Dark Show But Lovely Kander and Ebb
Tom George | Wash. DC | 11/15/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Terrific score for a dark show. Herschel Bernardi, Maria Karnilova and the rest of the cast are wonderful in this fairly grim show. At one point the chorus of villagers are awaiting, like vultures, the death of the leading lady to pilfer her belongings. Not your usual musical comedy fare. But a marvelous Kander and Ebb score, a couple of lovely ballads, several very infectious chorus numbers, all with a Greek flavor. Based on the 60's film, Zorba the Greek.
What a delight to hear Maria Karnilova! She is one of the overlooked great leading ladies of the 60's. She created Tessie Turra in Gypsy as well as being the original Golde in Fiddler... and she is wonderful here as an aging French courtesan. Here rendition of Only Love is lovely.
Great recording!"