Search - Claibe Richardson, Kenward Elmslie :: Lola

A lot of gorgeous music in this little-known score

Alan | New York, NY | 12/13/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This little-known musical about the 19th-century courtesan Lola Montez has a score by Claibe Richardson (music) and Kenward Elmslie (lyrics). If you like their score for the musical "The Grass Harp," you will probably like this one, too.While some of the lyrics here are a little awkward, others are very good. The music is sometimes powerful and intense, and at other times melancholy, gorgeous, and haunting. While there are a few not-so-good songs here, most are very good, and a few are real stunners. Richardson was a very talented composer, and it's sad that none of his shows seems to have worked well onstage. Fortunately, at least some of them were recorded, preserving his music.This recording is further helped by excellent orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin and a cast that would be hard to improve upon (Judy Kaye, Christine Andreas, David Carroll, and Jack Dabdoub). There'a also a lovely bonus track of Barbara Cook singing a song from the show that she recorded on another album.If you're a musical-theatre lover who enjoys exploring lesser-known shows, try this one. I think you'll be glad you did."