Fine, but not a patch on the original cast album
Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 02/27/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This recording of the 1993 Broadway revival of SHE LOVES ME is a fine summation of the peerless Bock-Harnick score, though the original cast still remains definitive. Diane Fratatoni-Sutherland is a competant Amalia (Judy Kuhn was the original star though left by the time the cast album was recorded). Fratatoni, sounding eerily like original Amalia - Barbara Cook - , is thrilling in her singing, especially the Act One heartbreaker "Dear Friend" and the manic "Where's My Shoe?". Boyd Gaines gives Georg an infectious joy, and Sally Mayes is just about the perfect Ilona. My only gripe about this recording is the putrid sound quality. Microphones are full of annoying reverb and extraonious noises, and detract from the full enjoyment of the performance. Nevertheless, a fine recording for admirers of this score."
Intimate Recording
Christopher | Wengen-en-esprit | 03/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first saw this production in a small community theater. That intimate feeling was something I had been hoping this album would keep. And it does! In fact, the voices (especially Arpad) sound exactly like the actors I had seen a decade ago!
First of all, the musical is a gem. Every single tune is a classic, catchy, and one of the most fun musicals to sing along with. Especially "Sounds While Selling," "Tonight at Eight," and "Goodbye, Georg." I love harmonizing and just being corny when no one is watching :)
Skipping the orchestral tracks and "Days Gone By" (the *only* weak tune, and it even gets good at the end), I would listen to the entire album on my commute from work years ago. It really kept me awake and, by the time I arrived home, I was always in a great mood!
This recording has kept the intimate feel of the original production I saw. I fell in love with this musical instantly, glad to have something others didn't. (I love musicals, but it's difficult to think of "The Sound of Music" as one's 'own.')"