You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Broadway Revival Cast)
|
List Price: Our Price: $13.99 You Save: $3.99 (22%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $8.97 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Broadway Revival Cast)
Free Music Review: Ambiguous
Hit: 2 Stars
Bought this CD for my son, who enjoyed a local school production. But I had a hard time deciding whether to take this 1999 production or the original, and wish I had chosen the original. It would have lacked "Beethoven Day", which my son likes so much that it is the reason I chose this version. But Man, that Lucy! I'm sorry to say, I just can't stand her (Ilana Levine's) voice. Sure, she's supposed to be obnoxious, but they took it WAY too far, and it ruins my enjoyment of most of the album. But judgement is a tricky thing here. My son doesn't like Lucy's voice either, but loves the CD anyway. However, his first experience of "You're a Good Man" was a high-school production and he claims that was better. My first experience was the original cast recording, which I memorized when I was a child (after seeing a college production), and THAT is my favorite by far (the recording, not the college production). Perhaps things we like can never be supplanted in our affections by versions experienced later? Won't know for sure unless I get the original as well and see if my son shows a preference.
Beethoven Day is a nice number, but I miss the Red Baron bit. And most of the voices on the original I find far warmer and more full of character, especially Snoopy. AND LUCY!
Buy the Original (1975?) Off-Broadway Cast Recording, NOT the revival.
Free Music Review: Good Grief! So Good!
Hit: 5 Stars
Recently played in a pit orchestra for this show and needed the recording for reference purposes. Didn't realize that I'd still be listening to it. Usually on a Broadway musical soundtrack there are two or three tracks that I tend to skip over, but there were none on this recording! The music was as I remembered it from the old movie cartoon. Kristin Chenoweth is brilliant in "My New Philosophy," "Beethoven Day" is a great upbeat addition, and "Suppertime" is a showstopper even on a CD. Even the bow music is fun. What makes it even greater is that it's only the six or so musicians playing- what talent. It's a treat. Really fun.Free Music Review: Wonderful
Hit: 5 Stars
There is only one thing better than the music and lyrics on this recording and that's the cast that sings it. I admit, I thought it wouyld be hard to picture Anthony in any other role than Mark, but then again, it's not easy to picture Adam Pascal as anything but Roger and here is as Radames in Aida. But Anthony was perfect. Roger Bart made a fun Snoopy. Illana is a perfectly cast Lucy, took the persona to a new level. Kristin Chenowith is a gem. I love her Sally and My New Philosophy is easily my favorite song. Happiness is a wonderful tune. Full of happiness yes, but it's positive and hopeful and just so uplifting. The story is classic, every love the characters from the comic strips and the essential cartoon holiday videos. B.D. Wong played a perfect Linus and his first lines from The Book Report are Linus on so many levels. He's a brainy little kid, too smart for his own good, but you love him because he's Linus and he's so cute. I can't remember Schroeder's name, but man, can this guy sing. I love how he's featured on Glee Club Rehearsal, how a little kid can take Home On The Range so serious. Then he takes Beethoven day and sings a jazzy little number about a classical composer. This is just fantastic. It is a real treasure of the Amnerican musical theatre. I love and you will too. I give it my highest recommendation.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.
Free Music Review: BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL!
Hit: 5 Stars
This revival of You're A Good Man Charlie Brown is outstanding! The cast is absolutely amazing! The original recording has poor orchestrations and the singers are off key. In the revival production the songs are more lively and fun and the singers have beautiful voices. I defenitely recommend this recording to anyone who is or ever has been a fan of "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown."