Richard Rodgers Oscar Hammerstein II - Rodgers Hammersteins State Fair 1996 Original Broadway Cast (19 tracks) +Album Reviews

Dollars to donuts it's a great "State Fair!"

07/04/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recent Broadway incarnation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic film is lovingly captured in this recording. Broadway's original "Annie," Andrea McArdle, is in fine form, with her clear strong voice shining on "Might As Well Be Spring" and "The Next Time It Happens." The score from the original film has been augmented with material from some lesser known - and less successful - R&H shows, but with only minor exceptions, the result is a pleasing whole. The orchestrations are first rate, and this recording will make a fine addition to any show music collection."

Captures 40's post-War swing era with danciest of R&H scores

10/17/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rodgers & Hammerstein's only score written directly for the screen has finally come to the stage with great results. The original six songs from the 1945 movie and one from the '62 remake have been augmented with others from ALLEGRO, ME AND JULIET and PIPE DREAM to create a full Broadway score. The songs have been so beautifully interpolated that they all feel like they belong in the same show telling the same story. The orchestrations really swing, perfectly capturing the '40's post-War big band feel of the period in the extensive dance music. This excellent recording that does what all show recordings should: it makes you want to see the show!"

Different Point of View

Shawn Woerlein | Galion, OH USA | 02/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just a little different point of view. I personally have been in and around theatre and musical productions for nearly 10 years now, and had the opportunity to perform in an off-broadway production of State Fair. I personally feel this is one of the best musicals that I have performed in, not only for the storyline, but the musical score as well. I would recommend this CD to any lover of the musical industry!"

The Fourth Attempt At "State Fair" Gets It Right

Culture Retiree | Somewhere in Iowa | 11/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was lucky to live in Des Moines, Iowa the week that "State Fair" premiered at the Civic Center. It was great fun to see the celebrities come to town for the first performance of this musical of which Iowans are very proud. Patricia Neal was there as well as Mary Rodgers representing her father and others.

The Premier was planned to coincide with the actual Iowa State Fair, and the musical's leads waved to the crowds proudly from their convertibles as they rode in the State Fair parade(John Davidson, Kathryn Crosby, Andrea McArdle, Donna McKechnie, Scott Wise, and Ben Wright). It was truly a photographer's "hey-day", and cameras were snapping pictures all along the route.

Then came the actual production itself. Before seeing the show, I was most concerned about two numbers: "All I Owe Ioway" and "Boys And Girls Like You And Me".

The first (because if not handled right) can make Iowans appear in a bad light. But, it was done as the huge production number of which farmers and urbanites alike could proudly join together and celebrate their love of the fair.

R & H have tried to interpolate "Boys And Girls..." into several shows without success, but happily it has finally found a place where it could fit in and make sense.

The performers all gave top-notch efforts. Donna McKechnie proved she still had it even though several years had passed since "Chorus Line", and Scott Wise lived up to the praise he had been given in "Jerome Robbins' Broadway". What can you say about Andrea McArdle except that she's great! and Ben Wright wore his heart on his sleeve as McKechnies' love-lorn swain. The leads John Davidson and Kathryn Crosby sat back and let the kids have their fun and opined on growing older and fretting over blue ribbons to be won at the fair.

All together you had a simple story with lavish sets, good orchestrations, spot-on choreography, and great performers to interpret and make the whole thing come off in grand style.

One New York critic said the production cried out for a ferris wheel which isn't very practical for the Broadway stage, but I hope someday the show will be given a blue ribbon revival, and somehow that critic can get his ferris wheel in the production. Until then, enjoy this well recorded and delightful cast album."

Delightful and Entertaining

Lauren Maddock | 08/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"State Fair is often deemed a simple and boring show. I say simple - yes, but boring - no way! The music in this show is catchy and entertaining. This has quickly become my favorite Broadway recording, and I listen to it every time I'm in the car. This is easily my favorite R&H score and is one of the few recordings that I listen through entirely. That's right - I never skip a single song. I can't speak highly enough of this delightful recording. All of the cast members deliver top notch musical performances, as does the orchestra behind them. This recording cannot dissapoint."

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