Cats (1982 Original Broadway Cast)
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Free Music Notes for Cats (1982 Original Broadway Cast)
Free Music Review: Enough of this Broadway vs London stuff. Let's add Australia to the picture
Hit: 5 Stars
Like most people, I've been torn between London and Broadway for a while. I'll admit, I'm fond of both London and Broadway, but some songs I like on Broadway more than London, and vice versa. However, when I bought the Australian recording, it turned into my favorite CATS recording, hands down. They have EVERY song in there, (Growltiger's Last Stand, and Battle of the Pekes and Pollicles) Anyhow, here's my biased opinion on which of the three recordings dominate in certain songs.
Overture - The overture is pretty much the same
Jellicle Song for Jellicle Cats - London
Naming of Cats - Australia
Invitation to the Jellicle Ball - Broadway
Old Gumbie Cat - London but Australia's is pretty darn good
Rum Tum Tugger - I'm not very fond of London's version or Broadway's. I'd have to say Australia, but Broadway is just as good.
Grizabella - London
Bustopher Jones - London
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer - Australia. This version has a very interesting Mungo and Rumpel
Old Deuteronomy - London or Broadway
Jellicle Ball - London
Grizabella: The Glamour Cat - Tie
Memory - Okay, Elaine Paige is about as good as it gets. But Debbie Byrne from Australia delivers a heart felt Memory also.
Gus: The Theatre Cat - Australia
Growltiger's Last Stand/The Ballad of Billy McCaw - All are good
Macavity: The Mystery Cat - Australia
Mr. Mistoffelees - Australia. The Australian Rum Tum Tugger is a lot better. And while I'm a huge Sarah Brightman fan, and you can hear her overpowering in this song, I still say Australia wins here.
Memory - Moment of truth. I love Elaine Paige. Her Memory is as good as it gets. However, some would say that Elaine's version is too soft and sweet, and isn't bitter and cold enough. This song could go both ways. Betty Buckley certainly expressed rage and power in this song, but maybe too much. In my personal opinon, Elaine's version is too soft, and Buckley's version is too cold. Debbie Byrne is a perfect medium, and she expresses remorse, sorrow, pain, anger, and loneliness in perfect harmony. I'd have to say Australia.
Journey to the Heaviside Layer - Not much of a difference. Tie between all three.
Ad-Dressing of Cats - Broadway. THANK GOD FOR KEN PAGE.
Free Music Review: Wonderful
Hit: 5 Stars
This "CATS" recording is wonderful and is a must have. Timothy Scott (Mistoffelees) and Reed Jones (Skimbleshanks) are just awesome. Timothy Scott was one of the most talented people in theatre and it's great that his voice, as well as Reed Jones, can now and forever be heard on this album.Yet, in my opinion, I feel there is a flaw in this recording. I disagree with most peoples opinions about Terrance Mann; I don't like his interpretation of the Rum Tum Tugger. He doesn't give much personality in "Mister Mistoffelees" and kind of lets the song get tedious.
All said, this CD truely captures the heart of "CATS". I feel the only "CATS" recording (if RUG decided to do it) that would ever surpass this one is the video cast. Since that's not the case, be sure to buy this recording if your a "CATS" fan. *To be people who have not seen "CATS"* Do not buy this CD, or any "CATS" CD at that, until you buy the video first. It's cheaper and just see how much you like the musical before you go and buy the CD. You won't understand the CD at all unless you're able to view this magnificent spectacle and true work of art first.
Free Music Review: SAVE THE CATS--SHUT DOWN SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Hit: 5 Stars
I remember when I saw CATS at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit, Michigan in 1987. I remember going up on stage and getting Calvin E. Remsberg (Old Deuteronomy in this production)'s autograph, the Tugger shaking it like no other, and Mistoffolees stealing the show. And afterwards, I could not get enough of the wonderful music. This has some of the coolest Andrew Lloyd Webber songs EVER, and there is more to this show than just "Memory". Check out Terrence Mann's performance of "The Rum Tum Tugger", Betty Buckley's interpretation of "Grizabella: the Glamour Cat", but the real star of the show, to me, was the late great Timothy Scott, who not only assisted in the choreography (you can't see that on here) but sang "Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer" and the second verse of his song "Mr. Mistoffolees", as well as small solos on other songs such as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" and "Growltiger's Last Stand". All in all, this is an awesome CD and I am sad to hear that it's closing on Broadway. SAVE THE CATS!Free Music Review: Afficionados...or not!
Hit: 5 Stars
I agree with Bill: every theatre aficionado must have this CD! However, even those who aren't aficonados should seriously consider this CD. Many people think "Cats" is a meaningless, pointless musical; but if you really pay attention, there IS a plot and a point. (Contrary to popular belief!) It does make sense, too. The music tells of each cat--a little biography of each, if you will--and why they should be granted another 9 lives. However, if you pay very close attention and TRY to get the meaning out of it, you will. This CD evokes the true meaning of the music and the show: appearances can be deceiving, and looks aren't everything. Just because someone isn't perfect looking on the outside doesn't mean they are a bad person on the inside. I really hope you consider getting this CD; "Cats" isn't the longest running Broadway show because of a bunch of very slim people in skin tight outfits. It's because of the music, the magic, and the beauty of the music and story! Enjoy!Free Music Review: Spectacular & Delightful, those Jellicle Cats!!
Hit: 5 Stars
I saw "CATS" at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway in July 1987 when I was 13, and it made an impression on me that is with me to this day. The songs, costumes and makeup were breathtakingly fantastic, and being a cat lover, I had an instant affinity for the subject matter. This soundtrack is SUCH a pleasure to listen to, and I never tire of it. Each and every song is performed with enthusiasm, emotion, and a sense of fun. My personal favorites are "MungoJerrie & Rumpelteazer", "Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat", "The Jellice Ball" and, of course, "Memory". I also own the London Cast Soundtrack, and I despise it. The vocals are weak, unenthusiastic and almost indifferent. I definitely prefer Betty Buckley's interpretation of Grizabella to Elaine Paige's, and Ken Page gives a MUCH more heartfelt and robust performance as Deuteronomy than Brian Blessed does. To sum up, the Broadway version is the ONLY version of "CATS". It will always be a delight for the ears.