Liza with a z won a Tony for her portrayal in this musical, and Kander and Ebb were nominated for the Tony in the Best Score category, but I had never heard one song from The Act. Well, I'm ready to make up for lost time.
There is a lot to like from this 1977 musical, which was the follow-up to Cabaret for the team of Kander and Ebb. It was clearly written as a star vehicle for Ms. Minnelli, and she delivers on this album. There is little for anyone else to do (at least as far as the score is concerned). As the liner notes for this CD are non-existence, I can't comment on the story or any of the non-singing roles.
Some of the music seems very much like a modern "revival" meeting, including the opening "Shine it On" and the almost humorous version of the Shaker tune "Tis a Gift to Be Simple." "Arthur in the Afternoon" is a very funny song, and I hope is included in someone's cabaret act.
Martin Scorsese directed this show! His only Broadway credit, I believe.
The Act
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by George Furth
Cast: Liza Minnelli, and a couple of other people that don't really matter as far as this album is concerned.
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