Musicals

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
The Capable Vocal Gymnist Michael Ball Interprets Hits from the World of Broadway. Features Memorable Renditions of "Memory", "Love Changes Everything", "All I Ask of You" plus Twelve More.

Tracks:

No One Mourns the Wicked - Cristy Candler
Dear Old Shiz
The Wizard and I - Idina Menzel
What Is This Feeling? - Kristin Chenoweth
Something Bad - William Youmans
Dancing Through Life - Michelle Federer
Popular - Kristin Chenoweth
I'm Not That Girl - Idina Menzel
One Short Day - Kristin Chenoweth
A Sentimental Man - Joel Grey
Defying Gravity - Idina Menzel
Thank Goodness - Kristin Chenoweth
Wonderful - Idina Menzel
I'm Not That Girl (Reprise) - Kristin Chenoweth
As Long as You're Mine - Norbert Leo Butz
No Good Deed - Idina Menzel
March of the Witch Hunters
For Good - Kristin Chenoweth
Finale - Kristin Chenoweth

Amazon.com

One of the most common complaints about musicals is that the books are flimsy pretexts from which to hang numbers. Wicked runs into the opposite problem: it has a great plot, but too often the songs just get in the way. Based on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, Wicked tells us what happened between Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, before Dorothy showed up in Oz. And the show is lucky to boast a pair of ace leading women in the main roles. As Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth delivers a sensational star turn, displaying a crystal-pure voice and sharp comic timing; Idina Menzel lends her powerful pipes to the tricky role of Elphaba. Unfortunately, you wish they had better material to work with. Stephen Schwartz's pop score is often dragged down by overly synthetic orchestrations and sentimental lyrics (think Chicken Soup for the Witch). Still, at its best Wicked is a seductive slice of popular entertainment that could well give a younger audience a lasting taste for musical theater. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Defying Gravity and all expecations..........2007-07-16

As someone who loves Broadway musicals-- this soundtrack/songs include some of the best out there- the original cast soundtrack is amazing with songs you will eventually memorize and sing along too-
The CD comes with the lyrics as well as the other important information for each song (producer, etc). If you haven't already seen Wicked, you may have trouble following what the show is about just from listening to the soundtrack-- you will get a feel for it but reading the Grimmerie (the Wicked book- also sold on Amazon) or seeing Wicked either on or off Broadway will make you fall in love faster with this soundtrack-

The Wicked Witch of the West is misunderstood........2007-07-14

I have tickets to see the play in Philadelphia this August. I purchased the Music CD, the original Wicked book, and the Grimmeri, a well designed book about the Broadway play, its history, costumes, and character profiles with full color pictures and stories, a great trio. The book tells a story, so unexpected, when I got to the last page, I sighed and smiled. I was totally satisfied. Even more I had already been listening to the music, which is totally fabulous, I listened again and again, some of the songs are happily stuck in my head, and then my reading the book made the music make total sense, it brought the story to life in the songs. I can't wait to see the play.
My sisters refuse to read the book they are afraid it will take away from the show. I say they are dead wrong and the book and music reviewed ahead of time will definitely enhance the theater experience. You decide, either way it's a great read, 5 stars for the generation who grew up with the Wizard of OZ classic.

A Wicked musical.......2007-07-13

There are two, for me, outstanding pieces to this recording of the Original cast recording of the musical 'Wicked' The wizard and I and Popular. Both sung with great fun and gusto.
Over all I enjoyed the CD, being a massive wizard of Oz fan, it was interesting to listen to the story from an altogether different perspective. Enjoyable, memorable and fun- a great purchase, that comes highly recommended.

Wicked Wonderful!.......2007-07-12

My son and nieces saw Wicked on Broadway three years ago and it took me this long to order the CD. I played it endlessly the last several weeks and as a long time musical afficionado can say unequivocally, it is a superlative example of score and libretto. The lyrics are exemplary in their poignancy and clever massage of the concepts of good and evil. The music tugged at every heartstring I have. Wicked is sublime!

Wicked Soundtrack.......2007-07-12

I have experienced Wicked in London at the Apollo Theatre on three separate occasions. Owning the soundrack enables me to relive the emotion surrounding this amazing theatrical production. This soundtrack includes an appropriate character dialog and music combination enabling the listener to participate in a continuous story line flow, avoiding gaps and interrupted transitions, providing the opportunity to relieve each theatrical experience scene by scene.

I recommend this soundtract for those who are planning to go to a Wicked production. The soundract includes printed musical lyrics in the included folio. Immersing oneself in the music and lyrics will enhance the total experience at the theatre.

Enjoy

Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

I Love Phoebe Strole's as Ilse!
what a great album.
Interesting concept for the stage
Great show, great soundtrack
Great new musical

Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Duncan Sheik , Steven Sater , Skylar Astin , Lilli Cooper , John Gallagher Jr. , Gideon Glick , Jonathan Groff , Brian Johnson , Lea Michele , and Lauren Pritchard
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000J3FBFC
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

Mamma Who Bore Me
Mamma Who Bore Me (Reprise)
All That's Known
The B*tch of Living
My Junk
Touch Me
The Word of Your Body
The Dark I Know Well
And Then There Were None
The Mirror-Blue Night
I Believe
Don't Do Sadness
Blue Wind
The Guilty Ones
Left Behind
Totally F*ucked
The Word of Your Body (Reprise)
Whispering
Those You've Known
The Song of Purple Summer

Amazon.com

Who would have thought that Duncan Sheik would succeed where Paul Simon and Randy Newman failed, successfully transitioning from the pop-rock world to the Broadway stage? With Spring Awakening, Sheik and book writer/lyricist Steven Slater (who had already worked on Sheik's 2001 album Phantom Moon) have created a thoroughly exciting show that incorporates a contemporary art-indie idiom (including a small rock band instead of an orchestra) into a dramatic musical-theater context. The unlikely setting is that of a Frank Wedekind adaptation, but as it turns out, teenage angst is perennial, whether it's in contemporary America or in a 1891 German boarding school. Songs such as "The Bitch of Living" ("with nothing going on, asking just what went wrong"), "The Word of Your Body," "I Don't Do Sadness," and "Totally Fucked" ("You're fucked if you speak your mind and you know you will") resonate with the rage, frustration, confusion, excitement, joy, anger, and of course budding lust of those hormone-driven years. The show is greatly enhanced by its youthful cast members (they're all pretty close in age to their characters), who sing their hearts out. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Decca Broadway presents the cast recording for the acclaimed new Broadway production, SPRING AWAKENING. Written by pop music composer Duncan Sheik and playwright/lyricist Steven Sater, the musical explores emotional earthquakes in the lives of teenagers.

SPRING AWAKENING is based on Frank Wedekind's controversial 1891 drama, which was scandalous in its day for addressing sex violence and suicide. The story, dialogue and costumes suggest the 19th Century, and are perfectly wedded to a beautiful alternative pop music score by GrammyÂ® nominated singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik. The creative team also includes TonyÂ® Award Winning director Michael Mayer (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and legendary choreographer Bill T. Jones.

Customer Reviews:

I Love Phoebe Strole's as Ilse!.......2007-07-14

I finally got this extraordinary soundtrack and I love it! The CD soundtrack is true to the play, with one exception. I saw "Spring Awakening" back in February and was blown away by the production and by the cast's incredible talent! That night I was also introduced to Phoebe Strole who played the part of Ilse. I will never forget how beautiful her voice was, especially on the song "Blue Wind". When I purchased the CD I was anticipating hearing Stole sing this beautiful song. And instead they used Lauren Pritchard's vocals for the soundtrack. Pritchard has a nice voice but I liked Strole's rendition better. I wish they would have put Strole's version as an alternate on this soundtrack recording. Other than that, this cast album is a must for your Broadway collection!

what a great album........2007-07-13

The songs are written so well, and the performances are excellent! It's quite an experience to listen to.

Interesting concept for the stage.......2007-07-13

The music is good, just takes some getting used to if your into more traditional musical theater. The themes are very adult, but the music is haunting. The phrasing is very different and the lyrics are more obtuse than I'm used to, But once you give it a chance, you will be singing these songs all day. I will be very interested in seeing this production live.

Great show, great soundtrack.......2007-07-13

Spring Awakening is "not your parents' musical," so to speak, and the music certainly reflects that. With many musicals, it is hard to enjoy the music out of context, i.e. if you haven't seen the show, but I don't think that is the case with this soundtrack. The songs are edgy, beautifully written and magnificently performed. I keep going back to this over and over again.

Great new musical.......2007-07-13

I saw the cast performing on the Tony's and was blown away by the music. TV usually deadens live theater no matter how good it is, but when I saw the company performing and they still were dynamite over the airwaves, I knew this was something special. The CD does not disappoint. Only criticism is that some of the lyrics they sing in a few songs are not in the liner notes, and it's so good I wish I had every word in writing. Not suitable for playing if you've got young children in the car, but the profanity is not for shock value, it is justified in the text. Great new work.

Dreamgirls: Music From The Motion Picture [2-CD Deluxe Edition]

Average customer rating:

"You Will LOVE This CD!!!"
Your Goin' To Love this!
Ok
Quite forgettable
Dreamgirls

Dreamgirls: Music From The Motion Picture [2-CD Deluxe Edition]
Original Soundtrack
Manufacturer: Col/Urban Soundtrax
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Dreamgirls (Two-Disc Showstopper Edition)
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A Chorus Line - The New Broadway Cast Recording (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)
Dreamgirls

ASIN: B000JLQQ2G
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Tracks:

I'm Lookin' For Something- Performed by Maxi Anderson, Charlene Carmon,
Goin' Downtown-Performed by Durrell Babbs, Luke Boyd, Eric Dawkins,
Takin' The Long Way Home-Performed by Michael Leon Wooley
Move-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose
Fake Your Way To The Top-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles,
Big (Jazz Instrumental)
Cadillac Car-Performed by Laura Bell Bundy, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé
Steppin' To The Bad Side -Performed by Hinton Battle, Jamie Foxx,
Love You I Do-Performed by Jennifer Hudson
I Want You Baby -Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie
Family- Performed by Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles,
Dreamgirls -Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni
Heavy-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose
It's All Over-Performed by Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé
And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going -Performed by Jennifer Hudson

Tracks:

I'm Somebody-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal, Anika Noni Rose
When I First Saw You-Performed by Jamie Foxx
Patience-Performed by Eddie Murphy, Keith Robinson, Anika Noni Rose
I Am Changing-Performed by Jennifer Hudson
Perfect World-Performed by Steve Russell
I Meant You No Harm/Jimmy's Rap-Performed by Eddie Murphy
Lorrell Loves Jimmy/Family (Reprise)-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles,
Step On Over-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal, Anika Noni Rose
I Miss You Old Friend-Performed by Loretta Devine
Effie, Sing My Song *-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Keith Robinson
One Night Only-Performed by Jennifer Hudson
One Night Only (Disco)-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal,
Listen-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles
Hard To Say Goodbye-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon Leal, Anika
Dreamgirls (Finale)-Performed by Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles,
Curtain Call
Family (End Title)- Performed by Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé
When I First Saw You (Duet)-Performed by Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles
One Night Only (Dance Mix) *-Performed by Beyoncé Knowles, Sharon
And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going (Dance Mix) *-Performed by Jennifer
Patience (Composer Demo) *-Performed by Henry Krieger* Bonus Tracks

Amazon.com

The big question about this soundtrack is: how's she doing? No, not Beyoncé, silly--how's Jennifer Hudson doing? And more specifically, how's she doing by "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"? To this reviewer's ears, she doesn't top the original Effie, Jennifer Holliday--or even Lillias White, from the 2001 Dreamgirls in Concert. On the other hand, Hudson isn't afraid to pullout all the stops, whipping herself up into a total diva frenzy as the song gets caught up in an unstoppable crescendo. As for Beyoncé, she adapts superbly to the 1960s- and 1970s-tinged material, though "Listen"--a ballad that also appears on her own B'day album--lacks the spirit that infuses the classic tunes on this album. For make no mistake: this is hard-hitting, high-octane music, infused with an urgency and passion that makes most contemporary R&B albums sound timid. When Hudson and Beyoncé duke it out on "It's All Over," or when the "One Night Only" ballad gets reinvented as the dance-floor burner "One Night Only (Disco)," the sheer energy flowing from the speakers is transporting.

Note that this two-CD Deluxe Edition features a larger booklet and additional tracks, including dance remixes of "One Night Only" and "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," as well as composer Henry Krieger's demo of "Patience." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

More from the Dreamgirls Cast

B'day, Beyoncé

American Idol season 3: Greatest Soul Classics, (Featuring a track from Jennifer Hudson)

Unpredictable, Jamie Foxx

Album Description

Dreamgirls Deluxe Edition features cast performances by Beyonce' Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson & Eddie Murphy which includes: 2 CD-Set * 36 songs * 36 page lyric and photo booklet

Customer Reviews:

"You Will LOVE This CD!!!".......2007-06-27

I just got my CD and I love it... My favorite songs is Listen, I am Changing and Of course the NO.#1 HIT--"I'm telling you I'm not going"
Just Purchase it and you will not be disappointed.!!!!!

Your Goin' To Love this!.......2007-06-20

I was very sceptic about this adaptation. I was very dissapointed in Evita when they chose populairty over talent. I am a fan of Madonna and Beyonce but the performance by Beyonce is amazing.
In answer to T.T.'s remarks. RENT THE MOVIE! Gosh, a movie cost 4 bucks at the rental store. And there is very little talking. Most f the songs are like they are in the movie. But anyways...
THe performance is atstounding. I think that this album goes right up there with The Sound of Music and the Wizard of Oz and Chicago (never seenthis one, too young).
The songs are movig and the add ons are amazing. Listen is my Favorite, but more of that latter.
The Performances:
Beyonce- Beyonce was born to be Deena. Infact she mirrors Denna a whole lot (see Wikipedia - Destiny's Child). She delivers a superb performance, better that the original Bway Deena. Dreamgirls is phenominal.

Jennifer Hudson - Well what can I say but SIMON COWELL YOU WERE WRONG! And as she sings in I am Changin' AND NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP[HER]

Anikki Nonni Rose - Sorry if I spell her name wrong, but it is very odd. Honey if there was n unsung heroe of this film it would be her. Her phenominal and most of the time hilarious performance is what adds character to the film. Esp. when they brake Jimmy up with them she delivers a hilarious speech.

Eddie Murphie - Wonderful, Who knew he could sing.

Jamie Fox - GREAT!

Best Songs:
Move - Amazing! Wonderful beat. And SHAKE IT ON!
Cadilac Car - Wonderful song, esp. If you have a crappy car or a real Cadilac car
Steppin' To the bad Side - WONDERFUL, BEST SONG OF THE WHO MOVIE
I Love you I Do-lovely
Dreamgirls-Just hair raising
IT's All Over - Cuss a lot, I know, but amazing adittude though. Don't let little ones listen to this one.
And I am Telling You I'm Not Going - Just bye the CD for this song. I can't put in words the emotions in this song.
I Am Changing- Beautiful
Effie Sing my Song-Not in the movie but amazing
One Night Only- great
Disco version- great, but would have loved the wooshing like in the movie. A little too long, but when you see the extended version you will get the longer version and think WHY DID THEY CUT IT????!?!?!?
Listen - AMAZING SPECTACULAR! SUPER! IENIBOIWEBWEJKFDIVLEFB!
Dreamgirls Finale - " " (same as above)
Family (End Credits)- Better than the ordinary version for reasons I can't explain.

1 Dissapointment:
When I first saw you was a gereat song in the film, but in the original cast it was after Dreamgirls (To Sig. that Deena and Curtis were Together)
and it was reprised with an argument about Deena's Dreams. IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST SONGS! but they cut out Deena and the purpose of the song was lost, but it is still wonderful.

My Only Thin is Get the Orginal Bway Cast and this CD. The Orig. Bway cast has a cool One Night Only Too. Try Them both. They have diff. textures, but are both truly amazing.

Ok.......2007-06-03

Apart from Beyonce singing Dreamgirls, this album doesn't bring much. It's a dud. Most of the songs are just a lot of talking not actual singing. The movie was good, and I think it's better to watch that and listen to the songs. Unlike the soundtrack "Casino", which I can listen to and enjoy without seeing the movie, I can't with this. they should have done what most movies do and pick a bunch of great oldies by other artists back in the day to create the movie/soundtrack. and i'm also very sick of Jennifer Hudson. sure she can hit high notes, but she only sounds like she's screaming. her voice is not appealing. i rather listen to Beyonce's voice any day; it's easier on my ears. i also don't like how she's so arrogant and ungrateful to Idol. i don't think she's going far with that kind of stink attitude. it just shows you're a sore loser.

Quite forgettable.......2007-05-15

I've had this CD for several months now and I hardly ever listen to the music. I'm surprised how uninteresting it is to me. Yes, there are some good musical moments on this CD and Jennifer Hudson can sing, but she also screams too much, in my opinion, and I think she was extremely overrated in this performance. I just don't love listening to her sing on this CD.

Dreamgirls.......2007-05-12

The music is more intense watching the movie. I didn't enjoy the CD as much without the movie.

Disney's Karaoke Series: High School Musical

Average customer rating:

Great CD, girls can duet with Troy!
THIS is the version to buy
This was a great buy
can't get it out of my head!
Great entertainment for the kids!!

Disney's Karaoke Series: High School Musical
Karaoke
Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Disney Channel's High School Musical DVD Board Game

ASIN: B000I2J7M2
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

Start Of Something New
Get'cha Head In The Game
What I've Been Looking For
When There Was Me And You
Bop To The Top
Breaking Free
We're All In This Together
I Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
Start Of Something New
Get'cha Head In The Game
What I've Been Looking For
When There Was Me And You
Bop To The Top
Breaking Free
We're All In This Together
I Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
Start Of Something New (Bonus Girl Solo)

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

Great CD, girls can duet with Troy!.......2007-07-10

My little girl and her friends are way into HSM and this karaoke CD is a HUGE HIT with all of them! They especially like the last track where they can do a duet with Troy. I love that all the songs are clean and the music sounds great. I find myself singing the songs all the time. It is great to have one CD with the musical version and the vocal version, kids can pick how they want to sing it. The words appear on the screen and in different colors for female/male vocals.

THIS is the version to buy.......2007-02-08

I almost made the mistake of buying a different version of HSM karaoke. There is a version out there with a gold cover and two discs; the first with the regular soundtrack (no karaoke) and the second disc with the CD+G karaoke BUT it's instrumental only. Not for me; my kids like to sing along with the main singer, not just to the instrumental version.

But THIS version (red cover, one disc) has both vocal and instrumental versions on one disc. Perfect. And perfect price. If there's a song missing, my kids haven't noticed. It really is very cute to see them sing along, and even my 5 year old who can't read yet knows the words. A fantastic addition to our karaoke collection.

This was a great buy.......2007-01-19

My kids were already going all over the house dancing and singing the songs. This just gave them a instumental to follow. They have had a blast and I have to confess I have even given it a try a time or two...or more. I love that the songs are clean and suitable for my youngest to oldest child.

can't get it out of my head!.......2007-01-19

ok, so the songs get stuck in your head...over & over & over! but hey, it's still a cute, family friendly movie with a pretty good message- the songs are fun to sing along with on your karaoke machine!

Great entertainment for the kids!!.......2007-01-19

My 9 and 7 yr old could spend hours singing with Troy and solo. They love it..it keeps them entertained.

The Lion King (1997 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Choose this one over the movie soundtrack...
Best musical soundtrack ever!!!
We love the Lion King
Great Soundtrack for a Great Musical
Go see the show, just don't buy the CD there

The Lion King (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
Elton John , Tim Rice , Heather Headley , and Mark Mancina
Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001M1B
Release Date: 1997-11-14

Tracks:

Circle Of Life
Grasslands Chant
The Morning Report
The Lioness Hunt
I Just Can't Wait To Be King
Chow Down
They Live In You
Be Prepared
The Stampede
Rafiki Mourns
Hakuna Matata
One By One
The Madness Of King Scar
Shadow Land
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Endless Night
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
He Lives In You (Reprise)
Simba Confronts Scar
King Of Pride Rock/Circle Of Life

Amazon.com

An Oscar win might suggest a score that would need a miracle to be bettered--but this colorful stage adaptation of Disney's The Lion King does so with flair. Composers Mark Mancina and Lebo M worked closely together to fuse the movie's many disparate elements. Where there was a veritable army exercising creative influences for the animated tale, this brings it all under the wings of a like-minded few. This is genuinely apparent as one track flows into the next. The African rhythms--both vocal and in instrumentation--come across as authentic and original all at once. No doubt this is largely through Mancina's passion for peculiar instruments and the possibilities suggested from nightly live performances. "Grasslands Chant" is a good place to hear this. The hit favorites are here of course, but both "Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" are pleasingly unrecognizable with chorus and shifting beats. Better still is the likelihood they will now be eclipsed by some of the new numbers. Mancina's own "He Lives in You" being a strong contender. With a sound mix as crisp as you'd hope to find, this is rousing stuff. --Paul Tonks

Customer Reviews:

Choose this one over the movie soundtrack..........2007-06-28

I bought this cd after seeing the show on broadway. If you like the African-influenced music present in the movie version of the Lion King, all of the original is present here as well as some really good new stuff. My favorite of the new songs is "Shadowland", which really just takes some recognizable background music from the movie and adds lyrics to it. other standouts include "He Lives in You", which you may have heard if you saw The Lion King 1 1/2, and the song Simba sings after his father has died.

I took off one star because I am not a fan of the singer portraying Scar in this recording, and I don't like most of his songs or those the hyenas sing. But the excellence of everthing else makes up for it.

Best musical soundtrack ever!!!.......2007-05-19

Awesome music!!! My kids love it, I love it! Everyone loves it!! I could listen to it over and over and not get sick of it!!!!

We love the Lion King.......2007-05-17

We had just gone to NY in March 07 and saw the play live. The CD is just as beautiful and the music brings tears to my eyes. My five year old knows all the words. We play it on the way to school and back everyday. He particularly likes "I just can't wait to be King".

Great Soundtrack for a Great Musical.......2007-05-13

This soundtrack is just as breathtaking as watching the musical and brings back all of the memories of NYC! This is the original cast recording, so if you've seen the production recently, most of the actors aren't the same; just keep that in mind.

Go see the show, just don't buy the CD there.......2007-03-04

I purchased this CD after seeing the U.S. tour. The show is amazing, go see it. I just say not to buy the CD there because there's a 300% markup! This exact CD is sold at the show's gift shop for $30...look what Amazon has it for. It's a great show, the music is better than that of the film. Enjoy!

The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack)

Average customer rating:

Perfect music!
phantom of the opera is great!
music
Like being there.
My step daughter loves it!

The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack)
Andrew Lloyd Webber , Richard Stilgoe , Gerard Butler , Emmy Rossum , Patrick Wilson , and Charles Hart
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Phantom of the Opera (Two-Disc Special Edition)
The Phantom of the Opera (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)
Dear Frankie
Attila

ASIN: B000654YWY
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

Overture - The Phantom Of The Opera: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Think Of Me
Angel of Music
The Mirror (Angel Of Music)
The Phantom Of The Opera
The Music Of The Night - Gerard Butler
Prima Donna - Simon Callow
All I Ask Of You
All I Ask Of You (Reprise)
Masquerade - Margaret Price
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
The Point Of No Return
Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer
Learn To Be Lonely - Minnie Driver

Amazon.com

For better or worse, Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of Gaston Leroux's gothic horror/romance novel has done for stage musicals what Spielberg's Jaws did for fish stories, with worldwide sales of its original cast album approaching 25 million. While director Joel Schumacher's film turns on his typically ambitious visual verve, its new film soundtrack recording has been paradoxically focused in scope, yet beefed up dynamically via the brawny presence of a hundred piece orchestra and The London Boys Choir. This single disc version showcases all of Phantom's key songs (a deluxe, double-disc edition is also available), with Gerard Butler imparting a welcome, youthful sensuality to his Phantom, making a fine foil for Emmy Rossum's ever-conflicted Christine. Original show orchestrator David Cullen has fashioned compelling new contemporary arrangements to frame Webber's songs -- which now conclude with the lilting, upbeat new ballad he wrote for the film, "Learn to Be Lonely," sung by Minnie Driver. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Perfect music!.......2007-06-11

The Phantom of the Opera is my favorie musical of all time, simply put. The movie is absolutely incredible, so I just had to have the soundtrack. Though this one-disc version leaves out many excellent pieces, it still has the bulk of the music.
First of all, let me just say that Emmy Rossum (Christine) sounds MUCH more elegant and true than Sarah Brightman (who overpronounces to the point of absurdity) in the classic London Cast recording of the musical.
Second of all, Gerard Butler may not be as operatic as Michael Crawford, but he is a much better actor, and the simple sound of his voice IS the Phantom. "Music of the Night" is so beautiful when he sings it, unlike Michael Crawford's mockery of the piece as he tries to sing those bass notes and just ends up mushing it all together into a horrible, overpronounced, over-legato MESS!
Now, Patrick Wilson! He has such a wonderful voice it just makes me faint! Wow! He is, I swear, the greatest tenor alive. Anyone who criticizes his beautiful performance of Raoul is simply insane.
This soundtrack has some utterly perfect music, such as
1. Gerard's incredible performance of "Music of the Night." He sings so beautifully at the end with that last "night" that one can scarcely believe it.
2. "Down Once More," the final scene of the movie can produce tears even without images on a screen. Hearing the three characters' voices together is sheer perfection!
3. "All I Ask of You" has wonderful emotion on all fronts, and Rossum and Wilson blend together into pure love. Bravo! Brava! Bravi!
4. "All I Ask of You (Reprise)"... It is so truly heartbreaking that I can never stop crying. "You will curse the day you did not do... all that the Phantom asked of you!" It has such a blend of emotion that one can only sit and listen, in bliss and awe.
This soundtrack, though missing some songs (get the two-disc set if you want them all), is basically perfect. I will love this music and these wonderful singers forever.

phantom of the opera is great!.......2007-06-08

I absolutely love this soundtrack! Even better, my children do too!
I plan to buy the movie in the near future. I highly recommend this soundtrack if you loved the movie.

music.......2007-05-25

If you like the music from the movie , you will love this cd.

Like being there........2007-05-17

Listening to this beautiful CD opens my mine's eye to the beauty of the stage play.

My step daughter loves it!.......2007-05-14

I bought this soundtrack for my step daughter and she absolutely loves it!! Thank you so much!

The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)

Average customer rating:

A disappointment after the film soundtrack.
Phantom of the Opera
Awesome! must get for Phantom or opera fans....
The Phantom Of The Opera (1986 Original London Cast)
The Perfect Phantom

The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)
Charles Hart
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast)
Cats (1982 Original Broadway Cast)
The Phantom of the Opera (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
The Phantom of the Opera (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Rent (1996 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00004YTY2
Release Date: 2001-02-06

Tracks:

Prologue
Overture
Act One, Scene I: Think Of Me
Act One, Scene 2: Angel Of Music
Act One, Scene 3: Little Lotte.../The Mirror (Angel Of Music)
Act One, Scene 4: The Phantom Of The Opera
Act One, Scene 5: The Music Of The Night
Act One, Scene 6: I Remember.../Stranger Than You Dreamt It...
Act One, Scene 7: Magical Lasso...
Act One, Scene 8: Notes.../Prima Donna
Act One, Scene 9: Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh
Act One, Scene 10: Why Have You Brought Me Here.../Raoul, I've Been There
Act One, Scene 10: All I Ask Of You
Act One, Scene 10: All I Ask Of You (Reprise)

Tracks:

Entr'acte
Act Two, Scene 1: Masquerade/Why So Silent...
Act Two, Scene 3: Notes.../Twisted Every Way...
Act Two, Scene 5: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
Act Two, Scene 5: Wandering Child.../Bravo, Monsieur
Act Two, Scene 7: The Point Of No Return
Act Two, Scene 8: Down Once More.../Track Down This Murderer

Amazon.com essential recording

What's left to be said about Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera a decade after its premiere? That it's maddeningly ubiquitous? A stitch-up of various themes shoplifted from the Italian operatic repertoire? A critic-proof crowd pleaser that's probably being staged somewhere in the world as you read this? A megahit that will likely outlive Titanic in the pop-culture pantheon, Phantom has largely redefined--for better or worse--the manner in which modern musicals are conceived, staged, and marketed. Its influence has reached far beyond the traditional confines of London and Broadway. A favorite example: an abridged version that was the centerpiece of Los Angeles's longest-running transvestite revue, replete with 14-inch chandeliers and a man-playing-a-woman-playing-a-man in the title role. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

A disappointment after the film soundtrack........2007-06-11

I apologize in advance if this review is too cynical and overly-critical for some tastes, but I am mostly disappointed with the London Cast recording. I'll start with my biggest irritations and work my way down, then say some good things about this particular version of "Phantom".
Sarah Brightman overpronounces to the point of absurdity with her hebrew "heard" and "operar" in "Why Have You Brought Us Here." In "Down Once More" I only know what she's saying because I already knew the words from Emmy Rossum in the film. Brightman sounds no more elegant than Carlotta, whose voice I actually prefer because, ironically, it's more pure and understandable. However, Brightman is a fabulous opera singer with wonderful vibrato and a very impressive range... but Rossum is still the preferable choice.
Michael Crawford... man or woman? He may be a high-flying tenor, but sometimes that just goes too far, making him sound whiny and weak. Another major note: he cannot act! He may be more operatic than Gerard Butler in his singing, but he is a horrendous actor. "Down Once More" was turned from the heart-wrenching ultra-powerful piece I know into a disappointment thanks to Crawford's terrible "acting." Also, "Music of the Night" is a disaster when he sings it. Not only does his bad acting tear it down substantially, but he tries to sing bass notes. Tries and fails, mind you. He ends up making the piece a strangled, overpronounced, over-legato mess. He is a wonderful opera tenor, with truly inspiring vibrato, but his sometimes whiny voice and horrible job with the role of the Phantom make him somewhat lesser than Gerard Butler.
As for Raoul, either one is just as skilled as the other. One is more youthful and soft, while the other is more masculine and bass. I think they are equally skilled in all categories.
Every piece in this soundtrack I prefer the film version of, although sometimes there are parts of songs which I feel differently about. The only full song I prefer from this over the film soundtrack is none other than "The Phantom of the Opera." The film version has too many drawn out instrumental bits, which can get tedious. Also, it is missing my favorite verse. The "Phantom" from this soundtrack has vastly better vocal performances from both singers, since Gerard is very strained and this song is all about singing, not really acting.
The only song I like more in this version is "Phantom of the Opera." All others are, for the most part, a disappointment. Just a plain disappointment.

Phantom of the Opera.......2007-05-21

I love love love this soundtrack!!! I have seen on broadway in NY when I was younger and fell in love with it. Now I own every version of it. But this is by far the best cast.

Awesome! must get for Phantom or opera fans...........2007-05-17

I saw this performance in London and this is just like being there, awesome quality, amazing vocals......when I listen, I can feel the red velvet seats in the theater and taste the gin and tonic from the intermission......far superior performances than the recent movie.....I had to throw it away after hearing the real deal.....You will be happy with this one.....

The Phantom Of The Opera (1986 Original London Cast).......2007-05-10

I never received the CD's but the seller was super at trying to trace down what happened to it. I would recommend the seller to any one. Very Honest person.

The Perfect Phantom.......2007-04-20

Andrew Lloyd Webber has outdone himself (and that was pretty hard to do considering his past great works). He chose a great story by Gaston Leroux to adapt into a broadway musical. It doesn't hurt that he has two of the greatest broadway singers as his stars. Michael Crawford was (and still is) the greatest Phantom. His clear, soft voice is exactly what the role calls for. Plus it doesn't hurt he has great lung capacity (listen to the end of "The Music of the Night"). Crawford is a master at portraying all of the Phantom's emotions, contrasting between love, anger, and sadness. Sarah Brightman plays Christine better than anyone. Her high-pitched voice and clear diction have never been matched. The great cast is rounded out by: Steve Barton as Raoul, while not a great singer, he is very emotional; John Savident and David Firth as Monsieurs' Firmin and Andre are a great comedic pair. The cast is the best I've heard, in one of the greatest musicals.

The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Hysterical! Genius! A Treasure!
Hysterically hilariously funny
awesome!
Fantastic!
Snoozefest!

The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
Sutton Foster , Bob Martin , Danny Burstein , and Beth Leavel
Manufacturer: Ghostlight
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
The Wedding Singer (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
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Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000FJA9YI
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

Fancy Dress
Cold Feets
Best Man for the Job
Show Off
As We Stumble Along
Adolpho
Accident Waiting to Happen
Toledo Surprise
Message from a Nightingale
Brides Lament
I Remember Love
I Do, I Do in the Sky

Amazon.com

Under its enigmatic title lurks a remarkably entertaining little show. The Drowsy Chaperone is a droll Canadian import that's part homage to the musical theater, part spoof. Narrated by the unnamed Man in Chair (Bob Martin), the show basically reenacts a 1920s musical named "The Drowsy Chaperone." This allows the creative team to match an inspired collection of familiar 1920s types---the flapper (Sutton Foster), the cad (Troy Britton Johnson), the zinger-slinging diva (Beth Leavel), the Latin lothario (Danny Burstein), the zany character actors (Georgia Engel, Edward Hibbert)---with witty, well-crafted pastiches of songs of that era. Penned by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, the tunes are instantly hummable, while the ensemble cast is uniformly superb---you know the standard is high when the awesome Sutton Foster doesn't even stand out that much. Thankfully, the "meta" concept doesn't lead to arch-irony and detachment. A genuine affection for what makes musicals so fun shines throughout, making this a real keeper of an album. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

More of the Big 2005-06 Musicals

The Color Purple

Sweeney Todd (2005 Broadway Revival Cast)

The Pajama Game

Jersey Boys

The Wedding Singer

Tarzan

Customer Reviews:

Hysterical! Genius! A Treasure!.......2007-06-27

I live in the midst of the theatre district in NYC and see tons of Broadway shows on a regular basis. I can honestly say I can't remember laughing harder than the first time I saw "Drowsy..." When Sutton Foster did her "Show Off" number I fell out of my seat, overheating with hysterical laughter. I've seen the show 3 times so far -- which is a first for me. The CD is great, too. Buy it and sing along! If you like over-the-top, unique, clever musical comedy, this is the show for you, baby!

Hysterically hilariously funny.......2007-06-20

I saw this show with the original cast and found myself in the aisle . . . literally. I had an aisle seat orchestra Row G. Wow! This has got to be the funniest show I have ever seen. Bob Martin, Sutton Foster, Beth Leavel, and Danny Burnstein could not have done it any better. Energy was high, score was magnificant, and dialogue had me rolling. This is a fantastic show for teens to seniors to sit back, relax, and have a terrific time. Amazing!

awesome!.......2007-06-17

i saw this show on broadway, and if you know anything about it you know that it is a 1920s musical that "the man in the chair" is adding his little comments all throught it. the cd includes most of them. it is fantastic, although i don't reccommend seeing the actual show on broadway, the cd is great and the songs are fun and catchy!

Fantastic!.......2007-06-10

Just saw the play in NYC and the soundtrack captures all the fun. If you've not seen the show yet, go now! You'll love it.

Snoozefest!.......2007-05-17

I must say the score doesn't live up to it's praise, completely boring! This almost put me to sleep! I had the misfortune of borrowing this CD from a friend and (with an open mind) can say the music from a supposedly good MUSICal is just plain boring...aborrida...need I say it in any other language for you? Now, I'm not denying the show isn't good, but how can a musical be good when the MUSIC in it is monotonous and unimpressive? Riddle me that! I can say one good thing: they got "drowsy" right in the title!

Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

An average review for the average listener
BEST BROADWAY MUSICAL EVER
An AMAZING Broadway hit -- Would make Hugo proud, I believe
A Musical So Good It Deserves More Than 5 Stars...
One of the greats

Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast)
Alain Boublil , Claude-Michel Schonberg , Frances Rufelle , and Colm Wilkinson
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)
Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)
Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert
Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
Rent (1996 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000000OQI
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Overture/Work Song
Valjean Arrested/Valjean Forgiven
What Have I Done?
At the End of the Day
I Dreamed a Dream
Lovely Ladies
Who Am I?
Come to Me (Fantine's Death)
Confrontation
Castle on a Cloud
Master of the House
The Thenardier Waltz of Treachery
Look Down
Stars
Red and Black
Do You Hear the People Sing

Tracks:

In My Life
A Heart Full of Love
Plumet Attack
One Day More
Upon These Stones (Building the Barricade)
On My Own
Upon These Stones (At the Barricade)
Javert at the Barricade/Little People
The First Attack
A Little Fall of Rain
Drink with Me
Bring Him Home - Valjean
Dog Eats Dog
Javert's Suicide
Turning
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables - Marius
Wedding Chorale/Beggars at the Feast
Finale

Amazon.com

After Les Misérables became a huge hit in London, it moved to Broadway, bringing along two stars from the London production, Colm Wilkinson as the heroic Valjean and Frances Ruffelle as the despondent Eponine. Filling out this 1987 cast are Randy Graff (Fantine), Terrence Mann (Javert), David Bryant (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Michael Maguire (Enjolras), and Leo Burmester and Jennifer Butt (the Thénardiers). Whether you prefer the London cast or this one just might depend on which one you heard first, though minor revisions to the show since its London debut make the Broadway version more familiar to current audiences. In fact, the 10th anniversary concert might have the best overall cast of the lot, while the three-disc symphonic recording is a must for completists.

Regardless of cast, Les Misérables has become a sensation. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score is filled with beautiful ballads ("Bring Him Home," "I Dreamed a Dream") and rousing anthems ("One Day More," "Do You Hear the People Sing?"), and Victor Hugo's classic novel of a student uprising in early-19th-century France provides a compelling story line that continues to thrill audiences all over the world. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

An average review for the average listener.......2007-05-08

Looking for a Les Mis album but don't want to get caught up in a debate over so and so being better on London or Broadway or some other show?

I read the book, saw the play, bought this album. Those are my qualifications. As such..

I loved this CD. The sound quality was great, every song was worthwhile, and there was no major problem that would prevent anyone from enjoying their listening experience (despite what you might read on some of these other hyperventilating reviews).

In short: Like the book? Haven't seen the play? Or maybe you have. Either way - Get this CD. You won't regret it.

BEST BROADWAY MUSICAL EVER.......2007-03-25

I HAVE SEEN LES MIZ 6 TIMES, INCLUDING ONCE IN LONDON, AND AS RECENT AS LAST MONTH ON BROADWAY. NOTHING COMPARES TO THIS ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM. THE VOICES ARE RICH AND THE LYRICS CLEAR. THE INSTUMENTALS ARE DYNAMIC AND IT IS EASY TO FOLLOW THE WHOLE STORY LINE AND PICTURE EACH SCENE AS YOU LISTEN.

An AMAZING Broadway hit -- Would make Hugo proud, I believe.......2007-01-08

I began with the abridged version, then listened to the rest on free listings. This musical gives you the story in not only detail but atmoshpere. The songs are heartbreaking, uplifting, terrifying, inspiring, everything the novel was and more. Having read Hugo's long masterpiece is not a pre-requisite to enjoying this fine piece of music, though it does give the listener a feeling of having shared an inside joke.

A Musical So Good It Deserves More Than 5 Stars..........2006-12-31

Okay, so I'm not a "kid" persay, but seeing how I first saw Les Miz when I was 14, am 15 now, and so I figured it would do.
This musical was probably the best thing that I have ever seen. This CD puts together all the wonders and beauty of the musical through the amazingly brilliant (and talented) cast. I have encountered many people who have started out with saying that Broadway is for the weak, but I can safely say that I have shown them the light by playing them this CD. I fall asleep to it, and wake up to it nearly everyday, I listen to it on my iPod while reading the book by Victor Hugo and watch the movies, and while my family think it's a little obsessive of me, I can't help but get it out of my head. Frances Ruffelle (Eponine)'s voice seems to spark something in all those who listen. The best tracks by far have to be:

On My Own
In My Life
A Heart Full of Love
Drink With Me
Lovely Ladies
I Dreamed A Dream
At The End Of The Day
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

And that's only the first songs I have on first of many iTunes playlists. Among the other CDs of Les Miz that appear, I must recemmend as well the Complete Symphonic Recording. Although it is more expensive, it has all the songs that appear in the musical. This CD has the main bulk, but does not have those little songs that bring each character into more detail. Also, if you feel daring, I recemmend the French Albums. It gives the story more of a feeling of home, since it is France (The Country that speaks French) that the tragically beautiful tale takes place. All in all, this was my first CD of it I got, and I have to say that the music and cast leave a lasting impression. Buy it, and see for yourself.

One of the greats.......2006-12-09

Not normally being a Broadway music fan myself, I must admit i was skeptical when I first discovered this collection some years ago. The book has always been a favorite so I was intrigued at the musical. I was instantly captured by the mood and the bigger than life feel that comes through and, for me, there will never be an improvement on the original cast. In nearly 20 years, I am still not tired of listening to these songs and singing along to my family's dismay. It is truly one of the greats.