Big River: The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn (1985 Original Broadway Cast)
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Music CD Cover Brand: BIG RIVER Composer: Roger Miller Performer: Roger Miller Performer: Dan Jenkins Performer: Rene Auberjonois Performer: Jennifer Leigh Warren Performer: Patti Cohenour Performer: Carol Dennis Performer: John Short Edition: Music CD Format: Cast Recording Published: 1990 CD Release Date: 1990-10-25 Music Label: Decca U.S. Soundtracks:
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| New | New Usually ships in 1-2 business days | $6.33 | ||
| Used | Used Usually ships in 1-2 business days | $2.98 | ||
| Collectible | Collectible Usually ships in 1-2 business days | $11.98 |
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Free Music Notes for Big River: The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn (1985 Original Broadway Cast) Album
Free Music Review: A good recording of a mediocre show
Hit: 3 Stars
Technically, this recording is excellent. Music cuts aren't sloppy. All the important songs are included in the recording, and the lyrics are very easy to understand, even in the large ensemble numbers.
The cover proudly boasts "Winner of 7 1985 Tony Awards, including Best Musical." While true, 1984-1985 was one of the weakest seasons ever for musicals on Broadway. (None of the other nominated shows that year ran more than 120 performances!) Basically, this is a weak show and weak score by modern standards. The score has a few catchy numbers ("The Royal Nonesuch," "Do You Wanna Go to Heaven?") and a gorgeous ballad ("Leavin's Not the Only Way to Go"), but most of the music is better suited for the radio than the Broadway stage (or the soundtrack aficionado's collection).
Basically, I feel torn about this CD. Roger Miller is an excellent song writer and the album reflects that. But there are no songs in the grand musical theatre tradition of reaching the heights of depths of human emotion. Nor are there songs that are clever, witty, or novel. Nor is any of the music complex or intricate. All that's here is track after track of OK songs...
If you're a Roger Miller fan or like the show, then buy the CD. You won't be disappointed. But if you're looking for another gem to add to your soundtrack collection, then spend your money on something else.