Show Boat (1962 Studio Cast Recording) [Original recording remastered] [Cast Recording]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
While there's not much dispute that Show Boat marked the dawn of the modern musical theater, its 1927 vintage means it's never had an original cast recording to consider definitive, although there have been various revival, studio, and film casts, as well as John McGlinn's outstanding three-disc reconstruction and compilations of early recordings. This 1962 studio cast stars John Raitt as Ravenal, Barbara Cook as Magnolia, William Warfield as Joe, and Anita Darian as Julie. It's a good cast--Cook and Warfield subsequently appeared in the 1966 revival--but it just seems a bit polite and safe compared to the darker, totally immersing experience of McGlinn's set. Still, if you're simply looking for a single well-sung, reasonably priced disc of the many Jerome Kern-Oscar Hammerstein II favorites, this may well fill the bill.

The 2000 reissue includes original and new liner notes and four interesting bonus tracks: the original Queenie, Tess Gardella, singing "Can't Help Loving Dat Man"; the original Julie, Helen Morgan, singing "Bill"; Paul Robeson singing "I Still Suits Me," written for the 1936 film; and Jan Clayton's "Nobody Else but Me," from the 1946 revival. --David Horiuchi

Show Boat (1962 Studio Cast Recording), Music, Jerome Kern, Barbara Cook, John Raitt, Anita Darian, William Warfield, Louise Parker, Fay DeWitt, Oscar Hammerstein II, The Merrill Staton Choir, Cast Recordings, Original Cast Recordings, Pop, Showtunes / B'way

TV Land Presents: Favorite TV Theme Songs
Average customer rating:

good memories for me and fun "new" songs for my children

memories

TV Theme Songs

TV themes

Deja Vu

TV Land Presents: Favorite TV Theme Songs
Cyndi Grecco , and Jones, Jack
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006EXIL
Release Date: 2002-08-20

Tracks:

I Love Lucy Theme - Wilbur Hatch
Dragnet - Ray Anthony
The Twilight Zone - Rod Open
Bonanza - Al Caiola & His Orchestra
The Andy Griffith Theme - Earle Hagen
The Ballad Of Jed Clampett - Earl Scruggs
The Addams Family (Main Theme) - Vic Mizzy
Munsters Theme - Jack Marshall
The Ballad Of Gilligan's Isle - Morton Stevens
Green Acres - Eddie Albert
Jeannie - Hugo Montenegro
Batman Theme - Neal Hefti
(Theme From) The Monkees - The Monkees
Star Trek (Main Title & Closing Theme) - The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Mannix - Lalo Schifrin
Hawaii Five-O - Mort Stevens & His Orchestra
Theme From The Brady Bunch - The Brady Bunch
Come On Get Happy - The Partridge Family
Those Were The Days - Carroll O'Connor
And Then There's Maude - Donny Hathaway
Good Times - Jim Gilstrap
Movin' On Up - Oren Waters
The Rockford Files - Mike Post
Them From S.W.A.T. - Rhythm Heritage
Happy Days - Pratt & McClain
Making Our Dreams Come True - Cyndi Grecco
Chico And The Man - Jose Feliciano
Welcome Back - John Sebastian
What's Happening!! - Henry Mancini
Barney Miller - Jack Elliott
Charlie's Angels - Jack Elliott
Love Boat Theme - Jack Jones
Angela (Theme From 'Taxi') - Bob James
It Takes Diff'rent Strokes - Gloria Loring
Theme From Dukes Of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys) - Waylon
Theme From Magnum, P.I. - Mike Post
The Theme From Hill Street Blues - Mike Post
Theme From Dynasty - Bill Conti
Theme From 'Greatest American Hero' (Believe It Or Not) - Joey Scarbury
Thank You For Being A Friend - Cynthia Fee

Album Description

TV Land brings you 40 of your favorite evening show theme songs. Highlights include 'Happy Days', 'The Greatest American Hero', 'Dukes Of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys)', 'Laverne & Shirley', 'I Dream Of Jeanie', 'I Love Lucy', 'Welcome Back, Kotter', 'The Love Boat', 'Hawaii Five-O', 'The Golden Girls' and many, many more. 2002. Rhino.

Customer Reviews:

good memories for me and fun "new" songs for my children.......2007-06-27

We had ordered this for "The Dukes of Hazzard" theme song for our 4yr old and our whole family has fallen in love with the cd. It makes me want to share some of the old fun and simple shows with my children. I forgot about some of those shows. It brings back good memories for my husband and me and the songs are new and exciting for our children. It's a nice change from children's cd's, but our children still think it's fun. The sound quality is good and the songs included on the cd are a great mix. I would definately recommend this one.

memories.......2007-02-22

This cd is excellent it has a lot of very good music and true to the original sound, Am getting a lot of enjoyment,highly recomended

TV Theme Songs.......2007-01-13

This is a great CD for people who watch a lot of TV -especially TV LAND and reruns of old shows when shows had actual theme songs. I took the CD to work and everyone loved trying to figure out what show the songs were from.

TV themes.......2006-07-05

Not all what I expected, not all of the tunes are the original recordings you remember as the TV themes.

Deja Vu.......2006-02-17

Listening to these familiar themes as performed by the original artists certainly brings back wonderful memories! I was particularly pleased, not only with the quality of the pieces, but with the actual performances themselves, just as we remembered them!

The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Average customer rating:

Some interesting choices, indeed
Great CD
Great selections, but bad transfers
Yes this is Some of the Best of Broadway!
The music of Broadway comes alive

The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ultimate Broadway

ASIN: B0002W4T9E
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

There's No Business Like Show Business
Swanee
Ol' Man River
You're The Top
Oklahoma
Luck Be A Lady
I Could Have Danced All Night
America
My Favorite Things
People
If I Were A Rich Man
The Impossible Dream
Cabaret
Let The Sunshine In
Send In The Clowns
One
Tomorrow
Memory
The Music Of The Night
Good Morning Baltimore
Defying Gravity

Amazon.com

A companion to the fabulous PBS series, the 21-song, 77-minute The Best of "Broadway: The American Musical" provides about as good a single-disc compilation as anyone could hope for. (There's also a five-CD version.) What sets it apart from so many other "best of Broadway" collections is its breadth--because it had access to a variety of record-label vaults it doesn't have to try to disguise gaps by using revivals or solo recordings. Here you get all the authentic stuff, including: Paul Robeson singing "Ol' Man River" from the first modern American musical, Show Boat; Ethel Merman singing "You're the Top"; the title song from Oklahoma!; Julie Andrews singing "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady; West Side Story's "America"; Betty Buckley singing "Memory" from Cats; Hairspray's "Good Morning Baltimore"; and "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, the newest show discussed in the PBS series. And it's hard to argue with the songwriters represented: Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Frank Loesser, Lerner and Loewe, Leonard Bernstein, Bock and Harnick, Kander and Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, among others. Obviously, no single-disc compilation could ever please everyone (did we really need two ALW songs?), but as a sampler intended for people who watched the series and want to hear more of the Great White Way, The Best of "Broadway: The American Musical" can't be topped. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Some interesting choices, indeed.......2006-03-02

This is a pretty good compilation, but I have to wonder at some of the choices that went into it.
"Good Morning Baltimore" is almost the least impressive song from Hairspray. "You Can't Stop the Beat" was a much more anthemic song from that show.
I agree that it's too bad Les Mis didn't make it in. I would have traded that for anything Sondheim, although that's a personal preference :) .
Still, the opportunity to hear the original performers and orchestras perform these works, all in one place, is a great deal.

Great CD.......2005-11-01

This one plays in the car, on the ipod and in the house. When the kids were little they would ask if we could take them to "The Street". That is what they called Broadway (little did they know at that time how famous that street is). They still love it and we can not get enough of it. This CD covers the best and makes you want to go and see a live performance. You can not beat that.

Great selections, but bad transfers.......2005-07-27

This is a great taste of broadway. If you enjoyed the B'Way series at all, then you will probably enjoy this CD. My problem with it is that some of the songs sound like they were not remastered at all- the transfer to CD is terrible. The orchestrations in "You're the top" by Ethel Merman are muffled, and the song sounds like it was taken straight from an old record and slapped onto the CD without fixing it up. It doesn't sound very clear, which is a bit upsetting and annoying. Maybe this is just because that particular recording is older than some of the songs chosen to be on this CD. The more modern songs sound crisp and new and beautiful. "Swanee" is also very low quality as if it were just taken off of a record and put on the CD without any restoration. I just feel that these songs deserved better treatment and that we as customers deserve better treatment. Decca could have restored these songs and made them sound really good, but they decided just to slap them on the CD without touching them up.

I am surprised that nothing was chosen to be on this recording from Les Miserables since it had been on Broadway for 16 years and its tour is running until 2006. There were selections from Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Wicked, so I am not sure why nothing was chosen from Les Miserables.

Other than these few nit pickings, I think that this is a great introduction to musicals. It gives a little taste across the spectrum. Try getting the cast recordings of the songs that you really like on this collection. It's worth buying if you're a huge broadway fan.

Yes this is Some of the Best of Broadway!.......2005-04-08

This CD from Decca Broadway is a wonderful selection of some of

the "Greatest Hits" of the Broadway stage. Decca and Sony have

done an excellent job of remastering the various recordings, some

of which still show some of their age, but come across quite

well. Are there a lot of songs that I would have put on this

disc? Yes, but the ones on here are good choices. I may have to

get a copy of the Five disc set and the DVD's just to see if any

more of my favorites made it on the list. What this disc seems to

try to do is show the evolution of the Broadway song from it's

early days to the present. It succeeds quite well I think.

If you enjoy Broadway theater this CD is a must!

The music of Broadway comes alive.......2004-10-07

I loved listening to this CD. The music from Broadway's best loved musicals are on this album. I recogized most of these songs, even though I've only seen a few of them on the local stage. I have so many favorites on this CD. It is hard to pick one. I'm a big fan of Barbara Streisand. I loved her performance of People from Funny Girl. Memory is the hit song from the musical Cats. Betty Buckley's performance of this song is so emotional and sincere.

I loved the song Annie. It is a wonderfully optimistic song performed by the original Annie Andrea McArdle. Another highlight for me is the song One performed by the cast of a Chorus Line. Luck Be A Lady Tonight is another of my favorite broadway songs on this CD from Guys and Dolls. The music of the night is a beautiful song by Michael Crawford from Phantom of the Opera. Richard Kiley has such a strong and powerful voice. He sounds so inspirational singing The Impossible Dream from Man from La Mancha. My dream is to see some musicals on Broadway someday and listen to these songs performed live.

I'm surprised that there isn't any music from Miss Saigon or Jesus Christ Superstar included here. I think they are classic musicals with great songs Maybe they will appear on a future compilation from PBS.

Show Boat: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1951 Film)

Average customer rating:

great cd
Buy another version
Sount track
"Make Believe" alone is worth it!
Great movie version of great show - BUT ...

Show Boat: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1951 Film)
Jerome Kern , and Oscar Hammerstein II
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Show Boat
The King and I (1956 Film Soundtrack)

ASIN: B0000033KL
Release Date: 1995-05-23

Tracks:

Main Title - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra And Chorus
Cap'n Andy's Calliope - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
Natchez - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
Cap'n Andy's Presentation - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra And Chorus
Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
Encore On Dock - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
Where's The Mate For Me? (Gambler's Song) - Howard Keel
Young Romance - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
Make Believe - Kathryn Grayson And Howard Keel
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - Annette Warren
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - Reprise #1 - Kathryn Grayson/Ava Gardner/Annette Warren
I Might Fall Back On You - Marge And Gower Champion
Julie Leaves The Boat - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra And Chorus
Ol' Man River - William Warfield
Ol' Man River - Reprise - William Warfield
You Are Love - Kathryn Grayson And Howard Keel
Why Do I Love You? - Kathryn Grayson And Howard Keel
Ravenal Is Gone - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
Bill - Annette Warren
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man - Kathryn Grayson
Life On The Wicked Stage - Marge And Gower Champion
After The Ball - Kathryn Grayson
Packet Boat - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
Natchez Dock - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
Make Believe - Reprise - Howard Keel
Reunion - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra
Ol' Man River - Finale Ultimo - William Warfield And Chorus
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (Outtake) - Ava Gardner
Bill (Outtake) - Ava Gardner

Customer Reviews:

great cd.......2007-05-07

I am very happy with this cd, it is as good as the movie is, not one song has been left out, a great cd to listen to.

Buy another version.......2007-04-28

I have several recordings of Show Boat, and as much as I like the movie version, this is by far the weakest recording of them all. This should actually be called highlights from Show Boat as the score is mercilessly cut. Most problematic is the really poor (in some cases terrible) sound. In their attempt to rerecord the music in stereo the sound has become muffled with no dynamic range at all. The stereo effects are just wishful thinking. My old Metro LP sounds better. Even Ava Gardner's excellent tracks can't save this one. I like most of the Rhino soundtracks, but you can skip this one.

Sount track.......2007-01-09

I goofed and did not pay attention to how it was labeled, I thought i was ordering the actual movie.. but his is a fine musical!

"Make Believe" alone is worth it!.......2006-07-26

I'm not even close to being an expert on music, but this album is so marvelous, so uplifting and beautiful, that it will send you singing the tunes all day. How can you not sing along with some of the best music of the 20th century? Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel blend so perfectly, and Grayson's range is stunning. Ava Gardner puts her whole body into her songs and you can just picture her sultry eyes.

No doubt, this is the best purchase I've made all year. This is real MUSIC.

Great movie version of great show - BUT ..........2006-01-11

As other reviewers have said - this is a wonderful show - Jerome Kern's masterpiece. And it must be admitted that the performances are, on the whole, magnificent. Ava Gardner's own singing was overdubbed on the soundtrack itself - whoever decided this was necessary was obviously tone deaf - and the fact that we have her original versions is great.

SO why do I give this soundtrack version only 4 stars (actually if we had half stars I think I'd make it 3.5!

1. The arrangements are very "rich" - of course you are welcome to prefer them to the clearer, brighter orchestrations of just about all the available stage versions if you like - I for one don't!

2. The remastering is a little strange. They have rechanelled the original mono sound track into stereo - and although this is by no means so dire as usual in such cases (they were actually able to use the output of separate microphones!) it DOES sound just a little peculiar. Or is it just my aging ears? Anyway - the sound is really not outstanding, even taking into consideration that is is after all a fifties soundtrack.

3. The film bowdlerised the play quite a bit - as well as "sexual explicitness" - the anti-racist message of the original stage version was considered a little too blunt for fifties Hollywood. While the effect on the soundtrack is not great - there are one or two key songs missing. And changes to the lyrics like "I've got talent but it ain't been tested" instead of "I've got virtue but it ain't been tested" take away half the humour without necessarily making the show any "purer".

If you are a real fan of Show Boat itself, or of Jerome Kern, or even just of musicals in general you will probably NEED to own this CD, if only for the sake of completeness.

On the other hand, if you have a good stage version of the same show this one probably may not get played too often.

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Average customer rating:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
Top Shelf
TERRIFIC CD'S
Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
Great Compilation!

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
Swanee- Al Jolson
When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
My Man- Fanny Brice
Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
Body And Soul- Libby Holman
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
Night And Day- Fred Astaire
Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
You're The Top- Ethel Merman
Summertime- Anne Brown
September Song- Walter Huston
My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
People- Barbra Streisand
Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
Come Follow The Band
Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

Memory- Betty Buckley
I Am What I Am- George Hearn
Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
With One Look- Glenn Close
On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
Seasons Of Love-
Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway

Average customer rating:

Cotton Blossoms
Great Teaser........
one of the best SHOW BOAT cast albums
A wonderful, flawed recording
Ummm...it's a good try

Show Boat (1993 Toronto Revival Cast)
Jerome Kern , and Oscar Hammerstein II
Manufacturer: Quality Video
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000001ZB9
Release Date: 1994-06-28

Tracks:

Overture
Cotton Blossom/Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo
Make Believe
Ol' Man River
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
Till Good Luck Comes My Way
Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun'
I Have the Room Above
Life upon the Wicked Stage
Queenie's Ballyhoo
You Are Love
Actone Finale- The Wedding Celebration
Entr'acte
Why Do I Love You?/ Montage I: The Sports of Gay Chicago
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Bill
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (Reprise)
Good Bye, My Lady Love
After the Ball
Montage II: Ol' Man River
Kim's Charleston
Act Two: Finale

Amazon.com

When this Jerome Kern (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics and libretto, based on Edna Ferber's novel) show premiered in 1927 it powerfully changed the course of musicals by being about something: the sweep of 40 years of American history, racial tensions and relations (including miscegenation), even spousal and parental abandonment. It also featured some of the most splendid songs ever written for the legitimate stage, both building on the operetta and music-hall past, and presaging plot-advancement and character-development numbers (which took another quantum leap in Oklahoma). "Make Believe," "Why Do I Love You?" and "Ol' Man River" became standards almost at first hearing, and the production was a hit in spite of the controversy surrounding it. Show Boat suffered only from the lack of sophisticated recording techniques to preserve the original performances, although Helen Morgan (who played the mulatto Julie) later recorded her signature song "Bill." Three movie versions and countless stage revivals kept Show Boat alive and popular--although bowdlerized--for almost 50 years without a definitive recording. (The 1971 production, with Cleo Laine as Julie, came closest.) But it's all here, in the 1994 Toronto recording whose cast transferred almost intact to Broadway. It's a glorious rendering from start to finish, with Rebecca Luker and Mark Jacoby as good as any Magnolia and Gaylord Ravenal we're ever likely to hear. And, I'm sorry Helen and Cleo, but Lonette McKee's "Bill" (with lyrics by P G. Wodehouse) is the most wrenching rendition I've ever heard. --Robert Windeler

Customer Reviews:

Cotton Blossoms.......2006-01-06

"....Oh, Gay!" cooes sweet Magnolia; Paul Robeson wouldn't have raised an eyebrow, although, nowadays, (where Sondheim and the English "grand operatic musical" have reigned supreme for two decades) a romantic lead called `Gaylord Ravenal', nicknamed `Gay', might have been eschewed, let alone the "n" word (Hal Prince ruled to change it for "color'd people"), also the melodies might be considered rather "passé"....yet hardly any current tenor would be too happy (or able) to go through the notes in "You Are Love" every single night.... passé or not.... So, can anyone consider some tune from `Cats' or `Phantom' either better constructed or more "modern" than, say, Kern's "I Have the Room Above" or "Bill"? Oscar Hammerstein's composer decades later, the great Richard Rodgers, tried his hand at "sublime choral writing" for children and nuns in is arch-twee billion-dollar "Sound of Music" score, yet, in comparison, Kern tackled "Alma Redentoris Mater" with simplicity and charm, having the bass intoning Ol' Man River as a Passacaglia. OK, maybe Ellie's numbers are a bit insipid, yet they retain wit and fitness from its forerunner, the English Music-Hall. On the other extreme, a jewel like "Can't Help Lovin Dat Man of Mine", with its gorgeous blue-note-scale melody, has hardly been equaled. Gershwin's aria "What You Want wid Bess?", a comparable gem, was written nearly 10 years later.... (the scholarly L. Bernstein, in his "On The Town" -particularly in the initial baritone song- had Kern and Gershwin, inherently, in mind).

This recording is beautiful, faithful to its period and the sound is transparent and perfectly well balanced. The voices are nicely styled and unmannered, the orchestra sounds just like it should: a pit band (unlike in so many revival recordings of great musicals that over-inflate the orchestrations with Wagnerian forces). Mark Jacoby is a fine light tenor, although a triffle thin at times; regretably, his "You Are Love" interval jumps are strained on top. Rebeca Luker sounds pure and perfect throughout, even when refraining "fish gotta swim" after the gorgeous bluesy rendition of Lonette McKee, maybe my favourite Julie of all times (since we couldn't ever have Lady Day in the cast....) Michel Bell is a passionate, robust-voiced Joe and Gretha Boston's Queenie is marvellous; her "Mis'ry's Comin' Round" remins both the shrewish Maria and the religious Serena Robbins from "Porgy and Bess"....(again, I recall Kern's influence on Gershwin's own folk opera).

A must-have album, expertly abridged., worth every penny (and of its $10 million Livent Inc. stage production) if only for Elaine Stritch's moving, anthological performance in "Why do I Love You?".

Great Teaser...............2004-08-29

This classic American musical seems to have suffered from some curse, which has successfully prevented it from recieving proper recognition and also seems to have produced very few official "original cast" recordings for us to enjoy.

Obviously, I'm not serious about such curse, but in my opinion, this 1993 Canadian production highlights recording, is the latest "teaser" which only makes us Show Boat fans all the more curious.

This recording is an excellent edition of the Jerome Kern legendary score. Though somewhat adapted to reflect changing ideals and delivery style, the score remains as faithful as possible to the original. The cast is absolutely perfect in all areas of performance art. I wish there was more of Robert Morse's Captain Andy, because the little snippets he recieves are only enough to want to hear more. Captain Andy has the fewest singing parts in the musical than any other character, which brings me to my next point.

It's more than obvious, that Livent rushed the tempo here, in order to fit as much material possible into one single compact disc recording. Whatever the reasoning behind this, it's rather irritating upon making it's first impression. I purchased this recording many years ago at a local Tower records store and shut it off by the end of the first track, because I couldn't keep up with the incredibly fast tempo. I recall my sister and I looking at each other with our mouths wide open. Yes, it's that fast!

Well, don't let this deter you from looking for a good used copy. This fast-forward-like tempo is limited to only a few tracks, mainly ensemble numbers, while the solos and duets are left unaltered. Sadly, it took me several years to finally discover the splendor of this recording upon giving it another try back in 1998. Since then, I've nearly worn it out.

I had the pleasure of seeing this grand Harold Prince production back in 1996, when it's 1st national tour parked itself into the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. It remains my second favorite musical of all time and have since been waiting for an official full recording, with dialogue and original tempo intact. After Livent's misfortune, this is highly unlikely. Add this one to your collection at once! A must for any fan of great classic American musical theatre and a great teaser of a sampler for fans of this most neglected musical masterpiece.

one of the best SHOW BOAT cast albums.......2004-08-16

Hal Prince's epic revival of SHOW BOAT was a huge success in Toronto, and it quickly transferred to Broadway, spawning a national tour as well as productions in London and Australia. This cast album features the original Toronto company, headed by Rebecca Luker as Magnolia, with Robert Morse as Capt'n Andy, Elaine Stritch as Parthy, Lonette McKee as Julie and Michel Bell as Joe. This cast is simply sensational. This recording of SHOW BOAT is one of the more satisfying out of the myriad of cast albums that exist for this score. The Jerome Kern-Oscar Hammerstein score perfectly bridges the styles of opera, operetta and musical comedy to tell the sprawling tale of a troupe of river-players over a span of nearly 30 years. Orchestrations by William David Brohn (combined with the originals by Robert Russell Bennett) perfectly define the changing era's in the story. The cast also features Gretha Boston as Queenie, Joel Blum as Frank, Dorothy Stanley as Ellie and Tammy Amerson as Kim with Mark Jacoby as Ravenal. This recording is currently out-of-print because the company which bankrolled the revival (Livent) is no longer in operation.

A wonderful, flawed recording.......2004-03-22

Like the "Music Fan" who previously commented on this recording, I am also a theatre student specializing in dramaturgy, with an interest in musical theatre. And I happen to like this CD.

Yes, any production of SHOW BOAT should take into account historical accuracy. And yes, there are anachronisms in this recording (there are also anachronisms in the original score). But I think it's important to recall that while SHOW BOAT's plot begins in 1887, it was of course written in 1927 -- and revived by Harold Prince in 1993. This is the story of America's transition from the 19th century to the 20th, as seen through the eyes of several generations of 20th century American artists. Kern and Hammerstein did not intend their work to be a museum piece about the 1880's, nor did Prince intend his revival to be a museum piece about the 1920's. SHOW BOAT, as critic Ethan Mordden points out, is a musical that must constantly be reinterpreted and rediscovered for each successive audience, and this 1993 recording reflects that thinking. For example, the character of Julie may have been written for soprano Helen Morgan to play, but subsequent revivals have cast a belter in the role, to endow Julie with an earthiness and a contemporaneity and to contrast her with Ravenal and Magnolia's operatic grandeur.

The glory of Prince's revival, which won universal critical acclaim and a trunkful of Tonys, is that it gives SHOW BOAT its proper due as a great, groundbreaking work of American art, but it also acknowledges the problems inherent in the original book and production and tries to solve them. The character of Parthy, for example, was supposed to be a shrewish old spoilsport: that's tradition. But this production is about rediscovery, not tradition. Thus, Prince takes the song "Why Do I Love You?", originally a love duet between Magnolia and Ravenal, and reassigns it to Parthy to croon to the infant Kim. Elaine Stritch pulls it off superbly; with this brief number, she rescues the character from the trap of stereotype and turns Parthy into a complete person, full of wonder at her new role as a grandmother. Listen to Stritch's voice break with emotion as she sings "Maybe that's because you love me" -- it's a brilliantly human moment.

The major flaw of this recording is that it includes almost no spoken dialogue, except for brief passages in "I Have the Room Above Her" and the Act Two Finale. Much of the orchestral underscoring is included, though, and this seems to make the gap in between the verses of the songs all the more obvious. This elimination, in my opinion, damages the overall quality, since we lose the transitional dialogue that helps us understand some of the more complex songs like "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" and "After the Ball." The former foreshadows how Julie will be exposed as a mulatto, and eventually be abandoned by her husband; the latter shows Magnolia discovering her own strength and identity, on the eve of the 20th century, by reconnecting with her family (Hammerstein's favorite theme). But without the dialogue, "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" and "After the Ball" devolve from complex musical scenes into rather simple showtunes.

What's unfortunate is that the voices in this recording -- Mark Jacoby, Rebecca Luker, Robert Morse, Gretha Boston, Lonette McKee, and of course, Stritch -- are all well-rounded musical theatre performers with solid acting backgrounds. In particular, I wish I could have heard McKee use that rich voice to tackle the Miscegenation Scene. Certainly, these singer-actors could have handled the spoken sections better than do the glamorous opera stars of John McGlinn's comprehensive, if rather pompous, three-disc set.

One thing about this recording that takes a bit of time getting used to is the tempo at which the music is conducted. Some of the numbers sound, I swear, like they're on fast-forward. The overture, for example, clocks in at a brisk 2:47. McGlinn uses the same arrangement, with only a few additional bars of music -- but his version lasts a whole two minutes longer. The up-tempo conducting endows the score with an unusual vitality, but sometimes obscures the moments of romance and serenity.

But on the whole, the merits of this album far outweigh the flaws. I enjoy the 1993 SHOW BOAT recording very much, and recommend it to anyone who's seriously interested in the American musical theatre. Hope they bring it back into print soon; till then, have fun finding yourself a used copy.

Ummm...it's a good try.......2003-01-29

I'm sorry, I really wanted to like this CD seeing as I am a huge Show Boat fan, but I felt that it tried too hard to sound flashy and modern. The orchestra was harsh and shallow and the new arrangements were abominations on the great Robert Russell Bennett's originals. Yes, Rebecca Luker is a wonderful Magnolia, and I wish she had played the part in a better production. Mark Jacoby made me cringe so much, and Michel Bell had no oomph except for unneeded outbursts. The rest of the cast was decent enough. The only other thing that really makes me not like this recording is that I'm a theater student currently studying dramaturgy (that's where you research the period a play takes place in). Whoever was the dramaturg for this production should never be allowed to work again. The music was way too late 20's jazz in the first act, which is supposed to be in the late 1800's, and Lonnette McKee's belter Julie wouldn't have turned up for at least another decade or so. Am I too picky? Maybe. But if you want a CD with the real heart and soul of this piece, pick up the much-lauded John McGlinn studio cast. It is so much better than this one.

Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast): Von Stade; Hubbard; Hadley; McGlinn

Average customer rating:

An American Treasure
DON'T DESPAIR. IT'S BEEN REISSUED!!!!!
An American tragedy....
Gorgeous!
Defective disc.

Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast): Von Stade; Hubbard; Hadley; McGlinn
Frederica von Stade , Jerome Kern , Jerry Hadley , Bruce Hubbard , Teresa Stratas , David Garrison , Leslie Fyson , John McGlinn , and London Sinfonietta
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Carousel (1987 Studio Cast)
Pal Joey: 1995 Original New York Cast Recording
Kiss Me, Kate (1948 Original Broadway Cast)
Lady, Be Good! (1992 Studio Cast Recording)
Oh, Kay! (1994 Studio Recording)

ASIN: B000002SJL
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Overture
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cotton Blossom: Niggers all work on d Mississippi... (Stevedores, Gals, Queenie, Steve, Pete, 1st Mincing Miss, 2nd Mincing Miss, Beaux, Girls & Boys)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cotton Blossom: 'Andy!!!...' (Parthy, Windy, 1st Mincing Miss, 2nd Mincing Miss)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'Here comes the Show Boat parade!...' (Boy, Girls, Boys, Andy, Parthy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'Hey Julie...' (Pete, Julie, Steve, Parthy, Andy, Ellie)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'It's a man...' (Ellie, Ravenal, Vallon)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Where's the Mate for Me?: Who cares if my boat goes upstream... (Ravenal, Magnolia)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Make Believe: Only make believe I love you... (Ravenal, Magnolia, Vallon)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Ol' Man River: 'Oh, Joe!...' (Magnolia, Joe, Men)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Two - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man: 'What cher doin' all by yourself, Miss Nola?...' (Queenie, Magnolia, Julie, Joe, Servants)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Three - Life on the Wicked Stage: Why do stage struck maidens clamor... (Ellie, Girls)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Three - Till Good Luck Comes My Way: The man who ventures with chance... (Ravenal, Men)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': Mis'ry's comin' aroun'... (Queenie, Women, Joe Magnolia, Julie, Men, Solo Bass)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Take her up, Rubberface!...' (Andy, Julie, Steve, Magnolia, Parthy, Ellie, Windy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Hello, Windy...' (Vallon, Andy, Magnolia, Steve, Julie, Windy, Ellie, Parthy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'You needn't all look at us...' (Steve, Colored Chorus, Andy, Parthy, Magnolia, Ellie, Frank)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Looks like a swell...' (Andy, Parthy, Frank, Ravenal, Julie, Magnolia, Steve, Joe)

Tracks:

Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - I Would Like to Play a Lover's Part: Her face is fair to look upon... (Boys, Girls, Ellie, Frank)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - I Might Fall Back on You: Little girl, you are safe with me... (Frank, Ellie, Girls)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - Queenie's Ballyhoo: 'Is de theatre fillin' up, Cap'n Andy?...' (Queenie, Andy, Colored Chorus)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Six - Villain Dance
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Seven - You Are Love: 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal, Windy, Magnolia, Parthy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Eight - Finale Act One: Oh tell me, did you ever!... (Firls, Boys, Chorus, Andy, Women, Men, Negro Women, Magnolia, Parthy, Vallon, Pete)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - At the Fair: When we tell them about it all... (All, 1st Barker, Boys, Girls, Chorus, 2nd Barker, Men, 3rd Barker)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - Why Do I Love You?: I'm walking on the air, dear... (Magnolia, Ravenal, Chorus, Andy)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - In Dahomey: Dyunga doe!... (Dahomey Villagers, White Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Three - Convent Scene: Alma Redmptoris Mater... (Nuns, Mother Superior, Ravenal, Kim)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Four: 'All right, Jake...' (Jim, Jake, Julie)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Four - Bill: I used to dream... (Julie)
Show Boat: Magnolia's Audition - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (Reprise): Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly... (Magnolia)
Show Boat: Magnolia's Audition - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (Reprise): 'Whaddaya say, boss?...' (Frank, Jim, Magnolia, Jake)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Trocadero Opening Chorus: Let's make the new year... (Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Apache Dance
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Goodbye, My Lady Love: So you're going away... (Frank, Ellie)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - After the Ball: 'Ladies and Gentlemen...' (Jim, Drunk, Andy, Magnolia, A Man, All)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Seven - Ol' Man River (Reprise): Ol' Man River... (Joe)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Seven - Hey, Feller!: When you yen for a gent... (Queenie, Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Eight - You Are Love (Reprise): 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal)

Tracks:

Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine: Cottom Blossom (Reprise): Cotton Blossom... (Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - It's Getting Hotter in the North: Now up in the northern land... (Kim, Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - It's Getting Hotter in the North: 'Say, Cap'n Andy...' (Frank, Ellie, Andy)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - Finale Ultimo: 'Hello, Gay...' (Andy, Hope, Ravenal, Girl, Man, Magnolia, Old Lady, Chorus)
Show Boat: Appendix - Pantry Scene (Act One, Scene Two; deleted - 1927): 'What cher doin' all by yourself, Miss Nola?...' (Queenie, Magnolia, Julie, Joe, Servants)
Show Boat: Appendix - Waterfront Saloon Scene (Act One, Scene Three; deleted - 1927): 'Number four, black!...' (Voice (off), Ravenal, Loungers, Gambler)
Show Boat: Appendix - Yes, Ma'am (Act One, Scene Three; unused - 1927): Bet your hat... (Girls, Ellie)
Show Boat: Appendix - Kim's Imitations (Why Do I Love You?): (Act Two, Scene Nine; Ziegfeld Production - 1927): Why do I love you?... (Kim, Chorus)
Show Boat: Appendix - Dance Away the Night (Act Two, Scene Nine; London - 1928): Music in the air... (Kim, Girls, Boys)
Show Boat: Appendix - A Pack of Cards (Act One, Scene Six?; unused - 1927): One night as I sat by my fireside so weary... (Magnolia)
Show Boat: Appendix - The Creole Love Song (Act One, Scene Seven; unused - 1927): 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal, Windy, Magnolia)
Show Boat: Appendix - Out There in an Orchard (Act Two, Scene Four; unused - 1927): There was a sun sinking slowly in the west... (Julie)
Show Boat: Appendix - Gallivantin' Aroun' (Universal Film - 1936): Liza Matilda HIll... (Magnolia, Chorus)
Show Boat: Appendix - I Have the Room Above Her (Universal Film - 1936): 'Seems to me I've seen that stocking someplace...' (Ravenal, Magnolia)
Show Boat: Appendix - Ah Still Suits Me (Universal Film - 1936): 'Joe! Dere you go again!...' (Queenie, Joe)
Show Boat: Appendix - Nobody Else But Me (Act Two, Scene Nine; 1946 Revival): I was a shy, demure type... (Kim, Chorus)

Amazon.com

John McGlinn's sprawling, monumental three-CD set is about all the Show Boat any listener could ever ask for. In an obvious labor of love, McGlinn reconstructs the show as it ran on opening night, November 15, 1927, including every song, the original orchestrations, and all underscored dialogue. The most significant restoration is the dark choral number "Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun'," as Show Boat's serious subject matter helped establish its place as the most important turning point in the history of American musical theater. McGlinn also adds an appendix that includes songs cut before opening night and every song subsequently written for the show's many productions, most notably the love duet "I Have the Room Above Her," written for the 1936 film. (The recording is also available in a one-disc reduction called the "Broadway Show Album.")

Rest assured this 221-minute blockbuster is not just dry scholarship; it's also terrific listening, with McGlinn conducting a dynamic London Sinfonietta and a strong cast including Frederica von Stade as Magnolia, Jerry Hadley as Ravenal, Teresa Stratas as the tragic Julie, Bruce Hubbard as the worldly wise Joe, Karla Burns as Queenie, and David Garrison and Paige O'Hara as the comic couple Frank and Ellie. And of course the songs by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II are among the most glorious ever written: "Ol' Man River," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Make Believe," "Why Do I Love You," "Bill," "You Are Love," and "Life upon the Wicked Stage." Also included are exhaustive production notes, a history of the show, a detailed synopsis, and a libretto. John McGlinn's Show Boat is a staggering achievement and a recording for the ages. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

An American Treasure.......2007-03-03

When PBS showed the 1989 Paper Mill Playhouse production of Showboat, my five year old daughter fell in love with musical theater. To this day we never miss a production of Showboat, West Side Story, Music Man, Oklahoma or the rest of the great American musicals. These 3 discs are the closest you can ever hear to the original in 1927 and the recordings are leaps and bounds above any movie version or revival cast. Listening to Bill or Make Believe you almost want to cry at what Kern and Hammerstein were able to create.

I defy anyone to come up with another Broadway production that has three songs in a row better than Make Believe, Ol' Man River and Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (West Side Story's Maria, America and Tonight are the best three in a row of a movie musical) and it's a shame that no movie version of Showboat can compare to this version. The first act is full of songs that are as good as any ever sung on a stage and I can't think of another production with a first act that compete against the big 3 plus Cotton Blossom, Where's The Mate For Me, Life On The Wicked Stage, Till Good Luck Comes My Way, Misry's Comin' Aroun', You are Love, Act One finale and Why Do I Love You?. You just don't want to have the music stop.

If you don't like opera you won't like this version. Sung the way Kern and Hammerstein wrote them, you can't help but feel the operatic nature of these songs. Tough noogies because Showboat is above all an opera disguised as a Broadway play and no sweetening should be allowed.

The four leads are all superb, Frederica von Stade as Nola especially. The booklet contains the complete libretto and allows a different way to appreciate the music.

If you buy just one version of Showboat you need this one. If you have other versions of Showboat you need this one. As a matter of fact, anyone with ears to hear needs this version. A true American treasure.

DON'T DESPAIR. IT'S BEEN REISSUED!!!!!.......2006-11-16

One of the great recordings of musical theatre ever. Although it's no longer available on EMI Angel, it was reissued in October, 2006, as an EMI Classic's "Great Recordings of the Century." It's been "Digitially Remastered at Abbey Road Studios from the Original Masters" and "noise-shaped via the Prism SNS system for optimum sound quality." If ART remastering does for this recording what it has done for other EMI Classics in my library, then it should sound superb. However, I understand the booklet is not as detailed as the one in the original 3-disc release.

Thank you, EMI.

I would hope other labels would follow suit and remaster and reissue other examples of classic American musical theater. It would be a pity if our children, grandchildren, and future generations were unable to savor "110 in the Shade" or "Little Mary Sunshine" or . . . . . . . . . (fill in the blanks.)

An American tragedy...........2006-02-06

This is the first of the great American musical plays, and probably remained unchallenged until the mid-1950s when West Side Story appeared. The term "musical comedy" does not apply. The few laugh lines are subsumed by the terrible sense of loss and disaster that work throughout the story. At its core is homelessness, the destruction wrought by racism, bad choices, human weakness, and reconciliation. The cast?--this was one of the few crossover recordings I've ever heard that actually worked. The trio of Jerry Hadley, Frederica von Stade, and Teresa Stratas is a marvel; Stratas in particular seems to have had a patented Dark Cloud that shadowed her. It's perfect for Julie Dozier Laverne. And the late Bruce Hubbard brings a magnificent dignity and voice to Joe--his singing of "Ol' Man River" amy not efface Paul Robeson, but can stand beside it.

Gorgeous!.......2005-08-26

Simply gorgeous! The most unforgetable music and the best voices! An album for all time!
M. J. Conrades

Defective disc........2005-08-15

I received this item on July 27, 2005. I played it on my portable CD player and found out that Disc 2 of the set was defective. It kept on skipping on my CD player. So, I returned it for a refund.

Average customer rating:

Fabulous
Dream Come True
IT DESERVES 6 STARS
Show Boat

Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast Highlights)
Jerome Kern , Jerry Hadley , Bruce Hubbard , Teresa Stratas , David Garrison , Frederica von Stade , John McGlinn , and London Sinfonietta
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | 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
Similar Items:

Little Mary Sunshine (1959 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
Brigadoon (1947 Original Broadway Cast)
Lotte Lenya Sings Kurt Weill / Levine, Lenya, Armstrong, Gilford, et al
South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall
West Side Story (1957 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000002RR9
Release Date: 1990-05-08

Tracks:

Show Boat: Overture
Show Boat: Cotton Blossom
Show Boat: Where's The Mate For Me?/Make Believe
Show Boat: Ol' Man River
Show Boat: Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
Show Boat: Life On The Wicked Stage
Show Boat: Till Good Luck Comes My Way
Show Boat: I Might Fall Back On You
Show Boat: Queenie's Ballyhoo
Show Boat: You Are Love
Show Boat: Finale Act One
Show Boat: At The Fair
Show Boat: Why Do I Love You?
Show Boat: Bill
Show Boat: Goodbye, My Lady Love
Show Boat: After The Ball
Show Boat: Hey, Feller!
Show Boat: Finale Ultimo

Amazon.com

This one-disc reduction of John McGlinn's monumental three-CD version of Show Boat provides 75 minutes of highlights in a package dubbed the "Broadway Show Album." McGlinn reconstructs the show as it ran on opening night, November 15, 1927, including the original orchestrations, and conducts a dynamic London Sinfonietta and a strong cast including Frederica von Stade as Magnolia, Jerry Hadley as Ravenal, Teresa Stratas as the tragic Julie, Bruce Hubbard as the worldly-wise Joe, Karla Burns as Queenie, and David Garrison and Paige O'Hara as the comic couple Frank and Ellie. And of course the songs by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II are among the most glorious ever written: "Ol' Man River," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Make Believe," "Why Do I Love You," "Bill," "You Are Love," and "Life upon the Wicked Stage." John McGlinn's full version is a staggering achievement and a recording for the ages, but this single disc is also splendid listening. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous.......2002-10-03

Let me start off by saying that my first experiences with Show Boat came through the splendid 1951 MGM movie version. Having never seen Show Boat performed live on stage, this CD pretty much brings the live experience home (and note I said 'this' CD; the full 3-disc set would be just short of actually being front row center). The immortal Kern/Hammerstein score is one of my favorites (right up there with My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, and Brigadoon) and is definately one of the greatest ever written for the musical theater.

Since Show Boat does not have an official original cast album, I suppose that this one suffices quite well. All original orchestrations are used here and the music is as it was on opening night in 1927. This is the most complete version available (whether you go with the full set or just this disc). The 1946 revival cast album is the oldest 'complete' album and is nice when paired with this disc to give one a sense of how Show Boat sounded in the early days.

I really didn't care much for this CD at first, but after listening to it a couple more times, I like it better and better each time. McGlinn certainly did right by this one! I'm not too familiar with most of the cast (save for Frederica Von Stade and Paige O'Hara), but they're all great. You'd think that this is a recording of a live performance, not just a studio album. Fantastic singing is had thoughout. McGlinn also did a great job with Brigadoon 3 years later, and did he not have a similar effort with Annie Get Your Gun as well?

I still think that the MGM movie version and its soundtrack album are the best but this rendition is definately not bad! Highly recommended. But if you can, pick up a copy of the movie soundtrack or of the 1946 revival album for comparison.

Dream Come True.......2002-08-22

First, "Showboat" is my all time favorite Musical, from the '40's and '50's when my mother took us to the movies every Sunday. I have video tapes of the 1951 MGM version with Howard Keel and Kathyrn Grayson, as well as the earlier movie version. A few years ago, I saw a TV special on the making of the three Disc complete remake of Showboat, true to the original score. I tried to get a cy of it but no local store could help me. Then through the magic of computers and AMAZON.com, I obtained the three disc set plus this single CD, which I treasure. This one is the best, without doubt. Now I have the complete version of songs and music I only vaguely remembered from the TV special. I wish someone would make a movie just like this version so I could have it on DVD. The whole cast and orchestra are awesome, especially Frederica von Stade. I have since bought other CDs of her work. Buy the three disc set if you can afford it, it has a thick booklet with the actual score and dialogue. But if you cannot, buy this CD. This is the ultimate, the prototype Broadway musical.

IT DESERVES 6 STARS.......2001-06-29

I can't thank enough all the people responsable for this terrific revival cast album.Here is a perfect example of how you should do a classic show and maintain the original intentions of the writer and the composer.If they were alive,JEROME KERN and OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN would have been proud of the way their masterpiece have survived them.It is impossible to imagine a better version of the show;this is the definitive one.It's funny when you think of it,most people know the songs by heart,yet it seems that we rediscover the show with this version.Suddently ,we are in 1927 and mister ZIEGFELD is scared like hell that he will loose a lot of money with this;but that's strangely the situation in which the modern AMERICAN musical was born.

Show Boat.......2000-09-10

I really like this recording! The voices are really great. I especially liked "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man." I would recommend this CD to everyone who likes the show and musical theatre.

Average customer rating:

The Best Recording of the Bunch
Generally a good highlights disc... but some reservations...
a lovely recording
Five stars for Barbara Cook alone!
Pretty good

Show Boat (1962 Studio Cast Recording)
Jerome Kern , Barbara Cook , John Raitt , Anita Darian , William Warfield , Louise Parker , Fay DeWitt , Oscar Hammerstein II , and The Merrill Staton Choir
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004THLR
Release Date: 2000-05-30

Tracks:

Overture
Cotton Blossom
Where's The Mate For Me?
Make Believe
Ol' Man River
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
Life Upon The Wicked Stage
You Are Love
Finale Act I
Opening Act II: Sports Of Gay Chicago
Why Do I Love You?
Bill
After The Ball
Finale Act II
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (Mono) - Tess Gardella
Bill (Mono) - Helen Morgan
I Still Suits Me (Mono) - Paul Robeson
Nobody Else But Me (Mono) - Jan Clayton/Chorus

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While there's not much dispute that Show Boat marked the dawn of the modern musical theater, its 1927 vintage means it's never had an original cast recording to consider definitive, although there have been various revival, studio, and film casts, as well as John McGlinn's outstanding three-disc reconstruction and compilations of early recordings. This 1962 studio cast stars John Raitt as Ravenal, Barbara Cook as Magnolia, William Warfield as Joe, and Anita Darian as Julie. It's a good cast--Cook and Warfield subsequently appeared in the 1966 revival--but it just seems a bit polite and safe compared to the darker, totally immersing experience of McGlinn's set. Still, if you're simply looking for a single well-sung, reasonably priced disc of the many Jerome Kern-Oscar Hammerstein II favorites, this may well fill the bill.

Customer Reviews:

The Best Recording of the Bunch.......2004-11-24

There are several recordings of this landmark musical, and in my view, this is the best overall.

I've heard the soundtrack from the 1951 movie, which is pretty good. That recording, however, whitewashes some of the lyrics and is not as good in quality as this 1962 recording (which still edits some lyrics). There is also a 1988 recording which seems to be well liked, but I don't like the tempos, and the quality of the performers seems to be lower, especially with respect to "Ol' Man River." It is a thorough recording, though (3 CDs, w/ more dialogue)

My favorite recording of "Ol' Man River" happens to be on the Lincoln Center cast, but the rest of that recording is a hack-job. There is also the 1993 Toronto cast version with Michel Bell and Robert Morse, but I haven't heard it yet.

Which brings me back to this version. The recording quality is great, William Warfield does a good job, and the performances are very strong overall for all the hits-"Make Believe," "Bill," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," and "Ol' Man River." I'm glad I bought it.

Generally a good highlights disc... but some reservations..........2004-09-06

Columbia's stereo album of SHOW BOAT recorded in December 1961 has been a steady best-seller ever since it was first released.

It's a fine recording of the key highlights of the score. Barabra Cook, John Raitt and William Warfield are well cast and the stereo spread is effectively used in the staging. This is a santaized version of the original text: the openng chorus here is sung "HERE we all word on the Mississippi..." and other Hammerstein lyrics have been censored. Also the recording eliminates key numbers: "Till Good Luck Come's My Way", "I Might Fall Back on you", "Queenie's Ballyhoo" among others. Why was Joe (William Warfield) left out of the quartet segment of "Can't help Lovin' Dat man?" And, Why does Anita Darian pull the tempos around so much in Julie's songs?

EMI's 3 CD set using the original 1927 text and orchestrations is as definitive as we'll likely ever get, and the (now out-of-print) Toronto cast offers a good highlights version documenting the Tony winning 1994 Broadway revival. Still, this 1961 version is preferable to the 1966 Lincoln center version also starring Barbara Cook.

BONUS MATERIAL: In addition to the 4 listed Bonus tracks, those familiar with the original LP release will be pleased to discover a longer take of the Overture included here.

a lovely recording.......2003-06-04

This lovely studio cast of SHOW BOAT, originally minted in 1962, is one of the best recordings of the immortal score by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein.

The cast is headed by Broadway stars John Raitt and Barbara Cook, as Gaylord and Magnolia, along with a superb supporting cast including Anita Darian and Fay DeWitt.

John Raitt's full-throated voice is perfectly suited to the score, particularly "Where's the Mate For Me?" and his duets with Barbara Cook in "Make Believe", "You Are Love" and "Why Do I Love You?".

Barbara Cook, as always, is a delight. Her sprightly reading of "After the Ball" is almost worth the price of admission alone, but she is winning in all her numbers. Her clarion-like soprano never fails to amaze me.

Anita Darian is a suitably-tragic Julie LaVerne, and sings the plaintive eleven o'clocker "Bill" with emotion dripping in every note. Fay DeWitt's performance as Ellie is pure perfection, and her "Life Upon the Wicked Stage" is the comical highlight of the score.

This recording makes great use of the stereo speaker-seperation system, where the voices shift from speaker to speaker as though they are actually performing on the theatre stage.

This CD includes some bonus tracks that are very fascinating, including the original Julie, Helen Morgan, singing her own emotional "Bill"; the original Queenie, Tess Gardella, singing "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man"; and Jan Clayton, performing "Nobody Else But Me" from the 1946 Broadway revival of SHOW BOAT. Clayton played both Magnolia as well as Magnolia's daughter Kim in the revival.

This was (and still remains) a very popular recording, and 2 years later Barbara Cook and Anita Darian were recruited again by Columbia to appear on their celebrated studio album of THE KING AND I (which I also recommend that you purchase).

A must-own recording.

Five stars for Barbara Cook alone!.......2003-01-15

The mere presence of the greatest of all singer / actresses of all times makes this a must have recording for any lover of good music. Barbara Cook is the supreme performer of Jerome Kern's music.
The rest of the cast is very good too!

Pretty good.......2002-03-28

This 1962 Columbia cast album of Show Boat is pretty good all around. With a handpicked cast of some of the biggest musical stars of the time, Goddard Lieberson couldn't go wrong. John Raitt as Ravenal, Barbara Cook as Magnolia, and William Warfield (from the 1951 MGM film) as Joe. All the rest of the cast are great as well. This was the most complete cast recording of Show Boat when first released in 1962 and was up until McGlinn's set was released. The only reason this album gets only 4 stars is that the bright and brassy orchestrations are such that all the songs begin to sound alike after awhile. Other than that, not many gripes. Highly recommended.