So I just got two new CDs of which I had the recording from across the pond (that's what they say in England, right?) for a LONG time but hadn't got their counterparts until now. I got the Broadway "A Little Night Music" which I think is FAR superior to the London one, but even more, I got the London cast of The Baker's Wife, and it sounds like a completely different show from the Broadway one (and WAY WAY WAY better!). So, my question, on the whole, do you prefer London or Brodway cast recordings when you have both to choose from?
Well...I mean there is the Mary Poppins and Woman in White London recording. But I have to say, West Side Story recording..MUCH prefre Broadway. But when you think about it, London and West End gave us The Phantom of the Opera, CATS, some great, great things. And personally I like the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Broadway cast much better than the London recording but that may be some bias on my side. And I don't own many London recordings but I'm assuming Broadway has more recordings...right? But I can't say I prefer either one..there's so many different aspects and shows to take into consideration.
"It's a great feeling of power to be naked in front of people. We're happy to watch actual incredible graphic violence and gore, but as soon as somebody's naked it seems like the public goes a bit bananas about the whole thing."
Les Miz-this is so hard. I choose both. Man of La Mancha-London The Secret Garden - Broadway Fiddler on the roof - London Chess- London Kiss of the spiderwoman - Broadway Passion - Broadway
See I don't have the Les Miserables London recording..is it good?
"It's a great feeling of power to be naked in front of people. We're happy to watch actual incredible graphic violence and gore, but as soon as somebody's naked it seems like the public goes a bit bananas about the whole thing."
i much prefer the London Taboo to the broadway taboo
(i'm listening to it right now!)
"Picture "The View," with the wisecracking, sympathetic sweethearts of that ABC television show replaced by a panel of embittered, suffering or enraged Arab women" -the Times review of Black Eyed
I hate the London Mamma Mia! recording with a fiercy passion and wish they'd made a Broadway one. Yes, the show is stupid, but ABBA music is ABBA music, and it's my guilty pleasure.
Shut up.
"It's not always about you!!!" (But if you think I'm referring to you anyway, then I probably am.)
"Good luck returning my ass!" - Wilhemina Slater
"This is my breakfast, lunch and f***ing dinner right here. I'm not even f***in' joking." - Colin Farrell
aw, Voulez Vous is, lyke, my fav song! (apart from Under Attack)
"Picture "The View," with the wisecracking, sympathetic sweethearts of that ABC television show replaced by a panel of embittered, suffering or enraged Arab women" -the Times review of Black Eyed
I also wish there was a Broadway Cast Recording of Mamma Mia. I've always loved ABBA's music and I enjoy the London recording. However, it may just be me, I often find it difficult to tell the difference between the voices of the mother and daughter. I loved Louise Pitre's voice and it was also very distinctive from Tina Maddigan's.
From years ago (on vinyl!) I have the London PROMISES,PROMISES with Tony Roberts and Betty Buckley which is vastly superior to the Broadway cast of Jerry Orbach. I wish it would be released on CD.The London cast of BYE, BYE, BIRDIE is interesting but not very good. NO, NO, NANETTE (London) is awful and IRENE (London) very good.These are just a few that come to mind.
There are more OBC recordings around because the OLC recordings tend to be deleted more quickly (less people to buy them!). I don't think it is down to whether the cast is LONDON or BROADWAY but whether they are any good or not!! The London MAMA MIA was brilliant to watch but doesn't work on a recording (I don't think the Broadway cast would be any better) as you can't help thinking about ABBA when you are deprived of the visuals! There a LOADS of brilliant LONDON cast but my favourites would be CITY OF ANGELS, LES MISERABLES, IRENE, (National) GUYS AND DOLLS, COMPANY (cheat?).
"Your eyes..... they shine like the pants on my blue serge suit"
I prefer the London Forum and both ALNM's - the acting is better.
Judi Dench's Cabaret - the OLC is vastly superior to the OBC. I quite like the Gypsy OLC but ....there are some very odd sounding children and orchestrations. The OLC of Camelot is excellent - unfortunately I'm not sure that it will be rereleased.
What do you guys think of Into The Woods? I heard the London recording before I heard the broadway and I think they are both amazing ( I'm talking about the original not the revival. )
Apart from Julia McKenzie, the London Into the Woods is pretty poorly sung, and I don't think any of the performances sound as sharp as the Broadway cast. The sound quality, though, is better on the London recording.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
I much preferred the London Into the Woods it's not as sugary as the OBC - I like the darker tones and sharper tempi. Imelda Staunton and Julia McKenzie are quite wonderful, the acting was better as well - but I liked the overall feel and look of the London production more than the Broadway (although it was very good).
Julia McKenzie is awesome, but i also think Imelda Staunton is awesome. I prefer her performance to Joanna Gleason's... she puts so much emotion into it. But I think if I had to pick, I would pick the OBC.
Smaxie, very disapointed to hear that the master tapes of the London Promises,Promises have been lost, might have to have my vinyl converted! I have the London Camelot on vinyl, and I believe it was (briefly) released on CD a year or so ago. The London Annie of 1978 isn't too bad, but the Broadway is probably preferable. Was there ever a London Beauty and the Beast? I have the Aussie one which is excellent but wondered if there was a London recording.
It just depends. Case in point: the CHICAGO revival CDs. The London cast is vastly superior to the recorded Broadway revival CD. Yes, the leads on the Broadway revival CD are a bit more iconic and nothing replaces the original Broadway cast, but the London revival CD has so much more energy, additional dialogue and some snazier jazz orchestrations as well as having recorded "Roxie's Soliloquy" prior to the song "Roxie" and also includes the brilliant act one finale and all the dialogue that takes place during the numbers. Not to mention Ruthie Henshall as Roxie. One spin of the London revival and my Broadway revival CD was shelved for life. Updated On: 10/20/05 at 02:00 AM