Oscar Hammerstein, Richard Rodgers - South Pacific (Original 1949 Broadway Cast)
|
Our Price: $23.45 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for South Pacific (Original 1949 Broadway Cast)
Free Music Review: Wha-?
Hit: 3 Stars
Although I love the message behind the story, I must admit that the soundtrack left me a bit...cold. Mary Martin must have been one of those "you had to be there" actresses- because her voice seemed flat and lifeless to me. I am sure I will get a lot of flack about this comment, Mary Martin was my mother's favorite actress, topped only by Ethel Merman and any kind of review less than stellar will irk many.Free Music Review: Nothing to shout about. It was better on stage, right?
Hit: 2 Stars
I think the recording I listened to was the original, unrestored version, which may affect my opinion.There really is nothing in this recording that gives you the sense that you are listening to one of the greatest musicals in Broadway's history. The only word I can think of to describe it is vague. (Even that doesn't sound quite right.) "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair," "Cockeyed Optimist," "A Wonderful Guy," and "Honey Bun" are vaguely tuneful, and mary martin is vaguely energetic in her delivery. The same goes for the sailors' two songs, "Bloody Mary" and "There Is Nothin' Like a Dame." Ezio Pinza and Juanita Hall are vaguely mesmerizing in "Some Enchanted Evening" and "Bali Ha'i," respectively. "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught" isn't even vaguely searing in its commentary, because it only lasts about 30 seconds. (Is the the song actually longer, or is this all there is?)
Since this has been hailed for 50 years as one of the greatest of all Broadway musicals, I assume it probably is. But there's really no evidence of that in this recording. I guess the restored version must do it better justice. I'll just have to keep an eye out for that one...