The Fantasticks (1960 Original Off-off-Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
On May 3, 1960, a chamber-sized variation on Romeo and Juliet by composer Harvey Schmidt and writer-lyricist Tom Jones opened off-off-Broadway at the Sullivan Street Playhouse. On May 3, 2000, The Fantasticks opened again at the Sullivan Street Playhouse, celebrating 40 continuous years of performances and having long since become the longest-running musical in the history of the world. And while many cast members have come and gone, it's the original cast recording that has become an indelible part of our memory, from the dual pianos dotting the overture and Jerry Orbach's rich reading of "Try to Remember" to the fathers' lament "Never Say No" and the gorgeous duet "Soon It's Gonna Rain." Sure, the voices may not have the sheer beauty some modern ears might expect, and the pit orchestra sounds a bit dated, but who cares? It's The Fantasticks, an essential piece of musical theater history. Long may it run. --David Horiuchi

The Fantasticks (1960 Original Off-off-Broadway Cast), Music, Harvey Schmidt, Tom Jones, Musicals, Original Cast Recordings, Pop, Show Tunes, Showtunes / B'way, Soundtrack

The Fantasticks (Original 1960 Off-Off Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating:

A Show For The Decades

The Fantasticks ( Original 1960 Off-Off Broadway Cast)

Great Show

The Fantastics original Off Broadway Cast

piece of history

The Fantasticks (Original 1960 Off-Off Broadway Cast)
Harvey Schmidt , Tom Jones , and Jerry Orbach
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004STPR
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

Act One (In The Moonlight): Overture
Act One (In The Moonlight): Try To Remember
Act One (In The Moonlight): Much More
Act One (In The Moonlight): Metaphor
Act One (In The Moonlight): Never Say No
Act One (In The Moonlight): It Depends On What You Pay
Act One (In The Moonlight): You Wonder How These Things Begin
Act One (In The Moonlight): Soon It's Gonna Rain
Act One (In The Moonlight): The Rape Ballet/Happy Ending
Act Two (In The Sunlight): This Plum Is Too Ripe
Act Two (In The Sunlight): I Can See It
Act Two (In The Sunlight): Plant A Radish
Act Two (In The Sunlight): Round And Round
Act Two (In The Sunlight): There Is A Curious Paradox
Act Two (In The Sunlight): They Were You
Act Two (In The Sunlight): Try To Remember (Reprise)

Amazon.com

On May 3, 1960, a chamber-sized variation on Romeo and Juliet by composer Harvey Schmidt and writer-lyricist Tom Jones opened off-off-Broadway at the Sullivan Street Playhouse. On May 3, 2000, The Fantasticks opened again at the Sullivan Street Playhouse, celebrating 40 continuous years of performances and having long since become the longest-running musical in the history of the world. And while many cast members have come and gone, it's the original cast recording that has become an indelible part of our memory, from the dual pianos dotting the overture and Jerry Orbach's rich reading of "Try to Remember" to the fathers' lament "Never Say No" and the gorgeous duet "Soon It's Gonna Rain." Even better, this anniversary edition CD benefits from remastered sound (you can now hear the harp strum in the opening bars) and a new booklet that includes a note from Jones, an introductory essay, and (drumroll, please) full lyrics. Yes, it's still true that the voices may not have the sheer beauty some modern ears might expect, and the pit band (augmented from two players to five for this recording) sounds a bit dated, but who cares? It's The Fantasticks, an essential piece of musical theater history. Long may it run. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

A Show For The Decades.......2007-06-24

I first saw "The Fantasticks" in 1962 when my then girlfriend asked me to take her to see it. As soon as the ovature began, I was hooked. It literally bit into my soul and has been there ever since. And to tell honest, each time I began going steady with another lady, I would take her to see this show.

The first time I saw it was with most of the original cast. Over the next 11 years I likely saw "The Fantasticks" once a year and each time was a most pleasant experience. Then in 1972 I moved West.

The last time I saw the original production was in the mid-1970's when my wife and I were on a trip to "da Big Apple" and we went to see one of our friends who was then in the cast. My wife had heard the LP but had not seen the show until then.

When I moved to CD's I put my LP's in storage. Except for hearing a few songs on the radio from time to time, "The Fantasticks" fell into the recesses of our minds. Then in recent weeks several things happened. I was going to be in NYC and had heard about the revival at the Snapple Theater. So, I bought tickers for myself and some friends.

Also, curious to see if the show had been released on CD, I was elated to find that it had been remastered and re-released. I ordered it and we have been playing it ever since it arrived. And it still bites at my heart in the same way it did all those years ago when Jerry Orbach, Rita Gardner, Kenneth Nelson and all the others first introduced me to the beauty of Tom Jones lyrics and Henry Schmidt's music.

Addendum: On Sunday evening May 13, 2007, I found myself sitting in the Snapple Theater to once again experience the true elegance of this amazing little show. It was for this writer, a trip back in time. A truly lovey trip back and an evening of theater that I cherish.

The Fantasticks ( Original 1960 Off-Off Broadway Cast).......2007-05-27

I've seen this show many times in various settings, but the original cast versions tops them all. I'm glad someone had the sense to make it available on DVD.

Great Show.......2007-05-12

I have been looking everywhere for a CD of the Fantastics and finally found ut at Amazon. It is a great CD and play. Now I know where to buy things that noone else has.

Thanks for carrying this CD

The Fantastics original Off Broadway Cast.......2007-05-12

What can I say? The soundtrack of this wonderful show is just terrific. I grew up two blocks from the Sullivan Street Playhouse where this show had it's run. In 1968 my husband (then fiance) and I saw the show and have loved it ever since. We've owned the sound track on LP and now we're enjoying the CD immensely. Brings back lots of good memories. I especially like hearing Jerry Orbach's voice on the CD.

piece of history.......2007-03-15

My father was a big fan of the song Try To Remember, and I heard Jerry Orbach sing it on xm, Broadway. The recording quality is superb and the actual off broadway play is great also; If you're into this kind of thing, you won't be disapointed

Average customer rating:

Exquisite
Faithful Tribute
nice to hear a new spin on some old tunes

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The New Off Broadway Cast
Manufacturer: Ghostlight
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Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

Overture
Try To Remember
Luisa's Monologue
Much More
Matt's Monologue
Metaphor
I'll Marry When I Marry
Never Say No
It Depends On What You Pay
The Glen Speech
Soon It's Gonna Rain
The Abduction Ballet
Happy Ending
Their Moon Was Cardboard
This Plum Is Too Ripe
I Can See It
An Episode
Plant A Radish
Much More (Reprise)
Round And Round
Transition
I Can See It (Reprise)
A Curious Paradox
They Were You
Metaphor (Reprise)
Try To Remember (Reprise)
Curtain Call/Exit Music
O Have You Ever Been To China? - Harvey Schmidt

Customer Reviews:

Exquisite.......2007-01-18

So lovely to hear more of this enchanting script and score. The casting seems dead on. The piano and harp are beautifully complementary and very articulate. I highly recommend this recording. It takes nothing away from the original, but the advanced recording techniques make for terrific listening.

Faithful Tribute.......2006-11-22

Every "live" art can be legitimately revisited, and renewed with new talent and perspective. This is a wonderful new recording in which, perhaps, new stars are being born. If this form and these sentiments someday die out, then I want to disappear with them. But not to worry, I believe there will always be an audience for such creativity, whimsy, quality, emotions and affection. In the CD notes the composer writes of sometimes having composed without a piano, where he could "easily gravitate toward the same old chords and clichés." He wrote this music almost 50 years ago! The Fantasticks might not quite make it into the pantheon of American Musical Theatre, but almost. And this new recording is delightful. May it run in NYC for another 40 years.

nice to hear a new spin on some old tunes.......2006-11-16

i was very excited to see that a new recording of this wonderful old show was going to be available. it is refreshing to hear the songs as they were originally performed in the theatre with just a piano and a harp. the original cast recording of this show "spruced up" their recording by adding a second piano, bass and drum and even a cello on a selected tracks. the voices are wonderful and the interpretations are true to the original. almost all of the incidental music is included in this release as well. some of the tempos are a little draggy and i do not feel that it was necessary to rewrite the lyrics to "it depends on what you pay." this show is a product of its generation and people who know and love this show will not be offended for keeping the original text to that song.

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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:

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The Fantasticks (1960 Original Off-off-Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

A Show For The Decades
The Fantasticks ( Original 1960 Off-Off Broadway Cast)
Great Show
The Fantastics original Off Broadway Cast
piece of history

The Fantasticks (1960 Original Off-off-Broadway Cast)
Harvey Schmidt , and Tom Jones
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001F7A
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Overture - Orchestra
Try To Remember - Jerry Orbach
Much More - Rita Gardner
Metaphor - Kenneth Nelson And Rita Gardner
Never Say No - William Larsen And Hugh Thomas
It Depends On What You Pay - Jerry Orbach, William Larsen And Hugh Thomas
You Wonder How These Things Begin - Jerry Orbach
Soon It's Gonna Rain - Kenneth Nelson And Rita Gardner
The Rape Ballet/Happy Ending - The Company, Hugh Thomas, William Larsen, Rita....
This Plum Is Too Ripe - Rita Gardner, Kenneth Nelson, William Larsen....
I Can See It - Kenneth Nelson And Jerry Orbach
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Round And Round - Jerry Orbach, Rita Gardner And Company
There Is A Curious Paradox - Jerry Orbach
They Were You - Kenneth Nelson And Rita Gardner
Try To Remeber - Jerry Orbach And Company

Amazon.com

On May 3, 1960, a chamber-sized variation on Romeo and Juliet by composer Harvey Schmidt and writer-lyricist Tom Jones opened off-off-Broadway at the Sullivan Street Playhouse. On May 3, 2000, The Fantasticks opened again at the Sullivan Street Playhouse, celebrating 40 continuous years of performances and having long since become the longest-running musical in the history of the world. And while many cast members have come and gone, it's the original cast recording that has become an indelible part of our memory, from the dual pianos dotting the overture and Jerry Orbach's rich reading of "Try to Remember" to the fathers' lament "Never Say No" and the gorgeous duet "Soon It's Gonna Rain." Sure, the voices may not have the sheer beauty some modern ears might expect, and the pit orchestra sounds a bit dated, but who cares? It's The Fantasticks, an essential piece of musical theater history. Long may it run. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

A Show For The Decades.......2007-06-24

The Fantasticks ( Original 1960 Off-Off Broadway Cast).......2007-05-27

I've seen this show many times in various settings, but the original cast versions tops them all. I'm glad someone had the sense to make it available on DVD.

Great Show.......2007-05-12

I have been looking everywhere for a CD of the Fantastics and finally found ut at Amazon. It is a great CD and play. Now I know where to buy things that noone else has.

Thanks for carrying this CD

The Fantastics original Off Broadway Cast.......2007-05-12

piece of history.......2007-03-15

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Black And Blue: Black And Blue - Linda Hopkins/Ruth Brown/Carrie Smith
The Green Bird: O Foolish Heart - Company
Out Of This World: From This Moment On - Marin Mazzie/Gregg Edelman
The Boys From Syracuse: This Can't Be Love - Davis Gaines/Sarah Berry
Snoopy!!!: Poor Sweet Baby - Pamela Myers
SeesawNobody Does It Like Me - Michele Lee
March Of The Falsettos: I Never Wanted To Love You - Michael Rupert/Stephen Bogardus/Alison Fraser/Chip Zien/James Kushner
Lunch: Perfectly Alone - Carol Burnett
3hree: Foolish Dreamin'/Something Beautiful/Real Enough To Change My Mind - Jessica Molaskey/Will Gartshore/Rachel Ulanet
Lucky In The Rain: Love Me As If There Were No Tomorrow - Barbara Cook
Godspell: All Good Gifts - Sal Sabella & Company
The Act: Walking Papers - Liza Minnelli & Company

Customer Reviews:

Great compilation.......2002-05-10

I don't actually own this particular compilation, however, since I own nearly every recording represented on these discs...I think I'm qualified to comment. This is a wonderful representation of the high quality of work that DRG Records does.
The previous review is way off the mark. This is definitely not a waste of time or money. This is 25 years of preserving Broadway shows, Off-Broadway shows, studio recordings (mostly from the city center concerts), etc. So what if they "aren't as good as the original", DRG is preserving many recordings and artists that other mainstream labels don't or won't. You have wonderful recordings from Brian Stokes Mitchell, Nathan Lane, Debbie Gravitte, Tyne Daly, Anthony Perkins, Joanna Gleason, Marin Mazzie, Carol Burnett, Heather Headley, Patti LuPone, Barbara Cook, etc., and many of these are from Original Cast Recordings just as they appeared on Broadway. This is an excellent sampler of the work going on at DRG. No...I'm not an employee...just an avid listener and collector of theatre recordings.

A disappointment.......2001-12-15

There's a reason you've probably never heard of most of the songs and shows on this album, not to mention most of the artists. This is a second-rate collection of second-rate numbers performed by mostly second-rate artists. In the case of the shows that were revivals, the performances on the original cast recordings were better. Don't waste your money.

Average customer rating:

Generally, a pleasant surprise
Very pretty!

The Broadway I Love

Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Domingo Songbook
Placido Domingo: Songs of Love
Perhaps Love
Placido Domingo: A Love Until The End Of Time
Be My Love

ASIN: B000002ISY
Release Date: 1991-11-08

Tracks:

The Fantasticks: Try To Remember
South Pacific: Younger Than Springtime
Miss Saigon: The Last Night Of The World
Very Warm For May: All The Things You Are
Stop The World - I Want To Get Off: What Kind Of Fool Am I?
Oklahoma!: Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'
West Side Story: Somewhere
Kiss Me Kate: So In Love
A Little Night Music: Send In The Clowns
West Side Story: Tonight
Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask of You
The Goldwyn Follies: Love Is Here To Stay
George M!: Over There
Carousel: You'll Never Walk Alone

Amazon.com

Placido Domingo's blazing tenor enriches these traditional Broadway show stoppers, supported by mammoth orchestrations in perfect balance and enhanced by his trademark musicianship and intelligence. In "All I Ask Of You," he excitingly explodes like a bursting water balloon. His duet with Carly Simon ("Last Night of the World") works in an intergalactic way--music makers from separate planets can successfully collaborate. In "Send In the Clowns," we are reminded of the tune's prettiness; while others find a poignantly delicate moment, Domingo's personal revelation is the size of Mt. Olympus. And why not? He is a god of song. An exception is made for "Our Love is Here to Stay," winner of the most-likely-to-appear-in-an-elevator award. Overall, a dazzling music experience. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Generally, a pleasant surprise.......2003-01-19

This is a compilation of lovely Broadway songs, beautifully sung. I liked most of the selections in every way--singing, orchestration, etc. I found the piece from "Miss Saigon" ("The Last Night in the World"), with a moving duet with Domingo and Carly Simon, to be astonishingly beautiful. I was surprised that these two could collaborate so well reminiscent of Mary Martin and Ezio Pinza), I have enjoyed repetitive listening of this track. The only downer, in my view, was "Over There." Sad to say, Placido does not do justice to George M. Cohan. For reasons I don't completely understand, he substitutes "The boys are coming" for the very triumphant "The Yanks are coming" line, which is the heart of the song. Toss this ridiculous mistake out, maybe a fifth star.

Very pretty!.......2001-01-14

I found this one in my library system and checked it out because of "So In Love" -- and quickly fell in love with the rest of it! There are classically trained opera singers who cannot pull off singing Broadway, but Domingo is not one of them. Granted, the idea of hearing "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'" sung with an Italian accent seems a little strange, since everyone knows that a cowboy is supposed to be singing it, but I think Domingo's accent adds to the charm of the songs.

I only gave this album four stars because I didn't care for the arrangements of the songs from "West Side Story" and also because the combination of Domingo and Carly Simon seemed mismatched. The duet with Rebecca Luker, however, in "All I Ask Of You," is what I would consider the highlight of the CD. Their voices blend so well and they have the same classic style. Ted Huffman's boy soprano adds a lot to "Try To Remember," enhancing the soaring prettiness of the melody. The arrangement of "Send In The Clowns" is a masterpiece, while Domingo sings it with convincing sadness. Also his portrayal of "Our Love Is Here To Stay" has the gentle simplicity that I believe the Gershwins meant for it.

As for the rest of the songs, they are just plain GOOD! All in all this is a very enjoyable recording and it goes to the top of my wish list.

The Fantasticks: The (1993) Japan Tour Cast Recording - The Definitive New American Cast Album
Average customer rating:

It has its pluses

The Little Show That Could!

Not SO Fantastick

Times Like These Need Recordings LIke This

Fantastic Fantasticks

The Fantasticks: The (1993) Japan Tour Cast Recording - The Definitive New American Cast Album
Harvey Schmidt , and Tom Jones
Manufacturer: Drg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Fantasticks (Original 1960 Off-Off Broadway Cast)

The Fantasticks: The Complete Illustrated Text Plus the Official Fantasticks Scrapbook and History of the Musical

The Fantasticks

The Fantasticks(Karaoke)

Try to Remember - The Fantasticks

ASIN: B000000PIK
Release Date: 1993-04-01

Tracks:

The Overture
Try To Remember
Luisa's Introduction
Much More
Matt's Introduction
Metaphor
Never Say No
El Gallo's Entrance
It Depends On What You Pay
The Players Have Arrived
You Wonder How These Things Begin
Soon It's Gonna Rain
Abduction Ballet
Old Actors' Farewell
Happy Ending
Burnished By The Sun
This Plum Is Too Ripe
This Tear Is Enough
I Can See It
Socrates And Lodavigo
Grant Me In Your Minds A Month
Plant A Radish
Much More (Reprise)
Round And Round
The Necklace
I Can See It (Reprise)
There Is A Curious Paradox
They Were You
Try To Remember (Reprise)
Curtain Call
A Perfect Time To Be In Love (First Recording)

Customer Reviews:

It has its pluses.......2004-05-28

The vocals on this recording are lacking compared to the original off-broadway cast recording, however the plus of this recording is that it features the original orchestrations whereas the off-broadway recording has augmented the orchestra with a second piano. In my opinion, that alone makes this recording worth owning.

The Little Show That Could!.......2002-06-08

This pretty little musical finally closed after umpteen years off Broadway, but will always live on in dinner theatres and regional productions. It's terribly sweet and deservedly a classic. This particular recording, however, doesn't do justice to the original recording, largely as a result of the casting. Nouveau political correctness and strange sounding young leads leave this version coming up short. Stick with the original and, for a treat, check out the straight-to-video FANTASTICKS film with a divine Luisa!

Not SO Fantastick.......2002-05-09

I, unlike other reviewers, am very upset with this recording. The content is wonderful; however, the actors used in the recording don't seem to grasp the "feel" of the piece itself.

El Gallo's voice is simply not up to par. It lacks the richness and mysterious quality that is El Gallo.

Matt is supposed to be nearly 20, yet he is delivered as if he were only 15.

Louisa's character is a bit of a ditz, and immature. However, this Louisa lacks the forceful vigor that makes Louisa real beneath the immature outside.

The best performance on the whole CD is given by the actor who plays the old actor, Henry. For once, we have someone who knows what their character is about. It's sad, though, because he doesn't have a lot to do in the show.

Again, this is just my opinion. But if you want a GREAT recording of THE FANTASTICKS, stick to the original cast. They knew what they were doing.

Times Like These Need Recordings LIke This.......2001-11-13

I can't claim to be any kind of musical expert, but I know what I like, and I love this CD. Need to escape to a simpler time and place? Want to viscerally experience the most fundamental of human emotions? Pop in this in your player and you'll be transported there, instantly. Heck, this is worth the price just for the chance to hear the loveliest of voices, that of Chiara Peacock. Angels do sing, and one does on this record.

Fantastic Fantasticks.......2001-04-07

This recording of "Fantasticks" is a must for anyone who loves the show - and almost everyone who has seen it does love it. The only criticism that could be made of this recording is that Alfred Lakeman as El Gallo, the narrator who holds the show together, lacks the dash, charisma and soaring voice of Jerry Orbach from the original recording. But then, Mr. Obach is someone that would be impossible to replace in almost any role he has done. Yes, the same Jerry Orbach in "Law and Order" created legendary performances in "Fantasticks"; "Carnival"; the original "Chicago"; "Promises, Promises"; Lumiere in the film of "Beauty and The Beast"; "42nd Street" and others. So replacing a truly magnetic star is a tough assignment for anyone. It's a crime that he does not have the opportunity to display his singing voice more often today.

This recording preserves the wonderful poetic diaglogue that is so much a part of the magic of this show. It is a treat to have the dialogue of the Old Actor and Mortimer in "The Old Actor's Farewell" as well as El Gallo's "You Wonder How Such Things Begin" and the beautiful "Curious Paradox" (yes, the latter two are on the original recording too, but to have them in this context is wonderful).

Then there is the bonus track of "A Perfect Time To Be In Love" written for the 30th Anniversary tour with Robert Goulet that comes just before "Soon It's Going To Rain" in the show. It is a lovely addition to an already legendary score.

Tracks:

South Pacific: Some Enchanted Evening - Eric Hammerstein
Thumbs Up: Autumn In New York - Larry Dalton And His Orchestra
My Fair Lady: On The Street Where You Live - Eric Hammerstein
On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever): On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever) - The Romantic Strings Orchestra
Camelot: If Ever I Would Leave You - The Romantic Strings Orchestra
Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Eric Hammerstein
The Fantasticks: Try To Remember - Jo Stafford
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying: I Believe In You - Jo Stafford
West Side Story: Maria - Eric Hammerstein
Guys And Dolls: Medley: A Bushel And A Peck/I'll Know/More I Cannot Wish You/I've Never Been In Love Before - London Promenade Orchestra
Annie Get Your Gun: The Girl That I Marry - London Promenade Orchestra
Annie Get Your Gun: They Say It's Wonderful - London Promenade Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Some Enchanted Evening is enchanting!.......2002-07-26

This album takes you on a stroll down memory lane, enchanting all the way. It is relaxing and soothing listening, and will be great background music for a candlelit dinner for two, an evening party with a mix of ages and backgrounds, or just to sing with while you get some work done. The orchestration is excellent and the performances wonderfully smooth. A hit for everyone!

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