Search - Billie Worth :: Irving Berlin in London - Call Me Madam, Annie Get Your Gun, This Is The Army (Original London Cast)

3 fabulous London cast albums on 1 CD!

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 12/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc from Sepia comprises 3 great London cast albums of Irving Berlin musicals: THIS IS THE ARMY, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and CALL ME MADAM.



THIS IS THE ARMY was Irving's salute to the American troops, with himself headlining the cast. The score featured "Oh How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning" (about as close as Irving Berlin came to autobiography in his songwriting). The show opened at the London Palladium in 1943, with all proceeds going to British war-service charities.



ANNIE GET YOUR GUN introduced London audiences to the galvanising talents of Broadway belter Dolores Gray, in the role of sharpshooter Annie Oakley. Gray played the entire 3-year, 1304-performances run. Dolores originally auditioned for the American touring company (which ended up going to Mary Martin) and instead she was whisked across the pond to make her London leading debut.



This recording is pure showbiz heaven. Dolores Gray is right at home as Annie, singing a plaintive "I Got Lost in His Arms" and a feisty "Doin' What Comes Natur'lly". Bill Johnson is a fantastic Frank Butler with Wendy Toye as Winnie Tate and Irving Davies as Tommy Keeler.



CALL ME MADAM, based on the real-life exploits of Perle Mesta, the American ambassador to Europe, opened in London in 1952. Billie Worth played ebullient Sally Adams ("The Hostess with the Mostes' on the Ball") with Anton Walbrook, Jeff Warren and Shani Wallis as Princess Maria (in her first big role).



Billie Worth is no Ethel Merman (nor does she pretend to be) but gives Sally Adams her own unique spin which is just as engaging and every bit as legitimate. Shani Wallis (immortalised onscreen as the tragic Nancy in OLIVER!) is a radiant young Princess. For more early Shani check out Sepia's release of WISH YOU WERE HERE/PAINT YOUR WAGON.



Jeff Warren has an easy, breezy quality of singing which is perfect for "It's a Lovely Day Today". This recording of MADAM is quite delightful.



Another amazing release from Sepia!"