Jacques Levy, Steve Margoshes - Fame the Musical (1999 Original American Cast Recording)
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Free Music Notes for Fame the Musical (1999 Original American Cast Recording)
Free Music Review: Pretty decent CD! Some good singers, and some not so good
Hit: 3 Stars
This Cd is pretty good, but I do need to compare it to the Original London Cast Recording (which is hard to find.) The new Cd certainly has its high points but it also has many weak spots, namely the vocals of the character Carmen (Natasha Rennalls)and Tyrone (Dwayne Chattman). Just for the record, I saw Natasha Rennalls (now Natasha Neary) play the part of Carmen in Los Angeles. She was PHENOMENAL. But this recording does not do her justice. The vocal director has her sing it too bubble gum pop. When I saw her live she didn't sing like that. Also, her dancing was AMAZING, and her stage presence was very commanding. But I do have to complain about the song "In LA" when she takes the key higher to sing, "oh, they know how to do it in L awww." Not LA. L AWWW. What were they thinking? I was so disapointed. If you wanna hear the definitive version of "In LA" get the London Cast sung by unknown DIVA Loraine Velez who belts the song like there's NO tomorrow!
On the plus side there are a lot of great singers on this CD. Miss Sherman (Regina Le Vert) and Miss Bell (Kim Cea) belt their way through "The Teacher's Argument" like it's some kind of singing contest. It's amazing and sung better here than the London Cast. Also Le Vert belting her soulful rendition of "These Are My Children" is wonderful too.
Serena and Nick are great too played by Jennifer Gambatese (Tarzan & All Shook Up) and Gavin Creel (Millie, Mary Poppins). "I Wanna Make Magic" definitely sounds better sung by Creel. His voice is strong and smooth. Gambatese does well with the bulk of the songs "Let's Play A Love Scene" & (reprise), "Think Of Meryl Streep". Although I am partial to the London Cast sung by Gemma Wardle.
One of the roles in this show that always gets the audiences attention is the lovable Mabel, the girl who can't stop eating! Dioni Michelle Collins (Little Shop of Horrors) does well with her one hilarious song "Mabel's Prayer". But if you wanna hear it belted out of this universe, definitely get the London Cast. It's sung by now Sonia Swaby (Gigi MISS SAIGON COMPLETE RECORDING, Nancy "As Long As He Needs ME" from OLIVER in HEY MR PRODUCER! VIDEO) She really knocks it out of the park.
As a whole the Cast works well together to produce a fun filled album but it's too bubble gum, and not dark enough for my liking. Lots and lotsa of energy but maybe too much. Once again, since the London Cast was the first to perform the show, that's the way it was originally intended to be. It's sounds darker.
But on the other hand, a notable plus is that this album features the song when Carmen and Schlomo are rehearsing "Bring On Tomorrow" which is NOT on the London Cast.
I'd give this CD 3 1/2 stars if I could. So there are good and bad, now it's time for you to decide. Now, there is also FAME on 42nd Street. I say get them all to compare, and to enjoy!
Free Music Review: Ummmmm, Try the London Cast!
Hit: 3 Stars
Well, what can I say?! I am a true FAME fan, and I live for it in England. Lets just say that this version does not quite match up to that of the Original London Cast (if you ask me you have to be amazing to beat Loraine Velez). If your not convinced with this version you should see the London casts - there is so much energy in the show and it comes through in the recording. Dont judge FAME by this recording because what I have heard does in no way match up to the London cast. The cast is full of very talented performers, and they are demanding songs. I love the songs and think that they are well done but I think I am still commited to my London cast CD.Free Music Review: Not the the movie had some years ago
Hit: 3 Stars
The movie Fame bounced off the screen and its music engaged its public. Fame the Musical comes later in a different era and does not have the same verve the movie did. Still one can listen to the dance music and imagine the routines.Free Music Review: It needs some help
Hit: 2 Stars
I would first like to say that i am HUGE musical theater nut, and i therefore have an open mind to everything (musically and in general). But i am also a trained opera singer so when music is badly written it REALLY bothers me. Ok, the cd... The song "Fame" is very well done, unfortunatly, it all kind of goes down-hill from there. I am not going to knock any of the singers, they are all very talented young people and i dont dare insult my fellow x-generations. My objection to this musical is the MUSIC. It gets repeditive in parts, some notes are held too long, some songs arent long enough. My recomendation for this CD: wait until the show comes out on broadway, by that time they will have fixed most of its little "musical problems" and it will be very good (i hope). But as for this version, save your money.Free Music Review: FAME MIGHT NEVER MAKE IT TO BROADWAY
Hit: 2 Stars
I dont know if they are planning to take this show to Broadway, If they are planning to, I certainly DO NOT suggest it! The show begins with the song Pray I Make P.A which has such upsurd lyrics as "Next Week I going to be gone/ Where's the John?" This is just one example. The worst 2 songs of the show are "Tyrone's Rap" and "Cant Keep it Down". One of the better numbers is between two teachers and is called "The Teachers Argument". The Best number in the show is "I Wanna Make Magic" about a boys dream to be a star in theater. I think the lowest part of the show is when they actually mention the movie Fame! Even some flops have better songs then this! This show has some likeable moments but I recommened buying something else first!