Original Cast Music

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"Wicked: A New Musical" (12/16/2003) Original Cast Original Cast, Decca (USA)Principal cast includes: Kristin Chenowith (Galinda, Glinda); Sean McCourt (Witch's Father); Cristy Canlder (Witch's Mother); Jan Neuberger (Midwife); Idina Menzel (Elphaba); Michelle Federer (Nessarose); Christopher Fitzgerald (Boq); Carole Shelley (Madame Morrible); William Youmans (Doctor Dillamond); Norbert Leo Butz (Fiyero); Sean McCourt (Ozian Official); Joel Grey (The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz); Manuel Herrera (Chistery). Recorded at Right Track Studios, New York, New York. Based on Gregory Maguire's novel of the same name, the Broadway musical WICKED creates a history for the two witches from L. Frank Baum's OZ books. Through composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz's emotive songs, the show reveals the unlikely friendship between Elphaba (Idina Menzel), who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch, and Glinda (Kristin Chenoweth), the Good Witch. The dramatic, horn-laden "No One Mourns the Wicked" starts the story in striking fashion, with the death of the ruby-slipper-wearing Wicked Witch. As Glinda appears, Elphaba's backstory begins, leading to jaunty numbers like "Popular" and "Defying Gravity," as well as ballads such as "I'm Not That Girl" and "For Good," with Menzel and Chenoweth showing off their substantial vocal chops. Adding to the boisterous energy is musical theater veteran Joel Grey, who brings a bit of Broadway's past to his role as the Wizard.

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"Jersey Boys" (11/01/2005) Original Cast Original Cast, Rhino Records (USA)Original Broadway Cast: Christian Hoff, The Four Seasons, Daniel Reichard, John Lloyd Young (vocals); Larry Saltzman (guitar); Ben Kono (reeds); Randy Andos (trombone); Ron Melrose (piano, synthesizer); Steve Snyder (synthesizer); Ken Dow (bass guitar); Kevin Dow (drums); Bill Hayes (percussion); J. Robert Spencer. Recording information: Right Track Studios, New York, New York (2005). Broadway musical JERSEY BOYS brings to the stage the story of 1960s singing sensations Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, recounting their rise from working-class kids to pop-music superstars. The soundtrack, naturally, is filled with Four Seasons hits, including timeless classics like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," and "December 1963 (Oh, What A Night)." Interspersed between the songs are snippets of dialogue from the play, and the actors playing the Four Seasons nail the group's famous vocal harmonies impressively. JERSEY BOYS is a fun listen for those looking to take a walk down memory lane for historical curiosity or even just nostalgia's sake.

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"Debbie Does Dallas" (05/09/2005) Original Cast Original Cast, GhostlightMusic and lyrics written by Andrew Sherman, Erica Schmidt, Tom Hitt and Jonathan Callicut. Principal cast: Sherie Rene Scott (Debbie); Mary Catherine Garrison (lisa); Caitlin Miller (Tammy); Tricia Paoluccio (Donna); Jama Williamson (Roberta); Paul Fitzgerald (Mr. Hardwick, Bradley, Nick, Tim, Ashley, Johnny, Roustabout); Del Pentecost (Mr. Greenfelt, Mr. Biddle, Kevin); Jon Patrick Walker (Rich, Hamilton, Mr. Bigtime). Original Cast Recording: Sherie Rene Scott, Mary Catherine Garrison, Paul Fitzgerald, Caitlin Miller, Tricia Paoluccio, Del Pentecost, Jon Patrick Walker, Jama Williamson.

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"Avenue Q [PA]" (10/07/2003) Original Cast Original Cast, RCA Victor Records (USA)Music and lyrics written by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. Principal cast includes: Jennifer Barnhart, Natalie Venetia Belcon, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Jordon Gelber, Ann Harada, Rick Lyon, John Tartaglia. Recorded at Right Track Studio, New York, New York on August 10, 2003. In the late 1990s, the television show SOUTH PARK sparked a trend of using figures associated with children's entertainment, such as puppets and animated characters, in the service of adult comedy. Depending on your viewpoint, this either generates marvelously clever social critique or cheap, tasteless jokes. Adding to the controversy is AVENUE Q, the smash Broadway hit that reads like a thinly veiled SESAME STREET parody, in which a charming puppet world is subverted by smart, bawdy humor about sexuality, pornography, and racism. In this production, for example, puppet roommates Rod and Nicky seem to have a particularly close relationship (explored in "If You Were Gay") and other characters wonder "What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?" and declare "It Sucks to Be Me" in a rousing medley. The original Broadway cast recording features these songs and more, and it is no wonder AVENUE Q won the Tony for Best Musical given its catchy tunes, witty lyrics, and spirited performances. One listen to the score and you, too, may find yourself singing "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist" and "The Internet Is for Porn."

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"Chicago - A Musical Vaudeville" (11/12/1996) Original Cast Original Cast, Arista Records (USA)Music composed by John Kander. Lyrics written by Fred Ebb. Principal cast includes: Gwen Verdon (Roxie Hart); Chita Rivera (Velma Kelly); Jerry Orbach (Billy Flynn); Richard Korthaze (Sergeant Fogarty); Barney Martin (Amos Hart). Reissue producer: Didier Deutsch. Recorded at A&R Studios, New York, New York on June 17-22, 1975. Includes original liner notes by Ray Errol Fox, Cheryl Sue Dolby and reissue liner notes by Didier Deutsch. All tracks have been digitally remastered.

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"The Fantasticks [Remaster]" (04/25/2000) Original Cast Original Cast, Decca (USA)Music composed by Harvey Schmidt. Lyrics by Tom Jones. Principal cast includes: Jerry Orbach, Kenneth Nelson, Rita Gardner, William Larsen, Hugh Thomas. Reissue producers: Brian Drutman, Denis McNamara. Recorded on June 13, 1960. Originally released on MGM (3872). Includes liner notes by Tom Jones & Peter FIlichia. Digitally remastered by Greg Calbi.

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"La Cage aux Folles" (10/25/1990) Original Cast Original Cast, RCA Victor Records (USA)All music written by Jerry Herman.

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"And the World Goes 'Round - Songs of Kander & Ebb" (11/12/1991) Original Cast Original Cast, RCA Victor Records (USA)

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"Sweeney Todd" (01/31/2006) Original Cast Original Cast, Nonesuch Records (USA)Based on the legend of the London barber who murdered his clients and made meat pies from their cadavers, the musical SWEENY TODD, with music and lyrics by composed by Stephen Sondheim, had a stunningly successful revival in 2005. This album features the production's Broadway cast of actor/musicians, who perform their own musical accompaniment.

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"Man of la Mancha" (01/07/2003) Original Cast Original Cast, RCA Victor Records (USA)Music composed by Mitch Leigh. Lyrics written by Joe Darion. Principal Cast: Brian Stokes Mitchell (Cervantes/Don Quixote); Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (Aldonza); Ernie Sabella (Sancho); Don Mayo (Governor/Innkeeper). Recorded at Right Track Studio, New York, New York on November 14, 2002. Includes liner notes by Jonathan Kent. MAN OF LA MANCHA was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

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"Chess (Polydor)" (07/23/1996) Original Cast Original Cast, Polydor (USA)Personnel includes: Anders Eljas (conductor); Elaine Paige, Murray Head, Tommy Korberg, Barbara Dickson, Denis Quilley, Bjorn Skifs, Per Lindvall, Lasse Wellander, Rutger Gunnarsson, London Symphony Orchestra, Ambrosia Singers.

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"Carousel" (12/13/1994) Original Cast Original Cast, RCA Victor Records (USA)Principle cast includes: John Raitt, Eileen Christy.

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"Anything Goes" (03/15/1988) Original Cast Original Cast, RCA Victor Records (USA)Composed by Cole Porter.

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"The Desert Song/New Moon" (07/30/2002) Original Cast Original Cast, Decca (USA)2 LPs on 1 CD: THE DESERT SONG (1945)/NEW MOON (1953). Music composed by Sigmund Romberg. Lyrics written by Oscar Hammerstein II and Otto Harbach. Principal casts include: Kitty Carlisle, Wilber Evans, Felix Knight, Thomas Hayward, Jane Wilson, Lee Sweetland. Recorded on March 13-14, 1944 & February 18, 1953. Originally released on Decca 10" LPs (7000) & (5472). Includes liner notes by Eric Myers. All tracks have been digitally remastered.

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"The Roar of the Greasepaint the Smell of the Crowd" (06/12/1990) Original Cast Original Cast, RCA Victor Records (USA)Principal cast includes: Anthony Newley, Cyril Ritchard. Recorded at Webster Hall, New York, New York on February 28, 1965. Includes liner notes by Bill Rosenfield. Digitally remastered by Anthony Salvatore.

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"Notre Dame de Paris (French)" (06/27/2000) Original Cast Original Cast, Sony ClassicalMusic composed by Richard Cocciante. Lyrics written by Luc Plamondon. Principal cast: Noa (Esmeralda); Garou (Quasimodo); Daniel Lavoie (Frollo); Bruno Pelletier (Gringoire); Patrick Fiori (Phoebus); Luck Mervil (Clopin); Julie Zenatti (Fleur-De-Lys). Recorded at Artistic Palace Studio, Boulogne, France.

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"Pippin [Remaster]" (06/28/2005) Original Cast Original Cast, Decca BroadwayThis reissue contains bonus tracks of PIPPIN "covers" by various Motown artists. The original broadway cast production of PIPPIN was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse. Music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Principal cast: Ben Vereen (Leading Player), John Rubenstein (Pippin), Jill Clayburgh (Catherine), Eric Berry (Charlemagne), Leland Palmer (Fastrada), Irene Ryan (Berthe). Producers: Phil Ramone, Stephen Schwartz. Reissue producer: Brian Drutman. Includes liner notes by Marc Miller. Digitally remastered by Greg Calbi (July 2000).

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"Songs For a New World" (03/11/1997) Original Cast Original Cast, RCA Victor Records (USA)All songs written by Jason Robert Brown.

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"Little Women: The Musical" (05/03/2005) Original Cast Original Cast, GhostlightComposer: Jason Howland. Lyricist: Mindi Dickstein. Original Cast Recording: Danny Gurwin, Janet Carroll, Sutton Foster, Maureen McGovern, Amy McAlexander, Megan McGinnis, Jenny Powers, John Hickok. Recording information: The Hit Factory, New York, New York (02/03/2005).

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"Jesus Christ Superstar [Remaster]" (09/24/1996) Original Cast Original Cast, MCA Records (USA)Personnel includes: Ian Gillian, Murray Head. All tracks have been digitally remastered. Conceived by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice while the British duo were still in their early 20s, the rock opera JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR was released in 1970 as a studio album before its many subsequent stage productions. Featuring Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan as Jesus and Murray Head as Judas, this recording presents the initial versions of these well-known Broadway tunes, including the funky, frenetic "What's the Buzz?/Strange Thing Mystifying" and "The Temple," a hauntingly chaotic number. Although other productions of the musical are highly regarded, this original version is arguably the best.

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"Cats [Slipcase]" (05/23/2006) Original Cast Original Cast, Decca (USA)Music composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Based on a book by T.S. Eliot. Principal cast: Hector Jaime Mercado (Alonzo); Stephan Hanan (Asparagus/Growtiger); Donna King (Bombalurina); Steven Gelfer (Carbucketty); Rene Ceballos (Cassandra); Rene Clemente (Coricopat/Mungojerrie); Wendy Edmead (Demeter); Christine Langner (Etcetera/Rumpelteazer); Betty Buckley (Grizzabella); Bonnie Simmons (Jellylorum/Griddlebone); Anna McNeely (Jennyanydots); Timothy Scott (Mistoffelees); Harry Groener (Munkustrap); Ken Page (Old Deuteronomy); Kenneth Ard (Plato/Macavity); Terrence V. Mann (Rum Tum Tugger); Timothy Scott (Mr. Mistoffelees); Anna McNeely (Jennyanydots); Bonnie Simmons (Jellylorum/Griddlebone); Herman W. Sebek (Pouncival); Whitney Kershaw (Sillabub); Reed Jones (Skimbleshanks); Janet L. Hubert (Tantomile); Robert Hoshour (Tumblebrutus); Cynthia Onrubia (Victoria). Producers: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Martin Levan. Recorded in New York, New York in October 1982. Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber. Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical version of T.S. Eliot's OLD POSSUM'S BOOK OF PRACTICAL CATS was one of the longest running Broadway musicals, and featured the smash hit song, "Memories." This original Broadway cast recording contains other favorites, like "Macavity: The Mystery Cat," "Old Deuteronomy," and the poignant "Moments of Happiness," and should tide diehard fans over nicely until the production's next revival.

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"Urinetown" (08/07/2001) Original Cast Original Cast, RCA Victor Records (USA)Music composed by Mark Hollman. Lyrics written by Greg Kotis. Principal cast includes: Jeff McCarthy (Officer Lockstock); Spencer Kayden (Little Sally); Nancy Opel (Penelope Pennywise); Hunter Foster (Bobby Strong); Jennifer Laura Thompson (Hope Cladwell); David Beach (Mr. McQueen); John Deyle (Senator Fipp); Ken Jennings (Old Man Strong, Hot Blades Harry); Rick Crom (Tiny Tom, Dr. Billeaux); Rachel Coloff (Soupy Sue, Cladwell's secretary); Megan Lawrence (Little Beck Two Shoes, Mrs. Millennium); Victor W. Hawks (Robbie The Stockfish, business man #1, Larence Street (Billy Boy Bill, business man #2); Kay Walbye (Josephine Strong, old woman); Daniel Marcus (Office Barrel); John Cullum (Caldwell B. Cladwell). Recorded at Edison Recording Studio, New York, New York on May 15, 2001. Includes liner notes by Greg Kotis.

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"Tick, Tick... Boom!" (09/11/2001) Original Cast Original Cast, RCA Victor Records (USA)Music and words written by Jonathan Larson, who sings on a demo track recorded in 1993. Principal cast: Raul Esparza (Jonathan); Amy Spanger (Susan); Jerry Dixon (Michael). Recorded at Clinton Recording Studio B, New York, New York on July 9, 2001. Includes liner notes by Al Larson.