst Act One is full of delights and pretty much tells the stories as we remember them, Act Two presents a darker and harrowing portrait as the characters, without the help of the Narrator, attempt to rid the kingdom of a Giant on the warpath...

The original cast is still definitive, headed by Joanna Gleason (in a Tony-winning performance) as the Baker's Wife. Her character holds the entire story together, and she reaches a heartbreaking climax with "Moments in the Woods", one of the most beautiful, tenderly-comical songs ever written for a musical. Bernadette Peters plays the Witch, who magically transforms from ugliness to beauty at the end of Act One. Peters brings a lot of gleeful comedy and schtick to the role, particularly in the "Witch's Rap", but also tugs at the heart during the "Lament"; and she gets to belt a frenzied 11 o'clock number, "Last Midnight".

The supporting cast is equally first-rate, with Kim Crosby's crystalline soprano perfectly suited to the high-flown and beautifully-drawn Cinderella; Ben Wright as Jack; and Danielle Ferland's feisty and funny Little Red Ridinghood. Chip Zien brings a lot of depth and feeling to the role of the Baker, and Robert Westenberg skillfully handles the dual roles of Cinderella's Prince and the Wolf.

This is probably Sondheim's most accessible score, but it's a deceptively-difficult one. The music is presented in a chamber-style, with emphasis on piano and strings. The entire score as a whole is fabulous, but highlights would have to include "On the Steps of the Palace", where Cinderella contemplates meeting her Prince again; "Giants in the Sky" where Jack reveals his adventures with the beanstalk; and "No More", where the Baker and his estranged father unite in their grief.

This reissue of the 1987 Original Broadway Cast has been crisply-remastered with three bonus demo songs, from a proposed children's version of the musical ("Back to the Palace", "Boom Crunch", and a re-written "Giants in the Sky").

INTO THE WOODS opened on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on November 5, 1987, and ran for 765 performances.

[Sony/BMG 82876-68636-2]

Average customer rating: Great CD Simply the Best Inconsistent, but mostly excellent "Celebration" is not strong enough a word A maginificent evening, a magnificent album

Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast) Stephen Sondheim , Betty Buckley , Paul Gemignani , Patti LuPone , Liza Minnelli , and Bernadette Peters Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music 1990-1999 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sondheim Evening: A Musical Tribute (1973 Concert Cast) Side By Side By Sondheim (1976 Original London Cast) Send in the Clowns: The Ballads of Stephen Sondheim Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall Sondheim, Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall ASIN: B000003FDW Release Date: 1993-02-23

Tracks:

1. Symphonic Sondheim: Sweeney Todd--orchestra, Jerry Hadley ("Johanna"), Eugene Perry,Herbert Perry ("Pretty Women")
2. Evening Introduction--Bill Irwin
3. Loveland/Getting Married Today--Ensemble, Jeanne Lehman, Mark Jacoby, Madeline Kahn
4. Waiting for the Girls Upstairs--George Lee Andrews, Michael Jeter, James Naughton/Love, I Hear--Michael Jeter/Live Alone and Like It--James Naughton
5. Someone Is Waiting--Richard Muenz/Symphonic Sondheim: Barcelona--orchestra
6. Being Alive--Patti LuPone
7. Good Thing Going--The Tonics
8. Losing My Mind/You Could Drive a Person Crazy--Dorothy Loudon
9. Our Time--Boys Choir of Harlem/Children Will Listen--Betty Buckley
10. Anyone Can Whistle--Billy Stritch
11. Water Under the Bridge--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch
12. Back in Business--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch, Ensemble

Tracks:

1. Symphonic Sondheim: Comedy Tonight--Bill Irwin, orchestra
2. Sooner or Later--Karen Ziemba
3. Pretty Lady--Mark Jacoby, Eugene Perry, Herbert Perry
4. Green Finch and Linnet Bird--Harolyn Blackwell
5. The Ballad of Booth--Patrick Cassidy, Victor Garber
6. Broadway Baby--Daisy Eagan
7. I Never Do Anything Twice--BETTY
8. With So Little to Be Sure Of--Jerry Hadley, Carolann Page
9. Not a Day Goes By--Bernadette Peters
10. Remember?--Ron Baker, Peter Blanchet, Carol Meyer, Bronwyn Thomas, Blythe Walker (Quintet)/A Weekend in the Country--Kevin Anderson, George Lee Andrews, Mark Jacoby, Beverly Lambert, Maureen Moore, Susan Terry, Quintet
11. Send in the Clowns--Glenn Close
12. Old Friends--Liza Minnelli
13. Sunday--Bernadette Peters, Broadway Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2006-08-06

This is a wonderful double CD of fabulous musical numbers performed by theatre greats and directed by a legandary musical director.

Simply the Best.......2005-06-29

First, to the person who criticizes the recording b/c of "Broadway Baby." Daisy Egan (who sings in in this recording) sounds like she's 10 becuase she IS young. She had just appeared on Braodway in Secret Garden and won a Tony for it. It's a joke...Broadway BABY...hello, it's a joke.

In a compilation of songs like this you're always going to have tracks that you prefer over others, but the majority of the renditions in this CD are great. This is simply one of the best collections of Sondheim out there. You get interpretations that span from "classical" (Green Finch), to bordering on insane (Anything Twice). This is to demonstrate how versatile this composer really is.

In my opinion, some of the best renditions are "Not a Day Goes By," "Anyone Can Whistle", "Girls Upstairs Medley," "Losing My Mind/Drive a Person Crazy," and "Weekend inthe Country." Makes me wish I had been there to witness it first hand.

If you love Sondheim and enjoy hearing Broadway performers, get this CD. A great recording.

Inconsistent, but mostly excellent.......2004-03-21

I am sure no knowledgeable person would deny how absolutely perfect all these songs are. However, the performances on this album are extremely inconsistent. It will go from an excellent rendition (Waiting for the Girls medley, Sunday, With So Little To Be Sure Of, Sooner or Later, Green Finch, Send in the Clowns, Pretty Lady) to the weird (I never Do Anything Twice), to the bad (Broadway Baby, Our Time). I still have absolutely no idea how they managed to butcher one of the best songs ever written--Good Thing Going--and turn it into smooth jazz elevator music. Why would they give Broadway Baby to someone who sounds like she's 10? That said, Liza Minelli, Glenn Close, Karen Ziemba, Dorothy Laudon and the "Waiting for the Girls" performers are all very good. And ending with Bernadette Peters and "Sunday" ends the set on a absolutley fabulous note.

"Celebration" is not strong enough a word.......2003-04-30

This review is by Crosley.

I have been a major Sondheim fan for quite some time, and I finally obtained a copy of this album. I was blown away by the excellent cast and phenomenal selection of music. It is obvious how much work went into this production, considering that this is the live recording of a one time show, and it's flawless. The songs cover all of his shows with the exception of "Passion," which was released 3 years after this show. Also, the shows for which he wrote only lyrics are ommited, like West Side Story, Gypsy, etc. Thus, you can find material from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone can Whistle, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Merrily we Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Assassins.

There are two striking things about this CD (besides the music and performers themselves). First of all, some of the songs are completely stylistically reworked. The most obvious are "Good Thing Going" and "I Never do Anything Twice." Both are traditionally very ballady with a piano accompaniment, but here they have been redone as jazzy tunes. The result is excellent. Such reworkings demonstrate that Sondheim writes music for virtually any style, and in these cases, across several styles. It's a great example of his variety. The other interesting thing is how many songs have overlapping melodies of songs from different shows. Case in point, "Our Time" and "No one is Alone" are sung seperately by the Harlem Boys Choir and Betty Buckley (the original Grizabella in Webber's atrocious "CATS," although Buckley was excellent) respectively, and then combined. Putting these two songs together offer different meanings to each, and the music is only enhanced. Another example, the trio of "Waiting for the Girls Upstairs," "Love, I Hear," and "Live Alone and Like It" are sung in that order, and then the latter two are combined. Again, the meanings of the songs change, this time in an almost narrative style, and offering different takes on love in the same montage. Lastly (at least for this review, there are more), Dorothy Laudon's (the original Ms. Hannigan in Annie) combination of "Losing my Mind" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" is brilliant. Those who are familiar with these songs will wonder how exactly they fit, but trust me, they do. She swtiches back and forth between melodies to create a number that starts poignant and beautiful, and soon moves to become uproariously funny. Both the song reworkings and overlapping melodies of unrelated songs are all for the better.

I recommend this recording to anyone wanting to get better acquainted with some of Sondheim's best work, or those already familiar who want to hear a tour de force of phenomenal music. It has been said that Sondheim is a masterful lyricist (which he is), but lacks real talent for music. This CD is the final proof that such critics are wrong. His music may take a few listenings to get into, contrary to Webber or Wildhorn, but unlike those two, he doesn't cater to the audience. He challenges them to think outside of traditional musical theater in a glorious repertoise of shows that reach for a smarter, more sophisticated form.

A maginificent evening, a magnificent album.......2001-12-16

There's something to be said for the first concert you ever see at Carnegie Hall. I was fortunate enough to have this be my first. This entire evening was devoted to his genius and the performers did not disappoint.

This wonderful double CD shows off the best and brightest of the musical theatre composer and it is, as one person put it, "an embarassment of riches." With songs from his finest works done in amazing arrangements (listen to that harmony in "We Had a Good Thing Going"!) combined with fabulous performers this is a Sondheim lovers delight.

My favorite song is, without a doubt, Dorothy Louden and her wonderful medley of "Losing My Mind" into "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" followed very closely by the recently departed Madeline Kahn singing "Getting Married Today."

Average customer rating: Wonderful songs

Send in the Clowns: The Ballads of Stephen Sondheim Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Comedy Tonight: Stephen Sondheim's Funniest Songs Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast) Sondheim Evening: A Musical Tribute (1973 Concert Cast) The Sondheim Collection (Studio Cast Re-recordings) Sondheim: The Stephen Sondheim Album ASIN: B00006LSQJ Release Date: 2002-10-22

Tracks:

1. Send In The Clowns (From 'A Little Night Music') - Cleo Laine
2. Losing My Mind (From 'Follies') - Barbara Cook
3. I Remember (From 'Evening Primrose') - David Korman
4. Liasons (From 'A Little Night Music') - Hermione Gingold
5. With So Little To Be Sure Of (From 'Anyone Can Whistle') - Jerry Hadley
6. Not A Day Goes By (From 'Merrily We Roll Along') - Bernadette Peters
7. Pretty Women (From 'Sweeney Todd') - Michael Rupert
8. In Buddy's Eyes (From 'Follies') - Barbara Cook
9. No One Is Alone (From 'Into The Woods') - Cleo Laine
10. Johanna (From 'Sweeney Todd') - Victor Garber
11. So Many People (From 'Saturday Night') - Suzanne Henry
12. Sorry-Grateful (From 'Company') - Stephen Collins
13. Too Many Mornings (From 'Follies) - Barbara Cook
14. Finishing The Hat (From 'Sunday In The Park With George') - Mandy Patinkin
15. Not While I'm Around (From 'Sweeney Todd') - Angela Lansbury
16. Like It Was (From 'Merrily We Roll Along') - Julie Andrews
17. Unworthy Of Your Love (From 'Assassins') - Annie Golden
18. Anyone Can Whistle (From 'Anyone Can Whistle') - Cleo Laine

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful songs.......2003-02-07

If you're a Sondheim ballad fan, this a must-have. While there are a few renditions that aren't great (Not a Day Goes By is way overdone), the selections from Follies sung by Barbara Cook are outstanding. The Cleo Laine version of "Send in the Clowns" is lovely and Stephen Collins does an amazing good job on "Sorry-Grateful" from Company. Still, it's the Follies songs that truly shine!

Average customer rating: Simply Wonderful Music like this could make me a convert Powerful! Tenor terrific oh molly oh

The Impossible Dream Bobby Scott , Shay Healy , Frank Wildhorn , Irish Traditional , Stanislao Gastaldon , Stephen Sondheim , Rolf Lovland , Joni Mitchell , Charlie Chaplin , Brian / U2 Kennedy , Sarah McLachlan , and Proinnsias O Duinn Manufacturer: Jive ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ronan My Life Belongs to You The Dawning of the Day Halfway Home: My Life 'Til Now The Very Best of The Irish Tenors ASIN: B000078JM7 Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

1. The Impossible Dream (from Man of La Mancha)
2. Night and Day
3. (My Grandfather's) Immigrant Eyes
4. Isle of Hope Isle of Tears
5. He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother
6. What's Another Year
7. When I Look At You
8. My Irish Molly '0
9. Musica Prohibita
10. No One Is Alone
11. You Raise Me Up
12. Danny Boy
13. Both Sides Now
14. Smile
15. Life, Love & Happiness/I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
16. Angel

Amazon.com

The term Irish tenor may be fraught with as many wrong-headed, anachronistic characterizations as any phrase in music. But Ronan Tynan not only returns here to the PBS airwaves that helped spread his fame as a member of the Irish Tenors trio, but he overturns a few clichés while delivering a live concert (recorded at the Royal Dublin Society in June 2002) that encompasses everything from Broadway and pop chestnuts to Italian operatic repertoire. Tynan rewards Irish traditions old and new (a medley of Brian Kennedy's and U2's "Life, Love & Happiness"/"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For") and even makes left turns into folkie songstress territory (Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," Sarah McLachlan's "Angel"). Backed by RTE Orchestra, the unlikely international star invests himself completely in all of it, his strong, crystalline voice playing off the traditions, while forging strong new bonds with the contemporary. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Simply Wonderful.......2005-08-29

This CD is just as great as the more recent "Ronan" CD. I clicked on 3 stars in error. This is a 5++ star album! His voice is sheer perfection, and the songs are wonderful. I also highly recommend the DVD of "The Impossible Dream," even though I didn't care at all for the London Community Choir who sing four songs. Note: The American version of the DVD doesn't have the 25-minute "Dr. Courageous" extra on it that the Irish version does. I saw him in concert last month, and besides having a voice that soars to the rafters, he is warm, funny and endearing.

Music like this could make me a convert.......2005-08-17

I've always been a rock and roll fan since back in the 60's. Listening to this cd could easily convert me into a classical music fan as well. Wow what a voice.

Powerful!.......2003-01-22

Having seen Ronan in person recently in the U.S., I was impressed first and foremost by his singing ability, and second by his stage presence and warmth. He is a special performer and human being. I am proud to be a Ronan Tynan fan.

Tenor terrific.......2003-01-18

I am not a fan of this kind of music, but I bought this after hearing a few sound snippets at amazon and WoW! what a find. Excellent song selection, powerful singing, fine music quality for a live recording. Expand your horizons and enjoy. (get this wayno)

oh molly oh.......2002-12-15

ronan tynan is a great role model for adults and children alike. he was born with a deformity and made a decision he would make something of himself, he had a goal and he surpassed it. no one puts as much of their heart into as he. he puts the audience into his songs, he makes us feel he is singing to each one of us individually. HE IS THE GREATEST IRISH TENOR I HAVE EVER HEARD, INCLUDING JOHN MC CORMAC the great irish tenor of the 30's

Average customer rating: redux Moderate Quality POOR EXCUSE FOR SOME GOOD THEATER MUSIC

Ultimate Broadway II: The Very Best of Broadway Now Various Artists Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ultimate Broadway Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need The Best Of Broadway (Cast Recording Anthology) Greatest Songs from the Musicals The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series) ASIN: B000092Q7E Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

1. Overture (from Gypsy) - London Cast Recording
2. Man of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote) - Brian Stokes Mitchell, Ernie Sabella
3. Run, Freedom, Run! - Hunter Foster
4. Your Daddy's Son - Ted Sperling, Ragtime Orchestra
5. Music Of The Night (From The Phantom Of The Opera) - Colm Wilkinson
6. All That Jazz (from "Chicago") - Bebe Neuwirth
7. Gimme Gimme - Michael Rafter
8. La boh; Act I; O soave fanciulla - Placido Domingo, Sherrill Milnes, Montserrat Caball
9. Next Best Thing To Love - Randy Graff
10. Cabaret - Natasha Richardson
11. Springtime For Hitler (From "The Producers") - John Morris, Mel Brooks
12. Losing My Mind - Barbara Cook
13. Time Warp - Raparza
14. Oklahoma!; Oklahoma - Finale: Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' (Reprise) - Musical Cast Recording
15. Breeze Off the River - Patrick Wilson
16. Big Spender - Jane Lanier, Valarie Pettiford, Shannon Lewis, Kim Greene, Kim Morgan, Dana Moore, Rachelle Rak, Elizbeth Parkinson, Dede LaBarre, Mary Ann Lamb, Mary McLeod
17. Gee Officer Krupke - Cast
18. Agony - Paul Gemignani
19. Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables) - Colm Wilkinson, Colm
20. Lullaby of Broadway (from "42nd Street") - John Lesko, Jerry Orbach

Customer Reviews:

redux.......2007-07-06

Four of the songs on this CD (Oklahoma, Music of the Night, Cabaret, and All That Jazz) were on the earlier Ultimate Broadway. Of all the shows that have been on Broadway over the past 70+ years, including the ones that are currently running, there is no excuse for repeats!

Moderate Quality.......2003-06-20

I believe that the show selection for this CD was excellent. However the song selection and song order were not. Why pick "Your Daddy's Son" from Ragtime when you can have the amazing and fantastic "Prologue" from the same show. Also I believe that a mistake was made by slecting "I Don Quixote" from Man of La Mancha instead of the much more listenable "Impossible Dream." Also the overture from Gypsy is not the proper song to start out a CD. Perhaps the "Overture" from The Phantom of the Opera.

This is however an excellent example of showtunes for inexperienced members of the theatrical world.

POOR EXCUSE FOR SOME GOOD THEATER MUSIC.......2003-05-20

The best of Broadway? Sure, if you consider the best of Broadway only those songs taken only from RCA Victor cast recordings. Expect the expected: Tracks from "Ragtime," "Chicago," "42nd Street" and "Man of La Mancha," sung by the likes of Audra
McDonald, Bebe Neuwirth, Jerry Orbach and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Including a live recording of Barbara Cook warbling "Losing My Mind" from her "Mostly Sondheim" CD isn't exactly kosher. But then again, neither is this gimmick-riddled release. Curtain up?
Half-way, maybe. Light the lights? Dim them, please.

Average customer rating: This revival is a concern for me... Almost great, but not quite. Much better than the original! Children won't listen to this recording Worthless Revival

Into the Woods (2002 Broadway Revival Cast) Stephen Sondheim , Vanessa Williams , John McMartin , Gregg Edelman , Stephen DeRosa , Laura Benanti , and Christopher Sieber Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Into the Woods Into the Woods Into the Woods (Vocal Score) Into the Woods (1991 Original London Cast) Into the Woods (1987 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000067G5Z Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

1. Prologue: Into the Woods
2. Cinderella at the Grave
3. Hello, Little Girl
4. I Guess This Is Goodbye / Maybe They're Magic
5. Our Little World
6. I Know Things Now
7. A Very Nice Prince / First Midnight / Giants in the Sky
8. Agony
9. It Takes Two
10. Stay with Me
11. On the Steps of the Palace
12. Ever After
13. Prologue: So Happy
14. Agony (Reprise)
15. Lament
16. Any Moment / Moments in the Woods
17. Your Fault / Last Midnight
18. No More
19. No One Is Alone
20. Finale: Children Will Listen

Amazon.com

Into the Woods, a trip to the dark side of fairy tales, usually doesn't show up on lists of Stephen Sondheim's finest offerings, but its broad appeal has turned it into the composer's most licensed project since its 1987 opening. It's no surprise, then, that it's become the object of a revival. The new production (which won the 2002 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical) was directed by James Lapine, the other half of the original creative team. Vanessa Williams, stepping into Bernadette Peters's shoes as the Witch, offers a powerful performance in what is, as written, no more than an ensemble part. The rest of the cast is wonderful, with special mentions to Laura Benanti as Cinderella and Stephen DeRosa and Kerry O'Malley as the Baker and his wife (all three will be familiar to New York musical buffs for their excellent performances in the Encores! series). All right, so the show's second act is still a lot less winning than the first one on stage, but the recording emphasizes the fact that it does boast some prime Sondheim numbers: "Last Midnight," "No One Is Alone," and "Children Will Listen." And we even get "Our Little World," a song that had been added to the 1990 London production. All in all, it's nice to have Into the Woods back, as it can both appeal to adults and provide an introduction to musicals for some kids. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

This revival is a concern for me..........2007-07-16

Into the Woods is definitely one of my favorite musicals of all time. I first saw the OBC on video a very long time ago. Not only was the music outstanding, but it was hysterical and also heartbreaking! Even though all the cast members should be considered equal in comedy and dramatic...the witch is the best character in the show. It allows the most laugh out loud moments and also the most teary-eyed. Bernadette Peters in the original was perfect, nobody would ever be able to play the role like she did ever again.

Now I do give Vanessa Williams credit for attempting to make the role her own, and I take into consideration that she wanted to be more serious...I mean she has to do something different, because you had Bernadette create this role. So I decided to give it a chance. But sadly, it didn't even come close! Not only were the acting skills not there but her songs were transposed! I know many people transpose to make songs suitable for their voice, but my personal opinion is if you can't sing it, the song/role isn't the song/role for you. It's kind of sad when having everyone around you singing in the written keys, and your the only one who can't.

Maybe it's a little harsh but looking at the script and lyrics, and even the story, it's meant to be satire towards fairytales (in other words funny, then serious comes in the second act). Also, Williams isn't the only mediocre performance. With the exception of Cinderella, every cast member made mediocre performances. But thank goodness I still have my original broadway cast, because it will still always be one of my favorite shows.

Almost great, but not quite........2007-06-23

First off, revivals tend to be bad. Think about that. Why does it seem like whenever there is a revival, it tends to be bad? Is it because the acting is just worse? Maybe, but for EVERY show?

The reason, is because fans of the show like the original. It is very hard to go from listening to a show and getting used to all the little details of the singing and music and then go and hear something totally different. Something WRONG.

But it isn't wrong. It's just different.

Baker: He has a GREAT voice, but character-wise, doesn't show the "nervous" baker we all know and love. But for the second act, his voice seems naturally suited for "sad songs".

Baker's Wife: She as well has a great voice. She does, however, lack the comedic acting of the original wife, as well as that she tends to sing with "fake energy" as I put it. Maybe it's just the recording's fault...

Jack: WAY too young. I think Jack should sound young...but that guy sounds like he's ten. AND THE VIBRATO!!! Giants in the sky is just a never ending stream of vibrato. He DOES bring a fresh way of singing Jack's parts into the mix, however.

Little Red: Too Annie. I prefered the Original big time, although this recording has some good moments. She is also too innocent, whereas the original was anything but.

Cinderelle: PERFECT casting. She is absolutly amazing.

Rapunzel: Great Voice...I haven't seen her act, so...

Witch: Leave the real criticsm at the end, eh? Anyhow, Bernadette made the witch one of my favorite characters, so I was in for an unforutunate suprise with our good friend Vanessa Williams. She has no where near the chops to sing the witches parts, and the parts where she sings at the original key and octave are few. She has a somewhat "prettier" voice, but even then, she takes the premise of being a witch, and does it the WHOLE TIME. Her "gentle" moments with Rapunzel still give the feeling that she is more or less cackling at her, despite Peter's ability to actually change dynamics and become a softer, NICER witch.

Overall, this recording is very nice and polished, BUT sondheim does not do nice and polished. The entire point of this show (in my opinion anyway) is the fact that sterotypical characters (the witch being the evil cackling old woman" in reality are everything but (little red and her rather "large" body type for example. If I saw this show, I'd no doubtly hate it.

But as a recording, go ahead and buy it, as the pros definately outweigh the cons.

Much better than the original!.......2007-06-12

I gave away my original Broadway and London cast albums of this recording after I bought the revival, because I believe it to be much better. Now, I am a classically trained vocalist with a speciality in music theater, so I tend to focus more on a singer's quality of tone. I never understood why everyone loves Joanna Gleason, because I have never liked her. She has too harsh a voice for my taste. The woman who plays the baker's wife in the revival has a much better singing voice, as does the baker. I felt that Chip Zien tended to do a lot of overacting. Come to think of it, I find it hard that Into The Woods is supposed to be a dark musical, when the main characters are those in fairy tales, so I can see how this show was interpreted 2 different ways. I saw a college production of the show and loved it, although I feel it's a bit overdramatized. I do love Kim Crosby and Laura Banati equally, and though I liked Bernadette Peters as the witch, I feel Vanessa Williams plays the role more seductively than Peters ever did. I will say that Peters did a better job of going between the emotions of tenderness for Rapunzel, and her own conniving, sinister desire to reclaim her beauty, while making it look like she was trying to help everyone else attain their own dreams. In the London version, I found Julia McKenzie to be far too operatic for the role. I never liked the narrator in the original cast because he wasn't a good singer. Although I do not particularly enjoy the narrator-s speaking voice in the revival, I do think he is a better singer than the one who originated the part. The other main difference between all 3 cast albums is Little Red Riding Hood. In the original production, I felt she sounded, as one reviewer put it, "Annie-ish". In the London version, as another viewer put it, she sounded like a "bratty, snot-nosed little girl.) I hardly think this is the interpretation to go with. I find the little girl in the revival cast to give the best interpretation. Sweet and innocent, as a child of that age should be. And this child can actually sing! If you want to see the varieties of interpretive choices, look at how many different ways Mary Lenox was played in the "Secret Garden." Anyway, The common link between all 3 cast albums is Jack's mother, who, as the story says, is supposedly an old woman, and this was achieved with great success. So I hope this was helpful, and though all 3 recordings have strengths and weaknesses, it is my personal oppinion that the revival is the best overall.

Children won't listen to this recording.......2006-07-02

Stephen Sondheim is a genius of musical theatre that's for certain. Into the woods is my all time favorite musical. I was really excited to hear they were going to do a revival of it with Vanessa Williams as the witch? Sounds great right?...Not so much. Vanessa isn't as great as you hope, and for some reason Shephen thought it would be a good idea to write new parts for almost every song or throw in every he cut from the first time. TO be perfectly honest this is the worst of the three recordings. Get the Broadway or (my favorite) the London recording. Do not waste your money or time with this one

Worthless Revival.......2006-06-26

I hate revivals, as a rule. Plain and simple. And this is one revival cast album that has done nothing to improve my attitude. I think it may have actually been the first actual revival cast album I ever heard, and first impressions are always everlasting.

I think I've said this in other reviews, but as is the case with most revival albums (Cabaret being a rare exception), there just isn't any "umph" in the singing on this one. All of these actors seem to be using those digital enhancements as a musical crutch, and that pisses me off. It isn't meant to be that way.

Let's start with the Narrator/Mysterious Man, shall we? John McMartin! Now, I have extremely high standards for these characters, seeing as I myself will be playing them this summer. I've seen pictures of him, and frankly I believe he has the right look for a Narrator, but not the voice for it. He sounds too ... how shall I put it? He sounds too much like a loony tunes character when he talks. Or a muppet. Who comes to mind specifically? Papa Smurf, maybe? Tom Aldredge now, he was perfect. He had just the right pleasant old man timbre in his voice. Something like that of an A&E Biography Narrator, and he was able to vary it just enough when he played the Old Man, in order to keep the magic alive. I don't know about this other guy's portrayal as the Old Man, because I didn't actually SEE the revival performance, but I did listen to "No More," and on that song he sounds exactly as he sounds as the Narrator. Not a good thing.

Quick Note: Perhaps it's unfair for me to make comparisons to the original cast, but this is just the way I work, so DEAL WITH IT.

Next is Stephen Derosa as the Baker. I can only think of one thing to do, in order to establish to you my attitude towards this guy, and that is with a sound affect. Unfortunately Amazon.com reviews don't come equiped with sound affects. So, I'll just have to inscribe it in this way: SNORE!

That's all I've got to say: SNORE! Why, you ask? I can't quite put my finger on it. I think maybe it is because he just isn't panicky enough to suit me. The Baker is supposed to be harried, and insecure at the beginning of the show, and this guy just doesn't sound nervous enough to suit me. Chip Zien was great in the original show, because he was a nervous wreck almost all through the entire first act. I've always wondered whether it was natural nervousness from stage-fright, or part of his character, or both, but it worked out perfect for the role. That's a discussion for another review, though.

Kerry O'Mally as the Baker's Wife? Hmm! Her performance on this album didn't really do much for me, either, and because I didn't actually SEE this revival performed, I really can't make a very accurate judgment of how she portrays the character. I will say that I think she sings to quiet, though. There's no conviction in her portrayal.

Now, in the interest of convenience, and time, I will skip most of the other characters, and go straight to the person you've all been waiting to read about: Mrs. Williams...

...

Well, as my mother once told me ... "If you can't think of anything nice to say ..." Well, okay, what the hell? I won't keep you guys in suspense. If you read this far, you deserve to hear what I truly think, and it's this. SHE SUCKS! (In more ways than one, I'm sure, but this review isn't about that.) No surprise there, since she's primarily a screen actress, and screen people rarely do well when they try to transfer themselves from screen to stage. It just doesn't work. Sometimes they do. I.E. Rex Harrison, but most of the time, they don't.

Her singing is alright, I guess. In fact, she may even have a prettier voice than Bernadette Peters, but that is immaterial. The important thing is that she just isn't believable at all as "The Witch." You see, although most Witches are evil, this Witch is also a mother, and any mother who loves her child cannot possibly be ALL-evil, which is exactly what Vanessa William's Witch is. All Evil. What I mean is, she doesn't vary her acting at all when singing the songs. She just sounds mean, vicious, and evil all the time, even when singing to Repunzal. That's wrong. The Witch is supposed to have those tender moments with Repunzal. Bernadette Peters achieved this beautifully. Vanessa Williams did not.

There is so much more I would like to say about the other actors, but no one is going to want to read a review that is ten pages long. So, I will just leave you guys with this: If you want a definitive understanding of this masterpiece of musical theatre, avoid this cast album like the plague, and pick up the original one with Bernadette Peters. Better yet, forget about the cast albums and get the American Playhouse Performance of the entire show on DVD. Not only is it a better performance, and a better cast, but seeing a show in its entirety always does a piece of work more justice than just listening to a lousy cast album. If you don't have time for that, though, buy the original cast album, and not this one.

Average customer rating:

Into the Woods (accompaniment/karaoke) Karaoke Manufacturer: Stage Stars ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Karaoke | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Into the Woods Into the Woods (Vocal Score) Company the Musical [karaoke/accompaniment] Monty Python's Spamalot [Karaoke/Accompaniment CD] A Chorus Line ASIN: B000GIWH0M Release Date: 2006-07-30

Tracks:

1. Opening (complete track)
2. Hello, Little Girl (complete track)
3. I Guess This Is Goodbye/ Maybe They're Magic (complete track)
4. I Know Things Now (complete track)
5. Giants in the Sky (complete track)
6. Agony (complete track)
7. It Takes Two (complete track)
8. Stay with Me (complete track)
9. On the Steps of the Palace (complete track)
10. Finale Act 1 (complete track)
11. Witch's Lament (complete track)
12. Any Moment (complete track)
13. Moments in the Woods (complete track)
14. Your Fault (complete track)
15. The Last Midnight (complete track)
16. No More (complete track)
17. No One Is Alone (complete track)
18. Finale Act 2 (complete track)
19. Opening (accompaniment track)
20. Hello, Little Girl (accompaniment track)
21. I Guess This Is Goodbye/ Maybe They're Magic (accompaniment track)
22. I Know Things Now (accompaniment track)
23. Giants in the Sky (accompaniment track)
24. Agony (accompaniment track)
25. It Takes Two (accompaniment track)
26. Stay with Me (accompaniment track)
27. On the Steps of the Palace (accompaniment track)
28. Finale Act 1 (accompaniment track)
29. Witch's Lament (accompaniment track)
30. Any Moment (accompaniment track)
31. Moments in the Woods (accompaniment track)
32. Your Fault (accompaniment track)
33. The Last Midnight (accompaniment track)
34. No More (accompaniment track)
35. No One Is Alone (accompaniment track)
36. Finale Act 2 (accompaniment track)

Product Description

A favorite Sondheim musical, Into the Woods was nominated for ten Tony Awards when it debuted on Broadway in 1988.

There are 36 tracks on this album: Tracks 1-18 contain the background tracks and guide vocals; tracks 19-36 contain the background tracks alone. This album is a re-recording in the original show key and show tempo.

There are no on-screen lyrics or lyric booklet provided with this album.

Average customer rating: Back to when I believed in fairy tales.... The Glass Slipper Fits! Magical collection fit for a princess! Fabuloso!!!! A must have!!!!

Cinderella: Songs from the Classic Fairy Tale (1998 Studio Compilation) Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella Cinderella (1965 Television Cast) Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella Cinderella (1957 Television Cast) Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1957 Television Production) ASIN: B00005KBB1 Release Date: 2001-06-12

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. In My Own Little Corner
3. Spread A Little Happiness
4. A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes
5. Raise A Ruckus
6. Impossible/Suddenly It Happens
7. The Ball
8. What Has Love got To Do With Getting Married
9. A Lovely Night/Ten Minutes Ago
10. Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?
11. Midnight
12. On the Steps Of The Palace
13. Once I Was Loved
14. If The Shoe Fits
15. Tell Hm Anything
16. The Stepsisters' Lament
17. Finale

Customer Reviews:

Back to when I believed in fairy tales...........2002-09-30

If you could, just for a moment, return to the days when fairy godmothers were real, when you really could turn four white mice into four white horses - then just buy this CD for a few smiles, a lot of memories, and the original Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes. This CD took me way back to when magic was there, and now it makes me wonder, everytime I listen to it, if maybe the magic isn't still there? Maybe I should just call on my fairy godmother..... A true heirloom of a CD.

The Glass Slipper Fits!.......2001-04-21

This is an excellent compilation of songs that express the longings, fears and exuberance of the Cinderella story. Rather than just relying of the romantic side of the myth, producer Bruce Kimmel adds depth to the story by including songs from The Slipper and The Rose and Sondheim's Into the Woods as well as the Disney and Roger & Hammerstein Cinderella versions.

When Susan Egan plans her strategy in "Promise Him Anything" and Pamela Winslow expresses her fear in "On the Steps of the Palace," the listener becomes aware of Cinderella's human side. Likewise, when Christa Moore shares her fantasy world "In My Own Corner" and Christina Noll expresses her thrill of her dream coming true in "Impossible/Suddenly It Happens," the listener is reminded of the powerful message of Cinderella's theme: dreams DO come true.

Fortunately, the compilation does not exclude humor as well. "The Stepsister's Lament" by Farah Alvin and Alet Oury is hilariously poignant; the lyrics "Why would a fellow want a girl like her? A frail and frocky beauty!" could be the alltime wallflowers' lament. And Jonathan Freeman's "What Has Love Got to Do with Getting Married?" is a droll piece of practical cynicism to his Prince son. (The song reminds me of the film Moonstruck. When Olympia DuKakis asks her daughter Cher, "Do you love him?" When Cher answered affirmatively, her mother muttered, "That's bad.")

Also, the musical bridges add to the suspense of the Cinderella story. "Midnight", "The Ball," and "If The Shoe Fits" from Prokofiev's ballet are beautifully orchestrated and remind the listener that the Cinderella myth is adaptable for many forms of entertainment.

I was a little disappointed that "So This is Love" and "The Work Song" was not included, but I guess I'm partial to the Disney version. The 1950 cartoon was my first introduction to Cinderella, and to my delight, my nephew enjoyed it as well thirty years later.

Nevertheless, this CD shows the timeless appeal of the Cinderella myth. Its beauty, humor and suspense is contained here in this magnificent collection.

Magical collection fit for a princess!.......1999-04-13

I was thrilled to come across this collection. One of my favorite movies, The Slipper and the Rose, had been out of print for many years. This CD includes 4 of the songs from that movie and though not by the original artists, just as good. The songs range from the whimsical to the romantic to a few comic gems, all from various stage and film Cinderella scores. "Tell Him Anything" from the Slipper and the Rose, a powerful song filled with longing and despair is sung movingly by Susan Egan, a nice change of pace from the cheerier, more sparkling numbers.

The score from Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is so charming and catchy it's fun to hear it again by new artists. The performers, all apparently Broadway singers (?), are all beautifully performed with exuberance and style. The orchestration is lush and appropriate to the material.

Fabuloso!!!! A must have!!!!.......1998-08-11

This is an AWESOME cd. It has songs from the original Rodgers and Hammerstein version, the Disney version, and Into the Woods. This is a faboulos collection of songs. Definetly buy it. NOW!!!!!

Average customer rating: Wow! Everyone Should Whistle An amazing intro to the body of work of a true master Beautiful, moving concert ... and I love Barbara Cook

Barbara Cook Sings Mostly Sondheim (Live at Carnegie Hall 2001) Manufacturer: Drg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Barbara Cook's Broadway! Barbara Cook at the Met with Special Guests Tribute It's Better with a Band The Champion Season: Live at the Cafe Carlyle ASIN: B000059LFF Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

1. Everybody Says Don't
2. I Wonder What Became of Me?
3. The Eagle and Me
4. I Had Myself a True Love
5. Into the Woods / Giants in the Sky (Malcolm Gets)
6. Another Hundred People / So Many People (Malcolm Gets)
7. Let's Face the Music and Dance / The Song Is You (duet with Malcolm Gets)
8. Happiness
9. Loving You
10. You Could Drive a Person Crazy
11. Not A Day Goes By / Losing My Mind

Tracks:

1. Buds Won't Bud
2. I Got Lost in His Arms
3. West Side Story Segment: Something's Coming / Tonight (Malcolm Gets)
4. Move On (duet with Malcolm Gets)
5. Medley: Hard Hearted Hannah / Waiting for the Robert E. Lee / San Francisco
6. Ice Cream
7. Send in the Clowns
8. The Trolley Song
9. Not While I'm Around (duet with Malcolm Gets)
10. Anyone Can Whistle

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Barbara Cook is one of today's most accomplished song stylists, and if you don't believe us, just listen to this live album. It's a master class in the art of singing. It documents an evening at Carnegie Hall during which Cook proved that she can dissect and extract the substance out of the simplest of lyrics. One of the best surprises is "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" (from Company), which is taken at an amiable trot and allows the singer to display its humor. Cook is not a swinging singer and uptempo is not her pace; give her a ballad, though, and she'll wring the last drop of emotion out of it. Her version of "Losing My Mind" (here paired with "Not a Day Goes By") is simply astonishing. The singer also performs songs that Sondheim has said he wished he had written, an awful lot of them by Harold Arlen. No complaints here. Guest Malcolm Gets solos on a few songs and duets with Cook on others, including "Let's Face the Music and Dance." This is classic material done masterfully by a classic singer. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Wow!.......2004-02-20

Having read the other reviews there is little more for me to add. I have been a Barbara Cook fan for a longtime and for me, this is one of her best concerts ever. I do, however, prefer the DVD. As with some other reviewers, I do not want to hear Malcolm Gets (as much as I like him) when I want to listen to Barbara. Her flawless interpretation of music is a hard act to follow for any singer! I managed to see this concert 4 times over a year and a half. Each time I saw her the voice was stronger and more assured (I would not have thought that possible). I can't help but think we will have the pleasure of hearing Ms Cook for many years to come. For those people who enjoyed his CD I strongly recommend purchasing the DVD. Barabara's rendition of So Many People is breathtaking (literally, I don't think I breathed once during the entire song). If you ever have opportunity to see her live - go! She has an ability to make you feel as if every song she sings and every word she speaks is directed to you alone. She can take a large venue and make it feel as intimate as your own living room. Having had the pleasure of meeting her I can say she is as youthful and pleasurable in person as she is in her performance.

Everyone Should Whistle.......2003-10-11

After being privileged to attend this concert, I had to own the CD. Once a lyric coloratura and the original Cunegonde in Bernstein's Candide, Ms. Cook has become (in her 70s) a true diva, blessed with a velvety, warm sound. Every note has meaning. Her high B-flat on "Ice Cream" is still the envy of any soprano today. Everyone should whistle after hearing the superb performances on this CD. Even better, though, is the experience of having been in the concert hall for the live performance. Brava, Ms. Cook!

An amazing intro to the body of work of a true master.......2003-06-16

When I first bought tickets for the 'Mostly Sondheim' show on tour (in San Francisco) I figured it couldn't be too bad. Besides, I had only been exposed to a few of his songs (Anyone Can Whistle, Losing My Mind...) and had only seen "A Little Night Music". On the way out of the theater I immediately picked up this recording of the program. It is truly amazing. I immediately began listening to it and have barely put it down in the last few months. Furthermore, my Sondheim CD collection increased in size from an unflattering zero to five (and it's still growing)! This is an amazing introduction to the works of Stephen Sondheim, who is now my favorite modern musical composer). Buy this now if you don't already have it!

Beautiful, moving concert.......2003-04-13

This is a wonderful CD set with a great selection of songs. I do want to express a slight reservation, however. Barbara Cook has been one of my favorite singers for a number of years and the way her voice defies time is extraordinary -- for her to be singing with such bright, beautiful tone in her mid-70s with no wobble or beat in the voice is an amazing achievment.

I do have to say that by 2001, when this concert was recorded, Cook seemed to have a lost a little bit of power and intensity in her singing. This is only natural for someone of her age. Her voice is still lovely, but you can sense her keeping it in reserve a bit. She's as expressive as ever, but compare the rendition of "I got lost in his arms" on this album to the one on her previous album recorded in 1999, "The Champion Season", and there's less urgency and vocal depth in her singing here. That said, the high B at the end of "Ice Cream" is sensational.

So, despite that caveat, this is, again, a wonderful album, a must for Cook fans, especially for the gorgeous renditions of songs I'd never thought I'd get to hear her perform: "Not a Day Goes By", "Happiness/Loving You", "San Francisco", etc. Buy it!

... and I love Barbara Cook.......2003-02-11

This recording is a disappointment for me. It is not her best work, and Malcolm Gets is uninspired. My biggest complaint however is the engineering of the recording. Throughout the speaking was to soft, the singing volumes uneven, and the applause deafening. I will be passing this CD on to friends, and will later donate it to my local library.

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