Search - Charles Strouse, Eric Stern, Michael Starobin :: Rags, A New American Musical

Now if someone would only write the book for this wonderful

Barbara Magalnick | New York City | 05/18/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I saw "Rags" on Broadway before its hasty demise and, yes, Teresa Stratas, did sing better than Migenes, who is pretty good. But the fact is that both are miscast as Eastern European Jewish immigrants who came to America in the early 20th century. I saw another supposedly rewritten "tighter" version of "Rags" several years later, off-Broadway. The book was slightly better, the score was the same, and the singing was uneven. But the crux of the problem is the muddle of a book. This was a mediocre musical with mobs of people on stage, mostly not knowing what to do. Despite the strong musical cues, there was no strong storyline. Certainly there is a wonderful germ of an idea for a great musical drama, but someone must write it. This great score deserves a show."

A GREAT BEAUTIFUL LOSER

Julio Lopez | Santiago, Chile | 05/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I could simply say: MARVELOUS! it's so beautifully orchestrated and sung. The melodies are pretty, the story is fascinating and some songs are simply awesome. Do not hesitate and get this album before it goes out of print. It's a pity it didn't make it in Broadway, thus becoming one of the most beautiful losers of all times."

MUST-HAVE MUSICAL

D. N. Tarpley | Concord, CA United States | 08/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This show's songs seem to have a cult following and it's easy to see why. The melodies are simply beautiful and/or catchy and the lyrics are often sharp. I think the political element of the show, as far as the CD goes, actually works. Nice and suprising to get some half-way accurate history; this isn't the usual Ellis Island idyll. I like the best of Webber and will tolerate even the worst of Sondheim (but only once in the case of ANYONE CAN WHISTLE), so that may help you decide if my tastes are trustworthy. That said, I can't imagine anyone who likes Broadway not enjoying this show."