Search - Various Artists :: Leonard Sillman's New Faces of 1952

ALICE GHOSTLEY PERFORMS BRILLIANTLY!

D. D. EVERETT | CELVELAND, OHIO | 03/20/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When a friend told me that this brilliant show was finally available, I could not order fast enough. I grew up listening to the LP, lost one in a house fire, bought one on ebay, and desperately searched for a record player on which to play it. When I finally held this CD in my hands, I just could not believe it. When I played it, I wept. It is just simply magnificent from beginning to end. No crackles, no pops, no skips: just beautiful clarity throughout. The real gem on this CD is ALICE GHOSTLEY, whose "Boston Beguine" is truly a treasure. If you are involved with Harvard University in any way, DO NOT MISS THIS SONG! Her voice, her timing, her comedic genius are evident throughout. Robert Clary, Eartha Kitt, Ronnie Grahm, the whole cast...oh my...all brilliant performances. This was the beginning for these great stars, and you can see why they became so successful. The song "Guess Who I Saw Today" is a touching and moving look at infidelity. "I'm in Love with Miss Logan" is absolutely precious. I could go on, mentioning every single song. Do yourself a favor: if you know nothing about "New Faces of 1952," give this a try. You will not be sorry. I have purchased three so far for gift giving...."

Eartha Kitt, Alice Ghostley & co.!

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 08/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"NEW FACES OF 1952 introduced audiences of Broadway to the galvanising talents of many notable performers including Alice Ghostley and Paul Lynde, not to mention a certain young lady by the name of..Eartha Kitt...



This popular revue series, under the guidance of Leonard Sillman, ran for many years as a showcase for up-and-coming Broadway talent. Alice Ghostley sings her legendary "Boston Beguine", and Eartha Kitt introduces her charming "Bal Petit Bal". A running gag throughout the show was Virginia de Luce attempting to sing "He Takes Me off His Income Tax" only to be continually silenced and asked to introduce the next number!



Other great numbers include "Lizzie Borden", "Nanty Puts Her Hair Up", NEW FACES stalwart June Carroll singing "Penny Candy" and "Love is a Simple Thing". Great sound-quality, too!"

What about the movie?

Web Lithgow | Boston | 07/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great, great show! But are any of you people aware that "New Faces of 1952" came out as a movie. The entire stage show was shot mainly from the front as if from a really expensive orchestra seat. Includes Paul Lynde and Ronny Graham in a howling send-up of "Death of a Salesman." Paul Lynde in tattered jungle gear at an afternoon ladies lecture describing his latest safari to darkest Africa. And Eartha doing "Monotonous!" The whole show was filmed.



NOW where is a VHS or DVD of that film? The world is waiting!"