Search - :: Martin Guerre (1996 London Cast)

Strong Potential

07/31/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This 1996 London recording of "Martin Guerre" (a show which seems to be undergoing about as many revisions as "The Scarlet Pimpernel" -- it must be something about these French musicals!) provides listeners with much that is worthwhile, with some extraneous material sprinkled throughout. The vocal performances by the three leads Iaian Glen, Rebecca Lock, and Matt Rawle are not exceptional. Glen and Rawle sound so similar that is hard to tell which one is performing. Lock sings sweetly, but her vibrato is, at times, awfully wide and seemingly forced. The recording has a strong beginning with a gorgeous "Prologue" followed by two more colorful numbers "Working on the Land" and "Where's the Child." "Martin Guerre" is satisfactory, but not overly stirring. "Sleeping On Our Own" is the album's first and most significant pitfall. While the number might be more enjoyable when performed live and within the context of the show, it is utterly irritating to listen to -- conjuring images of three third-rate aged Edith Piaf impersonators struggling to sing despite some kind of throat problem. "When Will Someone Hear" and "Tell Me To Go" are attractive love themes, but the highlight of the first act is definitely Michael Matus' "Louison." The album's most successful selection is without question "The Impostors" which is haunting and colorful. Much of what is present here is well-done, and with further revisions, recasting, and restructuring, "Martin Guerre" should be poised to become a successful fixture -- much like its cousins "Les Miserables" and "Miss Saigon" -- when it arrives on Broadway in the Spring of 2000."