Show Boat ~ 1989 Studio Cast Recording
NOTE FROM PAIGE: "This lavish three-CD studio reconstruction of the original score is more than complete: it includes outtake material cut from the show before the opening and also restores controversial lyrics. This was lovingly and thoroughly put together by John McGlinn, who brought in such opera singers as Frederica von Stade and Jerry Hadley, backed by The London Sinfonietta, and is the most exhaustive rendering of perhaps the most important American musical of the 20th century." ~ William Ruhlmann (allmusic.com)
"John McGlinn's sprawling, monumental three-CD set is about all the Show Boat any listener could ever ask for. In an obvious labor of love, McGlinn reconstructs the show as it ran on opening night, November 15, 1927, including every song, the original orchestrations, and all underscored dialogue. The most significant restoration is the dark choral number "Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun'," as Show Boat's serious subject matter helped establish its place as the most important turning point in the history of American musical theater. McGlinn also adds an appendix that includes songs cut before opening night and every song subsequently written for the show's many productions, most notably the love duet "I Have the Room Above Her," written for the 1936 film. (The recording is also available in a one-disc reduction called the "Broadway Show Album.")Rest assured this 221-minute blockbuster is not just dry scholarship; it's also terrific listening, with McGlinn conducting a dynamic London Sinfonietta and a strong cast including Frederica von Stade as Magnolia, Jerry Hadley as Ravenal, Teresa Stratas as the tragic Julie, Bruce Hubbard as the worldly wise Joe, Karla Burns as Queenie, and David Garrison and Paige O'Hara as the comic couple Frank and Ellie. And of course the songs by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II are among the most glorious ever written: "Ol' Man River," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Make Believe," "Why Do I Love You," "Bill," "You Are Love," and "Life upon the Wicked Stage." Also included are exhaustive production notes, a history of the show, a detailed synopsis, and a libretto. John McGlinn's Show Boat is a staggering achievement and a recording for the ages." ~ David Horiuchi (Amazon.com)
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℗ 1988 Original sound recording made by EMI Records Ltd, by Special Arrangement with Betty Kern Miller for the Jerome Kern Interests, Rodgers and Hammerstein, as agent for Philip Zimet, Trustee, Harriet F. Pilpel, as Trustee and Attorney for the Edna Ferber Interests. Conducted and Directed by John McGlinn. Available on Amazon.com.
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