42nd Street (2001 Revival Broadway Cast)

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Mounting a revival of 42nd Street seemed a bit premature--after all, the show had closed in 1989 after nearly nine years on Broadway. But as a giddy love letter to the musical theater, it can't be beat, so we're not going to complain. Inspired by Busby Berkeley's movie, the show includes one great Warren-Dubin number after another, making it a feast of titanium-plated hits that include "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me," "Dames," "We're in the Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," and, of course, the title song. The leads are on the bland side, but the rest of the cast--most notably Mary Testa, Jonathan Freeman, and 2001 Tony-winner Christine Ebersole--has more than enough spunk to fuel this revival. This is one of the most joyous albums you're likely to hear in a while. Just close your eyes and prepare to be swept into a wondrous world of sassy dames and high-kickin' chorus girls. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews: Read 26 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

Much better than the Original Broadway Cast Recording! July 3, 2001
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

The original cast recording of "42nd Street" was delightful, but it pales in almost every way, when compared to this revival's recording. For the first time, as with so many of the better-produced revivals on Broadway, we get to hear most of the songs, instead of shortened versions. There are also a few new numbers by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, which have made their way into the revival and this recording. The only drawbacks are (1.) the tap dances don't thunder the way the original recording's did (you felt as if you were auditioning with the dancers); and (2.) Michael Cumpsty, while being a brilliant actor, is definitely NOT Jerry Orbach. All in all, this recording is wonderful from start to finish. Mary Testa gives a shining performance, as does David Elder as Billy Lawlor, and Jonathan Freeman as Bert Barry. The real treasure of this recording is Christine Ebersole, who plays the delightfully bitchy Dorothy Brock. She captures the true essence of the sublime 1930s standards which she sings. Her interpretations of "Getting to Be a Habit with Me," "Shadow Waltz," "A Quarter to Nine," and especially "I Only Have Eyes for You," prove why she deserved the Tony Award this year. If you own the original cast recording, you will definitely want to purchase this one. As great as the original was, the revival is ten times better.

5 out of 5 stars

the sleeper hit of the season gets a dynamic cast recording December 19, 2001
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

42nd STREET made a surprise return to the Great White Way this year even though the original production had closed not ten years ago. The sleeper hit of the season, this production also proved to be an audience favorite and among other things brought the divine Christine Ebersole back to Broadway...in a performance that saw her win a Tony.

The entire cast sounds fabulous here in a sparkling recording that also includes much of the dialogue and incidental music adding to the theatricality and makes you feel like you are listening to a real performance.

Kate Levering (now replaced by Meredith Patterson) is a lovely and sweet Peggy Sawyer who goes on to replace the injured star Dorothy Brock (Ebersole) before the opening of the new show 'Pretty Lady'.

Among the outstanding cast as Mylinda Hull, Michael Cumpsty, David Elder, Mary Testa, Amy Dolan, Jonathan Freeman and Beth Leavel.

An exiting and galvanising listening experience.

4 out of 5 stars Does Longer Equal Better?   June 13, 2001
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

The only way for the latest cast recording of 42nd Street to compete with the Original Cast Album is size. CD technology has allowed for the inclusion of the show's extensive dance breaks, and the inclusion is a welcome one...thrilling would be the word. On top of this, Christine Ebersole tops the original's Tammy Grimes, shining most in a newly added number (obviously) not on the original. The only times when this recording severely pales to that of the 1980 cast is in Lullabye of Broadway and the vocal finale, where the power of Jerry Orbach's voice is sorely missed.

5 out of 5 stars it's getting to be a habit with me!   August 3, 2001
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I have a history with 42nd Street; it was one of the first movie musicals I ever saw, and I have always loved it. I also loved the original cast recording. When I heard they were bringing it back to Broadway, I was extremely excited and bought the cast recording the day it came out. This cast is to die for, as are the incredible orchestrations. Christine Ebersole and David Elder are my favorites on the recording. Ms. Ebersole has a beautiful voice. Her rendition of I Only Have Eyes For You is not to be missed, and her versions of the songs that were originally in the show (such as You're Getting To Be a Habit With Me and About A Quarter To Nine) make Tammy Grimes's pale in comparison. David Elder and his powerful tenor send chills down my spine in the Dames/Keep Young and Beautiful sequence and I Only Have Eyes For You, and his Young and Healthy is great. Jonathan Freeman and Mary Testa radiate comedy and are in great voice (I still think that Ms. Testa should have won the Tony). The songs are familliar and you'll find yourself singing them everywhere. This is a great cast album and is extremely well done. (I also saw the show on Wednesday, 8/1, and it was incredible beyond my wildest dreams. If you're in NY or are going to be, see it!)

5 out of 5 stars It takes you back on stage!!   August 22, 2002
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I had the chance to see this show on Broadway, NYC, last year and I was absolutely fascinated about it. It was my first musical and I loved it so much that I could not wait to buy the CD. Well, listening to it is like being live in the theatre, you can perfectly picture all the colourful feet when you hear the tap dancing parts. And Christine Ebersole has a voice that makes you shiver, she's fabulous. This truly is a recording to make you love Broadway musicals....it worked with me!

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