Barbara Cook Extremely Rare Children's Musical
Bruce K. Hanson | Petersburg, VA | 03/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rare records are coveted by collectors for many reasons: wonderful material, the album covers themselves, a chance to hear vintage recordings for the first time, and the opportunity to hear more of Barbara Cook. OK, yes, I am a fan of Barbara's; in all of the stages of her impressive career. Therefore, that is reason enough to rejoice with this CD release of "Hansel and Gretel". But then, this album includes Stubby Kaye, Rudy Vallee, Paula Lawrence, plus Barbara, Celeste Holme, Bill Hayes and Alfred Drake in selections from the Hallmark Hall of Fame telecast, "The Yeomen of the Guard". (In fact, the only personality on the CD whom I dislike is sadly, the star, Red Buttons, who narrates the story of "Hansel and Gretel". Luckily, I can programme my CD player to playback only the wonderful vocals.)
This original children's musical was telecast on NBC-TV on April 27, 1958. Unfortunately, I never saw it (fortunately, I am too young) but I first became aware of it as a teenager in the seventies. As a collector of MGM soundtracks I learned about their other records from their colorful inner record sleeves during the late fifties. After seeing Barbara Cook in concert I knew I wanted to have all of her albums but the fifty dollar price tag of "Hansel and Gretel" at such NYC record shops as Footlight Records, proved to be too elusive for this then college student. In fact, it wasn't until the ermergence of Ebay that I was able to finally obtain a copy which wasn't in the best condition. Well folks, I am happy to report that the sound of this CD of "Hansel and Gretel" is amazing! There is a disclaimer on the back of the record which states that "every effort has been taken to eliminate the surface noise from the original recordings" but I must tell you that they sound as if Sepia Records had licenced the original masters.
It's such a treat to be able to listen to Miss Cook sing "Evening Song", "Morning Song" as well as her shared songs with Mr.Drake, Miss Holm, and Mr. Hayes from "Yeomen". Bonus tracks include Red Buttons' "The High Ho Song" and three other solos, "That Girl" sung by Eddie Bracken and Miss Cook, four numbers by Stubby Kaye, and seven Rudy Valle songs. The liner notes are quite extensive and plenty of color and black and white photos. Even the cover of this CD release improves upon the original MGM release. This reissue of a long deleted LP is an excellent opportunty to hear several Broadway stars at the top of their form. And of course, to hear a young Barbara Cook."
Really only for those who must have everything
backstage reader | Monrovia, CA | 09/06/2009
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I got this only to hear Alfred Drake and Barbara Cook sing Yeoman of the Guard. I was disappointed with how little of that show is represented on the CD--tho' I mostly like the little that's there.
Hansel and Gretel is made almost unlistenable by Red Buttons (a performer I usually like, but one I could cheerfully throttle in this piece). The 'extra' stuff is mostly forgetable--unlike one of the other reviewers I find the Rudy Vallee stuff incredibly self-indulgent and actually lowered my opinion of him as a performer.
For me, Alfred Drake was the reason to get this CD. One of the finest singing actors of the 'Golden Age,' his Jack Point is really nicely done. Cook is fine as always and Bill Hayes is better than I would have expected in a vocally legit role. Celeste Holm is mis-cast, but tries really hard--and in fairness, may have come across better in the viewing."
Track Listings (29) - Disc #1