You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Broadway Revival Cast)
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Free Music Notes for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Broadway Revival Cast)
Free Music Review: Nothing lasts forever, all good things must end.
Hit: 5 Stars
I got this CD for Christmas, after I'd heard about the retirement. Listening to it for the first time, I was struck by the irony of the new words, "Nothing lasts forever, all good things must end." They had no idea how true it would be when they wrote the new section to the title song.This is a marvelous CD, which in many ways improves on the original (which I have on cassette). The new songs are nice, with "Beethoven Day" never failing to get me in a good mood. I also get a huge kick out of the way some songs are re-arranged to sound more like the Vince Guaraldi jazz scores, which weren't around when the original came out. In fact, listen closely to the instrumental section of "My Blanket And Me" for a nice surprise! This also marks the first recorded version of "The Glee Club Rehearsal" (hilarious!). I also loved the little embellishments they added, such as "Peter Raa-aaa-aaa-aaa-aaa-aaa (GASP!) --abbit!"Only a few flaws; I wasn't crazy about B.D. Wong's lisp, and I do think the original "Suppertime" was a bit better. However, this was more than made up for by the loveliest rendition of "Happiness" I've ever heard, with that beautiful a cappella harmony in the last refrain.It was this song that I, housebound from a recent illness that February weekend, was listening to when my mother announced to me that Charles Schulz's life had ended with his strip. Nothing lasts forever. All good things must end.But maybe Charles Schulz will last forever.Free Music Review: A worthy remake of a theatrical classic
Hit: 5 Stars
I'm always skeptical when someone decides to do a "new and improved" version of a stage musical, especially one that I grew up listening to. and can quote, start to finish. In this case, however, the new cast album of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" passes with flying colors, in most cases surpassing the original recordings. The performances here are terrific all-around, most notably Roger Bart as Snoopy, and Kristin Chenowith as Sally, who steals the whole thing with her performance of "My New Philosophy", one of two new songs written for this production. Andrew Lippa's new arrangements of the score are near perfect, making a good thing even better. (The gospel-like new ending to "Suppertime" is a hoot!) There is an energy and freshness to the whole production. I would like to point out that I disagree with two other reviewers, however. Ilana Levine is well suited for her role as "Lucy", and the so-called "shrillness" that she brings to the role is what's known as "staying in character". This role is almost always performed in this fashion, and Ilana should be commended for her comedic ability. Also, the Amazon.com reviewer states that the song "Beethoven Day" really dates the musical, which is a strange comment, since this is the other brand new song written especially for this production. (???) At any rate, this is a first rate recording, and highly recommended.Free Music Review: The Magic of the Production is Captured in this Recording
Hit: 5 Stars
The new cast recording of the revival/revision of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown: The Broadway Musical" is as spirited and spectacular as the show itself. After listening to it, one cannot help but to feel overjoyed with the bubbily innocense and optimism of a chid. Especially pleasing are the additions to the score by Andrew Lippa (I think that's his name. Pardon me if there are errors). His sparkly tune, "My New Philosophy" really adds character, wit, and dazzle to the production. The song itself can only do so much; that's why there is the wonderfully taleneted diva, Kristen Chenoweth. Her portrayal of Sally perfectly captures the wit and magic of Schultz's creation and is not to be missed. To be perfectly honest, I have never been so intrigued and touched by a cast recording as I have by this one. The energy just envelops you all the way around. Pure magic! A Broadway musical and recording not to be missed. SEE THIS SHOW. BYE THE CD. Oh, the cast is great-duh. B.D. Wong is superb and Roger Bart is magnificent. If you do see the show, be sure to stay by the stage door in front of the box-office where the cast members will come out and greet you. Anthony Rapp is delightful and though I think Illana Levine is a bit obnoxious, she, as is the rest of the cast, wonderful. Her understudy though, I think, is better. SEE THIS SHOW!!!Free Music Review: Simplistic, but Adorable!
Hit: 5 Stars
When I first heard there was a Charlie Brown musical, I cringed. But then I heard the album and my opinion changed drastically.The cast of this revival is absolutely stunning; they really add the "Peanuts" flair to it. Anthony Rapp (whom I loved and adored in Rent) is the perfect Charlie Brown. If you just listen to Rent you can tell what a great actor this man is- he can be a struggling would-be director one minute and a kid who's down on his luck the next. Ilana Levine, as Lucy, takes some getting used to (mainly on the high notes) but her attitude is perfect! She's so self-absorbed! *laughs* Stanley Wayne Mathis is terrific as Schroeder. He definitely embodies our favorite piano-playing Beethoven wonder boy. B.D. Wong, as Linus, is so adorable in "My Blanket and Me". He gives new meaning to the term 'security blanket'. Kristen Chenoweth is *perfect* as Sally (who, I've realized, is a mixture of Sally and Peppermint Patty), especially in her duet with Schroeder, "My New Philosophy". It's so adorable, and catchy! And last but not least, Roger Bart as Snoopy. He's great; I can really envision him as being a dog on a red doghouse. If only he had a Woodstock. *sigh*
Anyway, this album is truly worth getting. The songs are simple, but they really tell a lot about children and the joys of life. Not a waste of money at all!!
Free Music Review: Songs from the Funnies
Hit: 5 Stars
I really wish I could have seen this musical. I love all things Peanuts, and I even memorized Charlie Brown's monologue from this play for my high school Drama class. But having this soundtrack is the next best thing. Here, you're treated to wonderful songs right out of your Sunday comics. The characters hold true to their comic strip personalities, and it's very easy to imagine that you've read this somewhere before.There are quite a few highlights. "Kite" is a funny example of Charlie Brown almost succeeding at something. "The Book Report" takes each of the characters through the process of writing a report on Peter Rabbit. I especially love Schroeder's change to Robin Hood. My personal favorite is "My New Philosophy." Sally is coming up with new life philosophies as fast as she can. It's a hilarious song that gives Kristin Chenoweth a great chance to shine. Listening to this, it's easy to see why she won a Tony award for this roll.
I will agree with previous reviewers that have said Lucy's voice isn't the best. The actress just doesn't quite have the range to pull off the high notes that are required. But that only dampen two songs, and the rest of the time she sounds just like Lucy should.
All told, this CD really does belong in your collection. It's sure to cheer you up and touch your heart, just like the comic strip.