 Chicago, the smart and witty musical by Kander and Ebb has just
received its third recording to be issued on CD. Just about the time of
the recent Broadway revival opening, Arista records remastered and
re-released the original Broadway cast, which is a must have for any
musical theater fan. About 4 months later, the current Broadway cast's
recording was released by RCA Victor. Now, from Polydor, comes the
original Australian cast recording, which premiered in Australia in
1981. April should see the 4th recording of Chicago from the
current London cast, which will also be the first London cast recording
ever since the original London cast was never recorded.
This recording features Nancye Hayes as Roxie Hart and Geraldine Turner
as Velma Kelly. Ms. Turner is better known as a singer in her native
Australia. Ms. Hayes also sings better than Gwen Verdon does, but then
again, but Gwen's characterization is dead on and cannot be topped. So,
like Cabaret this is one of the better-sung Chicago
recordings. That is not to say that none of these people can act, in
fact, most of them are perfect in their roles. Terence Donovan, father
of teen idol Jason Donovan, as Billy Flynn, sounds like a cross between
Jerry Orbach and James Naughton. Equally as good is George Spartels as
Roxie's undistinguished husband, Amos. One of the best singer/actresses
featured on this recording is Judi Connelli. With her deep alto, she is
perfectly cast as the butch Matron Mama Morton who believes that one
good turn deserves another. The track listing is the same as on the
original Broadway cast recording with no additions, unlike the new
Broadway cast recording. It is
still nice to have an additional recording of one of Kander and Ebb's
best scores. This recording had long been out of print... its nice to
have it back once again.
Joseph Molner (31/12/97)
Taken from http://www.talkinbroadway.com/sound
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