South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall
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Free Music Notes for South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall
Free Music Review: Absolutely Fantastic! McEntire, Mitchell, Baldwin, White and Company are exceptional!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is the greatest, most electrifying recording of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific ever! With the full orchestrations by Robert Russel Bennet restored and a cast of legendary performers, it's brilliant!
Let's begin with Reba McEntire. Ms. McEntire breathes new life into the role of Nellie. Although Mary Martin was superlative and will probably never be topped, McEntire gives a performance that is funny, touching and moving. Her vocals are also top notch. Mr. Brian Stokes Mitchell, Broadway's reigning leading man is also excellent. His two big numbers "Some Enchanted Evening" and "This Nearly Was Mine" bring the house down. His dialogue is performed with humor and conviction. Alec Baldwin is also fine in the comic role of Luther Billis. Although he's no great singer, he gives a very funny performance. Lillias White as Bloody Mary is also wonderful. She sings the role beautifully and delivers her dialogue perfectly. As Lt. Cable, Jason Daniely is also excellent.
The orchestra, under the baton of the legendary Paul Gemignani, is outstanding and the ensemble, made up of Broadway's best up and coming talents, is remarkable.
Although Carousel still remains my personal favorite of the R&H works, South Pacific isn't far behind and this recording does justice to the wonderful show.
Free Music Review: a wonderful concert
Hit: 5 Stars
I watched this concert on our local PBS station, and was completely captivated. Firstly, no one has sung the part of Emile like Brian Stokes Mitchell; forget what you think you know of "This Nearly was Mine". His version is simply the most beautiful one I've ever heard. He sang it with such passion that it moved me to tears.
Secondly, I must admit I'm not a Reba fan. Nothing against her, but I just don't care for country music. HOWEVER...
She did an incredible job as Nellie. Her Tulsa accent worked very nicely as the girl from Little Rock. And she put such joy and energy in the part, I couldn't help but love her.
Thirdly, Lillias White was absolutely outstanding in her role, singing "Bali Hai" better than I've ever heard it.
True, this is an unusual version of this musical, but that's what I enjoyed about it. The songs are of course familiar, but they have a new life to them in this concert version.
Free Music Review: Bright new recording of this classic; worthwhile despite a few flaws
Hit: 4 Stars
I missed the TV special, but quickly had a chance to listen to this recording and bought it outright. If we consider this strictly for recording's sake, without regard of people "looking" the part, a more fair review can be made. St. Luke's Orchestra, conducted by Paul Gemigniani, first and foremost, is superb. Brian Stokes Mitchell is an excellent choice for de Becque, and his conviction for the part shows through his singing. I loved Reba in "Annie Get Your Gun," and she makes a sweet and wholesome Nellie in this recording. Her country charm is enticing, but her country vocal stylings sometimes get in the way of the beauty (or intent) of the songs. Nevertheless, she is highly appealing. Danieley makes a fine Cable; my only criticism is his pronunciation of the vowel sound oo, as in June or You, which he oddly sings as "eeeeewwww," which is very distracting to an otherwise flawless performance and a beautiful voice. White is great as Bloody Mary, one couldn't really ask for more. Alec Baldwin, however, is a disgrace. I don't think Rodgers and Hammerstein had a New York mobster in mind for the character of Billis. His acting and singing completely throw off the balance of an otherwise great recording. And it is a travesty that Danieley and White are relegated to the back cover of the insert, not even a mention of their names on the recording cover, where Alec Baldwin's sneering face is plastered on the cover as if equal in any way with McEntire and Mitchell. The concert style does not really take away from the performances, although we are not used to hearing so much dialogue. But it's a fairly thorough recording of the songs with lots of reprises, along with a full overture and entr'acte, and the splendid original orchestrations of Robert Russell Bennett and incidental music by Trude Rittman (thanks so much for not changing things on us).Free Music Review: Enchanting!
Hit: 5 Stars
I'm not a big Rodgers and Hammerstein fan (I prefer Rodgers and Hart), but I've always had a soft spot for South Pacific. Those lush, romantic melodies (the movie had a big effect on me as a kid) still have the ability to send my spirits soaring whenever I hear it. Ands its message of racial tolerance is still timely today. This could very well be the best recording of the show. (I confess I've never heard the Mary Martin version, but have heard all the others). Everyone shines on this concert recording. It's nice to hear Nelly Forbush with a real southern accent. Reba McIntyre is a perfect Nelly. And to hear Brian Stokes Mitchell sing Emile will send chills down your spine. There isnt a false note or performance on here. From Alec Baldwin as Luther to Lillias White as Bloody Mary, everyone gives a standout performance. What a great orchestra too. Why cant someone raise the money and get this cast on Broadway? It would be a smash!Free Music Review: Reba steals the show
Hit: 5 Stars
Reba Mcentire has done it again. She has won over the New York theater critics. Everything this woman touches turns to gold. Is there anything this woman cannot do. It is worth watching or buying the CD for just McEntire's performance alone.