Not to be confused with Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire's 1958 version nor with the Dutch one that briefly played Broadway in 1994, this musical take on Edmond Rostand's classic tale opened on Broadway in 1973. Christo... more »pher Plummer plays the titular man with the nose, while Mark Lamos (who'd go on to become a celebrated stage director) and Leigh Beery complete the love triangle at the heart of the show. It's easy to see why this Cyrano, by composer Michael J. Lewis and lyricist Anthony Burgess (yes, the novelist), doesn't get revived much. The songs aren't that memorable. Except, that is, for Beery's splendid "You Have Made Me Love," which should be picked up more often by adventurous cabaret singers. More interestingly, the CD documents almost the entire performance, meaning you get huge chunks of dialogue in addition to the songs. This should be of particular interest to theater students interested in studying Plummer's impressive take on an iconic part. --Elisabeth Vincentelli« less
Not to be confused with Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire's 1958 version nor with the Dutch one that briefly played Broadway in 1994, this musical take on Edmond Rostand's classic tale opened on Broadway in 1973. Christopher Plummer plays the titular man with the nose, while Mark Lamos (who'd go on to become a celebrated stage director) and Leigh Beery complete the love triangle at the heart of the show. It's easy to see why this Cyrano, by composer Michael J. Lewis and lyricist Anthony Burgess (yes, the novelist), doesn't get revived much. The songs aren't that memorable. Except, that is, for Beery's splendid "You Have Made Me Love," which should be picked up more often by adventurous cabaret singers. More interestingly, the CD documents almost the entire performance, meaning you get huge chunks of dialogue in addition to the songs. This should be of particular interest to theater students interested in studying Plummer's impressive take on an iconic part. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
CD Reviews
Necessary! Necessary! Necessary!
Gregory E. Foster | Portland, ME, USA | 07/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"1. There were two Broadway shows that somehow unfairly did not get the "press & praise", or whatever, to get the attention of the theatre-going public to catch on and become smash hits.
2. Luckily for us, there were recordings of these two Broadway shows on lp.
3. Sadly, for those of us who enjoyed those old lp albums and wished and waited for years and years for them to be remastered to cds, it seemed we would never be able to enjoy these "lost" scores ever again.
4. Now, through some lucky stroke of unlikely chance, we have recently been twice blessed with the remastering and release of BOTH of them on compact disk! All I can say is "There IS a God!" and also "Thank You", "Thank You", "Thank You" to those responsible for the "saving" and "preservation" of these two works by digitizing and releasing them for us again.
One of these two works is "Cyrano" with the great portrayl by Christopher Plummer of certainly one of the greatest characters in all literature. This show sadly closed after only a very few performances. The songs, while not really "great" are certainly quite listenable--but ONE, is spectacular and makes it worth the cost of the whole album, and that is "You Have Made Me Love"--what a winner it is!
The second of these works is "Baker Street" with Fritz Weaver and Inga Swenson. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to see this one before it closed, also, shortly after it opened. I could never understand why it did not catch on. Weaver and Swenson were simply marvelous, it was exciting, funny, and had great tunes and catchy lyrics. I dispaired for years over the non-release of this show on compact disc. I even wrote Universal, who has the rights to Decca's catalogue, and they blew me off. Then, out of the blue this spring there it was listed as a pre-release on amazon here! I immediately went to my local music shop and ordered a copy. And guess what.......there is a bonus track of the Great Richard Burton singing the best song from the show "A Married Man"!
If you love Broadway Cast albums, you need these two disks. If you remember the shows, you need these two disks. And lastly, if you are totally unfamiliar with these two works, you need these two disks. In short--You Need These Disks! Period!
Take my word, both of these albums are wonderful "keepers" that you will listen to over and over, both because they are unusual and not so well known, and also because they are truly great works. I wish you much happy listening to them. ~operabruin"
Wonderful!
John D. Hill | Fullerton, CA | 05/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard this cast recording in 1974. I fell in love with it, and made a taped version. Up til now that old cassette tape has had to make due. I had no idea that they would release this wonderful recording in CD. It just goes to show that good things are worth waiting for.
It is my opinion that this is the best of all musicalizations of Cyrano de Bergerac. The melodies are beautiful, the story line is fun to hear, and Christopher Plummer is a treat as Cyrano. He won the Tony award for his role in this show.
The show did not run long on Broadway, and it is a good example of a score outliving the show. I recommend this CD to anyone who loves the story and enjoys some story line as well as songs on a cast recording.
"
I Love Cyrano!
Winifred | NY, USA | 08/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am one of the blessed who actually saw one of the 49 performances of this musical on Broadway. Cyrano + Christopher Plummer = an unbeatable combination. After all, it was my favorite play, I revered Christopher Plummer and musicals have always been my favorite genre. The production was positively galvanizing. Some wonderful teacher took us to it for a class trip, bless her! (Could it have been Mrs. Cerruti from French Class? Just trying to give credit to hopefully the proper party!) I have to go look for that Playbill soon.
I was uplifted by the theatrical experience, I cherished the album later (I still have it), and now I am ecstatic about owning the CD as well. I received it yesterday, and listened to it once last night, and five times in my car today.
The composer, lyricist and talent scouts should be happy to know that I am currently learning the lyrics to "From Now Till Forever" (I just love the line, "The atoms within me have been rearranged"!!!) and also to "You Have Made Me Love"...just be glad I keep the windows closed!
"A man fights for more than the mere hope of winning."
Here's to panache!"
Beautiful music
Maria E. Pineiro | Texas, USA | 02/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a little-known score but it is quite a jewel. It includes songs and dialogue and it is quite faithful to the original play. The songs are old-fashioned but very appropiate to the story and to the tragic romance. It was truly worth the wait."
Track Listings (32) - Disc #1