bernada Alba - Cast Recording

Advantages: This recording contains all of the important tracks from the hit show.
Disadvantages: The use of brothers makes the link between the characters too abvious too early on.

...I purchased this recording of Blood Brothers having been to see the show on the West End. When listening to the recording from start to finnish the story is clearly conveyed making it enjoyable to listen to with little effort. The quality of the sound is far above that of earlier recordings of the show that are available. I would recommend this recording to both those who have seen the show as well as others as you do not require any previous knowledge of the show to enjoy this recording. Willy Russell as the narrator makes his Liverpudlian accent clear preventing any misunderstanding of the lyrics. The only complaint I have of this recording is in the casting of the Cassidy brothers playing the characters of the twins. This to my mind at least conveys far too closer connection between the two characters than perhaps is required. Overall... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Fun / upbeat / happy
Disadvantages: none exactly what you expect with a musical CD

...Doctor Dolittle is a World premiere London Cast recording of songs from the musical. If you have seen the film or the musical you will know that the story is about a man that can communicate with animals. At no point is the play supposed to be serious, it is purely fantastical, funny and very entertaining. I haven't seen the musical myself but the film was a favorite for my childhood years. This CD has all the songs from Doctor Dolittle, my favorites been 'my friend the doctor', 'talk to the animals' and 'doctor Doolittle', because they are feel good songs, make you smile and forget the stresses of everyday life. To be honest I'm a great fan of rock music, and it is unconventional for me to purchase a musical CD, but its good to have a diverse range in a musical collection, and for the 'musical' category, I would recommend... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Better sound quality than older versions
Disadvantages: You don't get to see the impressive acting that goes with it

...An excellent cast singing their hearts out! This CD is the official cast recording from the 1998-1999 London West End run of Oklahoma!, and of course has all the tracks from the original 1950's version: the exhillarating "Oklahoma!"; the amusing duet "People Will Say We're In Love"; the rousing "Oh What A Beautiful Morning'". The stunning cast includes one young Hugh Jackman (later star of X-Men and Van Helsing) as Curly, and Maureen Lipman as Aunt Eller. This CD gives, naturally, a better quality sound (being digitally recorded) than the original 1950's version does, yet ones still gets a sense of actually being in the packed auditorium on opening night! The poroduction won various awards for the run, including: - the Olivier Award for "Outstanding Musical" - the Evening Standard Awards - the Critics Circle awards... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful