| CUSTOMER REVIEWS: | 5/5 - exceptional recording and performance
I find I can't agree with the other appraisals I see here of this delightful recording of this musical. Both Roni Page and Steve Devereaux are truly exceptional with Devereaux in particular bringing a very pleasing baritone and a great characterization to the part. Personally, I do not feel either of them give up anything to Powell or Keel in the quality of their singing and I, in many ways, find them preferable.
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<br />I think this set is also more complete than the MGM issue containing songs like "One Man", "Love Never Goes Away", "We Got To Make It Through the Winter" and "Glad That You Were Born" that are just not in the MGM CD. Moreover, the sound quality is excellent in this issue. The impact of the score comes over exceptionally as a result.
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<br />Frankly, I would prefer to have both recordings, but if I could have only one, it would be this one.
3/5 - average production, average recording
SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS was tricked-out for the stage in the early 80's, and quickly met its demise in London. This production opened in 1984 but met with mixed reviews, and closed after a relatively short run.
Roni Page and Steve Devereaux hardly compare with Jane Powell and Howard Keel (though who could?), but aquit themselves with their solid voices. Roni Page beautifully handles Millie's elation in "Wonderful Wonderful Day" (which features a rewritten lyric and setting).
Steve Devereaux has a powerful voice, used to his advantage in "Bless Your Beautiful Hide" and "Sobbin' Women". Although the new songs written by Al Kasha and Joel Hirshhorn don't fit in well with the original Johnny Mercer-Gene de Paul songs.
The supporting cast includes Peter Bishop, Victoria Lynson, Michaela Strachan, Anna Rees and Tom Barritt.
Stick with the 1997 studio cast with Katrina Murphy and Hal Fowler, available on the JAY/Showtime! label.
4/5 - A welcome recording
I was glad to get this recording simply because it had the songs that were added after the movie. The problem is that it just doesn't have the musical feel that I was expecting, the Barn Dance isn't on here, and the guy that plays Adam is just ridiculous sounding. The rest of the cast sounds decent, and the woman who plays Millie shows just the right amount of feistiness and tenderness. All in all, I'd say it's only for the completists, otherwise wait until the Jay Masterworks recording coming soon. |
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Monday, December 28, 2009
Last visit: 27/12/2009
