Revues loosely mixing sketches, songs, and dance numbers were Broadway staples for decades, but most of them, including 1933's hit As Thousands Cheer, have fallen into oblivion. After a successful small-scale revival in Ne... more »w York in 1998, the show finally got its first recording. All of Irving Berlin's songs are preserved in lovely, minimalist (piano and bass) arrangements by a crack cast, while fortunately only one of Moss Hart's now-creaky sketches made it to the CD. Though "Heat Wave" and "Easter Parade" are genuine classics, the real thrill comes from the lesser-known numbers. Judy Kuhn is wrenching on "Lonely Heart," while Howard McGillin's "Though a Keyhole" packs a surprising blend of ferocity and sarcasm that will surprise those who dismiss Berlin as blandly wholesome. --Elisabeth Vincentelli« less
Revues loosely mixing sketches, songs, and dance numbers were Broadway staples for decades, but most of them, including 1933's hit As Thousands Cheer, have fallen into oblivion. After a successful small-scale revival in New York in 1998, the show finally got its first recording. All of Irving Berlin's songs are preserved in lovely, minimalist (piano and bass) arrangements by a crack cast, while fortunately only one of Moss Hart's now-creaky sketches made it to the CD. Though "Heat Wave" and "Easter Parade" are genuine classics, the real thrill comes from the lesser-known numbers. Judy Kuhn is wrenching on "Lonely Heart," while Howard McGillin's "Though a Keyhole" packs a surprising blend of ferocity and sarcasm that will surprise those who dismiss Berlin as blandly wholesome. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
CD Reviews
Not a dud in the bunch!
09/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great CD, I have listened to it about 20 times since I got it last week - it has taken up semi-permanent residence in my car CD player. The Amazon.com review above sums up the high points pretty well, though I must say that I love the "creaky" Moss Hart sketch - it imagines that Opera has been taken over by radio and its sponsors, but also in that time slot was a family drama, so simulataneously you have an opera, a french chef plugging Mueller's Miracle Mustard Sauce, and a family drama. Also a gem is a tune called "The Funnies" about the Sunday newspaper comics. I highly recommend this CD!"
Thousands should cheer indeed!
K. T. D. Lee | London | 03/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is impossible to imagine a better Berlin revue! There is not a single weak link in this recording; all the singers are top-notch, great acting, immaculate comic timing, flawless singing. If Berlin is not your favourite composer, you'll be converted after this recording. If he is, then you'll still be surprised how good his songs can get if sung like this.The cast is simply wonderful. They are so flexible; can croon or swoon like a torch singer in one number, create slapstick humor the next, sound like a 50 voice choir sometimes, and reduce you to tears at others. All this achieved with just a piano and a bass! I'm particularly charmed by the relatively unknown Berlin songs such as 'How's Chances' and 'Our Wedding Day', but the high points must be 'Suppertime' and 'Harlem on my Mind'! If you already have a taste for older musicals, this is a must have. If not, sample it and discover the enjoyment it can offer as opposed to 'new' musicals."
It's good but BE AWARE!!
Dan Tana | 12/12/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Irving Berlin's score is absolutely fantastic. It's as fresh as the day it was written.....funny, acerbic and absorbing. Berlin was and remains a national treasure.Unfortunately, even though the performances were very good, I was disappointed to find this recording having only piano/acoustic bass (which was barely audible) arrangements. I was SOOOO looking forward to a fully orchestrated CD presentation. In addition, the piano playing was rather wimpy and with this type of thin instrumentation - that costs the CD one star.If you desperately want to hear this great score (like I did) buy this CD, but don't expect to be blown away by the production."
Only for Collectors
loesser | colonia, nj United States | 02/15/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is only for collectors who were looking for a taste of an unrecorded Berlin gem. Well, you only get a taste. With the simple one piano and bass accompaniment, and mediocre voices this is not the joy I was hoping for."
"Great Revue......Judy that was for you!!!!"
Natalie Kuhn | Cleveland ,Ohio | 10/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hello all: Well I thought that As Thousands Cheer was an amazingly funny production! And who thought that my aunt Judy had a sense of humour as well? (laughs) Anyways....I give it 100%....Even though I am writing this revue a little late for it has been about 7 years since it's been playing LOL. I enjoy everything about it though---one minute the players are sad and then theyre knocking you over your seat laughing with silly expressions and really great uses of slapstick!!!!"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1