100 Hits Musicals

Louise Gold featured on Disc 5 as Maria a Kit Kat Klub Girl from Cabaret

Catalogue number: DMG 100 033

 STOP PRESS: Louise Gold has two nominations in the Broadway World West End Awards: http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/vote2015region.cfm

In particular she has been nominated for Understudy of The Year Female: http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/liveupdate2015region.cfm?btype=4338&region=UK%20/%20West%20End#sthash.2TIlL8gx.dpbs  (for her performance as Momma Rose – she understudied Imelda Staunton)

Cast

Joanna Ampil

Jean-Pierre Aumont – as Gaston Lashailles (from Gigi)

Edward Baker-Duly – as Lieutenant Cable (from South Pacific)

Michael Ball

Jacqueline Barron

John Barrowman  - as Joseph (from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Danny (from Grease), Billy Crocker (from Anything Goes), Bobby (from Company), and others

Paul Bentley – as Roscoe (from Follies)

Gillian Bevan – as Dorothy (from The Wizard Of Oz)

Matt Bogart

Barry Bostwick – as Frank Butler (from Annie Get Your Gun)

Simon Bowman – as Caractacus Potts (from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), and others

Rebecca Caine

Danielle Carson – as Kathy Seldon (from Singin’ In The Rain)

Len Cariou – as Teryve (from Fiddler On The Roof)

Roy Castle – as Cosmo (from Singin’ In The Rain)

Petula Clark – as Mrs Johnstone (from Blood Brothers)

Peter Couzans

Kim Criswell  - (uncredited) as Miss Hannigan (from Annie), and, Norma Desmond (from Sunset Boulevard)

Jacqueline Dankworth – as Charity Hope Valentine (from Sweet Charity), and others

Sally Dexter – as Nancy (from Oliver!)

Steve Deveraux – as Adam Pontipee (from Seven Brides For Seven Brothers)

Gregg Edelman – as Sky Marsterson (from Guys And Dolls)

Susan Egan – as Eva Peron (from Evita), and, Maria from (The Sound Of Music)

Elektravox

Nick Ferranti – as Bernado (from West Side Story)

Ethan Freeman – as Don Quixote (from Man of La Mancha), and others

Sarah French – as Annie (from Annie)

Maria Friedman – as Sally Bowles (from Cabaret)

Louise Gold – as Maria a Kit Kat Club Girl (from Cabaret)

James Graeme – as Bert (from Mary Poppins)

Debbie Gravitte – as Elphaba (from Wicked), Calamity Jane (from Calamity Jane), Annie Oakley (from Annie Get Your Gun), and, Fanny Bryce (from Funny Girl)

Andrew Halliday

Fiona Hendley – as Lois Lane/Bianca (from Kiss Me Kate)

Ruthie Henshall – as Polly (from Crazy For You)

Paulette Ivory

Hugh Jackman – as Curly (from Oklahoma!)

Meg Johnson – as ? (from Carousel)

Vanessa A. Jones

Judy Kaye – as Annie Oakley (from Annie Get Your Gun)

Lauren Kennedy – as Nellie Forbush (from South Pacific)

LaChanze

Cleo Laine – as Desire Arnfelt (from A Little Night Music)

Diane Langton

Stephanie Lawrence – as Eva Peron (from Evita), Mary Magdalene (from Jesus Christ Superstar), and others

Christopher Lee – as The King of Siam (from The King And I)

Shona Lindsay – as Sandy (from Grease)

Pattie LuPone

Paul Manuel – as Tony (from West Side Story)

Valerie Masterson – as Anna (from The King And I)

Sean McDermott

J. Mark McVey – as The Caliph (from Kismet)

Robert Meadmore – as Tommy (from Brigadoon)

Max Milner – as Jeremy Potts (from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)

Julia Moller

Claire Moore – as Christine from (The Phantom Of The Opera), and Rosie a Kit Kat Club Girl (from Cabaret)

Jacinta Mulcahy – as Fiona (from Brigadoon)

Paul Nicholas – as Joseph (from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), and others

Christiane Noll – as Eliza (from My Fair Lady) and others

Robyn North – as Maria (from The Sound Of Music)

Caroline O’Conner -  as Velma Kelly (from Chicago), Donna Sheridan (from Mamma Mia), Anita (from West Side Story), and others

Tinuke Olafimihan – as Maria (from West Side Story)

Elaine Paige – as Reno Sweeney (from Anything Goes)

Jonathan Pryce – as Henry Higgins (from My Fair Lady), and, M.C. (from Cabaret)

Philip Quast – as Emile DeBeque (from South Pacific)

Ron Raines – as Billy Flynn (from Chicago)

Frances Ruffelle

Adam Searles – as The Artful Dodger (from Oliver!)

Tommy Steele – as Don Lockwood (from Singin’ In The Rain)

Laurie Gayle Stephenson – as Marsinah (from Kismet), and others

Mary Stockley – as Hope Hardcourt (from Anything Goes)

Poppy Tierney – as Mary Poppins (from Mary Poppins)

Sally Ann Triplett – as Truly Scrumptious (from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)

Leslie Uggams

Mark Umbers – as Freddy Eynsford-Hill (from My Fair Lady)

Issy Van Randwyck – as Sheila (from Hair)

Max Von Essen

Kirby Ward – as Bobby Child (from Crazy For You)

Hayley Wareham – as Jemima Potts (from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)

Gary Watson

 Marti Webb – as Grizelbella (from Cats), Sally Durrant Plummer (from Follies), and others

Elisabeth Welch

Willard White – as Joe (from Showboat)

Colm Wilkinson

Karen Ziemba

 

Production Team

 Conductors – Craig Barna, Stephen Brooker, Jonathan Cohen, David Firman, Janet Glazener, Timothy Higgs, Julian Kelly, John Owen Edwards, Patrick Vaccariello, and, Martin Yates

Orchestras – The City Of London Philharmonic, The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, The National Symphony Orchestra / NSO Ensemble / National Symphony Orchestra Ensemble, and, The RSC Orchestra

Produced by – Demon Music Group

 

Track Listing

CD 1

1. Memory (from Cats) – Marti Webb

2. All That Jazz (from Chicago) – Caroline O’Conner and Company, with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Julian Kelly

3. Any Dream Will Do (from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) – John Barrowman, with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

4. On My Own (from Les Miserables) – Frances Ruffelle

5. All I Ask Of You (from The Phantom Of The Opera) – Paul Nicholas, and, Jacqueline Barron

6. I Know Him So Well (from Chess) – Joanna Ampil, and, Julia Moller, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

7. Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (from Evita) – Stephanie Lawrence

8. I’d Do Anything (from Oliver!) – Sally Dexter, Adam Searles, and Company

9. Can You Feel The Love Tonight (from The Lion King) – Sean McDermott, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

10. The Last Night Of The World (from Miss Saigon) – Joanna Ampil, and, Peter Couzens

11. No Matter What (from Whistle Down The Wind) – Gary Watson, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Craig Barna

12. I Could Have Danced All Night (from My Fair Lady) – Christane Noll, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

13. I Am What I Am (from La Cage Aux Folles) – Leslie Uggams, with orchestra conducted by Janet Glazener

14. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (from Mary Poppins) – Poppy Tierney, and, James Graeme, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

15. Superstar (from Jesus Christ Superstar) – Paul Nicholas

16. Take That Look Off Your Face (from Tell Me On A Sunday) – Stephanie Lawrence

17. Summer Nights (from Grease) – John Barrowman, and, Shona Lindsay, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

18. Dancing Queen (from Mamma Mia) – Caroline O’Connor and Girls, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Julian Kelly

19. Defying Gravity (from Wicked) – Debbie Gravitte, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Craig Barna

20. We Will Rock You (from We Will Rock You) – Company with Elektravox, with The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

 

CD2

1. If I Were A Rich Man (from Fiddler On The Roof) – Len Cariou, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

2. All Through The Night (from Anything Goes) – John Barrowman, Mary Stockley, and Nautical Quartet

3. A Heart Full Of Love (from Les Miserables – Michael Ball, and, Rebecca Caine

4. America (from West Side Story) – Caroline O’Connor, Nick Ferranti and Company, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

5. Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’ (from Oklahoma!) – Hugh Jackman

6. I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face (from My Fair Lady) – Jonathan Pryce

7. Anything You Can Do (from Annie Get Your Gun) – Barry Bostwick, and, Judy Kaye, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

8. Getting To Know You (from The King And I) – Valerie Masterson and Company, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

9. Good Mornin’ (from Singin’ In The Rain) – Tommy Steele, Roy Castle, and Danielle Carson

10. Hopelessly Devoted To You (from Grease) – Shona Lindsay, with The National Symphony Orchestra Ensemble conducted by Martin Yates

11. It’s A Hard Knock Life (from Annie) – Girls (and an uncredited Kim Criswell), with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

12. But Not For Me (from Crazy For You) – Ruthie Henshall

13. Do Re Mi (from The Sound Of Music) – Robyn North and Children, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

14. Beautiful Girls (from Follies) – Paul Bentley

15. Money Money (from Cabaret) – Jonathan Pryce, and Maria Friedman, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

16. I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair (from South Pacific) – Lauren Kennedy

17. Easy Terms (from Blood Brothers) – Petula Clark

18. Secret Love (from Calamity Jane) – Debbie Gravitte, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

19. Send In The Clowns (from A Little Night Music) – Cleo Laine, with The City Of London Philharmonic, conducted by David Firman

20. The Impossible Dream (from Man Of La Mancha) – Ethan Freeman, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

 

CD3

1. I Dreamed A Dream (from Les Miserables) – Patti LuPone

2. I Don’t Know How To Love Him (from Jesus Christ Superstar) – Stephanie Lawrence

3. Why God Why? (from Miss Saigon) – Simon Bowman, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

4. The Music Of The Night (from The Phantom Of The Opera) – Marti Webb

5. Circle Of Life (from The Lion King) – Paulette Ivory, Andrew Halliday an Chorus, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

6. Close Every Door (from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) – Paul Nicholas

7. What I Did For Love (from A Chorus Line) – Caroline O’Connor and Chorus, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Julian Kelly

8. Tonight (from West Side Story) – Christian Noll, and, Max Von Essen, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

9. Younger Than Springtime (from South Pacific) – Edward Baker-Duly

10. Love Changes Everything (from Aspects Of Love) – John Barrowman, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

11. With One Look (from Sunset Boulavard) – Kim Criswell, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

12. I Believe In My Heart (from The Woman In White) – Laura Gaye Stephenson, and, Max Von Essen, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Craig Barna

13. Another Suitcase In Another Hall (from Evita) – Susan Egan, and Men, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

14. Only You (from Starlight Express) – Diane Langton, with The National Symphony Orchestra Ensemble conducted by John Owen Edwards

15. Consider Yourself (from Oliver!) – Chorus (probably the 1994 London Palladium cast)

16. Elaborate Lives ( from Aida) – Sean McDermott, and, Vanessa A. Jones, with The National Symphony Orchestra probably conducted by Patrick Vaccariello (the sleeve notes say it was conducted by Craig Barna)

17. Unusual Way (from Nine) – Elaine Paige, with orchestra conducted by Timothy Higgs

18. Losing My Mind (from Follies) – Marti Webb

19. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) – Simon Bowman, Sally Ann Triplett, Max Milner, and, Hayley Wareham, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

20. Singin’ In The Rain (from Singin’ In The Rain) – Tommy Steele

 

CD4

1. The Phantom Of The Opera (from The Phantom Of The Opera) - Ethan Freeman, Claire Moore, and chorus, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

2. The Perfect Year (from Sunset Boulevard) -  Karen Ziemba, and, Matt Bogart, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Craig Barna

3. The Sound Of Music (from The Sound Of Music) – Susan Egan, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

4. Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables) – Colm Wilkinson

5. Cabaret (from Cabaret) – Maria Friedman, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

6. Good Morning Sunshine (from Hair) – Issy Van Randwyck, and chorus, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Stephen Brooker

7. Day By Day (from Godspell) – Jacqueline Dankworth and company, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

8. Anything Goes (from Anything Goes) – Elaine Paige

9. Luck Be A Lady (from Guys And Dolls) – Gregg Edelman, and Men, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

10. On The Street Where You Live (from My Fair Lady) – Mark Umbers

11. All I Care About Is Love (from Chicago) – Ron Raines and Girls, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Craig Barna

12. Embraceable You (from Crazy For You) – Ruthie Henshall, and, Kirby Ward

13. As Long As He Needs Me (from Oliver!) – Sally Dexter

14. Tell Me It’s Not True (from Blood Brothers) – Petula Clark

15. Macavity The Mystery Cat (from Cats) – Paulette Ivory, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

16. High Flying Adored (from Evita) – Paul Nicholas

17. Written In The Stars (from Aida)- Matt Bogart, and LaChanze, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Patrick Vaccariello

18. Tell Me On A Sunday (from Tell Me On A Sunday) – Marti Webb

19. Almost Like Being In Love (from Brigadoon) – Jacinta Mulcahy, and, Robert Meadmore

20. Being Alive (from Company) – John Barrowman, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

 

CD5

1. There’s No Business Like Showbusiness (from Annie Get Your Gun) – Debbie Gravitte and Men, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

2. Shall We Dance (from The King And I)- Christopher Lee, and, Valerie Masterson, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

3. I Get A Kick Out Of You (from Anything Goes) – Elaine Paige

4. Always True To You In My Fashion (from Kiss Me Kate) – Fiona Hendley

5. Oklahoma! (from Oklahoma!) – Hugh Jackman

6. If My Friends Could See Me Now (from Sweet Charity) – Jacqueline Dankworth, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

7. Two Ladies (from Cabaret) – Jonathan Pryce, Claire Moore, and, Louise Gold, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

8. I Got Rhythm (from Crazy For You) – Ruthie Henshall and The Company

9. Stranger In Paradise (from Kismet) – Laurie Gayle Stephenson, and, J. Mark McVey, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

10. Some Enchanted Evening (from South Pacific) – Philip Quast

11. Tomorrow (from Annie) – Sarah French with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates

12. Bless Your Beautiful Hide (from Seven Brides For Seven Brothers) – Steve Deveraux

13. Don’t Rain On My Parade (from Funny Girl) – Debbie Gravitte, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

14. True Love (from High Society) – Elisabeth Welch, with The National Symphony Orchestra Ensemble conducted by Jonathan Cohen

15. Somewhere (from West Side Story) – Paul Manuel, and, Tinuke Olafimihan, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

16. Summertime (from Porgy And Bess) – Christiane Noll and Chorus, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Craig Barna

17. Ol’ Man River (from Showboat) – Willard White, and Chorus, with The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

18. Gigi (from Gigi) – Jean-Pierre Aumont

19. Over The Rainbow (from The Wizard of Oz) – Gillian Bevan, with The RSC Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards

20. You’ll Never Walk Alone (from Carousel) – Meg Johnson

 

 

 On the actual sleeve notes J. Mark McVey is credited as Mark McVey, and, Frances Ruffelle as Frances Ruffle.

This recording of Two Ladies, Money Money, and, Cabaret comes from the JAY/TER studio cast recording of Cabaret, featuring Maria Friedman, Jonathan Pryce, Claire Moore, and, Louise Gold; Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards.

Jacqueline Dankworth, Gregg Edelman, and, Caroline O’Connor can also be heard on Cabaret.

Edward Baker-Duly had previously appeared in Of Thee I Sing.

Edward Baker Duly, Cleo Laine, Robert Meadmore, and, Sally Ann Triplett have previously appeared in Side By Side By Sondheim 30th Anniversary Concert.

Michael Ball, Ruthie Henshall, and, Jonathan Pryce’s television credits include A Week In The West End.

Michael Ball, Gillian Bevan, Sally Dexter, Claire Moore, and, Sally Ann Triplett, along with maestros Jonathan Cohen, and, Timothy Higgs may have previously taken part in Thing A Thon, which Maria Friedman was involved with.

Michael Ball, and, Philip Quast have taken part in Shopping With The Stars 2009.

John Barrowman, and, Danielle Carson appeared in Anything Goes (Stage Show). Initially they had Elaine Paige as their Leading Lady, though this role was later taken over by Louise Gold. The original musical director for that production was John Owen Edwards. The two tracks of Elaine Paige singing from this musical presumably come from this production’s cast album.

John Barrowman, Maria Friedman, James Graeme, and, Diane Langton took part in Chicago & Company.

John Barrowman, Len Cariou, Kim Criswell, Nick Ferranti, Ethan Freeman, Sarah French, Maria Friedman, Christopher Lee, Shona Lindsay, Paul Manuel, Valerie Masterson, Caroline O’Connor, Tinuke Olafimihan, Jonathan Pryce, Ron Raines, and, Issy Van Randwyck can also be heard on The History Of The Musical; Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra with the maestros Craig Barna, John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates. The album contains excerpts from the same recordings of: All That Jazz, America, Money Money, Shall We Dance, and, Tomorrow.

John Barrowman, Simon Bowman, Kim Criswell, Gregg Edelman, James Graeme, Debbie Gravitte, Andrew Halliday, Paulette Ivory, Vanessa A Jones, Shona Lindsay, Paul Manuel, Sean McDermott, Robert Meadmore, Max Milner, Claire Moore, Caroline O’Connor, Tinuke Olafimihan, Sally Ann Triplett, and, Hayley Wareham can also be heard on Simply Musicals. Accompanied by The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, and, The National Symphony Orchestra with the maestros Craig Barna, Julian Kelly, John Owen Edwards, Patrick Vaccariello, and, Martin Yates. This album contains the same recordings of: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Elaborate Lives, Luck Be A Lady Tonight, Summer Nights, and, With One Look.

John Barrowman, Gillian Bevan, Jacqueline Dankworth, Maria Friedman, Louise Gold, Shona Lindsay, Valerie Masterson, Claire Moore, Caroline O’Connor, Tinuke Olafimihan, and, Jonathan Pryce can also be heard on Centre Stage Showtime!; Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra with maestros John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates. This album contains the same recordings of: Getting To Know You, Over The Rainbow, and, Summer Nights.

John Barrowman, Gillian Bevan, Matt Bogart, Simon Bowman, Danielle Carson, Kim Criswell, Jacqueline Dankworth, Louise Gold, James Graeme, Debbie Gravitte, Andrew Halliday, Paulette Ivory, Vanessa A. Jones, Shona Lindsay, Valerie Masterson, Sean McDermott, J. Mark McVey, Max Milner, Claire Moore, Caroline O’Connor, Jonathan Pryce, Ron Raines, Sally Ann Triplett, Hayley Wareham, and, Elisabeth Welch can also be heard on Magic Of The Musicals. Accompanied by The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, and, The National Symphony Orchestra with the maestros Craig Barna, Jonathan Cohen, Janet Glazener, Julian Kelly, John Owen Edwards, Patrick Vaccariello, and, Martin Yates. This album contains the same recordings of: Any Dream Will Do, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Circle Of Life, Dancing Queen, Elaborate Lives, Over The Rainbow, Secret Love, Summer Nights, There’s No Business Like Showbusiness, True Love, and, With One Look.

John Barrowman, Simon Bowman, Len Cariou, Kim Criswell, James Graeme, Andrew Halliday, Paulette Ivory, Vanessa A. Jones, Sean McDermott, Max Milner, Caroline O’Connor, Ron Raines, Sally Ann Triplett, and, Hayley Wareham can also be heard on The Best Of The Musicals. Accompanied by The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, and, The National Symphony Orchestra with the maestros Craig Barna, Julian Kelly, John Owen Edwards, Patrick Vaccariello, and, Martin Yates. This album contains the same recordings of: Any Dream Will Do, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Dancing Queen, and, Elaborate Lives.

Paul Bentley appeared in Assassins. His radio credits include Ned Sherrin’s Review Of Revue.

Paul Bentley, and, Issy Van Randwyck previously appeared in Kiss Me Kate.

Paul Bentley, and, Diane Langton previously appeared in Follies, whose orchestra was conducted by Julian Kelly.

Paul Bentley, Gillian Bevan, Mark Umbers, and, Issy Van Randwyck appeared in the Regent’s Park 70th Anniversary Gala.

Paul Bentley, and, Diane Langton appeared in Mary Poppins. On which maestro Stephen Brooker also worked.

Gillian Bevan, and, Diane Langton may have taken part in Comedy Tonight.

Gillian Bevan, Nick Ferranti, Maria Friedman, Robert Meadmore, and, Claire Moore appeared in Kids At Heart, which Petula Clark, Stephanie Lawrence, and, Elisabeth Welch may have appeared in.

Gillian Bevan appeared in Blood Brothers, and, The Boys From Syracuse.

Matt Bogart, Kim Criswell, Vanessa A. Jones, Valerie Masterson, and, Sean McDermott can also be heard on The Great Musicals - Glamour & Majesty. Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra with the maestros Craig Barna, David Firman, John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates. This album includes the same recording of Elaborate Lives.

Barry Bostwick, Ethan Freeman, Judy Kaye, and, Valerie Masterson can also be heard on The Best Of Broadway Musicals. Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra with the maestros Craig Barna, Janet Glazener, John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates. This album includes the same recordings of: Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better, and, The Impossible Dream.

Danielle Carson, and, Issy Van Randwyck had previously appeared in By Jupiter.

Danielle Carson had previously appeared in The Lost Musicals productions of: Du Barry Was A Lady (1993 Production), and, Red Hot And Blue.

Danielle Carson can also be heard on Stop The World I Want To Get Off. Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Martin Yates.

Danielle Carson, Ethan Freeman, Stephanie Lawrence, Robert Meadmore, Caroline O’Connor, Ron Raines, and, Elisabeth Welch can also be heard on The Great Musicals – Dashing Heroes, Blushing Maidens. Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra with maestros Julian Kelly, John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates.

Len Cariou appeared in Ziegfeld (stage show) and can be heard on Ziegfeld (recording).

Roy Castle, and, Diane Langton may have previously appeared in The Royal Variety Performance 1982.

Petula Clark, Maria Friedman, Louise Gold, Cleo Laine, Claire Moore, and, Elisabeth Welch appeared in A Time To Start Living, which James Graeme may have appeared in.

Petula Clark, Kim Criswell, Ethan Freeman, Fiona Hendley, Stephanie Lawrence, Tinuke Olafimihan, and, Tommy Steele can also be heard on The Greatest Musicals of the 20th Century. Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra with maestros John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates.

Kim Criswell appeared on the radio in Let ‘Em Eat Cake, and on stage in the Lost Musicals production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Kim Criswell, Gregg Edelman, Ethan Freeman, Judy Kaye, Valerie Masterson, and, Tinuke Olafimihan can also be heard on On The Town Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards.

Kim Criswell, Ethan Freeman, Sarah French, Louise Gold, James Graeme, Valerie Masterson, Claire Moore, Tinuke Olafimihan, Jonathan Pryce, Leslie Uggams, and, Issy Van Randwyck can also be heard on Encore -  The Very Best From The Musicals. Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra with the maestros Craig Barna, Janet Glazener, John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates. This album includes the same recordings of: Getting To Know You, I Am What I Am, The Impossible Dream, Tomorrow, and, Two Ladies.

Kim Criswell, Ethan Freeman, Louise Gold, James Graeme, Diane Langton, Christopher Lee, Valerie Masterson, Claire Moore, Caroline O’Connor, Tinuke Olafimihan, and, Jonathan Pryce can also be heard on The Great Musicals – Wonderful Tales. Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra, and, The RSC Orchestra with maestros Julian Kelly, John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates. This album includes the same recording of Two Ladies.

Kim Criswell, Jacqueline Dankworth, Gregg Edelman, James Graeme, Fiona Hendley, Diane Langton, Valerie Masterson, Ron Raines, Issy Van Randwyck, Elisabeth Welch, and, Karen Ziemba can also be heard on The Great Musicals – Laughter And Tears. Accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra with the maestros Craig Barna, Stephen Brooker, John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates.

Jacqueline Dankworth, and, Maria Friedman appeared in Merrily We Roll Along (Stage Production), and can be heard on Merrily We Roll Along (Recording). Both of which were conducted by Julian Kelly.

Steve Deveraux appeared in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Norwich Production).

Steve Deveraux, and, Robert Meadmore appeared in Martin Yates’s musical The Soap Opera (for which Martin Yates was musical director).

Gregg Edelman, and, Paul Manuel can also be heard on Anything Goes (recording) – Website recommended album, accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Owen Edwards.

Gregg Edelman, Ethan Freeman, Paul Manuel, Valerie Masterson, and, Tinuke Olafimihan can also be heard on Great Duets From The Musicals; accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra with maestros John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates. This album includes the same recording of Somewhere.

Gregg Edelman, Diane Langton, Issy Van Randwyck, and, Elisabeth Welch can also be heard on Cole Porter – Night And Day; accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra with the maestros Jonathan Cohen, John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates.

Ethan Freeman appeared in One Touch Of Venus (2000 Production).

Maria Friedman, Robert Meadmore, Claire Moore, and, Jonathan Cohen may have been involved with Will-Aid.

Maria Friedman appeared on the radio in Sondheim At The Barbican.

James Graeme may have appeared in Broadway To Brighton.

Cleo Laine, and, Leslie Uggams were Guest Stars on The Muppet Show.

Cleo Laine may have taken part in The Royal Variety Performance (1977). Her recording credits include. Jerome Kern The First 100 Years. She appeared in the documentary I Love The Muppets.

Cleo Laine, Robert Meadmore, and, Sally Ann Triplett have previously appeared in the Side By Side By Sondheim 25th Anniversary Gala.

Diane Langton, and, Elaine Paige can also be heard on Defiant Dames.

Louise Gold, Robert Meadmore, and, Sally Ann Triplett have previously appeared in the Metropolitan Mikado, which was also conducted by John Owen Edwards.

Louise Gold, and, Robert Meadmore have previously appeared in a concert of highlights from the Ratepayers Iolanthe & Metropolitan Mikado, which was also conducted by John Owen Edwards.

Robert Meadmore has previously appeared in Side By Side By Sondheim, and taken part in Hubert Gregg’s Memorial Service. His television credits include Julia And Company.

Robert Meadmore, and, Sally Ann Triplett have previously appeared in A Love Letter To Dan.

Robert Meadmore, Philip Quast, and, Issy Van Randwyck have taken part in Shopping With The Stars 2008.

Claire Moore may have appeared in Comedy Tonight.

Philip Quast has previously appeared in Curtain Up, and, Final Chic Cabaret 2003.

Frances Ruffelle, and, Issy Van Randwyck have taken part in Dress Circle Grand Reopening.

There is currently no evidence to prove whether Adam Searles (playing The Artful Dodger here) was the same person as the actor Adam Searle who played Shrimp the Call Boy in Topsy Turvy.

Sally Ann Triplett has previously appeared in Happily Ever After. Her television credits include Rita Rudner.

Issy Van Randwyck had previously appeared in Love Life, and, Hot ‘n’ Spicy 2.

David Firman had previously worked as a session musician on The Dark Crystal.

Julian Kelly had previously conducted Calamity Jane.

Jacqueline Dankworth, Louise Gold, Christopher Lee, Paul Manuel, Valerie Masterson, Claire Moore, Caroline O’Connor, Tinuke Olafimihan, Jonathan Pryce, and, Leslie Uggams can also be heard on Let’s Go On With The Show – Hit Songs From The West End & Broadway; accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra, with maestros Janet Glazener, and, John Owen Edwards. This album includes the same recordings of I Am What I Am, Somewhere, and, Shall We Dance.

Gillian Bevan, Barry Bostwick, Len Cariou, Kim Criswell, Jacqueline Dankworth, Gregg Edelman, Maria Friedman, Diane Langton, Paul Manuel, Claire Moore, Caroline O’Connor, Tinuke Olafimihan, and Elisabeth Welch’s recording credits include The Great Musicals - From Broadway to Hollywood; This also involves The National Symphony Orchestra, and, The RSC Orchestra; with maestros Craig Barna, John Owen Edwards, and, Martin Yates.

Liz Robertson appeared in The Radio 2 Arts Programme Chichester Festival 1994.

Stephen Brooker went on to work on Oliver!, and his work can be heard on Oliver! (Recording).

 

Review

by Emma Shane, 4 November 2009

Yet another musical theatre compilation album. Actually this one did include a surprising range of tracks. It was not just the JAY/TER catalogue, but a good mixture of stuff from other sources. Though for some of them I found I would have actually preferred the usual JAY/TER versions! Nevertheless it is good to ring the changes. Some of the other sources are good additions to a compilation album. While others, if not so good, do serve as a reminder of just what a wide range of different recordings there are of the various songs from the musicals.

Ones where I would have rather heard particular JAY/TER versions include: Marti Webb’s Memory, because no version of that song quite compares to Kim Criswell. Meanwhile Ruthie Henshall’s I Got Rhythm is a song which doesn’t really suit her talents, and is over arranged to death as well. I Got Rhythm originally became a hit because Ethel Merman made her Broadway debut with it. It’s a classic Merman song (although it was written before she was cast in Girl Crazy), and it’s one of those songs where that shows whenever anyone who is not a decent Merman belter does it. If they wanted to include this song then Kim Criswell’s recording would have been an infinitely better choice (not least because Ms Criswell can belt properly). And when it comes to songs written for Ethel Merman being recorded by women who can’t belt well enough, we have another example with Elaine Paige, here we have her recordings of both I Get A Kick Out Of You, and, Anything Goes. The former is actually very pleasant, demonstrating how a singer who is nothing like Merman can make this song their own, giving it a sweeter edge. Perhaps not quite as sweet as Kim Criswell, but not bad. That song after all, although written for Ethel Merman will not suffer from being given a softer touch, that can even enhance it. However Ms Paige isn’t exactly my idea of Reno Sweeney, after all the role was written for The Mighty Merman, and with the title song from Anything Goes, that really does show. Though Ms Paige can act, somehow as a singer she doesn’t quite bring the earthiness that this song needs. The song also really needs a singer with a much stronger voice. I feel it would have been better to use either the EMI Classics recording or the JAY/TER studio cast album. To be honest I think that both these songs were actually much better, and more suitably, sung when they were parodied on Sesame Street (by one of that programme’s puppeteers) as I Get A Kick Out Of U and Anyone’s Nose respectively, than on this compilation album.

There were also occasions where in my opinion there exist better recordings of whichever song it was, and since this album seems to use quite a range of different recordings, could they have used a better recording. These include Caroline O’Connor’s Dancing Queen, because nobody can sing that quite like Louise Plowright (who did sing it on the Mamma Mia OLC, as Tanya). Marti Webb’s Loosing My Mind also fails to convince, even Liz Robertson has done this one better in Side By Side By Sondheim as have Kathryn Evans and Jan Hartley in productions of Follies. I think Julia McKenzie’s recording might have made a better choice. While as for Sally Dexter’s As Long As He Need’s Me, although she’s a nicer singer than Jodie Prenger, I’ve just got too used to Jodie’s recording now, the same applies to I’d Do Anything, where Fagin is there uncredited, so I don’t know who he was, but again the trouble is I’ve now got used to hearing Rowan Atkinson’s recording, so it doesn’t sound quite right. Likewise Consider Yourself the chorus are ok, but if you’ve heard Ross McCormack’s recording (or seen either Ross McCormack or Robert Madge in performance), then this just doesn’t sound quite right..

Then there are songs where I wasn’t too keen on this recording because I’ve heard that song sung live more impressively, though sadly not recorded. Examples include: Leslie Uggams’s I Am What I Am – well if you’ve ever heard a certain The Muppet Show puppeteer sing this in her cabaret act, anyone else’s version (even ‘Guest Stars) just isn’t going to quite hit the mark. While as for Petula Clark’s renditions of Easy Terms and Tell Me It’s Not True from Blood Brothers, well Ms Clark is clearly a gifted singer, but these songs need a bit of acting in them. I much preferred the performance I saw Lyn Paul’s understudy Louise Davidson give of these too songs, Ms Davidson may not be that great a singer, but she acts them with so much more feeling. Cleo Laine’s Send In The Clowns also seems to suffer from a lack of acting. Though she is a great singer (I’ve seen this song better performed by Judi Dench, Louise Gold, and, Hannah Waddingham). Let’s just say that the only woman who could be Frederika to Ms Laine’s Desiree comes across rather better elsewhere on this album. Meanwhile Debbie Gravitte’s Don’t Rain On My Parade, while a perfectly respectable recording of that song in it’s own right, my problem with it is that I once had the pleasure of hearing Louise Plowright sing this as an act one finale in a pantomime in Poole, and ever since then I just find nobody else doesn’t quite up to her standard. Debbie Gravitte’s Defying Gravity suffers a similar problem, Louise Plowright did that one as a Poole pantomime Act 1 finale as well. As for Meg Johnson’s You’ll Never Walk Alone, well again perfectly respectable, it’s just that having once been moved to tears by witnessing Michael Ball perform it live, anyone else’s recording pales in comparison. It seems no one can sing this as movingly as Mr Ball. And then there is Colm Wilkinson’s Bring Him Home. I don’t think much of this song in the first place, and his recording of it doesn’t do anything to win me over. Of proper recordings the only one I’ve heard that I actually think has something is Howard Keel’s. Even so, if you were ever lucky enough to catch the footage of this song when it was done in Jim Henson’s Memorial Service, then you will know that one of Mr Henson’s puppetry colleagues did one of the most sincere, moving and perhaps best renditions of this song there has ever been.

Yet this compilation does include some little gems. Among the less well known ones from the JAY/TER catalogue is Poppy Tierney and James Graeme doing Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Where I have to say that Poppy Tierney proves that given a chance she can rival the best the current singers of this song (such as Scarlett Strallen). Robyn North is another surprise. Although whenever I hear Do Ray Me I just can’t help thinking of the very funny take on it that the Muppets once did, Robyn nevertheless acquitted herself well with this song, and is clearly a very talented singer, somewhat wasted singing Lloyd-Webber. Ron Raines’s All I Care About Is Love, surely one of his better performances. Also among the little heard gems is It’s A Hard Knock Life from Annie (with some uncredited dialogue in Kim Criswell’s Tennessee twang). Then there is Ruthie Henshall. Usually when I’m reviewing albums I don’t warm to her. However she is a fine torch singer with the right song. On this album there are two shining examples of her at her best, examples moreover where her recording is truly an excellent choice, these are But Not For Me, and Embraceable You, the latter a duet with Kirby Ward. It’s just a shame that such an excellent example of her work had to be spoilt by the inclusion of her I Got Rhythm. Two more excellent performances come from Jacqueline Dankworth. These are Day By Day from Godspell (I don’t particularly like the song but she sang it well) and If My Friends Could See Me Now. This lady is an excellent singer, and what is more she can also act, which makes her singing of these songs so much better. So much so that on this album, at least, she actually surpasses her mother.

Then there are the regular stalwarts of the JAY/TER catalogue, tracks which are almost like old friends, they work so well. These include Maria Friedman and Jonathan Pryce dueting Money Money from Cabaret. Kim Criswell’s expert rendition of With One Look. Surely one of Lloyd-Webber’s best songs here performed to perfection, Maria Friedman singing the title song from Cabaret, Simon Bowman, Sally Ann Triplett, Max Milner and Hayley Wareham’s title song from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Gregg Edelman’s Luck Be A Lady, Gillian Bevan’s Over The Rainbow. And then of course there is Two Ladies, sung buy Jonathan Pryce with Claire Moore and Louise Gold. Surely that is becoming a classic recording of this song.

While among the stuff that isn’t from the JAY/TER catalogue there are a number of wonderful pieces. These include Hugh Jackman’s Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’, and, Oklahoma! He is the only contemporary film star who truly has that Howard Keel and Gordon Macrae quality about him, as he very definitely proves with this song. Although Maureen Lipman’s spoken dialogue on Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’ while satisfactory reminds me that she isn’t quite as spectacular with the role as a certain dynamo was at The Chichester Festival Theatre. The title song from Oklahoma! is much more traditional than when Chichester did it. I rather liked Chichester’s take on that, but this version is perfectly good, because it has Hugh Jackman heading the company.  Another splendid baritone who really stands out on this compilation is Philip Quast singing Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific. Usually I have one problem with listening to most recordings of this song (Howard Keel’s being one of the few exceptions). The difficultly is that usually I invariably find myself remembering the rather brilliant take on it that Sesame Street did, Some Enchanted Lunchtime (as sung by the Sesame Street Muppeteers Kevin Clash and Louise Gold). Yet listening to Philip Quast on this compilation album, I found myself paying full attention to his performance, and didn’t think of those muppets until sometime after the track was over. So that must’ve been a good performance indeed. It’s also just great to have a recording of Paul Bentley singing Beautiful Girls. His is not necessarily the greatest performance of that song, nevertheless he does make it his own, and so he jolly well should seeing as he has sung it in not one but two productions of Follies. This recording is a nice reminder of that.

There are also a lot more songs which do not stand out as being particularly brilliant, but aren’t bad either. Quite enjoyable, something varied pieces, such as Len Cariou’s take on If I Were A Rich Man, Jonathan Pryce’s I’ve Grown Accustomed To Here Face, Lauren Kennedy’s I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair (which is probably a perfectly good rendition of the song, but emotionally difficult to listen to if you have just broken up with your man), Diane Langton’s Only You from Starlight Express (why on earth did I never see that show?), Paulette Ivroy’s MacCavity (an unexpected treat), Debbie Gravitte’s There’s No Business Like Showbusiness (perhaps not the most convincing of Annie Oakleys or Merman belters but one can’t go far wrong with this classic number, the song withstands a lot), Fiona Hendley’s Always True To You In My Fashion. (a better singer than Ann Miller, though not as good as Kim Criswell or Issy Van Randwyck), Sarah French’s Tomorrow (its the traditional version of the song, perfectly fine, though I do like Kim Criswell’s variation of that song), Steve Deveraux’s Bless Your Beautiful Hide (he’s really not in the league of Howard Keel or for that matter Hugh Jackman or Philip Quast, but he isn’t as terrible as say John Diedrich), Jean Pierre Aumont’s Gigi., Patti Lupone’s I Dreamed A Dream (nothing to do with her singing, I just don’t like the song), Michael Ball and Rebecca Caine’s A Heart Full Of Love (it’s probably more enjoyable if you actually like Bournbill and Schoneberg, which I don’t), and then there’s the Dutch Baroness’s take on Good Morning Sunshine.

Hearing so much of the JAY/TER catalogue on these sorts of compilations, makes me think of some of the songs that never, or hardly ever seem to get included on them. Wouldn’t it be nice to have Banjo Boy from By Jeeves, NYC from Annie, Nut Brown Maiden From The Prairie from Countess Maritza. And why do these albums never seem to include: The 1992 Concert recording of The Hired Man (in fact they never seem to include anything from The Hired Man at all), or Nunsense, or Merrily We Roll Along. But I wonder, perhaps even John Yap couldn’t borrow bits of those shows (particularly the 1992 Hired Man recording) for compilation albums. Though since he managed to include the title song from We Will Rock You on this album (as performed in the original production of the concert Another Kind Of Magic), surely almost anything could turn up.

So overall, it makes a nice change to have a compilation album that doesn’t just rely on the JAY/TER catalogue. There are a very wide range of musical theatre songs on this album. I think there are quite a number where if the compilers had really wanted to illustrate why these songs are hits they could have chosen better examples of the individual songs. There are also a few where they have made really good choices, and a lot more that are somewhere in the middle. The album features most of the major musical theatre songwriters. There are however a few startling omissions, particularly among British musical theatre writers. Why does there appear to be nothing from Leslie Bricusse or Howard Goodall? Apart from that, this is once again the sort of album that might make good background music, possibly suitable for a party, or a car journey, or simply doing the dishes. It’s better than some of the compilations in terms of opening ones ears to good recordings of well known songs one might not be aware of. However, some of the versions of these songs are rather less likely to educate the listener into why they are regarded as hits.

 

Critics Comments

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Links about 100 Hits Musicals

 Demon Music Group’s page for the album: http://www.demonmusicgroup.co.uk/Product.aspx?ProductID=4477

 

 

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