Although she's not averse to doing new material (she appeared in William Finn's Falsettoland, for instance, and let's not forget that brilliant bomb called Nick and Nora), Faith Prince is a living embodiment of Broadway's ... more »golden age. From her star-making turn as Miss Adelaide in the 1992 revival of Guys and Dolls to superb performances in the recent revivals of Little Me and The King and I, Prince always is perfectly attuned to classic material. In this short-lived revival of the 1956 musical Bells Are Ringing (directed by Tina Landau, whose previous musical-directing experience was on Floyd Collins), the singer reprises a role created by Judy Holliday and once again proves her versatility. The duet with Marc Kadisch on "Just in Time" is particularly delicious, doing full justice to that beloved song. --Elisabeth Vincentelli« less
Although she's not averse to doing new material (she appeared in William Finn's Falsettoland, for instance, and let's not forget that brilliant bomb called Nick and Nora), Faith Prince is a living embodiment of Broadway's golden age. From her star-making turn as Miss Adelaide in the 1992 revival of Guys and Dolls to superb performances in the recent revivals of Little Me and The King and I, Prince always is perfectly attuned to classic material. In this short-lived revival of the 1956 musical Bells Are Ringing (directed by Tina Landau, whose previous musical-directing experience was on Floyd Collins), the singer reprises a role created by Judy Holliday and once again proves her versatility. The duet with Marc Kadisch on "Just in Time" is particularly delicious, doing full justice to that beloved song. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 01/04/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"BELLS ARE RINGING was brought back to Broadway in 2001, in an ill-fated revival that only lasted a couple of months due to lukewarm notices.Tony-winner Faith Prince (GUYS AND DOLLS) gives her all in the lead role of hopeless romantic Ella Peterson. The role is virtually owned by the late Judy Holliday, who starred in the original Broadway run and later the under-rated movie version. Prince gives us a fresh new look at Ella, with glowing readings of "It's a Perfect Relationship", "Just in Time" and the still-delicious "The Party's Over".Marc Kudisch, in the decidedly-wooden role of Jeff Moss, sings wonderfully in his songs including the frenetic "I Met a Girl" and "Long Before I Knew You".This cast also includes Beth Fowler as Sue and Martin Moran as Sandor, who share the comical duet "Salzburg".Most of the criticism in this revival was aimed at Tina Landau's direction, and the age of the book which seemed too old-fashioned for 'modern' theatregoers. Still, a great musical and a great recording for fans.Highly-recommended"
Good only if you saw the show.
jbhapgood2 | 07/18/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I loved the revival of the musical. It's classic! It's so funny and charming and unpretentious. But unfortuneately this album displays the musical as dull and lifeless. Faith Prince comes off as overplayed and "kitschy" and Mark Kudisch comes off as bored. When I saw the show neither seemed that way at all. The song "I'm Going Back" brought the house down on Broadway, but I often skip that track when I listen to the cd, I'm sorry to say. Luckily, the big hit from the show "The Party's Over" is still as beautiful as the first time it was written-- and Thank God. It's a good play... a good cast... and has good music! It just comes off as very poor and dull..."
Great Revival
John Rice | Milwaukee, WI USA | 07/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Judy Holiday production of Bells are Ringing has been a favorite. Betty Comden,Adolph Green and Jule Styne have composed a great musical with style, comedy and even a cute long story. The revival left nothing out from the original and gave bew life through Faith Prince to the kind of musicals that are probably past their prime. But they were fun! What is striking about Prince's vocalizations on the album is that she works her own interpretation in her numbers. An one who is very familiar with the Holiday album, these stylizations first seemed out of place. But then one had to simply listen to another artist create the role of Ella Peterson. And Prince does that very well. Her voice is better than Holiday's and while she brings the kind of naivete of the character, she also brought another way of seeing the character. One hopes this show goes on the road."
Just In Time
Aaron Page | Lynchburg, Va USA | 06/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My copy of "Bells Are Ringing" got to my house just in time! Listening to Faith Prince's wonderful work made my day, as always. My favorite song is "It's a Perfect Relationship" (something about singing Jeff Moss's phone number makes me laugh), and there are many many many more wonderfully performed songs. Well worth the price of admission! Enjoy!"
Top flight talent makes for entertaining recording
Jeffrey A. Friedland | NEW ORLEANS, LA USA | 06/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While the show itself left me a little cold this album is wonderful listening. A talented cast bring the Jule Styne melodies alive. Faith may not be the comic caricature genius that Judy Holiday was, but her voice is glorious and the score soars when she sings. Marc Kudish's resonating baritone brings to life "I Met a Girl". And you have to love their rendition of "Just in Time". The party goes on with this cd."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1
