I Want That Soundtrack! I Mean Cast Recording...

                                      

The amount I've been corrected when I say "soundtrack" in regards to a CD produced for a musical is greater than I can count. But it was successful, because now I correctly refer to these recordings as "cast recordings" and get duly annoyed when people mix them up.

Now, I also am someone who still enjoys a physical CD. I know, it's the 21st century, but for some reason, buying a physical CD makes it seem more real. This is especially so with cast recordings, because they typically feature production photos and exclusive content from cast members or members of the creative team.

Now, in the theatre industry, recording a CD is a difficult task, because typically, unless the show is a huge hit (a la Wicked or Phantom of the Opera), it is difficult for a cast recording to sell enough copies to make financial sense. So why do we still get so many cast recordings?

Well, first, to document some of the best performances from the stage. This is especially true for revival cast recordings, where the score is already preserved and well-known. Secondly, especially for newer shows, without a CD as a base, it is less likely for shows to be licensed for performances in regional and amateur theatres around the country.

Lastly, it could be for the reason I love cast recordings. As a college student of limited means who doesn't live in New York City, a cast recording is a phenomenal way for me to here a recording of a show or performance I couldn't see, or something I loved so much and would love to experience again, but can't afford another ticket.

So with that, here are some of my favorites (and of course links for if you want to sample or buy it yourself).

Favorite Classic Cast Album: Into the Woods (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Favorite Revival Cast Album: Follies (2012 Broadway Cast Recording)
Favorite Modern Cast Album: Next to Normal (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Favorite Off-Broadway Cast Album: [title of show] (Original Cast Recording)

Another Star-Studded Trek INTO THE WOODS

The Broadway-verse was a flutter today when word hit about an industry reading of INTO THE WOODS that starred some of Broadway's biggest stars. The reading, which took place yesterday (Oct. 1st), was not your typical INTO THE WOODS, but rather a reading of the screenplay of the upcoming Disney movie adaptation by Rob Marshall (Chicago, Nine).

The cast was as starry as it gets around the Great White Way. But the sad part is that chances are few, if any, of these actors will actually make it to the actual film. Because it is mostly big names for Broadway people, not so much Hollywood, they may choose to bring some bigger names in for the leads. BroadwayWorld is reporting that Meryl Streep is likely to be the Witch (Shocker of the century). But if this were to be the cast, I would be happy as Milky White being saved from being sold.

The cast featured:

Baker’s Wife: Nina Arianda
Stepmother: Christine Baranski
Florinda: Tammy Blanchard
Cinderella’s Mother/Granny/Giant: Victoria Clark
Baker: James Corden
Wolf: Ivan Hernandez
Lucinda: Megan Hilty
Rapunzel’s Prince: Cheyenne Jackson
Jack’s Mother: Allison Janney
Cinderella: Anna Kendrick
Steward/Baker’s Father: Michael McGrath
Witch: Donna Murphy
Rapunzel: Laura Osnes
Jack: Taylor Trensch
Little Red Riding Hood: Casey Whyland
Cinderella’s Prince: Patrick Wilson
Screenplay Narrator: David Garrison

It seems like we are getting closer to a true cast and more info about the film and I can't wait. What I wouldn't have paid to be at this reading with this KILLER cast!!!

REVIEW: INTO THE WOODS at Shakespeare in the Park

Yesterday, I felt like I was Cinderella getting to go to the ball. I didn't think I would get to see the Public Theater's star-studded production of INTO THE WOODS, but won virtual lottery tickets on a whim, and dropped everything to get to Central Park's Delacorte Theater to see the show. (I live in PA, so this was not so easy). While I was extremely excited to see one of my favorite musicals performed by an amazing cast, after reading some of the reviews, I was not sure what the outcome of this night of theatre would be.

This was the first staged production of ITW I have seen, and for all that has been said about this production, my major problem was with the show itself, as written by Lapine and Sondheim. It feels like two shows and is way too long. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this three hour production.

I feel like this cast was truly outstanding. While individually, I had some problems with some of the actors (I'll get to that later), when the ensemble worked together, this production found magic. I felt like this show worked like a well-oiled machine in the ensemble numbers and fully brought to life the world of Sondheim and Lapine's show. I liked that the ensemble was almost always there and was spot on when they were. I also loved the plot device of the narrator as a young boy. I feel like it added so much to the performance.

While I would love to dissect every performance of every major character, that isn't possible so I'll just give some highlights.

- From the beginning, Ellen Harvey stuck out among the ensemble as truly outstanding. I didn't know she was in the show and every moment she was on stage, she commanded attention, whether she was the focus or not.

- Sarah Stiles and Gideon Glick as Little Red and Jack respectively, stole the show with their comedic timing and amazing performances. Stiles was hilarious every time she was on stage. Glick was endearing as the small-minded Jack, and was amazing in (one of my favorite musical theatre songs of all time) Giants in the Sky.

- Jessie Mueller is a star. Or she will be very soon. Her voice was probably the best in the entire cast, and she soared above everyone else as Cinderella. This show should go to Broadway, just for her and Donna Murphy.

- Denis O'Hare as the Baker was very interesting for me. There were times I loved him and times where I was completely annoyed by him. You could tell they cast him for his acting chops, which were great most of the time, but he held his own with Sondheim's score.

- Amy Adams also was a mixed bag. In her major professional theatre debut, I feel like she definitely did well, but stumbled at times. She missed a few musical cues and couldn't fill the time. She also was not nearly as big and animated emotionally as she should have been to fill the Delacorte. Her performance perked up in the second act significantly, with Moments in the Woods being a true highlight for her. She did honorably, but if you want to see the show for her, it isn't worth it.

- Lastly, Donna Murphy. Her turn as the Witch was truly magical. She hit every comedic and musical note perfectly and brought her professionalism and experience to this cast. She led the cast perfectly and seemed to be the crux holding the whole thing together.

Technically, the show was great and I loved the set design. Being outdoors added so much to this production.

I highly recommend everyone try to see this show before it closes September 1st. I think it was an amazing show and I am interested to see its life following this run. While I know the production is aiming for Broadway, regardless of the amazing performances, I'm not sure it would work in an indoor theater. We will just have to wait and see. So now, I'm off into the woods...

Into the Woods, Out of the Woods, Oh My!

So the biggest discussion right now seems to be whether the Public Theatre's INTO THE WOODS, starring Amy Adams, Donna Murphy, and a plethora of other stars, will be making its way downtown to the Great White Way following its September 1st closing at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park.

According to the New York Times, producers are looking to make the money work and bring the show downtown this fall. Michael Reidel, on the other hand, says no way in hell will this production transfer to Broadway, especially following lukewarm to negative reviews from critics.

Seemingly, no consensus has been made and no one will know for certain until there is an official announcement from the Public Theatre. I, for one, hope it transfers because I love this show and was so excited to see this production (which I won't be able to see in Central Park). Feel free to comment with your thoughts!!

Public Theater's INTO THE WOODS Has Its Baker!

The Public Theater has announced that Denis O'Hare will join the star-studded production of INTO THE WOODS, playing the Delacorte Theatre this summer, as the Baker.

O'Hare joins Donna Murphy (Witch), Amy Adams (The Baker's Wife), Jessie Mueller (Cinderella), Jack Broderick (Narrator), Gideon Glick (Jack), Cooper Grodin (Rapunzel’s Prince), Ivan Hernandez (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), Tina Johnson (Granny), Josh Lamon (Steward), Laura Shoop (Cinderella’s Mother), and Tess Soltau (Rapunzel).

Even though I'm not too familiar with O'Hare, I am still super excited for this production!

Emma Stone for INTO THE WOODS?

No, Emma Stone won't be playing the Baker (the one role unannounced for this summer's Public Theatre production), but rather is in talks to star in the upcoming Disney film adaptation, directed by Rob Marshall, according to the NY Post.

While there is no other info available, this is an interesting rumor, especially considering no one knows if she can sing or not. The other question is who she'll play. My money is on Cinderella.

INTO THE WOODS Has Its Witch...Donna Murphy

Donna Murphy (The People In the Picture) has been confirmed to play the role of the Witch in the Public Theatre's upcoming production of INTO THE WOODS at the Delacorte Theatre this summer. This is really exciting news!!

Murphy joins Amy Adams (The Baker's Wife), Jessie Mueller (Cinderella), Jack Broderick (Narrator), Gideon Glick (Jack), Cooper Grodin (Rapunzel’s Prince), Ivan Hernandez (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), Tina Johnson (Granny), Josh Lamon (Steward), Laura Shoop (Cinderella’s Mother), and Tess Soltau (Rapunzel).

Now we are just waiting for a Baker. As good news as this is, with Adams set to be the Baker's Wife, a lesser role than the Witch, I'm sort of surprised they didn't cast a bigger name. That being said, I'm sure Donna Murphy will be great though, especially after watching this video of her at the Sondheim birthday celebration!

Amy Adams Set to go INTO THE WOODS

Amy Adams (Enchanted) will be making waves this summer as The Baker's Wife in The Public Theater's production of Stephen Sondheim's INTO THE WOODS, playing this summer at the Delacorte Theatre.

Adams joins Jessie Mueller (Cinderella), Jack Broderick (Narrator), Gideon Glick (Jack), Cooper Grodin (Rapunzel’s Prince), Ivan Hernandez (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), Tina Johnson (Granny), Josh Lamon (Steward), Laura Shoop (Cinderella’s Mother), and Tess Soltau (Rapunzel).

Two more major roles to go. I can only imagine after this announcement, that they will be HUGE names. I WANT TO SEE THIS SHOW!! 

Jessie Mueller to Be Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS

Jessie Mueller (On a Clear Day...) has been cast as Cinderella in Public Theater's upcoming revival of INTO THE WOODS, set for the Delacorte Theatre this summer.

Also announced for INTO THE WOODS is Jack Broderick (Narrator), Gideon Glick (Jack), Cooper Grodin (Rapunzel’s Prince), Ivan Hernandez (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), Tina Johnson (Granny), Josh Lamon (Steward), Laura Shoop (Cinderella’s Mother), and Tess Soltau (Rapunzel).

I'm still excited for who they cast as the Witch, Baker, and Baker's Wife, because, let's face it, those are the roles we really want to know!

INTO THE WOODS to Play Delacorte Theatre

Stephen Sondheim's take on classic fairy tales, INTO THE WOODS, is now officially set to play the Delacorte Theatre. The show will begin performances in the outdoor theatre this July. The production, directed by Timothy Sheader with co-direction by Liam Steel, will serve as part of the Public Theater's 50th Anniversary Celebration.


Also set for the celebration is a new production of Shakespeare's AS YOU LIKE IT starring Lily Rabe and directed by Daniel Sullivan. The new production will begin performances this June.