Search - Jerry Ross :: Damn Yankees: 1994 Original Broadway Cast Recording

Worth Buying Just for Jarrod Emick's Thrilling Vocals

PatrickO | New York, NY United States | 02/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Okay. Maybe this 1994 revival of Faust in the baseball world isn't as revered as the 1950's original featuring Gwen Verdon. But it has sterling sound quality and is one of the few cast albums that almost allows you to understand the story just via the songs.



It's also a must buy due to the vocal pyrotechnics of Jarrod Emick. Emick's range and power are stunning. He literally blasts onstage as the younger incarnation of Shoeless Joe Jackson. In later numbers ("A Man Doesn't Know," the gorgeous multi-part "Near to You") his voice is quiet, controlled and unique. He sounds like no one else.



I saw the show during its initial release and left the show a fan for life. It's one of those rare times in the theater (seeing Idina Menzel in "Wicked" was another) where someone or something comes out of left field and makes you say "wow." This person is an astounding talent. He seems able to hit just about any note - high or low - and like Menzel can raise goosebumps. He's about to hit Broadway again in the Johnny Cash musical review "Ring of Fire." He should be a HUGE Broadway star and recording solo albums of his own. Why he's not is a mystery.



Bebe Neuwirth fares less well in her comic turn as Lola. While an amazing dancer and great comic actress, her comic faux Latin accent spoils the big "Whatever Lola Wants" number. This may have gone over well in 1950's America. But it's borderline offensive now.



Vicki Lewis, prior to her sitcom days, plays a reporter and delivers a rousing "Shoeless Joe from Hannibal Mo." Her energy and comic timing are impressive. I found her singing impressive. Victor Garber's devil keeps the plot moving along. But it's Emick's performance that keeps the show centered."

This isn't an aged wine, its a different bottle

~Amante | Frederick, MD | 07/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Unfortunately its true, the Damn Yankees revival took many, many liberties and changed quite a bit of the show. However I happen to like this recording better. "Near To You" as a three way song, is AMAZING. Its worth it just for that song. I'll say the original Old Joe, was better than on this recording, but this recordings Lola is better. So, get both, I did. If you can only choose one though, I would go with this one. The orchestra is so much fuller. Favorite Song: "Near To You""