November 25, 2008

13
(Ghostlight - new on CD)
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Original Broadway cast recording of Jason Robert Brown score. "13/Perfect Party," "The Lamest Place in the World," "Hey Kendra," "Get Me What I Need," "What It Means to be a Friend," "All Hail the Brain/Terminal Illness," "Getting Ready," "Any Minute," "Good Enough," "Here I Come," "Opportunity," "Bad Bad News," "Tell Her," "It Can't Be True," "If That's What It Is," "A Little More Homework," "Brand New You."

Andrew Lloyd Webber: 60
(Universal Classics - on 3 CDs)
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U.S. release of compilation set. See track list.

The Complete Gilbert and Sullivan (Paperback)
(Penguin - Paperback Book)
Paperback version of 2006 book.Ed Glinert (Editor), Mike Leigh (Introduction). Annotated edition of all fourteen of their operas. Libretti, commentary, background its performance history, plot summaries and original cast lists. Previously available as hardcover import. 912 pages.

The Complete Lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II
(Knopf - Hardcover Book)
Amy Asch, Editor (The Complete Lyrics of Irving Berlin, the expanded The Complete Lyrics of Lorenz Hart, Playbill Broadway Yearbook). Introduction by Ted Chapin. Sixth volume in Knopf's Complete Lyrics series. Contains the text to more than 850 songs by the preeminent musical dramatist of the twentieth century, whose body of work ranged from the operettas of the twenties and thirties through the golden era of the Broadway and Hollywood musicals of the forties and fifties.

Doris Day: Complete Christmas Collection
(Collector's Choice - on CD)
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22 tracks - the first 12 are from Day's 1964 The Doris Day Christmas Album, issued in its entirety on CD for the first time in the U.S. with "Silver Bells," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Snowfall," "Toyland," "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!," "Be a Child at Christmas Time," "Winter Wonderland," "The Christmas Song," "Christmas Present," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "The Christmas Waltz," and "White Christmas"; "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" comes from the 1959 Hooray for Hollywood double album with Frank DeVol, "Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly" (first U.S. release, the only finished song from a shelved holiday album Doris began with DeVol that same year); "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Ol' Saint Nicholas," "Christmas Story," "Silver Bells" and "The Christmas Song" (with Les Brown & His Orchestra) are all single sides she cut for Columbia from 1946 to 1950; "Silent Night" and "Christmas Greeting from Doris" are unreleased tracks, the first from her early-1950s radio show, the second from her late-1960s CBS-TV show; and a reading of "Let No Walls Divide" from the all-star 1961 Columbia Christmas album We Wish You the Merriest.

In Color
(Electric Fountain Records - new iTunes download) 
Michael Cavanaugh (Movin' Out. Nine songs from rock legends who have influenced him through the years: Pete Townshend, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Michael Stanley Band, Joe Cocker/Dave Mason, Led Zeppelin and Big Joe Turner. Also, four new songs, of which "Miles Away" and "Give It Time" were written by Michael. Produced by Rob Mathes. CD to be n stores 1/20/09.

Liza Minnelli: The Complete A&M Recordings
(Collector's Choice - on 2 CDs)
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Restored and remastered directly from the original master tapes. From four albums originally released from 1968 through 1972. Also features an informative essay from Scott Schechter, inside a full-color booklet with rare photos, and includes the studio albums Liza Minnelli (1968), Come Saturday Morning (1969) and New Feelin' (1970), along with her first in-person solo recording Live at the Olympia in Paris (1972) - discs that have never appeared on CD in the U.S. Also, unreleased outtakes of "I’m Looking over a Four-Leaf Clover," "Alicinha," "I’ll Never Fall in Love Again," "This Girl’s in Love with You," "Snow; Tell Me That You Love Me Junie Moon," "Old Friend" (a.k.a 'Hey Friend') and "For Once in My Lifetime." 51 tracks in all.

Mamma Mia!: The Deluxe Edition
(Decca - on CD/DVD/book)
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Includes the soundtrack CD (no added music), a DVD featuring 30 minutes of recording session footage, interviews with the cast and composers, and the music video of "Gimme, Gimme Gimme" by Amanda Seyfried, plus a hardcover booklet with essays and photos.

Natalie Toro
(new on CD-R)Album of showtunes; includes a duet with Sutton Foster "Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again." Available at CD Baby.

Norm Lewis: This Is the Life
(new on CD-R/mp3)
Available at CD Baby. "This Is the Life," "Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?," "No One Is Alone," "Before the Parade Passes By," "Moon River," "We Live On Borrowed Time," "It’s Not Unusual," "Misty," "All the Things You Are," "Di Provenza," "Go the Distance." Available at CD Baby.

Once: Music from the Motion Picture
(Hal Leonard - Paperback Book)
13 songs from the Irish film with songs by Czech Republic-born Marketa Irglova and Frames front man Glen Hansard. Songs include: "The Hill," "If You Want Me," "Say It to Me," "When Your Mind's Made Up" and more.

Pulitzer Prize Plays: The First 50 Years 1917-1967, A Dramatic Reflection of American Life
(Limelight - Paperback Book)
By Dr. Paul Firestone. An analysis of the 42 plays that were awarded the Prize during the first 50 years of the Pulitzer's existence (1917-1967). Firestone sets out to examine the reason behind newspaper-owner Joseph Pulitzer's establishment of a Prize for Drama and search out why these 42 plays were honored with that award. In a series of informal essays, Dr. Firestone analyzes more than the dramatic action or the character development in these plays, providing insight into how they reflect America's cultural values and mores, organizing them by their major themes: Themes of Family Life; Themes of Social Protest; Themes of Political Heroes; Themes of the Spiritual Condition of Man; and Themes of Morality in a Materialistic Society.

Some Men
(Dramatist's Play Service - Paperback Book)
Terrence McNally play.

November 18, 2008

Broadway Musicals Show by Show 6th Edition
(Hal Leonard - Paperback Book)
Updated to include more than 300 of the most important and memorable productions of the American musical theatre. Chronologically arranged beginning with The Black Crook in 1866, the sixth edition adds entries on musicals from recent years, including The Lion King, Hairspray, The Producers, Wicked, The Boy from Oz, Mamma Mia!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Avenue Q, and others. Statistics, inside information, critical reception, cast lists, and commentary about each show.

Broadway Unplugged 4
(Original Cast Records - new on CD)
Original 2007 concert cast recording starring Sarah Uriarte Berry, David Burnham, Bill Daugherty, Darius De Haas, Max Von Essen, Marc Kudisch, Aaron Lazar, Beth Leavel, Lorinda Lisitza, Andrea McArdle, Michael McElroy, Sarah Jane McMahon, William Michals, Paul Schoeffler, Emily Skinner, Martin Vidnovic and Barbara Walsh. Recorded live at Town Hall. 18 tracks. Currently available at Footlight.

Cannibal! The Musical: 13th Anniversary Edition
(Troma - on 2 DVDs)
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Trey Parker and Matt Stone's film musical comedy with new commentary track by them, never-before-seen outtakes reel, feature-length drunken commentary with the cast, a look at Cannibal stage revivals from all over the world, and much more.

Further Adventures Of Hedda Gabler
(Dramatist's Play Service - Paperback Book)
Play by Jeff Whitty. [our review of LA production of this play]

The Gospel at Colonus
(New Video Group - new on DVD)
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Filmed version of 1985 Philadelphia production. Bob Telson musical adaptation of Oedipus at Colonus. Jevetta Steele, Isabell Monk, Robert Earl Jones, Carl Lumbly, Clarence Fountain and the Blind Boys of Alabama (who collectively play Oedipus) and Morgan Freeman. 90 minutes.

The Great American Book Musical: A Manifesto, Monograph, and Manual
(Limelight Editions - Paperback Book)
By analyzing the scores, lyrics, librettos, and choreography of such innovative and revolutionary shows such as Oklahoma!, On the Town, A Chorus Line, and Dreamgirls, as well as looking at which factors propelled certain shows to success (and which factors caused them to flop), author Denny Martin Flinn provides a history and practical guide to the creation of Great American Book Musicals for the current generation.

Keys: The Music of Scott Alan
(new on CD)
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New album of songs by Scott Alan. Performers include Marcus Paul James, Julia Murney, Tituss Burgess, Jenn Colella, Lisa Brescia, Randy Graff, Heidi Blickenstaff, Kerry Ellis, Norm Lewis, Kate Wetherhead, Megan Hilty, Hadley Fraser, Natalie Weiss, Sutton Foster. Currently available at CD Baby.

Lord Let the Angels Sing
(new digital download)
Johnny Rodgers Band holiday single. With Ben Taylor. At iTunes.

Razzle Dazzle - Mitzi Gaynor
(City Lights - new on DVD)
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All new documentary about Gaynor's annual television specials, to be aired on PBS this fall. Includes excerpts from Gaynor's 1968-78 TV specials choreographed by Peter Gennaro, Danny Daniels, Tony Charmoli, and Robert Sidney; interviews with Gaynor, Bob Mackie, Kristin Chenoweth, Tony Charmoli, Carl Reiner, Rex Reed, and Kelli O'Hara. Extra 60 minutes on the DVD include musical performances; "Mitzi and Mackie: Look Back in Fashion!" featurette; "Uncensored and Unseen": Mitzi’s Egyptian Dance; Mitzi is "The Kid"; 2 full-length performances; Mitzi and Friends Salute Sondheim’s "Company"; "Mitzi & George Hamilton at the Movies"; full-length comedy sequence from Mitzi's 1968 Special Razzle Dazzle; photo gallery; Mitzi and Bruce Vilanch Live in San Francisco 2008.

Spider Saloff: Cole Porter Live at Maxim's
(new on CD)
30 tracks. Released July 29, 2008. Available at CD Baby.

Wall-E: Collector's Edition
(Buena Vista - new on 3 DVDs)
2008 animated film (which features clips from the Hello, Dolly! film). Includes deleted scenes, digital copy and many extras. Also available in Single Disc and Blu-Ray versions.

What We Do - Working in the Theatre
(Paperback Book)
By Bo Metzler. Available at Buy Books.

November 11, 2008

Annie Ross Sings A Song With Gerry Mulligan
(DRG - on CD)
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1957 album. "I Feel Pretty," "I've Grown Accustomed To Your Face," "All Of You," "Give Me The Simple Life," "This Is Always," "My Old Flame," "This Time The Dream's On Me," "Let There Be Love," "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea," "How About You," "I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan," "This Is Always," "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," "Lady's In Love With You, The," "You Turned The Tables On Me," "I've Grown Accustomed To Your Face" - (alternate take).

Burt Bacharach Live at the Sydney Opera House
(Verve - new on CD)
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Live performance recording. 32 tracks. Released October 28, 2008.

Boys in the Band
(CBS/Paramount - new on DVD)
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Restored under supervision of director William Friedkin. Cast includes Kenneth Nelson, Peter White, Laurence Luckinbill, Leonard Frey and Cliff Gorman. Will include interviews with Art Crowley and cast members. Bonuses: "The Boys in the Band": The Play (the genesis of Mart Crowley's play); "The Boys in the Band": The Movie (William Friedkin and the making of the film); "The Boys in the Band": Today (On the 40th anniversary of the play, those who made and lived it discuss how the stage and film versions became cult classics).

Dear Edwina
(PS Classics - new on CD)
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2008 world premiere recording of Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich's first musical, starring Kerry Butler as Edwina, and featuring Jeff Blumenkrantz, Andrea Burns, Danny Burstein, Rebecca Luker, Telly Leung, Terrence Mann and Kate Shindle.

Edith Bouvier Beale Of Grey Gardens: A Life in Pictures
(Verlhac Editions - Hardcover Book)
Edited by Peter Beard with introduction by Bouvier Beale Jr. In-depth look at the life of Little Edie. Conceived by members of the Beale family, the book traces a line from Edie's childhood through her heady days as a young socialite and her later years at Grey Gardens. Featuring over 150 newly uncovered photographs and letters. 192 pages.

Evening with Beatrice Lillie
(Sepia - new on CD)
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Broadway production ran for 275 performances, played London and toured the US and the UK. This recording was made after the tour. Beatrice Lillie, Reginald Gardiner (Leslie Bricusse performed in the UK) and Eadie and Rack at the pianos. Overture (Eadie And Rack ), "Rhythm," "Nanette," "Folk Song Cycle," "Weary Of It All Listen, "Piccolo Marina," "There Are Times," "Paint," "Maud," "There Are Fairies At The Bottom Of Our Garden Listen, "The Party's Over Now," "I Apologise Listen, "The Fan Listen, "Three Little Fishies / Hold Tight, Hold Tight," Medley: "I Want To Go Back To Michigan / Where The Black-Eyed Susans Grow / Lazy / Susanna's Squeaking Shoes," "Wind Round My Heart," "He Was A Gentleman," "Trains" (Reginald Gardiner), Listen, "Trains (Continued)" (Reginald Gardiner), "The Party's Over Now Listen."

Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates
(Sepia - new on CD)
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1958 Dot Records TV cast, with songs by Hugh Martin. Tab Hunter, Peggy King and and opera star Jarmila Novotna perform the show's nine tracks. Bonus: four songs performed by Hunter including his chart-topper "Young Love" and "I’m A Runaway" from Gunman's Walk, and sixteen songs by Peggy King, most of which are appearing on CD for the first time. 16 page booklet includes a forward by Hunter and rare production photographs from “Hans Brinker” from his private collection.

Hollywood Musicals Collection
(Fox/MGM - on 61 DVDs)
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50-film collection from Fox and MGM studios. Including The Goldwyn Follies and the Eddie Cantor films Whoopee! and Kid Millions, with have not been released on DVD before. Click here for list of films.

Howard Sings Ashman
(PS Classics - new on CD)
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Newest in Songwriter Series. Prepared with the assistance and cooperation of Howard Ashman's sister, Sarah Ashman Gillespie, and his life partner, Bill Lauch. To include selections from Ashman's most famous scores (Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin), his lesser-known shows (including God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater and Smile), as well as several unknown songs from unproduced works.

Irma La Douce
(Sepia - new on CD)
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OLC, including Elizabeth Seal, Clive Nevill, Keith Mitchell. All 15 tracks plus bonus tracks: original Paris cast Irma Colette Renard and international star Zizi Jeanmaire performing songs from the musical in French. 16-page booklet includes an interview with Elizabeth Seal and photographs from the London production supplied by Elizabeth and Michael Ward who took them.

Jackie Hoffman: Live At Joe's Pub
(PS Classics - new on CD)
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Jackie Hoffman album, recorded live onstage at Joe's Pub.

Manhattan Transfer - 35th Anniversary Great American Songbook
(Time Life - on DVD)
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Marks Manhattan Transfer's 35th anniversary. Exclusive, intimate performances featuring their trademark vocal harmonies with piano accompaniment. Recorded at Henson Studios in Los Angeles. Includes interviews behind-the-scenes footage from Time-Life's "Great American Songbook" infomercial shoot, photo galleries. 45 minutes.

A Marshmallow World - Jessica Martin & Mark Steyn
(new single CD)
Holiday song from UK performer Jessica Martin (Marguerite, "Dr. Who") and author (Mark Steyn's American Songbook) and online host of "Song of the Week" Mark Steyn. CD available at CD Baby, Amazon; mp3 available at The Steyn Line.

Marguerite Vocal Selections
(Hal Leonard - Paperback Book)
Songbook for UK musical with score by Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg, Michel Legrand, Herbert Kretzmer.

The Marvelous Wonderettes
(PS Classics - new on CD)
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Off Broadway cast recording for show featuring 1950s-60s pop tunes. Farah Alvin, Bets Malone, Victoria Matlock. Jeffrey Lesser produces.

Paramount Centennial Collection
(Paramount - each on 2 DVDs)
2-disc re-releases (slightly upgraded quality plus some extras) of Sunset Boulevard, Roman Holiday, Sabrina.

Patti LuPone at Les Mouches
(Ghostlight - new on CD)
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Digitally restored recording from her 1980 solo show performances at Les Mouches in New York City. Songs include "Because The Night," "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Evita," "Rainbow High," "Don't Cry For Me Argentina," "Come Rain Or Come Shine," "Not While I'm Around," "Meadowlark."

The Railway Children
(TER - new on CD)
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British cast recording of new Richard John/Julian Woolford musical based on Nesbit novel. Paul Henry, Susannah Fellows. Import. Available now at Footlight.com and Dress Circle.

Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder
(DRG - new on CD)
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New Barbara Cook CD. "Cookin Breakfast for the One I Love" (William Rose-Henry Tobias), "For All We Know" (J. Fred Coots-Sam Lewis), "Hallelujah, I Love Him So" (Ray Charles), "Harbour" (Peter Allen), "He Loves and She Loves" (George Gershwin-Ira Gershwin), "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter"/"I Wish I Could Forget You" (Fred Ahlert-Joe Young/Stephen Sondheim), "I'm Through with Love"/"Smile" (Matty Malneck-Ray Livingston/David Raksin-Charles Chaplin), "If I Ever Say I'm Over You" (John Bucchino), "Lost in the Stars"/"No More" (Kurt Weill-Maxwell Anderson/Stephen Sondheim), "Love Is Good for Anything That Ails You" (Cliff Friend-Matty Melneck), "Old Devil Moon" (Burton Lane-E.Y. Harburg), "Sooner or Later" (Charles Wolcott-Ray Gilbert), "There's a Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder" (Al Jolson-Billy Rose-Dave Dreyer), "Where or When (Richard Rodgers-Lorenz Hart), "Lucky to Be Me" (Leonard Bernstein-Betty Comden-Adolph Green). Produced by Hugh Fordin with arrangements by Lee Musike, who also conducts the band.

Rudolf Friml (American Composers)
(Univ of Illinois Press -Hardcover Book)
Author William Everett discusses composer Rudolf Friml in the larger historical contexts of the American operetta, the Indianist movement, Francophilia, Orientalism, and romantic nostalgia.

Studio One Anthology
(Koch - new on 6 DVDs)
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The Archive of American Television presents 17 restored/re-mastered episodes, plus bonus material. Twelve Angry Men, Wuthering Heights, 1984, The Arena, June Moon, Dino, Julius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, The Storm, Confessions of a Nervous Man, The Remarkable Incident at Carson Corners, Dark Possession, The Death and Life of Larry Benson, The Strike, The Medium, An Almanac on Liberty, Summer Pavilion. Bonuses: footage from the Archive of American Television utilizing interview excerpts about Studio One; excerpts from The Paley Center's Studio One Seminar; interview with Director Paul Nickell; collectible 52-page booklet with detailed information about each episode. Stars include Charlton Heston, Art Carney, Jack Lemmon, Leslie Nielsen, Norman Fell, Sal Mineo, Elizabeth Montgomery, Vaughn Taylor, Lorne Greene and Lee Remick. 850 minutes.

Theatre of the Real: Yeats, Beckett, and Sondheim
(Ohio State University Press - Hardcover Book/CD-ROM)
By Gina Masucci MacKenzie. "Traces the thread of jouissance (the simultaneous experience of radical pleasure and pain) through three major theatre figures of the twentieth century ... engages theatrical text and performance in dialogue with the Lacanian Real, so as to re-envision modern theatre as the cultural site where author, actor, and audience come into direct contact with personal and collective traumas. By showing how a transgressively free subject may be formed through theatrical experience, MacKenzie concludes that modern theatre can liberate the individual from the socially constructed self. The Theatre of the Real revises views of modern theatre by demonstrating how it can lead to a collaborative effort required for innovative theatrical work. By foregrounding Yeats’s “dancer” plays, the author shows how these intimate pieces contribute to the historical development of musical as well as modern theatre. Beckett’s universal dramas then pave the way for Sondheim’s postmodern cacophonies of idea and spirit as they introduce comic abjection into modernism’s tragic mode."

Tony Palmer's Film About The Fantastic World Of Michael Crawford
(Koch Entertainment - new on DVD)
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Documentary made during Crawford's mid-1990s run in FX in Las Vegas. Includes archival clips and (then-) new footage. Premiered at the MGM Grand in 1996. 91 minutes.

Tyran Parke: Sunday in the Parke
(on CD/mp3)

Debut album by Australian music theatre performer, recently seen as Georges Seurat in Sunday In The Park With George and in The Hatpin. Songs from two new Australian musicals, The Hatpin and Metro Street plus one song ("I Was Here") from Ahrens and Flaherty's The Glorious Ones, as well as songs by Stephen Sondheim, John Bucchino, David Friedman, Michel Legrand, Jim Morrison and Tim Finn. Had been only available as an import. Now at CD Baby.

Warner Bros. Classic Holiday Collection, Vol. 2
(WHV - on 4 DVDs)
1947 It Happened on 5th Avenue (Gale Storm, Don DeFore, Ann Harding, Victor Moore, Charles Ruggles), 1949 Holiday Affair (Robert Mitchum, Janet Leigh, Wendell Corey), 1957 All Mine to Give (Glynis Johns, Cameron Mitchell, Patty McCormack), plus exclusive to this set 1941 Blossoms in the Dust (Greer Garson, Walter Pidgeon, Marsha Hunt).

Warner Bros. and the Homefront Collection
(WHV - on 3 DVDs)
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Irving Berlin's This Is the Army (1943; Ronald Reagan, George Murphy) with commentary by Joan Leslie, Dr. Drew Casper; "Edge of Darkness" trailer; Newsreel; 1943 WB short "The United States Army Band," 1943 WB cartoon "Confusions of a Nutsy Spy"; all new WHV Documentary: "Warner at War"; original theatrical trailer. Thank Your Lucky Stars (1943; Humphrey Bogart, Eddie Cantor, Dennis Morgan, Joan Leslie, Dinah Shore in her film debut, John Garfield, Errol Flynn, Ann Sheridan, Hattie McDaniel, Olivia de Havilland and Bette Davis) with songs by Frank Loesser and Arthur Schwartz, plus "Watch on the Rhine" trailer; Newsreel; 1943 WB shorts "Food and Magic," "Three Cheers for the Girls," "The United States Navy Band"; 1943 WB cartoon: "Falling Hare"; theatrical trailer. Hollywood Canteen (1944; Joan Crawford, John Garfield, The Andrews Sisters, Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, Barbara Stanwyck, Roy Rogers and Trigger and more) with "The Conspirators trailer"; 1944 WB shorts "Proudly We Serve," "Report from the Front," "I am an American"; 1940s WB cartoons "Stage Door Cartoon," "Herr Meets Hare," "Hollywood Canine Canteen"; theatrical trailer.

Were the World Mine
(PS Classics - new on CD)
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Soundtrack of 2008 musical comedy film inspired by A Midsummer's Night Dream . riginal music by Jessica Fogle and score by Tim Sandusky. Cast includes Tanner Cohen, Judy McLane, Zelda Williams, Nathaniel David Becker, Jill Larson, Ricky Goldman, Wendy Robie.

When the Wind Blows South
(PS Classics - new on CD)
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Philip Chaffin's third solo album takes its cue from Chaffin's Southern roots, and includes songs by Harold Arlen, Burton Lane, Frank Loesser and Jerry Herman, among others, with new orchestrations by Larry Hochman, Michael Starobin, John McDaniel and Jeff Blumenkrantz.

Ziegfeld: The Man Who Invented Show Business
(St. Martin's Press -Hardcover Book)
By Ethan Mordden.

Zorro
(First Night - new on CD - Import)
OLC of Gipsy Kings musical. Nick Cavaliere, Lesli Margherita, Jonathan Newth, Matt Rawle, Emma Williams. Available at Footlight.com, Amazon UK and Dress Circle.

November 4, 2008

Blue Man Group How To Be A Megastar Live!
(Rhino - Blu-Ray)
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"How-to-manual," which expands on the "Rock Concert Manual" concept from The Complex Rock Tour, will take you through the steps of the show. Regular CD/DVD was released in April.

Broadway’s Greatest Gifts: Carols For A Cure 2008: 2-CDs
(new on 2 CDs)
10th annual holiday collection. Original songs and holiday standards are performed by the companies of In the Heights, Xanadu, South Pacific and Spring Awakening, to name just a few. This edition also includes some classic tracks from past volumes featuring Hugh Jackman, Harvey Fierstein, David Hyde Pierce, Idina Menzel, Antonio Banderas and Bernadette Peters. Visit broadwaycares.org for track list. Can be ordered for only $20 through BC/EFA at broadwaycares.org or by calling (212) 840-0770 x250 Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST.  Additionally, the CDs are sold during a six-week "Gypsy-of-the-Year" fundraising period from mid-October through mid-December at participating Broadway and off-Broadway shows in New York.  The CDs also are available at select venues throughout the U.S., including The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC; The LA Phil Store in Disney Hall; and The Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities in Colorado.

Hermione Gingold Live at the Cafe De Paris (With Bonus Tracks)
(Stage Door Records - new on D)
Previously unreleased live cabaret performance with bonus tracks from "La Gingold" album. "Men Are Exactly the Same," "Venice," "Which Witch?," "In Lisle Street," "You've Got to Have a Photograph," "His Highness," "I Wish to Thank," "Spin," "Only a Medium Medium," "Mme. La Cava, the Snake Charmer," "Queen of Song," "Talk on Bucolosi's Music." Bonus Tracks: "Takes Two to Tango" (with Gilbert Harding), "Oh, Grandma" (with Gilbert Harding. Selections From La Gingold: "Introductions," "Flowers," "Which Witch," "The Borgias are Having an Orgy," "Tit for Tat," "But the People Were Nice," "Cocaine," "Queen of Song," "Robert the Robot," "Nobody Ever Asked Me," "Thanks, Yanks." 4 Bit Cedar Mastering. Order from the UK at StageDoorRecords.com.

In Spite of Myself: A Memoir
(Knopf - Hardcover Book)
By Christopher Plummer. Plummer writes of his theatre work in the Golden Age; the actors, writers and producers he worked with; his affairs and marriages; the Royal Shakespeare Theatre; The Sound of Music; Inside Daisy Clover; The Man Who Would Be King; the National Theatre Company. 660 pages.

Magical Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber - Import
(Union Square Music - on 3 CDs)
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Boxed set in a limited edition collectors 'tin box.' 60 fabulous Andrew Lloyd Webber recordings. See track list.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular Featuring The Rockettes
(Time-Life - new on DVD)
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Primetime TV special, filmed in 2007, and produced by Don Hewitt. 90-minute live show.

Sammy Goldstein: Songs from the Movies, Broadway & Beyond
(new on 2 CDs)
Includes both studio and live recordings from MAC Award-winning New York entertainer/singer/pianist. Classic standards, Broadway showstoppers and comedy songs - a total of 37 songs and medleys. Available at CD Baby.

Songwriters: A Biographical Dictionary with Discographies
(McFarland - Paperback Book)
By Nigel Harrison. Comprehensive guide to 1,054 composers and lyricists from all the popular genres, including Tin Pan Alley, rhythm & blues, country & western, jazz, rap, and film and show tunes. Each artist's entry includes biographical information, a list of compositions, a list of long playing albums or CDs (with year of release, record label and peak chart position) and any noteworthy compilation albums. Artists are cross-referenced with musical group and co-writers, when applicable, and the final section of most entries is an alphabetical list of every known chart version of any song written by that particular artist since 1890 (when Billboard first compiled a pop chart).

Todd Murray: Stardust & Swing
(new on CD-R)
"It Might As Well Be Spring," "Dream A Little Dream Of Me," "Moonlight Becomes You," "Patricia," "The Girl From Waco," "If I Ruled The World (with Douglas Sills)," "Time," "I Wanna Be Around," "Stardust," "I Fall In Love Too Easily," "Teach Me Tonight (with Marilyn Maye)," "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams." Available at CD Baby.

Una Evay Dos Patanes (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels)
(TIDAVI - new on CD)
2008 Mexican Cast Recording of the David Yazbek musical. Starring Eugenio Montessoro, Alessandra Rosaldo, Eugenio Derbez and Dario Ripoll. 18 tracks total, sung in Spanish. Available at Footlight.

What A Night! A Christmas Album
(Sony - new on CD)
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Harry Connick, Jr. holiday album. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "What A Night!," "Christmas Day," "Holly Jolly Christmas," "Please Come Home For Christmas," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Dance Of The Sugarplum Fairies," "Let There Be Peace On Earth," "Winter Wonderland," "It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas," "Santariffic," "Jingle Bells," "Zat You Santa Claus," "We Three Kings," "Song For The Hopeful," "Auld Lang Syne."

A Winter Symphony
(Manhattan - new on CD)
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Sarah Brightman holiday album. CD/DVD version (with 3 bonus tracks) is available in the U.S. exclusively through Barnes & Noble (Use Coupon Code A3X3A9B for 10% off at Barnes & Noble through November 16.)

October 28, 2008

Beautiful People
(Virgin TV - new on Import CD)
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Soundtrack for 2008 BBC television series. Features some of the best tracks from Kylie Minogue, Kelly Rowland and M People, along with some specially recorded tracks from The Feeling, Sophie Ellis Bextor and many more, plus the theme tune recorded by Dan Gillespie Sells [The Feeling] with The BBC Concert Orchestra and the exclusive cover version of Abba's 'The Winner Takes It All' by Kylie and Dannii Minogue. Available directly at Amazon UK.

Cinderella International Tour Cast Album
(Lakeshore Records - Import CD) 
Recorded in the Philippines at Carmel House Studios. The cast of 26 includes Lea Salonga, Peter Saide, Julia Cook, Jen Bechter, Brandy Zarle, Charlie Parker, Aaron Galligan-Stierle, Jefferson Slinkard, Janna Cardia, Steve Gagliastro and Richard Cerato. Includes new renditions of "In My Own Little Corner," "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful" and "Ten Minutes Ago" as well as several new orchestrations by Larry Blank and two songs from the R&H catalogue rarely performed in the stage version: "The Sweetest Sounds" and "There's Music in You." Accompanied by the studio's in-house orchestra, the FILharminoKA, under the direction of resident conductor Gerard Salonga.

Doris Day - Christmas Memories
(MPI - new on DVD)
Oorder at CD Universe
Three holiday episodes from "The Doris Day Show" ("A Two Family Christmas," "It's Christmas Time In The City," "Whodunnit, Doris?"), plus a newly recorded commentary track by Doris Day; bonus newsreel/promo footage from the '50s-'60s; holiday episodes from her early '50s radio series; original network promos; and more.

Dreaming of a Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael
(Ghostlight - new on CD)
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Klea Blackhurst & Billy Stritch have mined the Carmichael catalogue to unearth lesser known gems as well as beloved treasures: "One Morning in May," "Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief," "Heart and Soul," "Lazy River," "Come Easy, Go Easy Love," "Georgia on My Mind," "Skylark," "I Walk with Music," "How Little We Know," "When Love Goes Wrong," "Ain't There Anyone Here for Love?," "I Get Along Without You Very Well," "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening," "Two Sleepy People," "Star Dust," "The Old Music Master," "Billy-a-Dick," "The Nearness of You," "My Resistance Is Low," "Walk It Off." CD release; had been digital only.

Ethel Merman: A Life
(Viking Adult - Paperback Book)
Paperback version of 2007 biography by Brian Kellow. [our review of the hardcover version]

High School Musical 3 Vocal Selections
(Hal Leonard - Paperback Book)
Big screen follow-up to the first two movies. Features 11 songs from the soundtrack, including: "The Boys Are Back," "Can I Have This Dance," "High School Musical," "I Want It All," "Just Wanna Be with You," "Last Chance," "A Night to Remember," "Now or Never," "Right Here Right Now," "Scream," "Walk Away."

Marcus Goldhaber: Take Me Anywhere
(new on CD)
Seven of the seventeen tracks feature songs written by the singer and Jon Davis. Available at CDBaby.com.

The Music Teacher
(Bridge - new on CD)
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Opera by Allen Shawn with libretto by Wallace Shawn. Sarah Wolfson, Jason Forbach, Jeffrey Picon, Parker Posey, Wallace Shawn, Rebecca Robbins, Halley Wegryn Gross, Elizabeth Berkley. Chamber ensemble conducted by Timothy G. Long. 51 tracks. The play was presented Off-Broadway in March 2006. CD released March 2008.

Reefer Madness Collector's Edition
(Ghostlight - new on 2 CDs)
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Musical by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney. Includes previously released LA cast recording and movie soundtrack (Kristen Bell, Christian Campbell, Neve Campbell, Alan Cumming, Ana Gasteyer, John Kassir, Amy Spangler, Robert Torti, Steven Weber). Also includes new author notes, written by Murphy & Studney, and a "flipover booklet," which contains artwork and lyrics for both CDs.

Roger Schmelzer: About Now
(new on CD)
Debut CD. "Concentrate on One Thing at a Time," "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "Old Friend," "Bring My Love Back to Me/A Kiss For Each Moment," "Old Movies," "You're an Education," "Those Who Want the Best," "You'll Never Know," "My Dreams of You Keep Me Awake," "Nice 'n' Easy," "Only One Person's Opinion," "Sweet Words Don't Scare My Lady," "Someone There," "This Guy's in Love With You," "Fallin'." At CDBaby.com.

Songs of South Pacific - Karaoke
(Stage Stars - new on 2 CDs)
Accompaniment CD set.

Stand Clear of the Closing Doors - A Subway Musical (And Romance)
(StandClear Productions - new on CD)
musical/operetta in which two strangers, a man and a woman, stuck on a subway train, consider their lives, where they’ve been and where they’re going, with the help of an all too willing train conductor. Conceived and written by R.S. Rose. Includes all dialogue. Complete pdf lyric booklet available to cd purchasers. Cheyenne Dianne, Radford Newman and Bart Simmons. Available at CDBaby.com.

Tinker Bell
(Buena Vista - new on DVD)
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Straight-to-DVD animated film. Voices include Mae Whitman, Kristin Chenoweth, Jane Horrocks, Anjelica Huston, Kathy Najimy, America Ferrera, Raven-Symoné, Lucy Liu, Jesse McCartney. Extras: deleted scenes; Featurettes "Magical Guide to Pixie Hollow," "Ever Wonder."

Wicked 5th Anniversary Edition
(Universal/Decca Broadway - new on 2 CDs)
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Deluxe packaging, additional booklet with an essay by Stephen Schwartz and "unseen" photos. CD #1 will be the OCR. CD #2 has tracks "For Good" (Leann Rimes/Delta Goodrem), "Defying Gravity" (Idina Menzel, live recording), "Making Good" (Stephanie J. Block, Vocal / Stephen Schwartz, Piano, first release), "I'm Not That Girl" (Kerry Ellis/Brian May, first release), "Solang Ich Dich Hab (As Long As You're Mine)" and "Gutes Tun (No Good Deed)" (German Cast Recording), "Jinnsei Wo Odori-Akase (Dancing Through Life)" and "Popyuraa (Popular)" (Japanese Cast Recording).

October 21, 2008

Disney on Broadway Songbook
(Hal Leonard - Paperback Book)
Collection features over 20 songs from six Disney musicals on Broadway: AIDA, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Beauty & the Beast, Tarzan, and The Lion King. Selections include: Be Our Guest," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," "Written in the Stars," "Part of Your World," "Practically Perfect," "You'll Be in My Heart," "and more. 192 pages.

The Entertainment Sourcebook 2009
(Limelight Editions - Paperback Book)
Biannual book featuring more than 5,000 company entries from across the country. Hundreds of pages of products and services listings organized by category, plus a company index, a product index, and appendices that include Web resources, support services, professional organizations, and more.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year Soundtrack Premiere Edition
(Disney - new on CD/DVD)
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Soundtrack for new Disney musical feature film. New songs and performances by the original cast, including Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale. Special set includes the original soundtrack, plus a DVD of behind the scenes footage, the movie trailer, music video, three ringtones, a voicetone, mobile game and mobile wallpaper plus digital downloadables. Also available in a single-disc package.

How Does the Show Go On: An Introduction to the Theater (Updated)
(Disney - Hardcover Book)
By Thomas Schumacher with Jeff Kurtti. Gives readers the opportunity to meet the casts of characters who work onstage and behind the scenes ... and explore the inner workings of the theater building itself.  Filled with artifacts you can pull out and hold in your hand, it is a totally unique guide to what goes on behind the curtain.   Features include: a costume designer's sketchbook; an authentic Playbill program; "Front of House: From the Street to the Stage Apron; "Back of House: From the Stage Apron to the Stage Door"; "A Day in the Life of a Child Performer"; theater-speak glossary. Updated to include Broadway's The Little Mermaid and the touring production of the mega-hit High School Musical.

More of the Best Broadway Songs Ever
(Hal Leonard - Paperback Book)
84 more Broadway favorites, with no duplication from the original volume. Songs include "And All That Jazz," "Any Dream Will Do, "The Best Things in Life Are Free," "Bring Him Home," "Brotherhood of Man," "Chim Chim Cher-ee," "Consider Yourself," "Dancing Queen," "Goodnight, My Someone," "I Can Hear the Bells," "It Only Takes a Moment," "Love Changes Everything," "Satin Doll," "Shall We Dance?," "Summer Nights," "Tradition" and more.

Shirley Jones: Then And Now
(Stage Door Records - new on CD)
Combination of public domain recordings and newly recorded numbers. Then: "Many A New Day" (Oklahoma!), "People Will Say We're In Love" (With Gordon Macrae, Oklahoma!), "Out Of My Dreams" (Oklahoma!), "If I Loved You" (Carousel), "What's The Use Of Wonderin'" (Carousel), "You'll Never Walk Alone" (Carousel), "April Love" (With Pat Boone), "Clover In The Meadow" (April Love), "Give Me A Gentle Girl" (April Love), "Waitin' For My Dearie" (Brigadoon), "Almost Like Being In Love" (With Jack Cassidy, Brigadoon), "A Kiss In The Dark" (Live), "I'll See You Again" (With Jack Cassidy - Live), "I'll Follow My Secret Heart" (with Jack Cassidy). Now: "Beauty And The Beast," "If I Loved You," "Memory," "Music Man Introduction," "'Till There Was You / Goodnight My Someone," Movie Medley: "As Time Goes By / Bill / You Made Me Love You," "Oklahoma! ," "Oh, What A Beautiful Morning," "People Will Say We're In Love / Out Of My Dreams You'll Never Walk Alone." Preparation assisted by Shirley Jones and Marty Ingles. Mastered using 24 bit CEDAR process. Available at www.stagedoorrecords.com and from Footlight.com.

Spalding Gray's America
(Limelight Editions - Paperback book)
By William Demastes. Preface by Richard Schlechner.

Sweeney Todd
(Dreamworks - new Blu-Ray)
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2007 film starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter,Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jayne Wisener, Jamie Campbell Bower, Laura Michelle Kelly, Ed Sanders, Anthony Head, Peter Bowles singing the Stephen Sondheim score. Directed by Tim Burton. 116 minutes.

They'd None of 'em Be Missed
(Pallas Athene Arts - Import Paperback Book)
By Richard Suart (Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, in English National Opera The Mikado) and A. S. H. Smyth. British publication. Collection of reworkings of the "Little List" song from The Mikado, illustrated and supplemented by fascinating versions from earlier times and from overseas. 192 pages; 107 illustrations.

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
(new on CD)
Three-track holiday CD. "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?," "The Christmas Waltz," "It's Just Another New Year's Eve." Available at CD Baby.

October 14, 2008

The Edwardians
(Warner/BBC - new on 4 DVDs)
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All eight episodes of 1972 UK series: Mr. Rolls And Mr. Royce (Michael Jayston and Robert Powell), Horatio Bottomly (Timothy West), E. Nesbitt (Judy Parfitt), Conan Doyle, (Nigel Davenport), Boden Powell (Robert Moody), The Reluctant Juggler, Daisy (Virginia McKenna), Lloyd George (Anthony Hopkins).

Gay Marshall Sings Piaf
(Grand Fromage - new on CD)
Sung in French. "Padam," "La Belle Histoire D'amour," "Enfin Le Printemps," "Les Amants D'un Jour," "L'accordeoniste," "Avec Ce Soleil," "La Vie En Rose," "Les Blouses," "La Foule," "Elle Frequentait La Rue Pigalle," "L'hymne A L'amour," "Le Droit D'aimer," "Les Momes De La Cloche," "Milord," "Non," "Je Ne Regrette Rien." Bonus Tracks in English: "The Lady From Pigalle," "The Carnival Crowd," "Lost And Lonely Souls," "All In White." Arrangements by Mark Hartman, Gay Marshall, Paul Bevin. Available at CD Baby.

The Jazz Singers: The Top 500
(Backbeat Books - Paperback Book)
By Scott Yanow. Overview of the great vocalists who have sung jazz. Draws on original interviews conducted exclusively for this book. Fresh and insightful information in its 521 main entries. Other features include a historical overview, a section on jazz vocal groups, and a comprehensive survey of jazz in film. 224 pages.

Hollywood Singing And Dancing
(Koch - new on 2 DVDs)
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Celebration of song and dance hosted by Shirley Jones. From Busby Berkeley extravaganzas through the wartime songfests, into the heyday of the great MGM spectaculars, and to the present day hits like Chicago and Dreamgirls. Clips and interviews with Liza Minnelli, Shirley Maclaine, Mickey Rooney, Rita Moreno, Debbie Reynolds, Leslie Caron, Jane Russell, Tab Hunter, Joel Grey, Bill Condon, Rob Marshall, plus rarely seen behind the scenes footage and interviews with legends Busby Berkeley, Vincente Minnelli, Fred Astaire And Gene Kelly. The documentary was seen on PBS stations earlier this year and at film festivals, where it won several awards. 150 minutes.

It's a Small Town
(LML Music - new on CD)
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Stacy Sullivan's contemporary treatment of mostly standards. "Blue Skies," "Lazy Afternoon," "So In Love," "It's A Small Town," "Two For The Road," "In My Arms," "My Funny Valentine," "I Can See Clearly Now," "New Words," "What Good Would The Moon Be?," "My Little World," "Another Tuesday," "My Romance," "Young At Heart."

James Crowley - Being Alive!
(new on CD)
Singer/composer (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow) James Crowleg sings "Somebody Bigger Than You and I," "If I Can Dream," "Six O'clock Tonight," "When You're Smiling," "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?," "Bring Him Home," "Cry," "I'll Be Seeing You," "Cobblestone Ballroom," "How Are Things in Gloccamorra?," "What'll I Do?," "Anyone Can Whistle," "Just One Person," "Being Alive." Available at www.crowleyentertainment.com.

A Lion Among Men: Volume Three in the Wicked Years
(William Morrow - Hardcover Book/Audio Book)
New novel by Gregory Maguire. A return to Oz, seen through the eyes of the Cowardly Lion. 336 pages. Audiobook is read by John McDonough.

Songs of The Little Mermaid (karaoke)
(Stage Stars - new on 2 CDs)
Pre-order at CD Universe
Karaoke version of Broadway musical score. 38 tracks: tracks 1-19 contain the background tracks and guide vocals; tracks 20-38 contain the accompaniment tracks alone. This album is a re-recording in the original show key and show tempo. There are no on-screen lyrics or lyric booklet provided.

A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas
(Sony - new on CD)
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Kristin Chenoweth holiday album. "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Christmas Island," "The Christmas Waltz," "Do You Hear What I Hear?," "Marshmallow Ride / Sleigh Ride," "Sing," "Silver Bells," "Come On Ring Those Bells," "What Child Is This?," "Home On Christmas Day" (Walter Afanasieff and Jay Landers), "Born On Christmas Day" (Peabo Bryson), "Sleep Well Little Children / What A Wonderful World."

One Touch of Venus
(Lionsgate - new on DVD)
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1948 film with Ava Gardner (dubbed by Eileen Wilson), Dick Haymes, Olga San Juan and Eve Arden.

Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Tribute Show
(Kultur Films - new on DVD)
Pre-order at CD Universe
2006 version of the cult classic with new narration and performances by a cast including Richard O'Brien ( book, music and lyrics), Michael Ball, Anthony Head, Patricia Quinn, Little Nell, Rayner Bourton as well as original Transylvanians from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Song list: "Science Fiction": Usherette (Patricia Quinn) "Damn it, Janet" (Adrian Edmondson, Sophie Lawrence), "Over at the Frankenstein Place" (Adrian Edmondson, Sophie Lawrence, Kraig Thornber), "Time Warp" (Kraig Thornber, Amy Field, Toyah Wilcox), "Sweet Transvestite" (Anthony Head, Adrian Edmondson, Toyah Wilcox, Amy Field, Kraig Thornber), "The Sword of Damocles" (Gary Amers), "Hot Patootie Bless My Soul" (Ben Richards), "Touch-a touch-a touch me" (Jo Farrell, Toyah Wilcox, Amy Field), "Once in a While" (Stephen Gately), "Eddie's Teddy" (Julian Littman, Anthony Head, Amy Field), "Planet Schmanet": Frank (Anthony Head, Jo Farrell), "Floor Show" (Amy Field, Gary Amers, Adrian Edmondson, Jo Farrell), Frank (Michael Ball, Julian Littman, Toyah Wilcox, Kraig Thornber), "I'm Going Home" (Michael Ball), "Super Heroes" (Adrian Edmondson, Jo Farrell), "Time Warp reprise" (full company with Richard O'Brien, Little Nell, Patricia Campbell). 65 minutes.

October 7, 2008

60 Box Set
(Polydor - on 3 CDs)
Celebrating the 60th birthday of Andrew Lloyd Webber, this 3 CD, 60 track set spans the whole of Andrew's illustrious career and includes hits from all of his most famous musicals: Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Starlight Express, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, The Phantom Of The Opera. Hit recordings, hits from cast albums sung by a diverse range of superstar and original artists. U.S. Release expected on November 18. Available next week at Amazon US as an import, and now at Amazon UK.

Alice Fay Collection 2
(Fox - on 5 DVDs)
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Hollywood Cavalcade (1939 with Don Ameche), extras: featurettes Hollywood Cavalcade: The Silent Dream, Buster Keaton: Head Over Heels In Hollywood, Hello Roscoe: The Fate Of Fatty Arbuckle, outtakes, Fox Movietonenews: The Hollywood Cavalcade Premiere. Rose Of Washington Square (1939 with Tyrone Power), extras: isolated score track, featurettes Funny Girl, Funny Man, deleted scene, restoration comparison, trailer, advertising gallery, still gallery. The Great American Broadcast (1941 with John Payne, Jack Oakie, extras: featurette Radio Waves: The Real History of The Great American Broadcast. Hello, Frisco, Hello (1943 with Jack Oakie and June Havoc), extras: isolated score track, Hello Again: The Re-Making Of Alice Faye. Four Jills In A Jeep (1944 with Kay Francis, Carol Landis, Martha Raye, Mitzi Mayfair, Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda), extras: isolated score track, deleted scenes, The Real Four Jills featurette. Plus restoration comparisons, advertising galleries, still galleries.

Arias with a Twist
(new on CD)
Current Off Broadway collaboration of drag artist Joey Arias and theatrical puppet creator Basil Twist. Recording of live performance. "Dream Music," "Yarumi," "Za," "Goddess Introduction," "Kashmir," "Jungle of Eden," "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "Within You Without You," "Clair de Lune," "I’ll Take it to My Baby," "All By Myself," "Lately," "You've Changed," "Twisted," "You Gotta Pull Strings," "Ooh, What a Feelin’." Bonus Tracks: "Use Me, Abuse Me," "Harmonics Mood in Jazz Blue," "Making Out," "All By Myself." Available at www.ariaswithatwiststore.com.

The Attic
(new on CD)
Original concept album for score of Mark Carroll show "about a group of Victorian dolls who suddenly have their world turned upside down by the arrival of Barbie and Action Man." Ruthie Henshall, Julian Ovenden, Alexander Hanson, Jessica Martin and Annalene Beechey. Available at Dress Circle.

Bernstein: The Best of All Possible Worlds
(Deutsche Grammophon - on 2 CDs and as mp3s) 
New compilation featuring Leonard Bernstein as both composer and conductor, drawn from his extensive Deutsche Grammophon discography. Features performances by Leonard Bernstein and also highlights many of his collaborations. Included are numerous performances with the New York Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic, and Los Angeles Philharmonic as well as performances by Mstislav Rostropovich, Frederica von Stade, Thomas Hampson and others.

College Guide for Performing Arts Majors 2009: Real-World Admission Guide for All Dance, Music, and Theater Majors
(Peterson's - Paperback Book)
Carole J. Everett, Editor. Helps students find the perfect college program for studying dance, music, or theater. Comprehensive profiles detail hundreds of professional baccalaureate and graduate programs, with annually updated information on costs, deadlines, enrollment, faculty, financial aid, and more. Added features include in-depth guidance and advice from a former Juilliard admissions director on choosing a program, applying, and auditioning, as well as articles by current students about what its really like to major in dance, music, and theater.

The Gang's All Here
(Fox - on DVD)
Order at CD Universe
1943 Busby Berkeley musical, remastered. Alice Faye, Carmen Miranda, Phil Baker, Benny Goodman and Orchestra. Includes additional footage.

Marni Nixon: My Christmas Card to You
(CD-R single and mp3)
Single version of "My Christmas Card to You." The CD label is in card form, which can be signed and sent on. Sung by Marni Nixon. Available at CD Baby.

Mister Roberts
(Acorn Media - new on DVD)
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1984 TV version, filmed live in a studio with an audience. Robert Hays, Charles Durning, Kevin Bacon, Howard Hesseman, and Marilu Henner, with director Josh Logan as its "creative consultant." 113 minutes.

On The Avenue
(Fox - on DVD)
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1937 Irving Berlin film musical with Dick Powell, Madeline Carroll and Alice Faye. Additional footage included.

The Picture of Dorian Gray
(Warner - on DVD)
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Remastered 1944 classic film with Hurd Hatfield, George Sanders, Donna Reed, Oscar-nominee Angela Lansbury (singing "Goodbye, Little Yellow Bird"), Peter Lawford, and Moyna MacGill (Lansbury's mother). Extras: commentary by Angela Lansbury and historian Steve Haberman; short Stairway to Light; cartoon Quiet Please!.

Sleeping Beauty 50th Anniversary Platinum Edition
(Disney - on 2 DVDs and Blu-Ray with Bonus DVD)
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1959 animated film. Extras: never-before-seen alternate opening; deleted songs; all-new featurette "Making of Sleeping Beauty"; all-new music video; all-new game: Briar Rose's Waltz; song selection.

South Pacific: Souvenir Folio Edition
(Hal Leonard - Paperback Book)
Deluxe souvenir songbook showcases the 2008 revival, with 11 full-color pages – including seven pages of production photos – plus an article by Ted Chapin. Features piano/vocal arrangements of 13 songs from the beloved musical: "Bali Ha'i," "Bloody Mary," "A Cockeyed Optimist," "Happy Talk," "Honey Bun," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," "My Girl Back Home," "Some Enchanted Evening," "There Is Nothin' like a Dame," "This Nearly Was Mine," "A Wonderful Guy," "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught," "Younger Than Springtime."

That's Another Story
(Weidenfeld & Nicolson - Hardcover Book/Audio Book)
Julie Walters autobiography.

Voices from the Wings: A Connoisseur's Collection of Great Theatrical & Showbiz Anecdotes
(Aurum Press - Hardcover Book)
"Thousands of anecdotal gems, witty or malicious putdowns, potted biographies or caustic one-liners collected and collated by that master of the revealing anecdote and connoisseur of theatrical lore in all its forms, Ned Sherrin." New edition, extensively revised and enlarged.

White Christmas the Musical Songbook
(Hal Leonard - Paperback Book)
Piano/vocal arrangements of 17 Irving Berlin from the new stage musical: "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing," "Blue Skies," "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," "Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun," "Happy Holiday," "How Deep Is the Ocean (How High Is the Sky)," "I Love a Piano," "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy," "Let Yourself Go," "Love and the Weather," "Love, You Didn't Do Right by Me," "The Old Man," "Sisters," "Snow," "What Can You Do with a General," "White Christmas."

September 30, 2008

13
(Ghostlight - new digital download) 
Original all-teen cast recording of Jason Robert Brown score of Broadway show. "13/Perfect Party," "The Lamest Place in the World," "Hey Kendra," "Get Me What I Need," "What It Means to be a Friend," "All Hail the Brain/Terminal Illness," "Getting Ready," "Any Minute," "Good Enough," "Here I Come," "Opportunity," "Bad Bad News," "Tell Her," "It Can't Be True," "If That's What It Is," "A Little More Homework," "Brand New You." CD to be released November 25. Also available at Amazon MP3.

Dirty Dancing
(BMG/RCA - on CD)
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London cast album, minus the original hit singles. Sarah Bowden, Billy Boyle, Ben Mingay, Melissa Keyes, Chris Holland. "This Magic Moment (inc. Baby Monologue), "Merengue" (inc. Tito and Penny Lines), "Johnny's Mambo, "Do You Love Me?" (including Billy/Baby Dialogue), "This Land Is Your Land / We Shall Overcome," "De Todo Un Poco," "Dawn Interlude," "Besame Mucho" (including Stan's Announcement), "If You Were The Only Girl, "Lisa's Hula" (including Cousin Brucie Voiceover)," "Yes!," "In The Still Of The Night" (I'll Remember)," "Someone Like You" (including Johnny/Baby Dialogue)," "She's Like The Wind," "Kellerman's Anthem," "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" (including Jake's Speech).

Frankenstein, a New Musical
(Ghostlight - new on CD)
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2007 Off Broadway cast recording of Mark Baron/Jeffrey Jackson score. Hunter Foster, Christiane Noll, Steve Blanchard, Jim Stanek and Mandy Bruno. Store date. Also available at emusic.com.

Fred Astaire (Icons of America)
(Yale Univ Press - Hardcover Book)
Joseph Epstein investigates the great dancer's magical talent, taking up the story of his life, his personality, his work habits, his modest pretensions, and above all his accomplishments. A key chapter of the book devoted to Astaires somewhat unwilling partnership with Ginger Rogers.

Hair - Let The Sun Shine In
(Koch - new on DVD)
New documentary about the musical. Archival footage from U.S. and international productions; interviews with authors James Rado and Gerome Ragni, composer Galt MacDermot and Broadway director Tom O'Horgan and Milos Forman; footage of James Rado rehearsing Hair with various companies; interviews with original cast members Keith Carradine, Ben Vereen and Melba Moore; television appearances by Rado and Ragni, both of whom starred in the original Broadway company. 55-minute documentary with an hour of additional footage. Available now from Alivemedia. In stores December 9.

Hamlet 2
(Verve - new on CD)
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Film soundtrack. "Rock Me Sexy Jesus," "You're as Gay as the Day Is Long," "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," "Raped in the Face," "Maniac," "Curtain Falls," "I See a World - All Too Much," "Guitar Sweet!," "What It's Like," "Sleep," "Gone," "Move Your Groove," "Look of Love, Pt 1." The Ralph Sall Experience, Steve Coogan, Phoebe Strole, Skylar Astin, All Too Much, Everlast, Interstellar Force, ABC.

In the Heights Piano/Vocal Selections
(Hal Leonard - Paperback Book)
14 songs from new Broadway musical, with a score by Lin-Manuel Miranda. 14 tunes from the production, including Breathe," "Enough," "Everything I Know," "Hundreds of Stories," "In the Heights," "Inutil," "It Won't Be Long Now," "96,000," "No Me "Diga," "Paciencia Y Fe," "Piragua," "Sunrise," "When the Sun Goes Down," "When You're Home."

Jennifer Hudson
(Sony BMG Arista - new on CD)
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Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) solo album. "Spotlight," "If This Isn't Love," "Pocketbook" (featuring Ludacris), "Giving Myself," "What's Wrong (Go Away)" (featuring T-Pain), "My Heart," "You Pulled Me Through," "I'm His Only Woman" (featuring Fantasia), "Can't Stop the Rain," "We Gon' Fight," "Invisible," "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going (Highlights Version," Dreamgirls Soundtrack), "Jesus Promised Me A Home Over There." Single track "Spotlight" available at iTunes and as mp3.

The Legs Are the Last to Go: Aging, Acting, Marrying, Mothering, and Everything Else I Learned Along the Way
(Amistad/Harper - new Hardcover/Audiobook)
By Diahann Carroll.

The Other Side of Me
(Verve - new on CD)
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Linda Eder country-pop CD. "Pieces" (Shaun Barker), "If You Believe" (The Way I Do)" (Robin Lerner, Ken Hirsch), "Lifted" (Greg Wells, Cathy Dennis), "If I Could" (Ron Miller, Ken Hirsch, Marti Sharron), "Back to Life" (Kara DioGuardi), "The Other Side of Me" (Billy Jay Stein, Shaun Barker, Bill Grainer), "Waiting For the Fall" (Linda Eder), "Prayer for Love" (Shaun Barker, Benjy King), "Both Sides Now" (Joni Mitchell), "They Are the Roses" (Paul Jenkins, Timothy Schoepf, Randall Van Warmer), "Ghost" (Emily Saliers), "Make Today Beautiful" (Billy Jay Stein, Shaun Barker, Bill Grainer).

Panhandle Slim & The Oklahoma Kid
(Purple Rose Theatre Company - new on CD)
Cast album of Jeff Daniels comedy. Features cast performances of six original songs and one traditional hymn, plus demo recordings (performed by Daniels), and "Making Of" commentary by Daniels and PRTC artistic director Guy Sanville. Jessica Garrett, Phil Powers, John Seibert, Tom Whalen. Guitar accompaniment by Daniels and John Seibert. Available at www.purplerosetheatre.org.

Richard Rodgers Command Performance
(Harbinger - new on CD)
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Recordings of Rodgers playing piano and sometimes singing. Included are piano rolls Rodgers made in 1926 of songs he and Larry Hart had written for various Broadway shows. Also, the demo to the Rodgers and Hart film Mississippi with Rodgers singing (and Hart on one cut). Available now at Footlight.com.

Sandy the Bluenosed Reindeer
(Lil Fish - new on CD-R)
Concept album for musical by Scott Fagan. Available at Footlight.com.

Sicks! Sicks! Sicks! Full Frontal New Ditties
(new on CD)
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Kinsey Sicks. 17 tracks. Also available at Footlight.com.

Songs From The Hit Broadway Musical Mamma Mia (karaoke)
(Stage Stars - on 2 CDs)
Pre-order at CD Universe
2-Disc Set, 23 Songs with & without guide vocals.

Stage Door Johnny: John Miller Takes on Broadway
(PS Classics - new on CD)
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"Unconventional song interpretations for those who do - or don't - love Broadway music." Music Coordinator and Bass Player John Miller's interpretations of familiar Broadway songs. "Hernando's Hideaway," "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," "I Won't Grow Up," "Why Can't You Behave," "Hey There," "Fugue For Tinhorns," "Old Man River," "I Can't Say No," "Real Live Girl," "We Kiss In The Shadow," "Oh What A Beautiful Morning," "Secret Love."

Stephen Sondheim: The Story So Far
(Sony/BMG - new 4-CD set)
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Box set of cast recordings covering Stephen Sondheim's career to date, with 28 previously unreleased tracks. See track list. Sony is also providing a podcast series at iTunes.

Trouble In Tahiti
(Kultur Video - on DVD)
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Tom Cairns' 2001 film made for BBC Wales. Leonard Bernstein score. Stephanie Novacek and Karl Daymond. Includes introduction and featurettes.

What Do You Want From Me
(Sh-K-Boom - new on CD)
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Orfeh collection of pop song takes. "What Do You Want From Me," "Look At Me Now," "Last Time I Cry," "Love Me Today," "Dirt," "Tell That To My Heart" (featuring Andrew Logan), "Fallin' In Love," "Sing You To Sleep," "Don't Wanna Do Wrong," "Fall," "Just Don't Talk About Love," "Uptempo Pop Song," bonus track.

With a Smile and a Song/You'll Never Walk Alone
(Collector's Choice - on CD)
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Doris Day 1962/1964 twofer. 24 tracks.

September 23, 2008

1918: A House Divided
(new on CD)
Original cast recording of Theater for the New City production of Barbara Kahn and Allison Tartalia musical. Robert Gonzales Jr., Victoria Lavington, Dan Leeds, Victoria Levin, Kyle J. Martin, Matthew Naclerio, Rick Redondo, Kelly Scanlon, Erin Leigh Schmoyer, Laura Jean Smith, Jeanie Tse, Tina Ward, Faith Wu. Available at CDBaby.com.

An Affair in Trinidad
(Sony - new on DVD)
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1952 film directed by Vincent Sherman. Rita Hayworth (vocals dubbed by Jo Ann Greer), Glenn Ford, Alexander Scourby, Valerie Bettis. Part of Sony's "Martini Series" which also includes The Garment Jungle, The New Centurians, The Anderson Tapes and $ (Dollars).

High School Musical 2 Deluxe Dance Edition
(Disney - on 2 DVDs)
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2007 film plus interactive dance-along version. New bonuses: deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes special and a first look at the feature film High School Musical 3.

Jackpot - The Best Bette
(Rhino - on CD)
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