The original Broadway cast featured John Raitt, in my opinion the finest Broadway baritone of his or any generation. So how would Harry Connick, Jr. hold up in this music that I hear John Raitt singing in my mind's ear? Well, there is a lot to like about Mr. Connick, Jr. and this cast recording of The Pajama Game from the Roundabout Theatre Company production of 2006.
One of the best things is the reinstatement of Sid Sorkin's song "The World Around Us", which I believe was cut out of town from the original show. It's a wonderful song and I'm glad to be able to listen to it. Sid's "A New Town is a Blue Town" is also wonderful, but has been overshadowed by the perennial popularity of "Hey There", which is a much less interesting song.
Kelli O'Hara has just the right balance of belt, lyricism, and perk for the role of Babe. Ms. O'Hara is currently on Broadway in South Pacific (also produced by the Roundabout), and the roles of Babe and Nellie Forbush have a lot in common, both vocally and in spunk-factor.
One pet peeve with the packaging for this cast album. The track listing makes sure to include the licensing and copywrite ownership after every track, but doesn't tell you which character or which performer is singing. That seems a slap in the face of the actors. I've seen this show on stage and seen the film, so I know mostly which character is singing which song. But for the show novice? Maybe it was an oversight and not intentional.
The Pajama Game
Music and Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross
2006 Broadway Cast Recording
Released on CD for Columbia Records
Cast: Harry Connick, Jr., Kelli O'Hara, Roz Ryan, Megan Lawrence, Michael McKean
One of the best things is the reinstatement of Sid Sorkin's song "The World Around Us", which I believe was cut out of town from the original show. It's a wonderful song and I'm glad to be able to listen to it. Sid's "A New Town is a Blue Town" is also wonderful, but has been overshadowed by the perennial popularity of "Hey There", which is a much less interesting song.
Kelli O'Hara has just the right balance of belt, lyricism, and perk for the role of Babe. Ms. O'Hara is currently on Broadway in South Pacific (also produced by the Roundabout), and the roles of Babe and Nellie Forbush have a lot in common, both vocally and in spunk-factor.
One pet peeve with the packaging for this cast album. The track listing makes sure to include the licensing and copywrite ownership after every track, but doesn't tell you which character or which performer is singing. That seems a slap in the face of the actors. I've seen this show on stage and seen the film, so I know mostly which character is singing which song. But for the show novice? Maybe it was an oversight and not intentional.
The Pajama Game
Music and Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross
2006 Broadway Cast Recording
Released on CD for Columbia Records
Cast: Harry Connick, Jr., Kelli O'Hara, Roz Ryan, Megan Lawrence, Michael McKean
1 comment:
I can't get enough of this recording right now!! "There Once was a Man/Woman" is the most energetic, fun song, and you can almost feel the chemistry of Sid and Babe burning right through the CD (as well as the end of "Small Talk")! I love Kelli O'Hara's voice and style and completely agree that she is the new Mary Martin. And HCJ, well, he could sing the Alphabet Song and manage to get my heart racing!
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