Track Listings (20) - Disc #1| All Artists: Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, Brooke Shields, Adolph Green, Jennifer Hope Wills Title: Wonderful Town (2004 Broadway Revival Cast with Brooke Shields) Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Label: Drg Release Date: 12/7/2004 Album Type: Enhanced, Soundtrack Genres: Pop, Soundtracks, Broadway & Vocalists Style: Musicals Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 021471477627 |
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Search - Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, Brooke Shields :: Wonderful Town (2004 Broadway Revival Cast with Brooke Shields)
 | Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden, Brooke Shields Wonderful Town (2004 Broadway Revival Cast with Brooke Shields) Genres: Pop, Soundtracks, Broadway & Vocalists
Wonderful Town is a terrifically fun musical, but do you really need this recording? The answer will be yes if you fall within one of these two categories: (a) You collect recordings of the show and must own them all or (b... more » |
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Amazon.com Wonderful Town is a terrifically fun musical, but do you really need this recording? The answer will be yes if you fall within one of these two categories: (a) You collect recordings of the show and must own them all or (b) you're a huge fan of Brooke Shields. The actress replaced Donna Murphy in the lead role of the 2003 Broadway revival, and did a creditable job bringing Ruth Sherwood to gawky life during her five-month run. Shields performs over the same instrumental tracks you can hear on the revival's prime recording. (Jennifer Hope Wills replaces Jennifer Westfeldt as Eileen Sherwood; the rest of the cast is unchanged.) From a purely vocal point of view, the switch wasn't an upgrade--Murphy is among Broadway's best stylists after all--though Shields is far from being an embarrassment. She may not have the technique, but her comic gusto is winning. Still, this CD remains for completists only. --Elisabeth Vincentelli Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsStill a Wonderful Town Music Man | Boston MA | 01/07/2005 (4 out of 5 stars) "Okay, so Brooke Shields is not a premier vocalist. Let's remember that the part of Ruth Sherwood was initially written for THE non-vocalist of musical theater, Rosalind Russell, and was tailored to her vocal limitations. As I recall from that cast recording, her shortcomings were more than compensated for by the sheer force of her acting chops. While Shields is no Roz Russell, she acquits herself fairly well on this recording and is certainly never less than a complete pro. One internet review accused her of having pitch problems, which may be true, but anyone who's listened to Donna Murphy (or Russell, for that matter) could make the same claim. Shields manages. Unfortunately, her occassional tendency to mimic the vocal mannerisms of Murphy is a bit too obvious and is a distraction. On the other hand, Jennifer Hope Wills makes for a saucy Eileen and is a great addition to the new recording. Of course, new is relative here since everything else on this CD is a holdover from the initial Murphy CD. Still, I have to give this one 4 stars because the score is still magnificent and this is as pristine and dynamic a cast recording as I've ever heard. These songs fairly leap out of the speakers and listening to them is an absolute delight. It may not be the definitive version of the score (that honor belongs to Murphy's) but it's so close to perfection that it shouldn't be ignored because of the supposed limitations of a perfectly fine performer. Listen to Brooke, and you'll still want to CONGA!" Brooke Shields arrives in a Wonderful Town... Lou | United States | 01/07/2005 (5 out of 5 stars) "In 2004, Donna Murphy recieved heavy criticism for her lack of attendance in the Broadway Revival of the classic show Wonderful Town. In September Donna left the show, and the show was left in shambles. The Weisslers new stunt cast for the role of Ruth was a shocker to many. They casted Brooke Shields in the role, previously on Broadway in Grease and Cabaret (recieved mixed reviews in both). Once Brooke started in the show, it was a breath of fresh air for the revival. The critics loved Brooke, and gave her stellar reviews. We all know Brooke isn't much of a singer, but in Wonderful Town she really tries. As stated before the role dosen't call for a singer. Donna Murphy could almost be considered a miscast for this role, because of her amazing vocals she used in the role, didn't really fit the character. Brooke gives a vocal performance similar to the original Ruth, Rosalind Russell. I think Brooke sounds pretty damn good on the harmony in "Ohio", with the new Eileen Jennifer Hope Will's. She gives a comedic "One Hundred Easy Ways", and she gives a great "Conga", and "Swing". Ofcourse, the vocals Donna Murphy gave sounded wonderful, and were a joy too listen to. Brooke gives a very comedic and fun Ruth, and her vocals aren't as dissapointing as some are saying. This new recording with Brooke Shields and Jennifer Hope Wills should not be missed, it's a great addition in your "Wonderful Town" collection. Brooke and Jennifer are a delight. See them in the Broadway Revival before it closes Jan 30." Brooke Shields is the new girl in "Town"... Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 03/01/2005 (4 out of 5 stars) "This is a re-jigged edition of the 2003 Broadway revival recording of WONDERFUL TOWN, featuring 2004 replacements Brooke Shields and Jennifer Hope Wills as Ruth and Eileen Sherwood, respectively. In one of those rare occurances where 2 different recordings exist for a single revival, it's great to be able to compare Shields and Wills with their predecessors (Donna Murphy and Jennifer Westfeldt). Brooke Shields gamely brings her own spin to the role of outspoken self-reliant Ruth, and her "100 Easy Ways to Lose a Man" is full of comedy and mirth. Jennifer Hope Wills has a glowing and lilting soprano voice which suits the numbers of Eileen to a tee. The rest of the cast remains the same (only the tracks of Shields and Wills are new, the rest recycled from the 2003 album). Not essential if you were satisfied with the Donna Murphy effort, but one can never have too many recordings of this heavenly score."
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