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The Missing Songs from Some Major Musicals

Chrissy1018 | Nashville, TN United States | 12/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first of four CDs that contain recordings of songs that for one reason or another were cut from their shows. Highlights include: From 110 DEGREES IN THE SHADE:
"Sweetriver" - replaced in the show by "Love Don't Look Away", parts of the melody appear in "Everything Beautiful Happens at Night".
"Flibbertigibbet" - became "Raunchy" in the musical. The music is pretty much the same, but the lyrics are a bit different. From THE KING AND I:
"Waiting" - Anna sings her frustration of being kept waiting for weeks to see the King. This song was cut after the premier of the show in New Haven. From FIDDLER ON THE ROOF:
"Dear, Sweet Sewing Machine" - A lullaby sung at the start of the second act by the tailor and Tzeitel. Cut because audiences in previews just didn't respond. From WEST SIDE STORY:
"Like Everybody Else" - a short fugue for the delinquents A-Rab (the "Shrimp"), Baby John (the young one) and Anybodys (the girl) intended to lighten up the first act. This song was edged out by "Gee, Officer Krupke". From PETER PAN:
"When I Went Home" - a ballad sung by Peter about the time he tried to go back to his old life, and found everyone had moved on. Seems to have been replaced by the lullaby "Distant Melody". From ANNIE GET YOUR GUN:
Annie's song about keeping her ego in check when she sees herself on the larger-than-life poster advertising the show. Cut possibly because the melody was too challenging to sing. Other tracks on this CD include songs cut from CHICAGO, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, PROMISES PROMISES, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, FIORELLO!, SILK STOCKINGS and THE HAPPY TIME. If you enjoyed this CD, you must check out the other three in the series. Also, the same label, Varese Sarabande, has a series and a few composer albums of UNSUNG MUSICALS."

Excellent CD of lost musical theatre treasures

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 01/15/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Have you ever wondered about the songs which were dropped out-of-town from your favourite musicals? LOST IN BOSTON recreates some of the lost pieces from such classic musicals as "Peter Pan", "110 in the Shade", "Fiddler on the Roof" and "The King & I".



Using the original musical arrangements wherever possible, musical director James Stenborg and album producer Bruce Kimmel have assembled a glorious feast for the serious musical theatre fans; with some of the most talented Broadway performers singing material that, quite literally, hasn't been heard or performed in years.



Highlights would have to include "Waiting", a fascinating piece cut from "The King & I", which explores Anna's frustrations of adapting to a new country, and trying to finagle a meeting with the elusive King. This dizzily-scored trio is performed by Judy Kaye (Mrs Anna), Ron Raines (The King) and Lee Wilkof (The Kralahome).



"Just Fine", "Sweetriver", and "Flibbertigibbet"; all cut from "110 in the Shade". Sally Mayes does an incredible job as Lizzie Curry, and these three numbers would have added some more layers to the character.



"When I Went Home" (from "Peter Pan"). This was one of the numbers written before Betty Comden and Adolph Green came on board to save the show from inexperienced songwriters Moose Charlap and Carolyn Leigh. It's a very tender and rueful ballad, sung by Peter about what happened when he returned from Neverland only to discover his parents had another baby. It's presumed this number would have sat in the spot which "Distant Melody" now occupies. Michelle Nicastro gives a heartfelt performance as Peter Pan.



LOST IN BOSTON also features fascinating material from "The Mystery of Edwin Drood", "Fiorello!", "Fiddler on the Roof", "West Side Story", "Chicago", "Once on This Island", "Promises, Promises", "Silk Stockings", "The Happy Time", and "Annie Get Your Gun".



For the serious fans of Broadway musicals, this disc will be a much valued and appreciated addition to your collection."

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND RULES

Noelle Q. de Jesus | Singapore Singapore | 07/02/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not usually one to buy a CD for just one track...but in this case, I have to admit, that's precisely what I did. Anyone who has seen the musical, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND or had a chance to listen to its soundtrack will be won over. The idea that there were songs cut from this marvelous, "every song is a winner" album, was just impossible for me to resist. And WHEN DANIEL MARRIES in this CD does not disappoint. La Chanze's voice is absolutely marvelous. And the bonus? The other tracks are pleasing and fun for any Broadway buff: Liz Callaway's HONEY from Merrily We Roll Along is musically winning. I also liked the songs cut from GYPSY and FLOWER DRUM SONG. For an impulsive buy, I was completely rewarded. I have also ordered the other CD in the series for the ONCE ON THIS ISLAND song, DOWN FROM THE TREE...which also carries a Liz Callaway song. For musical enthusiasts, this series is a nice collector's item...and something to play on a rainy day."