Sunday in the Park With George (2006 London Revival Cast)
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Free Music Notes for Sunday in the Park With George (2006 London Revival Cast)
Free Music Review: Beautiful Sunday!
Hit: 5 Stars
I've loved the original Broadway cast of "Sunday In The Park With George" for years but I must confess that's it's wonderful to hear Sondheim's score (and a good deal of Lapine's book) performed by this English cast. The acting/singing is more nuanced that the Broadway company - no vocal straining by Bernadette Peters; no self-indulgent, over-the-top hamminess by Mandy Patinkin. The score comes to new and brilliant life without the familiar vocal caricatures of Peters and Patinkin. I know, it sounds like heresy! There's also something to be said about hearing this particular musical with "English accents". Class distinction is instantly recognizable and adds a whole other layer to our American ears.
I'm as much a purist as the next musical theater afficianado and cringe at orchestral reductions and "rethinkings" but this time around it is skillfully handled lending appropriate fullness and intimacy as dictated by the score. Particular attention should paid to the remarkable engineering/mixing.
It is a treat to hear Sondheim's words and music deliverd with such care and passion. I usually don't care for English cast recordings but this is my one exception.
Free Music Review: BEAUTIFUL, BUT ORIGINAL BETTER
Hit: 4 Stars
I love this score from Sondheim, but the cast doesn't quite match the original production with Bernadette Peters.Free Music Review: A New Look At A Modern Classic
Hit: 5 Stars
I saw the original Broadway production and fell instantly in love. I cheered when I heard PS Classics was recording this new production, though I had reservations about the new, reduced orchestrations. In general, I find this recording very satisfying, with only a few reservations.
On the plus side, it is more complete than the original Broadway cast recording. There is even a bonus track with a song that was cut from the show during the pre-Broadway workshop production. The sound is crystal clear and well balanced. The physical production is beyond satisfactory, with complete lyrics, notes, and a plot synopsis -and plenty of photographs. The performers as strong. Perhaps not up to the level of the original stars, but strong enough, and they clearly are approaching the characters on their own terms, with no attempt to recreate what Patinkin and Peters did twenty years ago.
The only real negative is the new orchestrations, and even those are not really a problem. They are only really noticed during big moments, such as Sunday or We Do Not Belong Together. Those numbers just can't "swell" as before. Sunday also suffers from the show's only lapse in musical direction: the vocal attitude is entirely too energetic for the song's statement of serenity on a calm, peaceful Sunday afternoon. It's almost as if the singers are trying to make up for the lack of orchestral forces here. It is the one wrong note in an otherwise superbly directed production.
If you only buy one recording, the original is a must. If you already own that one, this new version is a very worthy addition. The inclusion of underscoring and spoken material makes this recording a better "listen" for those that have not seen the show.
Free Music Review: Comparing Broadway with the London Cast
Hit: 4 Stars
I first became familiar with Sunday in the Park from the Original Broadway Cast Recording. It is my favorite, and consider as the best (together with Sweeney Todd). It is indeed nice to revisit Sunday with this version. Here is the comparison:
(1) Arrangement and orchestration: It will be like comparing apples and oranges. If you go for a fuller orchestration, go with the broadway cast. It is very nimble, and quick. However, if you go for intimacy, definitely go with this one. As oppose to sweeney, where the material is calling for a fuller sound, a small group of musicians works very well. The use of solo instruments to highlight some phrases and ideas is very good. Especially on some very intimate songs like "We do not belong together" and move on. Also, the chorus acts like an orchestra. Very good
(2) Dot: Bernadette Peters is very good in the original cast. It would indeed be very intimidating for any actress to play Dot, much more preserve her version with B Peters' version still out there. Still, Dot here is very good and tackled here solos differently. Also, the delivery of the lines is clearer (B Peters sometimes is difficult to understand), the accent is crisp and very appropriate. the Dot here is very good.
(3) George: It is still Mandy Patinkin. the confidence, confusion, of George was portrayed very well by Patinkin. He created a very distinct George. Very precise. In this version, george is sometimes drowned out by his "creation" , especially in the o season. In the original cast, Patinkin is in control. So, his confusion and attempt to still maintain order is more heartfelt.
(4) Chorus: This one is better. the original cast in a way relied too much on the orchestra. here, it is more of vocal work. Very good. Accents are definitely much better .
(5) Pacing: the additional lines are very much welcome...It will definitely help those who were not able to see the video understand the show (especially the lyrics of "Lesson #8).
Free Music Review: Won't make you forget the original
Hit: 3 Stars
The 1985 cast recording of this show was alot shorter but made better by stronger acting and sheer brilliance. This recording at least makes more of the show available on CD but since there is a DVD out -- that is not really much of an issue.
I have a feeling this show really needs to be seen rather than heard. Most of the performances are strangely robotic -- thinking more George than Dot. While Mandy Patinkin brought forth the inner demons and drive of the artist -- here it is more of a bland read-through rather than a heartfelt performance.
The ensemble and music are brilliant though and it is worth getting if you are a true fan. Just don't expect to throw your previous recording in the trash.