Pete 'n' Keely (Original Cast Recording) [Cast Recording]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
There's a lot of schlock on Broadway these days, so it's especially frustrating when a small, off-Broadway show doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Carried by the indomitable George Dvorsky and Sally Mayes in the title roles, Pete 'n' Keely should have been a lot more successful than it was, so we're lucky to have this recording to immortalize the little show that should have been. Inspired by the likes of Steve (Lawrence) and Eydie (Gorme), Pete and Keely are two high-voltage entertainers; the show purports to document their hectic 1968 TV special. Dvorsky and Mayes are fantastic as they frenetically go from clever originals by Patrick S. Brady and Mark Waldrop to over-the-top Rat Packy takes on classic tunes such as "Fever" and "Besame Mucho." As for the finger-snapping rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic," you've got to hear it to believe it. Our only qualm: the recording doesn't do justice to Bob Mackie's delirious costumes. Oh well, can't have it all. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Tracks:

It's Us Again
Lover
Kid Stuff/Daddy
Besame Mucho
This Could Be The Start Of Something Big
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
Have You Got A Lot To Learn
But Beautiful
The Cross Country Tour
Tony 'N' Cleo
Fever
Black Coffee
Too Fat To Fit
Love
Wasn't It Fine?
It's Us Again (Reprise)
That's All

Amazon.com

There's a lot of schlock on Broadway these days, so it's especially frustrating when a small, off-Broadway show doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Carried by the indomitable George Dvorsky and Sally Mayes in the title roles, Pete 'n' Keely should have been a lot more successful than it was, so we're lucky to have this recording to immortalize the little show that should have been. Inspired by the likes of Steve (Lawrence) and Eydie (Gorme), Pete and Keely are two high-voltage entertainers; the show purports to document their hectic 1968 TV special. Dvorsky and Mayes are fantastic as they frenetically go from clever originals by Patrick S. Brady and Mark Waldrop to over-the-top Rat Packy takes on classic tunes such as "Fever" and "Besame Mucho." As for the finger-snapping rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic," you've got to hear it to believe it. Our only qualm: the recording doesn't do justice to Bob Mackie's delirious costumes. Oh well, can't have it all. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

It's Perfect.......2001-12-31

I lent my copy of Pete 'n' Keely to a friend. When she returned my CD, she said that it was perfect. I agree. Many of the songs are an enjoyable trip down memory lane that brings back many fond memories. The new songs by Patrick Brady and Mark Waldropfit right in. Sally Mayes does the best rendition of "Black Coffee" that I have ever heard.Goerge Dvorsky's Fever" is also fantastic. It is not unusual for me to be sitting at my desk at work and have one of the songs run through my memory. That isd without any music in the background. My friends who have heard me play the CD have purchased a copy for themselves, they liked the CD so much.

Upbeat Musical Magic.......2001-12-11

This album is a MUST for any fan of Broadway - full of upbeat musical magic performed flawlessly by George Dvorsky and Sally Mayes.

The cd captures wonderfully the manic energy of Pete and Keely - a television couple that reigned supreme in the 1960s. Throughout the album we hear them at their best as they recall their joint musical career and their award winning signature tunes.

Dvorsky is a smooth as silk baritone with shades of Robert Goulet. His rendition of "Fever" on this album is alone worth the cost of the cd. Although done with a slight comic edge, the song comes alive with a wonderful nuance that Dvorsky delivers effortlessly. You'll find yourself replaying that track again and again.

The same could be said for Maye's sparkling "Black Coffee". Her voice is pure velvet, with a touch of "seen it all and done it all" flowing throughout this sensational track.

This original cast recording has been produced perfectly. The sound quality is superb, and the inner liner has some great photos of Pete n Keely in their glamorous Bob Mackie costumes that were such a huge part of the New York City premier.

If you like Broadway - then this cd is a must have...

If you like to smile when you listen to a cd - then this recording is a must have...

Tracks:

Holiday Hop [It's a Wonderful Life]
O Holy Night - Gary Adler, John Tartaglia
Peces en el Rio (The Fish in the River)
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel
This Christmas Day
Christmas Lullaby
Coming of Christmastime
Rod's Christmas
Silent Night
Wrapped Up Nice - Idina Menzel

Tracks:

I Saw Three Ships
Sing Out - Liz McCartney
Too Fat to Fit
I'll Stay Strong - Michael Lavine,
Ave Maria
Jingle Bells, Chicago Style
Angelo Rosenbaum
How Great Our Joy/Joy to the World - Steve Lavner, Denny Paschall, Glenn Rainey
Christmastime on Highway 13
O Tannenbaum

Product Description

This perennial favorite brings Broadways best wishing you their holiday best! Hairspray, Gypsy, Nine and Avenue Q are just of few of the shows raising their voices for the cause. Also lending their voices are Antonio Banderas, Hugh Jackman and Harvey Fierstein. Songs Include: 42nd Street The Holiday Hop Aida I'll Stay Strong Avenue Q Rod's Christmas Beauty & the Beast This Christmas Day Big River Silent Night Boy From Oz Wrapped up Nice Cabaret O Tannenbaum Chicago Jingle Bells, Chicago Style Gypsy Sing Out Hairspray Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel The Lion King Angelo Rosenbaum Mamma Mia A Christmas Lullaby Nine Los Peces en El Rio (The Fish in the River) Phantom of the Opera Joy to the World/ How Great our Joy The Producers Too Fat to Fit Rent O Holy Night Taboo Ave Maria Thoroughly Modern Millie The Coming of Christmastime Urinetown Christmastime on Highway 13 Wicked I Saw Three Ships

Customer Reviews:

Fun and Refreshing.......2006-03-05

I purchased this CD on a whim, and I was absolutely shocked when I got to track #4- "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel," by the cast of "Hairspray." I loved the upbeat humor, and as the song progressed, I realized I'd heard this version before- it was on South Park! I could not BELIEVE what I was hearing, but I completely adored it. As I listened through the rest of the 2-CD set, I concluded it would undoubtedly be one of my favorite holiday albums. It was a wonderful combination of traditional renditions, such as a beautiful "O Holy Night" performed by the cast of "Rent" and new, humorous songs, including "Too Fat to Fit" by the cast of "The Producers" which was had a personality reminiscent of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," "Angelo Rosenbaum," sung by Thom Christopher Warren of "Lion King," and "Sing Out" by the cast of "Gypsy."

Overall, the CD set was a wonderful surprise; I had expected a 2 CD set filled with well-sung music, but I was rewarded with a compilation as diverse as peoples' view of the holidays, ranging from the somber expression of religious value to the whimsical, with a jab at the commercial attitude in the middle!

Music:

Music

Music