Mame (1966 Original Broadway Cast)
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Free Music Notes for Mame (1966 Original Broadway Cast)
Free Music Review: An exciting score that twists and turns with the muscial plot even if a bit dated--and one great big campy YES !!!
Hit: 4 Stars
Jerry Herman remains one of the greatest composers and lyricists of the entire twentieth century. One of his biggest hits was the score for the Broadway musical entitled Mame. Angela Lansbury and the rest of the cast could inject so much extra electricity into Herman's already rousing score that people were crowding the theater for years and wearing the grooves off the record albums as they enjoyed these words and music.
The CD has all of the songs from Mame performed by the original Broadway cast; and these songs were recorded just a few days after the show opened in 1966 for record album release. Angela Lansbury's voice is rich, warm and full of feminine energy; and Bea Arthur fits in perfectly as Mame's friend Vera Charles; Bea's performance on this CD glistens like gold.
The CD track set opens with a rousing overture that gives you a musical collage of the show's major tunes; and the flawless arrangement stuns you with its beauty. Mame quickly establishes herself as THE expert in how to enjoy life as Angela Lansbury sings "It's Today" with a great male chorus in the background. Angela delivers "It's Today" with panache and her excellent diction helps to make this number a memorable one. Mame's fresh, exciting and positive outlook on life is reinforced by the next song entitled "Open A New Window." Mame sings this song to her young nephew Patrick to teach him the importance of always trying new things to keep yourself young while enjoying your life at the same time.
Other great songs from this score include the enchanting ballad Mame's nephew Patrick sings to her to cheer her up after a play Mame is in doesn't work out well; Frankie Michaels and Angela Lansbury sing "My Best Girl" to perfection! The musical arrangement makes good use of the strings and the chimes add a nice touch. "We Need A Little Christmas" is another rousing number performed by Angela Lansbury as they decorate the house to distract themselves from the pain of the stock market crash of 1929; and "Bosom Buddies" gets the royal treatment from Angela Lansbury and Bea Arthur. "Bosom Buddies" plays with the tempo and makes a few key changes to produce a snappy number that still sounds fresh today, even if a line or two is dated.
"If He Walked Into My Life" is a more pensive, introspective ballad sung by Mame as she wonders if she raised her nephew well; Angela Lansbury sings this without a superfluous note and all the sensitivity this great ballad demands.
In addition to the electrifying finale, we also get five bonus tracks that were never released before this CD was produced. The five tracks feature Jerry Herman at the piano. (Warning: Jerry Herman can't sing.) Jerry sings "St. Bridget" with some alternate lyrics, a song cut from the production entitled "Camouflage" with Alice Borden; a somewhat more stately interpretation of "Open A New Window" and "Mame."
Which brings me to the song entitled "Mame." The arrangement shows forethought and the lyrics work well enough. However, some of the lyrics are rather embarrassingly outdated, for example: "The South Will Rise Again???" I don't think that line and quite a few others from this number would work in our times. And they shouldn't, either.
Another disappointment is that Jerry Herman songs tend to have endless choruses which simply repeat the lyrics to the main verse. This shortcoming remained an obstacle for Jerry Herman; even in his much later shows like La Cage Aux Folles this pattern remains quite evident.
Overall, however, the score to Mame works very well and when you listen to this CD there is no mystery as to how the musical lasted over five years on Broadway. Angela Lansbury couldn't have been more perfect for the role of Mame as she can belt out her songs with panache, sensitivity and warmth all at once. The other cast members perform flawlessly as well.
I recommend this CD for fans of Broadway show tunes. People who enjoyed seeing the musical on Broadway will also enjoy this digitally remastered CD with its five bonus tracks of Jerry Herman at the piano.
Free Music Review: Dated ... but a Great Score!
Hit: 4 Stars
Sure, this show's a bit dated, but this score is terrific & Angela Landsbury IS Mame!
Best tracks include:
It's Today
Open A New Window
We Need A Little Christmas
Mame [the classic!]
Bosom Buddies [hysterical duet w/ Bea Arthur]
If He Walked Into My Life [incredible 11:00 number!]
An excellent addition to any collection!
Free Music Review: Mame Original Broadway Cast Recording
Hit: 4 Stars
About 3 weeks ago, I received the Broadway recording of Mame. I bought it from a dealer, and it came to me in excellent condition. I am in a local theatre production of Mame, and having the CD playing in my car, helps me memorise the songs that I am involved in. I have a LP recording of Mame, but I wanted a CD version of it. I reconmend anyone to order from Amazon.com or from a dealer for excellent results.Free Music Review: Mame-- The Feel Good Musical Worth A Buy!
Hit: 4 Stars
This is a great musical I personaly think that if Angula did it again. It would still be good. Bea Authur is not bad either! The extra tracks are great too! Jerry Herman had a wonderful musical I love it and I think everyone should at least try it out.Free Music Review: Re-visiting Auntie Mame
Hit: 4 Stars
I enjoyed hearing this cast album and remembering all the fun I have had watching the various incarnations of the movies made from it. My 2 favorite songs are still "We Need A Little Christmas!" and the when when she charms the South. Always fun!