A Catered Affair (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
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Free Music Notes for A Catered Affair (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Free Music Review: A Gem for John Bucchino Fans
Hit: 5 Stars
I fell in love with John Bucchino's music when I first heard "Grateful" several years ago. When I first heard that he was attached to "A Catered Affair", I was thrilled! I pre-ordered the CD as soon as I saw it was going to be released.
Upon first listening to the recording, I was struck by many similarities to "The Light in the Piazza" which is one of my all-time favorite scores (and shows), although this has a much more "working-class" theme. This score is so well written that it is almost like listening to the spoken word and not music! I was immediately drawn into the emotions of the characters - all of them! When Faith Prince sings "Our Only Daughter", I could not stop from tearing up. She is so well-cast! Tom Wopat is also perfect as the husband whose pent-up anger over years of frustration finally boil over in "I Stayed"! As for the rest of the cast, they are able to bring true humanity to each of their characters as I have not heard from a cast in a long time.
Many criticisms of the show have to do with the lack of a hummable score and no chorus. I found this to be a welcomed diversion from recent shows! It was refreshing to hear realistic emotions expressed through song by the characters themselves without having to resort to a back-up chorus of tappers filling time on the recording. It is also a nice diversion from the recent Disney musical invasion! As for the score itself, as a musician, I found a lot of songs that have stuck in my head. I cannot wait for the sheet music to be released!
I have been recommending this recording to everyone who displays even remote interest. I purchased my tickets to see the show in NY the day after I listened to the recording. My wife & I are more excited to see this than we have been since we saw "The Light in the Piazza" a few years back!
Free Music Review: An Almost Perfect Musical
Hit: 5 Stars
I was lucky enough to be New York recently and was priviledged to attend a Saturday Matinee of "A Catered Affair." This is the stuff of legends! Granted the book added a rather trite sub-plot about the uncle, but the music, direction, sets, costumes, orchestrations and stellar performances made for a momentous performance. And the CD beautifully captures the magical, delicate and wholly original score by John Bucchino. I almost chose not to see this show because of Ben Brantley's scathing review in the New York Times. Thank God, my heart took over and told me that this might be another "Light in the Piazza."
But it wasn't a copy of anything. It was completely original. Broadway is willing and wanting and waiting for such lovely pieces. Not since "She Loves Me" has a show been so wrongly criticized and ignored by the Tony nominators, who, for God's knows what reason, embraced the sophomoric and cloying "In the Heights." (I attended a performance of the latter where many audience members left at the intermission.) Another musical that got short-changed was "Young Frankenstein" with a near comic operetta score and stellar performances by all involved.
But I digress. If you're even thinking about going to NYC this summer, go immediately before "A Catered Affair" closes. It's scheduled to close in late July.
DO YOUR PART TO KEEP IT GOING!!
Free Music Review: The best cast album of the year.
Hit: 5 Stars
A Catered Affair is the best original cast album of the year since it combines all the elements for a great recording. To begin with it perfectly captures the entire play so that you can understand the development of the characters and their motivations. The music is wonderful as would be expected from the great John Bucchino with gorgeous melodies and insighful lyrics - the songs really grow on you and you will be hooked on them after several hearings. (If you are not familiar with John Bucchino's wonderful music try It's Only Life or Grateful, his other compilation CD's). The performances are wonderful, most notably Faith Prince and Leslie Kritzer, who creat wonderful chemistry on disc and are heartbreaking in their simplistic desires and longings. Add solid performances by Tom Wopat in an explosive song called I Stayed and the warm Harvey Fierstein in his inimitable style. Add to this the wonderful Jonathan Tunick arrangements, which could not be bettered. This is a score that will only grow with repeated hearings and familarity - you will really be hooked once you start. This is what Broadway musicals should be about - an original score that furthers the plot and explores the characters with beautiful melodies and lyrics. Don't pass this one by.Free Music Review: Addictive
Hit: 5 Stars
Since I purchased this CD last week, it has been on repeat constantly. I have not seen the show (getting tickets very soon!), but the score is very layered and sophisticated, yet intentionally humble (to go along with the theme of the show).
John Bucchino is, hands down, among the most talented songwriters in the world. He comes through on this score. At first I was expecting the typical Broadway formula - large opening, a few ballads, a few uptempos, and some large choral pieces thrown in. This CD is different, which is what makes it so special. In its understated in an elegant approach, it is painfully addicting. I am also not somebody who listens to lyrics as much as the music, but this show carries a knock-out punch message that you have to be willing to hear and experience. For those who are, it will take you on a rollercoaster ride. Keep your eyes (and ears) open, and enjoy (if you've heard the CD, you'll know what I mean).
Free Music Review: Great Recording Of An Underrated Show
Hit: 5 Stars
Reviewing a cast album is tricky. Do you write about the recording, or the show? I'm a fan of both. The show is a lovely, thoughtful piece about a family dealing with love and loss. Some call it kitchen-sink drama; I call it real life. The score is beautifully melodic, and perfectly captures the real, human emotions of the characters. This is not about tap shoes, helicopters, or pseudo rock and roll. It's about people.
This recording preserves that beautiful score, along with the amazing performances of Faith Prince, Tom Wopat, and the rest of the cast. The CD booklet has the complete lyrics, along with plot synopsis and commentary -and many color pictures. It's as classy as the wedding that Aggie wants for her daughter in the show. Listen to the previews. Visit the show's website to see clips. Then judge for yourself. This is an underrated gem of a show, and a cast album that is extremely satisfying to listen to.