Johnny Johnson (1956 Studio Cast)
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Music CD Cover
Composer: Kurt WeillPerformer: Lotte Lenya
Performer: Evelyn Lear
Performer: Thomas Stewart
Performer: Scott Merrill
Performer: Jane Connell
Performer: Burgess Meredith
Edition: Music CD
Format: Soundtrack
Music Label: Polydor
Free Music Notes for Johnny Johnson (1956 Studio Cast)
Free Music Review: HAUNTING ANTI-WAR AMERICAN OPERA BY KURT WEILL .. . . .
Hit: 5 Stars
March 2, 2007: Thanks to ArchivMusic, I now have a CD version of this masterful musical in my collection. David Wolf, when comparing the two existing versions in "The TheateMania Guide of Musical Theater Recordings, says that this one, " . . . has an extraordinary cast of singing actors, a more theatrical feel, and sharper musical direction. . . . this genuinely exciting album may remain the best was to full appreciate Weill's considerable achievement."
Original December, 2006 Review: It's been several years since I've listened to this recording, since the only version I own is on vinyl. However, the music and the performances haunt me to this day, especially the final scene: Johnny (Burgess Meredith), recently released from the mental hospital, has become ". . . a peddler of the toys he learned to make in the madhouse. But he will not sell toy soldiers and this prevents a sale to a little boy on the street who then runs off with his mother." (His mother is Minny Belle, once Johnny's sweetheart.) So, "Johnny Johnson wanders off, crying his wares, and singing his belief (JOHNNY'S SONG) that 'we'll never lose our faith and hope and trust in all mankind.'" (from the LP sleeve) Goosebump time.
Kurt Weill's great musical was first produced on November 17, 1936, and "The time seemed ripe for it. Out of the Depression years had come both a new optimism and an unprecedented social consciousness--including the belief that war could be outlawed. There had been a number of anti-war plays reflecting a still simmering disillusionment with World War I, but JOHNNY JOHNSON capped them all by treating the subject in a mordantly humorous, expressionistic and often farcical manner that drove the point home vigorously. As a kind of burlesque counterpoint to such books as Barbara Tuchman's THE GUNS OF AUGUST, it is no less pertinent in its story today." (liner notes by C.G.)
Why such an important piece of theater has been virtually ignored is one of life's great mysteries. Perhaps "anti-war" is not as profitable as "pro-war?" (STRIKE UP THE BAND is hardly among the Gershwin's most popular shows. The act two finale ultimo is another of those goosebump-inducing theater moments.) Why has it taken 37 years for Richard Attenborough's film version of "Oh! What a Lovely War" to make it to DVD? Why did it take 31 years for the London Cast recording of Joan Littlewood's production of the same show to make it to CD? Why did the CD version of JOHNNY JOHNSON have such a limited release?
To say that this is a great recording is an understatement, and it's a shame that it is no longer commercially available. However, it is available as an ArchivCD (CD-on demand) from Archiv Music at its website. Liner notes are not included with the CD, but I would be more than happy to send copies of the LP notes to anyone who contacts me. Guess you can see how strongly I feel about this recording.
Besides the remarkable Burgess Meredith, the cast includes Lotte Lenya (Mrs. Kurt Weill and star of most of his operas), international opera stars (and husband & wife) Evelyn Lear & Thomas Stewart, Scott Merrill (MacHeath on the Decca THREE PENNY OPERA), & Jane Connell (Agnes Gooch in MAME). In addition to writing the music, Weill also orchestrated the score. Samuel Matlowsky conducts, and the chorus is under the direction of Joseph Liebling.
The only other recording of JOHNNY JOHNSON (ERATO, 1997), conducted by Jeol Cohen with Donald Wilkinson as Johnny, is also now out of print. Excellent in its own right, it nevertheless pales next to the Burgess Meredith recording. Contact Archiv Music right away and experience this incredible recording. Very, very highly recommended.
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