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EDITH
PIAF, JE VOUS AIME...
ORIGINAL LONDON CAST RECORDING
Continuing
Stage Door's
'Cast Album Masters Series' is the CD debut of the Original 1977 London Cast Recording of 'Edith Piaf, Je Vous
Aime...". Devised by Canadian performer
Libby Morris, 'Edith Piaf, Je Vous Aime...' was a musical revue based around the songs of
the legendary French chanteuse. Sung primarily in English, the
production featured lyrics specially adapted by American lyricist and poet
Fran Landesman (with additional lyrics by Peter Reeves and Ronnie Bridges). Morris, a musical theatre veteran whose credits include
'Gypsy', 'Mame' and 'As Dorothy Parker Parker Once Said' (an original London revue written for her by Sandy Wilson), was inspired to write and produce the revue after seeing Piaf perform on
stage in the 1950s.
Directed by Jonathan Heawood, the production opened at London's King's Head Theatre in February 1977 before transferring to the West End's
Shaftesbury Theatre for a limited season, opening on June 21st 1977.
Alongside Libby Morris, 'Edith Piaf, Je Vous Aime...' starred Maureen Scott,
Peter Reeves and Clifton Todd. An Original London Cast Album, produced by Norman Newell, was recorded in April
1977. Released as a 2LP set, the 'Edith Piaf, Je Vous Aime...' Original London Cast Album now makes its debuts on CD, digitally remastered from the original Pye Records master tapes. |
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SAY,
DARLING
ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING -
DELUXE EDITION
Continuing Stage Door's line of
Deluxe Edition Broadway Cast Album reissues is an expanded release of the 1958 play with music
'Say, Darling'. Based on the novel by Richard Bissell and featuring music by
Jule Styne and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph
Green, ' Say, Darling' opened at New York's ANTA Theatre on April 3rd 1958 and ran a total of 332 performances.
Described as "a comedy about a musical", 'Say, Darling' was loosely based on the author's experiences in adapting his novel
'7 1/2 Cents' as 'The Pajama Game' and the interactions between the various creatives involved in that process. On Broadway, 'Say, Darling' starred David Wayne, Vivian Blaine and
Johnny Desmond. To best showcase these original songs for the Original Cast Album, respected arranger and conductor
Sid Ramin augmented the show arrangements for a full orchestra. Testament to the immediacy and popularity of the
'Say, Darling' songs are the wealth of pop covers and instrumentals that were recorded from the score. All these cover recordings have been compiled and presented on a Bonus Disc and include tracks by such
artists as Peggy Lee, Dinah Shore, Blossom Dearie, Perry Como and Tony
Martin. The 'Say, Darling' Deluxe Edition is further complemented with detailed sleeve notes by Broadway historian
George Dansker. The 'Say,
Darling' Deluxe 2CD Set is a limited edition release of 500 units
only |
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I
DO! I DO!
ORIGINAL LONDON CAST RECORDING
Continuing Stage Door's
'Cast Album Masters Series' is the CD debut of the 'I Do! I Do!' Original London Cast
Recording. Featuring book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, 'I Do! I Do!'
is based on the Jan de Hartog play 'The Fourposter' and premiered on Broadway in December 1966 starring Mary Martin and Robert Preston.
Following
a UK regional tour,
'I Do! I Do!' opened at London's Lyric Theatre in May 1968.
Directed by Gower Champion,
the respective roles of Agnes and Michael were played by noted performers Anne Rogers
and Ian Carmichael. With the setting now adapted to reflect its British cast and audience, specific adjustments were made to Tom Jones' book and lyrics. Despite a limited run of 115 performances, the 'I Do! I Do!' West End production was preserved on an Original London Cast Album (capturing the Anglicised adaptations to Jones' lyrics), produced by
Norman Newell. The 'I Do! I Do!' London Cast Album now makes its debut on CD. Strictly limited to 500 units
only, the album has been digitally remastered from the original studio master
tapes. The CD release is further complemented with rare bonus tracks from
both artists and detailed sleeve notes by Theatre Director and Archivist
Stewart Nicholls including exclusive contributions from Anne Rogers. |
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THE
UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN
THE ORIGINAL DEMO RECORDINGS AND
MORE!
'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' was Meredith Willson's second Broadway musical following the phenomenal success of 'The Music Man'. Based on the life of
Margaret Brown, the production opened at New York's Winter Garden Theatre on November 3rd 1960, starring
Tammy Grimes and Harve Presnell. This landmark collection includes, for the first time on CD, the original demo recordings produced for the stage musical. This includes a superb fully orchestrated studio demo album featuring vocalists
Sandy Stewart and Bernie Knee alongside the Elliot Lawrence Orchestra and
Chorus. Also featured are selections from the score performed by composer Meredith Willson alongside his wife Rini and the show's original male lead Harve
Presnell.
The release includes a bonus disc of cover recordings from Meredith Willson's dazzling score including a full length instrumental album performed by
Andre Kostelanetz and His Orchestra (remastered from stereo reel tape) plus a comprehensive selection of pop vocal cover recordings including songs performed by Aretha Franklin, Nat "King" Cole, Gordon MacRae, Dinah Shore, The Four Aces
and more. The Unsinkable Molly Brown
- The Original Demo Recordings and More'
is a limited edition release of 500 units only.
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LOS
FANTASTIKOS
ORIGINAL MEXICO CITY CAST RECORDING
Stage Door are pleased to present the CD debut of
Los Fantastikos, the 1961 Mexico City Cast Recording of Tom Jones and
Harvey Schmidt's musical The Fantasticks. Adapted by Luis de Llano and Martha Fischer, the Spanish language production opened at Mexico City's Teatro del Bosque on April 6th 1961, and starred Armando
Calvo, Maria Rivas, Antonio Gama, Ortiz
de Pinedo and Guillermo Orea.
The 1961 Mexico City production of 'Los Fantastikos' was preserved on an Original Cast Album issued by Columbia Records. Now considered one of the rarest and most sought after international cast recordings, the album now makes its debut on CD. In addition, the release includes two songs recorded by Christian
Bratt; star of the Original 1962 Stockholm production of
'The Fantasticks' alongside a handful of Swedish cover recordings from the score.
As bonus tracks, the album concludes with a selection of pop cover recordings from
'The Fantasticks' as sung by Harry Belafonte ('Try to Remember'), James Shigeta
('Soon It's Gonna Rain') and Don Rondo ('They Were You'). Los Fantastikos is a Limited Edition
pressing of 500 units only.
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DONNYBROOK!
ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING -
DELUXE EDITION
Continuing Stage Door's line of
Deluxe Edition Broadway Cast Album reissues is an expanded release of
Johnny Burke's 1961 musical 'Donnybrook!'. Featuring music and lyrics by Burke and book by Robert E. McEnroe, '
Donnybrook!', directed / choreographed by Jack Cole, opened at New York's 46th Street Theatre on May 18th 1961 and ran a total of 68
performances. Presented across 2CDs, this new release presents the Original Broadway Cast Recording
newly remastered from stereo reel-to-reel tape. Alongside the remastered Original Broadway Cast Album are selections from the score recorded specially for the Public Information Broadcast
'Stars for Defense' performed by Art Lund and Joan Fagan.
The
release features a handful of previously unreleased demonstration
recordings and a selection of piano only themes including many songs
which were cut from the production. Disc
2 opens with the stunning instrumental album of the 'Donnybrook!'
score performed by The Pete King Orchestra, followed by all
the known 45rpm pop covers from the show. The release is further complemented with detailed sleeve notes by Broadway historian
George Dansker. The
'Donnybrook!' Deluxe 2CD Set is a limited edition release of 500 units only. |
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CARNIVAL
ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING -
DELUXE EDITION
Continuing Stage Door's line of
Deluxe Edition Broadway Cast Album reissues is an expanded release of Bob
Merrill's 1961 musical 'Carnival'. 'Carnival', based on the 1953 film 'Lili', starred Anna Maria Alberghetti as Lili alongside
James Mitchell, Pierre Olaf, Kaye Ballard and Jerry Orbach.
Presented across 2CDs, the release presents the Original Broadway Cast Recording,
newly remastered from stereo reel-to-reel tape, alongside a handful of pop covers from Bob Merrill's score. These include recordings by
The Everly Brothers, Pat Boone, Mel Torme and more. The release includes a bonus disc featuring 2 instrumental cover albums of 'Carnival'
performed by Cyril Ornadel and The Starlight Symphony Orchestra and 'Carnival in Percussion'
by The Paul Smith Ensemble. Both instrumental albums make their debut on CD. The release is further complemented with detailed sleeve notes by Broadway historian
George Dansker providing what can be considered the definitive history of 'Carnival's
origin. The 'Carnival' Deluxe Edition Broadway Cast Recording 2CD set is strictly limited to 500 units only. |
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RAINBOWS
- EXPANDED EDITION
LORNA DALLAS
Stage
Door are pleased to present the debut CD release of internationally
acclaimed soprano Lorna Dallas' album 'Rainbows'. Rainbows,
originally issued on LP and tape in 1987, features a handpicked and
diverse selection of musical theatre songs. Featuring a 47 piece
orchestra under the expert musical direction of Harry Rabinowitz,
the album features vocal arrangements by Ronnie Cass and
orchestral arrangements by John Cameron, Bernard Ebbinghouse, Robert
Farnon, Laurie Holloway, Peter Knight, Dave Lindup and Gordon Langford.
Presented as a Deluxe Expanded Edition, the remastered CD release
includes 4 previously unreleased tracks from the album sessions
including 'Moonfall' from 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood'
and Lorna's epic 'Yentl Suite'. Other highlights from the
album include 'Time Heals Everything', 'Dance a Little Closer',
'Summer Me, Winter Me' and 'You and I'. |
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ANOTHER
TIME, ANOTHER PLACE
SALLY ANN HOWES
Across
Sally Ann Howes' glittering seven decade career she encompassed all aspects of
showbusiness; as a child and adolescent star at the Ealing and Rank Studios to conquering the West End and Broadway stages to becoming an international household name as Truly Scrumptious in the 1968 film
'Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang'. 'Another Time, Another Place' honours Sally Ann
Howes' legacy as one of musical theatre's most enduring and iconic stars of the 20th Century. This first retrospective album release of
Howes' recordings acknowledges her early triumphs on the West End stage in the musicals
'Bet Your Life', 'Paint Your Wagon' and 'Summer Song' to her early work in the United States with the television musical
'Gift of the Magi' and the Broadway production 'Kwamina' (both composed by her then husband Richard Adler). The album features a
selection of rare broadcast transcription recordings by Sally Ann including stunning performances of the Rodgers and Hart standards 'Isn't it Romantic', 'You're Nearer'
and 'Falling in Love with Love'. The
CD booklet features extensive liner notes by Broadway historian George Dansker. Sally Ann Howes Another Time, Another Place is a Limited Edition
pressing of 500 units only.
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I
CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE
ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING -
DELUXE EDITION
Continuing Stage Door's line of
Deluxe Edition Broadway Cast Album reissues is an expanded release of Harold
Rome's 1962 musical 'I Can Get it for You Wholesale'. Featuring music and lyrics by Rome and book by Jerome Weidman (based on his 1937 novel of the same title) '
I Can Get it for You Wholesale opened at New York's Shubert Theatre on March 22nd 1962, later transferring to the Broadway Theatre, and ran a total of 300 performances.
The production starred Elliott Gould alongside Lillian Roth, Marilyn Cooper, Ken LeRoy, Harold Lang, Bambi Linn and Barbra Streisand (Tony nominated for "Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical" for her role as Miss
Marmelstein). Presented across 2CDs, the release presents the Original Broadway Cast Recording, newly remastered from stereo reel-to-reel tape, alongside the show's original demo recordings. The release includes a bonus disc of cover recordings from 'I
Can Get it For You Wholesale' including a never before released on CD instrumental album by
Sy Oliver and His Orchestra. The disc also includes a plethora of pop covers from Harold Rome's score.
The 'I Can Get It For You Wholesale' Deluxe Edition Broadway Cast Recording 2CD set is strictly limited to 500 units only.
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ON
AIR 1939-1950
MARY MARTIN
On
Air is a ground breaking collection representing a landmark archival discovery of
Mary Martin broadcast recordings from 1939-1950. Almost all of the performances featured on this collection have gone unheard since their original transmission and this release ensures these historic broadcasts are no longer lost to
history. Issued as a Deluxe 2CD Set, the album compiles selections from Mary's many broadcasts for the 'Good News' and
'Kraft Music Hall' shows for which she was resident vocalist. Other highlights include Mary's first radio broadcast of her signature song
'My Heart Belongs to Daddy', introduced by Rudy Vallee. The selections include popular standards of the era, songs from Mary's own back catalogue of stage and film productions and her unique interpretations of operatic arias in the style of swing.
On Air is a collaboration with The Mary Martin Collection & Archive at
The Doss Heritage and Culture Center in Weatherford, Texas and uses
Mary's own private 78rpm transcription records housed at the Center.
These one of a kind discs, most of which were pressed on fragile glass
acetates,
have been carefully transferred and restored specifically for this
release. The CD is further complemented with extensive sleeve notes by Broadway historian and Mary Martin archivist
George Dansker. |
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HALF
A SIXPENCE
LONDON STUDIO CAST
Continuing Stage Door's series of London Studio Cast Album reissues from the
SAGA Records back catalogue is the 'Half a Sixpence' 1967 London Studio Cast
Recording. Released to coincide with the musical's 1967 film adaptation, the SAGA Records 'Half a
Sixpence' cast album is led by Colin Farrell as Arthur Kipps. Farrell played Buggins in the show's Original London Cast and on this recording gives a shining and charismatic performance as
Kipps. The role of Ann is sung superbly by West End veteran
Angela Richards while 'Doctor Who' mainstay Michael Wisher plays
Chitterlow. The recording features expert musical direction by
Ray Cook conducting the Westminster Sinfonia and Theatre Chorus.
The SAGA Records 'Half a Sixpence' album has the distinction of including numbers from the Original London, Broadway and Film versions of David Heneker's score. Highlights include 'The Party's on the House', 'I Don't Believe a Word of it', 'This is My World'
and of course the showstopper 'Flash, Bang, Wallop!'. The Half A
Sixpence London Studio Cast Recording is licensed from the Saga tape collection at the British Library and is a
limited edition release of 500 units only. |
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THE
"SHOW TIME" SERIES EP COLLECTION - VOLUME THREE
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Stage Door
are pleased to present the third and final volume of the
"Show Time" Series EP Collection. Issued across 3 albums, the collection compiles all 16 EPs which formed the
"Show Time" Series as recorded and released by RCA Victor in 1953. The third Volume in the series includes selections from
'The Little Shows', 'Girl Crazy', 'Porgy and Bess', 'Kiss Me, Kate'
and 'Anything Goes'. Featured performers include Carol Bruce, Sheila Bond, Edith Adams, Lisa Kirk, Cab Calloway, Helen Thigpen, Leslie Scott, George Britton, Helena Bliss, Helen Gallagher
and Jack Cassidy. Most of the tracks have never been released on CD making Stage Door's reissue of these
historic anthology recordings a welcome addition to any cast album aficionados collection. The
CD release is complemented by a comprehensive sleeve note by Broadway historian George
Dansker, including a complete sessionography of recording dates.
Each volume in the series is limited to 500 units only. |
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DESTRY
RIDES AGAIN
STUDIO CAST RECORDING
Harold
Rome's musical Destry Rides Again opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on April 23 1959 and ran for a respectable 493 performances. Based on the classic 1939 Western film of the same name,
Destry Rides Again was produced by David Merrick and starred Andy Griffith and Dolores Gray. The production earned 4 Tony Award
nominations with Michael Kidd winning for "Best Choreography". One week after the Original Broadway Cast Album was recorded by Decca, a studio cast album of Harold Rome's score was recorded at RCA Victor's Studio A in New York City and subsequently issued on the RCA Camden imprint. Produced by
Chick Crumpacker and conducted by Norman Leyden, the recording
featured lead vocals by popular recording, radio and television personalities Louise O'Brien and
Jack Haskell. With its imaginative arrangements and polished performances,
the RCA Camden album presented another platform to showcase highlights from Harold Rome's immediate and memorable
score. Digitally remastered from stereo reel to reel tape, the Destry Rides
Again studio cast album now makes its debut on CD.
Destry Rides Again is a Limited Edition
pressing of 500 units only.
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SWEET
CHARITY
LONDON STUDIO CAST
Continuing
Stage Door's series of cast album reissues from the SAGA Records back catalogue is the 'Sweet Charity'
1967 London Studio Cast Recording.
Released in December 1967 to coincide with the recently opened West End production, the SAGA Records
'Sweet Charity' cast recording starred popular West End actress Mary
Preston as Charity. In September 1968, Mary Preston took over the role of Helene from Paula Kelly in the
'Sweet Charity' West End production. The SAGA studio cast is rounded out by West End performers
June Hunt (Jan Hunt), Canna Kendall, Valentine Palmer, Craig Hunter, John Parker and David
Wheldon-Williams with the Westminster Sinfonia and Theatre Chorus directed by Frank
Raymond. Digitally remastered from the original studio master tapes, the 'Sweet Charity' London Studio Cast Recording now makes its debut on
CD. The
Sweet Charity London Studio Cast Recording is licensed from the Saga tape collection at the British Library and is a
limited edition release of 500 units only. |
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THE
"SHOW TIME" SERIES EP COLLECTION - VOLUME TWO
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Stage Door are pleased to present the
second volume of the
"Show Time" Series EP Collection. To be issued across 3 albums, the collection compiles all 16 EPs which formed the
"Show Time" Series as recorded and released by RCA Victor in 1953. The second Volume in the series includes selections from 'Mademoiselle
Modiste', 'Naughty Marietta', 'Shuffle Along' (conducted by composer Eubie
Blake), 'Blackbirds of 1928' and 'The Band Wagon'. Featured performers include
Doretta Morrow, Felix Knight, Edward Roecker, Louise Woods, Laurence Watson,
Thelma Carpenter, Cab Calloway, George Britton, Edith Adams and Harold
Lang. Most of the tracks have never been released on CD making Stage Door's reissue of these
historic anthology recordings a welcome addition to any cast album aficionados collection. The
CD release is complemented by a comprehensive sleeve note by Broadway historian George
Dansker, including a complete sessionography of recording dates.
Each volume in the series is limited to 500 units only. |
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IN
COPENHAGEN 1958-1960
PETULA CLARK
Following the critically acclaimed release of Stage Door's Petula Clark
'On Air 1951-1961' album, is a brand new collection of previously unreleased Petula Clark recordings;
'In Copenhagen 1958-1961'. Dating from 1958 to 1960, the recordings featured on this album represent a historic and landmark archival discovery. From the archives of the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, the featured broadcast recordings shine a light on a remarkable part of Petula Clark's career that to date has remained relatively unknown and unreported outside of Scandinavia. This specially compiled album features 23 recordings all of which are previously unissued on CD and unheard since their original broadcasts. Digitally remastered from the original master tapes, the featured studio recordings represent selections from four Petula Clark television specials recorded and broadcast exclusively in Denmark over a two-year period. With musical accompaniment by
Bent Fabric and His Quartet, the selections spotlight Petula as a jazz song stylist and torch singer, the majority of the featured numbers were never recorded commercially or performed outside of these broadcasts. Highlights include
'The Folks Who Live on the Hill', 'Over the Rainbow', 'I'll Be Seeing You' and
'Among My Souvenirs'.
Petula Clark 'In Copenhagen 1958 - 1960' is strictly limited to 500 units
only. |
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MAME
LONDON STUDIO CAST
Stage Door
present the debut CD release of the Mame 1969 London Studio Cast
Recording. Jerry Herman's musical 'Mame', based on the 1955 Patrick Dennis novel
'Auntie Mame', is quite rightly considered one of the most iconic pieces of musical theatre produced in the 1960s.
The show remains one of Jerry Herman's most acclaimed works in his extensive catalogue of classic stage musicals.
Opening on Broadway in May 1966, and running a total of 1504 performances, the production featured a trail blazing Tony Award winning performance by Angela Lansbury in the title role.
Mame transferred with much fanfare to London's West End in 1969 with Ginger Rogers playing the
exuberant and larger than life Mame Dennis. Although a segment of Roger's performance with the London Cast was performed and preserved during that year's Royal Variety Performance, an Original London Cast Album
never came to fruition.
Ahead of the show's London opening, a studio cast album of Mame was
recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Produced by Norman Newell and
recorded on January 5th 1969, the all British studio cast album starred popular actress
Beryl Reid as Mame alongside comedienne and singer Joan Turner as Vera
Charles. With musical direction by Geoff Love, the Mame London Studio
Cast was rounded out with established session singers including Pat Whitmore, Charles Young and Fred
Lucas. |
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THE
"SHOW TIME" SERIES EP COLLECTION - VOLUME ONE
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Stage Door are pleased to present the first volume of the
"Show Time" Series EP Collection compiling the recordings which formed the "Show Time" Series in 1953. The 16 part "Show Time" Series was a recording initiative by RCA Victor to recreate highlights from a diverse selection of Broadway musicals, revues and operettas from the first half of the 20th century.
The first Volume in the series includes selections from 'Oklahoma!', 'Carousel', 'Showboat', 'The Cat and the Fiddle', 'Babes in Arms'
and 'Jumbo'. Featured performers include John Raitt, Patricia
Northrop, Doretta Morrow, Helena Bliss, Carol Bruce, Patricia Neway, Stephen Douglass, William Tabbert, Lisa Kirk, Sheila Bond and
Jack Cassidy. The EPs are now highly rare and sought after by collectors. Most of the tracks have never been released on CD making Stage Door's reissue of these
historic anthology recordings a welcome addition to any cast album aficionados collection.
The
CD release is complemented by a comprehensive sleeve note by Broadway historian George
Dansker, including a complete sessionography of recording dates. Each volume in the series is limited to 500 units only. |
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THE
DESERT SONG
LONDON STUDIO CAST
Stage Door present the CD debut of the Saga Records 'The Desert Song' 1967 London Studio Cast
Recording. This wonderful show, produced originally in 1926 has delighted and thrilled millions of people all over the world. The story of intrigue and romance, of soldiers and espionage, of excitement and love is truly an exciting one. Combine this with the magic formula of lilting lyrics of Otto Harbach and Oscar Hammerstein II and unforgettable melodies of Sigmund Romberg and what else can you have but a worldwide success.
'The Desert Song' first opened in London at the Theatre Drury Lane Theatre in April 1927 starring
Edith Day and Harry Welchman and ran for an impressive 432
performances. A staple touring favourite in provincial theatres,
'The Desert Song' returned to the West End in 1967 with a celebrated production at the Palace Theatre.
To coincide with the 1967 London revival, Saga Records produced a superb studio cast recording of the score led by well established performers from past British touring productions. Singing the role of Margot was popular actress and singer
Mary Millar who played the role on two extensive tours of the United Kingdom in 1957 and
1959. As Pierre / Red Shadow, Saga cast Australian actor and singer
Robert Colman who had played the role in numerous touring seasons. The cast is rounded out by seasoned performers Ivor Danvers, Betty
Winsett, Gordon Trayner, Ted Gilbert, Paul Bretton and Janet Gale, accompanied by the Westminster Sinfonia under the direction of Ray Cook.
Digitally remastered from the original Saga master tapes, the London Studio Cast Recording is complemented with the
Original 1927 London Cast Recordings starring Edith Day and Harry
Welchman. Originally released across 4
80rpm recordings, these historic recordings have been newly remastered for this release. |
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JORROCKS
LONDON STUDIO CAST
Stage Door
present the CD debut of the
Saga Records Jorrocks London Studio Cast Recording. Featuring music and lyrics by
David Heneker and book by Beverley Cross, Jorrocks was a musical based on the novels of
R.S. Surtees
and opened at London's New Theatre on September 22nd 1966. To coincide with the West End production, Saga Records
produced a superb studio cast recording of the score featuring Barry Kent in the title role of John Jorrocks alongside
Rita Williams as Mrs. Jorrocks, Pat Whitmore as Belinda, Charles Young as Charlie
Stobbs,
Charles Granville as Captain Doleful and Andy Cole as Dr. Swizzle.
Digitally remastered from the original Saga master tapes, the CD release includes the very first recording of the
Jorrocks Overture which was previously unreleased on the original LP
album and only discovered when the master tapes were located. As a special
bonus the album features the original Jorrocks Demo Recordings from the David Heneker
Estate which includes several songs later cut from the production. The CD
release is complemented with a detailed sleeve note by Stewart Nicholls
(Theatre Director and Archivist for the David Heneker Estate). |
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CHRISTMAS
IN HOLLYWOOD
Stage Door present
'Christmas in Hollywood', a unique double album of festive songs from the silver screen and yuletide
favorites as sung by iconic Hollywood stars from the golden age of cinema and television.
A pageant of yuletide nostalgia, this bespoke collection embraces the golden era of Hollywood glamour and sophistication. Presented as a Deluxe 2CD set, the album includes seasonal selections featured in the Hollywood films
'White Christmas', 'Holiday Inn', 'Meet Me in St. Louis', 'On Moonlight Bay', 'Say One for Me', 'Stowaway', 'On the Avenue', 'The Five Pennies', 'Neptune's Daughter', 'The Great
Rupert' and 'Babes in Toyland'. Featured performers include Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Danny Kaye, Doris Day, Deanna Durbin, Shirley Temple, Dick Powell, Esther Williams, Jimmy Durante, Red Buttons, Tab Hunter, Debbie Reynolds, Rosemary Clooney, Gordon MacRae, Nelson Eddy, Jeanette MacDonald and many more.
Celebrate 'Christmas in Hollywood', the perfect stocking filler this season! |
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CHRISTMAS
IN LONDON
PETULA CLARK
Petula Clark
'Christmas in London' is a joyous collection of yuletide nostalgia. Featuring all Petula's festive recordings from the 1950s; this stunning album includes a selection of traditional carols alongside a sprinkling of wonderful original Christmas songs, all embracing the warm nostalgia of sentimental Christmases past. Making this Christmas album extra special is the inclusion of two previously unreleased radio
performances, unheard since their original broadcast. Accompanied by Joe Henderson at piano, the album opens with a delightful 1950 recording of the yuletide favourite
'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' and concludes with a stunning 1954 interpretation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein standard 'Some Enchanted
Evening', a staple in Petula's early 1950s concert repertoire that went unrecorded (and a perfect companion to Petula's 1961 recording of the perennial R&H classic
'My Favourite Things'). Give the gift of Petula Clark 'Christmas in London', this season's perfect stocking filler!
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ON
THE LEVEL
ORIGINAL LONDON CAST
Continuing Stage Door's 'Cast Album Masters Series' is the CD debut of the
'On the Level' Original London Cast Recording. An original musical
centered around the theft of G.C.E. exam papers, 'On the Level' opened at London's
Saville Theatre on April 19th 1966 and ran for 118 performances. 'On the Level' was the second musical penned by
Ron Grainer and
Ronald Millar and reunited the 'Robert and Elizabeth' creative team of Wendy Toye (producer), Malcolm Clare (choreographer), Malcolm Pride (designer) and impresario Martin
Landau. Presented in conjunction with the Beatles manager Brian Epstein,
'On the Level' was the polar opposite to 'Robert and Elizabeth', firmly set in the present day with a contemporary score that reflected the modern era of swinging 60s London. The production, described by Martin Landau as an "ironic comedy", focused on the British fascination with school exams and in particular the
G.C.E. Inspired by real life events, the plot centres on the theft and distribution of the
G.C.E. exam papers amongst both students and their parents and the scandal that ensues.
On the Level' boasted a youth driven cast that included Angela Richards, Barrie Ingham, Gary Bond, Phyllida Law
and a break out role for Sheila White who reportedly stopped the show with her solo number
'Bleep Bleep'. |
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HEAT
WAVE - THE DECCA SINGLES
DOLORES GRAY
Tony Award winning actress and singer
Dolores Gray is rightly considered one of the most iconic theatre performers of the 20th Century. Lauded for her many roles on both the Broadway and West End stage, her career achieved equal success in cabaret, on film and in the recording studio. Dolores Gray was signed to
Decca Records from 1951 to 1955, releasing countless singles for the label and scoring chart success.
This collection compiles all Dolores Gray's single releases for the Decca label issued between 1953 and 1955. Serving as a companion release to the previously issued compilation album 'Spotlight on Dolores Gray' (featuring Dolores Gray's Decca releases from 1951-52), 'Heat Wave' completes Dolores' work for the Decca label with most tracks making their debut on CD.
Highlights from the release include the popular singles 'Big Mamou' and
'Kaw-Liga' plus pop cover versions of songs from the Broadway musicals
'By the Beautiful Sea', 'The Girl in Pink Tights' and 'Silk
Stockings'. Also included is Dolores' recording of 'The Call of the Far-Away Hills' from the 1953 Western film
'Shane' plus the songs she recorded for the Decca album of 'There's No Business Like Show
Business'.
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ZIP
GOES A MILLION & HAPPY HOLIDAY
ORIGINAL LONDON CASTS
'Zip Goes A Million', based on the 1902 novel 'Brewster's
Millions', was written as a vehicle for variety entertainer George Formby
who would make his musical theatre debut in the production. Produced by theatre impresario
Emile Littler, 'Zip Goes A Million' co-starred Sara Gregory and Warde Donovan and opened at
London's Palace Theatre on October 20th 1951. The production was an instant hit and garnered overwhelmingly positive notices from both the critics and audiences.
Following the success of 'Zip Goes A Million', the writing team of Posford and Maschwitz and impresario Emile Littler collaborated on a second London musical;
'Happy Holiday'. An adaptation of the Arnold Ridley play 'The Ghost
Train', 'Happy Holiday' opened at
London's Palace Theatre on December 22nd 1954. The production reunited the creative team with
Reg Dixon who played the lead role of Charlie Purseglove in a cast that also included
Janet Brown, Marie Burke and Austin Melford. Despite the personnel involved, the production failed to emulate the success of
'Zip Goes A Million' and closed after just 31 performances. This collection compiles all the Original London Cast recordings from both 'Zip Goes A Million'
and 'Happy Holiday' along with a number of pop covers and instrumentals from each score performed by such artists as
Pearl Carr, Petula Clark, Ronnie Harris, Hutch and the Frank Barber
Orchestra. As a special bonus, the disc includes selections from a live radio broadcast of
'Zip Goes A Million'. |
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ON
AIR 1951-1961
PETULA CLARK
'On Air'
is a landmark collection representing a unique archival discovery of recordings made by
Petula Clark for various BBC Radio programmes between 1951 and 1961. Prominently featured are selections from the long running
'Calling All Forces' programme where Petula appeared and broadcast on a weekly basis as the resident featured artist. Almost all of the performances featured on this collection have gone unheard since their
original transmission and this release ensures these historical broadcasts are no longer lost to history.
'On Air' features 23 tracks, 18 of which make their debut on CD. Highlights include stunning performances from the
'Calling All Forces' programme including Rodgers and Hart's 'With A Song In My
Heart' and Piaf's 'While The Angelus Was Ringing' ('Les Trois Cloches'),
accompanied by Geraldo and His Orchestra with the George Mitchell Singers. Other standout selections include up-tempo covers of the Dean Martin and Line Renaud duet
'Relax-Ay-Voo' and the Doris Day hit 'Ooh Bang Jiggily Jang'. The collection also features live performances of Petula's own hit recordings
'Sailor' and 'Suddenly There's A Valley', plus a live rendition of the theme song to her 1952 film 'Made In Heaven' introduced by co-star David Tomlinson.
Petula Clark 'On Air 1951 - 1961' is a Limited Edition of 500 units only.
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ORIGINAL
ALBUM SERIES
JOHN RAITT
Stage Door's
'Original Album Series' collates four of John Raitt's original studio albums recorded between 1955-1960.
The set opens with 'Highlights Of Broadway', originally released in 1955, the album appropriately opens with a powerful rendering of the
'Soliloquy' from 'Carousel', recorded a decade after Raitt first originated the song on Broadway. The album features a selection of the most popular Broadway standards from the 1940s and 50s, including songs from
'Finian's Rainbow', 'Kiss Me, Kate', 'Kismet' and more. The compilation continues with Raitt's 1956 Latin inspired offering
'Mediterranean Magic'; an album Billboard described as a "prolonged ear treat" and "a natural for devotees to the Latin romance and heartbreak school of listening".
In 1958, Raitt recorded the folk themed collection 'Under Open Skies' which included an eclectic repertoire, drawing on stirring folk ballads like 'Sail Ho!' and
'El Bandido' to Broadway numbers from 'Carousel' and 'Paint Your
Wagon'. Concluding the 'Original Album Series' is Raitt's 1960 studio album
'Songs The Kids Brought Home From Camp' which, as the title suggests, features an entertaining and spirited trawl through popular and memorable "sing-a-long" camp song
favourites. The
'Original Album Series' 2CD set is further enhanced with a wealth of bonus material, including selections from Raitt's stunning 1969 studio album
'Today' and a 1962 recording collaboration with jazz musician Lionel
Hampton.
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LOST
BROADWAY 1960
BROADWAY'S FORGOTTEN & OBSCURE
MUSICALS
Continuing
Stage Door's celebrated 'Lost Broadway' album series is 'Lost Broadway
1960'; showcasing the forgotten and obscure Broadway musicals of 1960.
Presented as a Deluxe 2CD Set, 'Lost Broadway 1960' features over
50 tracks including over
25 tracks appearing on CD for the first time. The album includes a complete disc of
Original Broadway Cast Recordings and a companion disc of 'Covers And
Rarities', showcasing pop covers and other rare recordings from the Broadway musicals of
1960 (including the complete studio album of Bud Freeman and Leon Pober's musical
'Clara' which was later staged on Broadway as 'Beg, Borrow
or Steal'). Other featured selections include songs from David Merrick's
short lived musical revue 'Vintage '60' performed by original cast member
Fay DeWitt. The selections featured on
'Lost Broadway 1960' include a broad range of musical styles and genres from prolific musical theatre writers including
Jule Styne, Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Meredith Willson, Cy Coleman, Frank Loesser, Jerry Bock
and
Sheldon Harnick. The 'Lost Broadway 1960' featured musicals are 'Greenwillow',
'Christine', 'Tenderloin', 'Wildcat', 'Do Re Mi', 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown',
'Beg, Borrow or Steal', 'Vintage '60' and
the play with music 'Send Me No Flowers'. The album boasts a host of star performers including
Lucille Ball, Anthony Perkins, Maureen O'Hara, Tammy Grimes, Jack Jones, Rosemary Clooney, Eddie Fisher, Vic Damone, Leslie Uggams, Bobby Darin, Gordon MacRae, Perry Como, Aretha Franklin and many
more. |
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ANNIE
ORIGINAL LONDON CAST RECORDING
Continuing
Stage Door's
Cast Album Masters Series is the CD debut of the 'Annie'
Original London Cast Recording. 'Annie' transferred to the
West End in 1978 following its multi Tony award winning Broadway debut
the previous year. The London production of 'Annie' opened at
the Victoria Palace Theatre on
May 3rd 1978 where it ran for a total of 1485 performances. The
original London Cast of 'Annie' featured Broadway's original Annie,
Andrea McArdle in the title role, alternating the part with British
actress
Ann-Marie Gwatkin (who features on the London Cast Recording). Also
starring in the original London cast were
Sheila Hancock as Miss Hannigan, Stratford Johns as Daddy
Warbucks,
Kenneth Nelson as Rooster, Judith Paris as Grace Farrell and Matt Zimmerman
as Bert Healy. Produced by Nicky Graham and recorded by CBS Records in
June 1978, the London Cast Recording of 'Annie' effectively captures
Charles Strouse and Martin Charin's vibrant and timeless score,
featuring the musical theatre standards
'Tomorrow', 'The Hard-Knock Life' and 'You're Never Fully
Dressed Without A Smile'. The release of 'Annie' continues
Stage Door's 'Cast Album Masters Series'. Licensing
recordings from the major labels, the series presents the CD debut of
many London Cast Recordings from the 1960s and 1970s, all digitally
remastered from the studio master tapes. |
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KWAMINA
ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING -
DELUXE EDITION
Continuing Stage Door's line of
Deluxe Edition Broadway Cast Recording reissues is an expanded release of
Richard Adler's musical 'Kwamina'. Featuring music and lyrics by Adler and a book by Robert Alan Aurthur,
'Kwamina' opened at New York's 54th Street Theatre on October 23rd 1961. Starring Adler's then wife
Sally Ann Howes alongside Terry Carter, Brock Peters and Robert
Guillaume, the ambitious musical told the story of Peter Kwamina Mwalla, the son of an African tribal chief who returns home after attending medical school in London and finds his modern methods conflict with his village's traditions. He clashes with the village's white female doctor, Eve, but ultimately falls in love with her.
Presented across 2CDs, this definitive release of 'Kwamina' presents the Original Broadway Cast Recording accompanied by alternate takes from the album sessions and a special bonus recording of
'Another Time, Another Place' by the show's star Sally Ann Howes. The release is complemented by a bonus disc of cover recordings from 'Kwamina' including a never before released on CD studio cast recording, a jazz interpretation by the
Billy Taylor Orchestra and pop covers by such diverse artists as Al Martino, The Kingston Trio
and Gordon MacRae. The CD release boasts extensive liner notes by Broadway historian and archivist George Dansker.
The 'Kwamina' Deluxe Edition Broadway Cast Recording 2CD set is strictly limited to 500 units only.
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HOUDINI
- MAN OF MAGIC
ORIGINAL LONDON CAST RECORDING
Continuing Stage Door's
'Cast Album Masters Series' is the CD debut of the 'Man Of Magic'
Original London Cast Recording. Based on the life of iconic magician and escapologist
Harry Houdini, 'Man Of Magic' opened at London's Piccadilly Theatre on November 15th 1966 and ran for 135
performances. Featuring music by Wilfred Wylam (a pseudonym for classical composer Wilfred
Josephs) and book and lyrics by John Morley and Aubrey Cash, the production starred Stuart Damon as Houdini alongside
Judith Bruce as Bess and Stubby Kaye as Toby Kester. Produced by legendary theatre impresario
Harold Fielding, the production received mixed reviews and failed to achieve the acclaim of his earlier successes
'Half A Sixpence' and 'Charlie Girl'. Despite the lukewarm critical response to
'Man Of Magic', the production was noted for its elaborate recreations of Houdini's illusions and the performances of its leading players Stuart Damon, Judith Bruce and Stubby Kaye.
Although 'Man Of Magic' marked Wilfred Josephs' only work for musical theatre, there is much to be enjoyed in his distinctive and immediate score, not least the rousing duet
'Conquer The World', 'Suddenly' and the comedy numbers 'Take Your
Medicine' and 'Kester's Crystal Cabbage'. The limited edition 500 unit only release of 'Man Of Magic' continues Stage Door's
'Cast Album Masters Series'. Licensing recordings from the major labels, the series presents the CD debut of many London Cast Recordings from the 1960s and 1970s, all digitally remastered from the studio master tapes.
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A
VINTAGE BROADWAY CHRISTMAS
Stage Door
present A Vintage Broadway Christmas, a unique double album of festive showtunes and yuletide favorites as sung by
Broadway stars of yesteryear.
A pageant of yuletide nostalgia, this bespoke collection embraces the bygone Christmases of the 1950s and 60s. Presented as a Deluxe 2CD set, the album includes seasonal selections from the Broadway musicals
'Subways Are For Sleeping', 'Greenwillow', 'Irma La Douce, 'Song Of Norway', 'Call Me
Mister' and 'Babes In Toyland'. The collection boasts a glittering array of Broadway stars performing festive material from carols and holiday classics to novelty Christmas numbers, many of which make their debut on CD. Featured performers include
Mary Martin, Joel Grey, Barbara Cook, John Raitt, Elaine Stritch, Leslie Uggams, Sally Ann Howes, William Tabbert, Eartha Kitt, Mimi Hines, Dorothy Collins and many more.
Give the gift of showtunes this Christmas with A Vintage Broadway
Christmas, the perfect stocking filler for the musical theatre enthusiast! |
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AMBASSADOR
ORIGINAL LONDON CAST RECORDING
Stage Door presents the CD debut of the
'Ambassador' Original London Cast Recording. Based on the Henry James novel 'The Ambassadors', the musical first opened at London's Her Majesty's Theatre in October 1971 starring
Howard Keel and Danielle Darrieux. Featuring music by Don Gohman and lyrics by Hal Hackady, the plot focuses on lawyer Lambert Strether (Howard Keel), who is instructed to travel to Paris at the request of his employer, the widowed Mrs Amelia Newsome
to return her wayward son, Chad to America.Featuring stellar performances from its leading players Keel and Darrieux and an impressive ensemble, highlights from the score include 'All Of My Life', 'Tell Her', 'Young With Him', 'That's What I Need Tonight' and 'Not Tomorrow'.
The release of 'Ambassador' launches Stage Door's 'Cast Album Masters Series'. Licensing recordings from the major labels, the series will present the CD debut of many London Cast Recordings from the 1960s and 1970s, all digitally remastered from the studio master tapes. The 'Ambassador' London Cast Recording is licensed courtesy of
Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited and is strictly limited to 500 units
only. |
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KEAN
ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING -
DELUXE EDITION
Stage Door
are pleased to present a Deluxe Edition release of the 'Kean' Original Broadway Cast
Album. Across two CDs, this definitive set features a new digital remaster of the Original Broadway Cast Recording accompanied by the previously unreleased studio and composer demos of the score (including several cut songs).
The album boasts a generous selection of "pop" cover recordings performed by vocalists including
Judy Garland, Richard Hayes and James Shigeta. The lavish set also includes an instrumental stereo album of the score recorded by Robert Mersey and His
Orchestra, which makes its debut on CD. Written as a star vehicle for Alfred Drake by Robert Wright and
George Forrest ('Kismet', 'Song Of Norway'), 'Kean' opened at the Broadway Theatre on November 2nd 1961, running for 92 performances. The production, directed and choreographed by
Jack Cole, also starred Lee Venora, Joan Weldon, Oliver Gray and
Patricia Cutts.
The Deluxe Edition 'Kean' Original Broadway Cast Recording is complemented by
extensive liner notes by Broadway historian George Dansker. The 2CD set is strictly limited to 500 units. |
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LOST
BROADWAY 1956-57
BROADWAY'S FORGOTTEN & OBSCURE
MUSICALS
Stage
Door are pleased to present the second volume in our 'Lost
Broadway' album series; 'Lost Broadway 1956-57';
celebrating the forgotten and obscure Broadway musicals of 1956 and
1957. Presented
as a Deluxe 2CD Set, 'Lost Broadway 1956-57' features over
55 tracks including over 25 tracks appearing on CD for the first time.
The album includes a complete disc of Original Broadway Cast
Recordings and a companion disc of 'Covers And Rarities',
showcasing pop covers and other rare recordings from the Broadway
musicals of 1956 and 1957. (including the musicals 'Shangri-La',
'Copper And Brass', 'Shinbone Alley' and 'Rumple',
shows that weren't afforded a Broadway Cast Album due to their limited
runs). The 'Lost Broadway 1956-57' featured musicals are 'Happy
Hunting', 'Mr. Wonderful', 'Shangri-La', 'New Faces Of 1956', 'Candide',
'Shinbone Alley', 'Copper And Brass', 'Rumple', 'Simply Heavenly',
'Jamaica', 'New Girl In Town and the play with music 'Time
Remembered'. The album boasts a host of star performers
including Ethel Merman, Sammy Davis, Jr., Chita Rivera, Barbara Cook,
Maggie Smith, Eartha Kitt, Lena Horne, Gwen Verdon, Maurice Chevalier,
Buddy Greco, Margaret Whiting, Tony Martin, Eddie Fisher and more. |
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LOST
BROADWAY 1961
BROADWAY'S FORGOTTEN & OBSCURE
MUSICALS
Stage
Door Records are pleased to present the launch of 'Lost Broadway',
a new series of albums that will focus on celebrating Broadway's
forgotten and obscure musicals. With each album dedicated to specific
years in Broadway history, the 'Lost Broadway' series launches
with 'Lost Broadway 1961', a particularly abundant year in
the Broadway calendar for musicals whose residencies were short lived
but should not be forgotten. Presented as a Deluxe 2CD Set, 'Lost
Broadway 1961' features over 55 tracks including over 20 tracks
appearing on CD for the first time. The album includes a complete disc
of Original Broadway Cast Recordings and a companion disc of 'Covers
And Rarities', showcasing pop covers and other rare recordings from
the Broadway musicals of 1961 (including the musicals '13
Daughters' and 'The Conquering Hero', shows that
weren't afforded a Broadway Cast Album due to their limited runs). The
selections featured on 'Lost Broadway 1961' include a broad range
of musical styles and genres from prolific musical theatre writers
including Jerry Herman, Jule Styne, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Noel
Coward, Bob Merill and Richard Adler. The 'Lost
Broadway 1961' featured musicals are '13 Daughters', 'The
Conquering Hero', 'The Happiest Girl In The World', 'Milk And Honey',
'Subways Are For Sleeping', 'Sail Away', 'Let It Ride!', 'Donnybrook!',
'Carnival', 'The Gay Life', 'Kean' and 'Kwamina'. |
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LUCKY
TO BE ME - A LIFE IN MUSIC
ALFRED DRAKE
Alfred Drake is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in the history of musical theatre. In a career that encompassed every possible aspect of the performing arts, from Gilbert and Sullivan operetta to classic Broadway musicals and the plays of Shakespeare, his legacy is unparalleled.
'Lucky To Be Me - A Life in Music' represents the first time a solo album of Alfred Drake's recordings has been issued. Presented as a
Deluxe 2CD set, the album includes an entire disc of "Demos, Live Performances and Rarities" culled from Drake's own private archive of recordings.
Stage Door have selected beloved songs from 'Oklahoma!', 'Kiss Me, Kate', and
'Kismet', but have used less familiar performances to create a truly unique compilation with which to honour the great man. Of special note is the inclusion of the great
"Soliloquy" from Carousel, the recording of which he was most proud.
Highlights from these unreleased treasures on disc 2 include his 1940 Metropolitan Opera Audition and demos recorded for the Broadway musicals 'The Liar' and
'Courtin' Time'. Compiled with the assistance of Broadway historian and Alfred Drake archivist George Dansker,
'Lucky To Be Me - A Life in Music' showcases the brilliance of Alfred Drake's work on stage and in the recording studio. |
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SING
OUT, SWEET LAND! / DOWN IN THE VALLEY
ORIGINAL CAST RECORDINGS
Sing Out, Sweet
Land!' opened at Broadway's International Theatre on December 27th 1944 and ran for 104 performances. Presented by the Theatre Guild as "A Salute to American Folk and Popular Music", the production starred
Alfred Drake, Burl Ives, Juanita Hall, Bibi Osterwald, and Alma Kaye. Praised by critics as a "captivating cavalcade of American folk music",
'Sing Out, Sweet Land!' had a book by Walter Kerr with its songs deriving from traditional American folk music alongside original material by John Mundy, Edward Eager and Elie
Siegmeister. The 'Sing Out, Sweet Land!' Original Broadway Cast Recording featuring Alfred Drake and Burl Ives
now makes its debut on CD. The album is complemented by the 1950 Decca Records studio recording of the
Kurt Weill and Arnold Sundgaard one-act folk opera 'Down In The Valley', featuring
Alfred Drake and Jane Wilson. The score of 'Down In The
Valley' features established American folk songs to carry its narrative (including
'Down In The Valley', 'The Lonesome Dove' and 'Hop Up My Ladies') alongside original chorale music composed by Kurt Weill who supervised the studio recording.
The release of 'Sing Out, Sweet Land!' and 'Down In The Valley' forms part of Stage Door's
'Collector's Series', a line of limited edition CD products presented in the retro style of a miniature long-playing record.
All Collector's Series titles are limited to 500 units. |
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SPOTLIGHT
ON GWEN VERDON
GWEN VERDON
Actor,
singer and dancer extraordinaire, Gwen Verdon is undoubtedly one
of the most iconic figures in the history of the Broadway musical. In
an astounding career spanning 8 decades, Verdon achieved success on
every platform of the performing arts, from film and television to
recording and of course the stage where she originated some of musical
theatre's most iconic characters, from Lola in 'Damn Yankees' to
Charity in 'Sweet Charity' and Roxie Hart in
'Chicago'. The recipient of four Tony Awards and an inductee of
the American Theatre Hall of Fame, Verdon's career on stage is
unparalleled. As a recording artist, Verdon issued only one solo
album, the 1956 recording 'The Girl I Left Home For'.
Accompanied by Joe Reisman and his Orchestra, the album effectively
showcases Verdon as not just an exemplary performer on stage but as a
song stylist and gifted recording artist. Alongside 'The Girl I Left
Home For', this collection is complemented by Verdon's performances from
the cast albums of 'Damn Yankees', 'New Girl In Town' and
'Redhead' (roles for which she was awarded the Tony for 'Best
Actress In A Musical'.) |
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ON
THE TOWN / BROADWAY MELODY
LONDON STUDIO CAST RECORDINGS
Stage
Door are pleased to present the CD debut of two British studio cast
recordings of the iconic Hollywood movie musicals 'On The Town' and
the 'Broadway Melody' series. Recorded in 1959, the studio
recreation of 'On The Town' represented the first time the
iconic film's songs (composed by Roger Edens with lyrics by Adolph Green
and Betty Comden alongside selections from Leonard Bernstein's original
score) had been preserved on record. Conducted by Geoff Love, the
recording features Dennis Lotis, Lionel Blair and Shane Rimmer
recreating respectively the film roles played by Frank Sinatra, Gene
Kelly and Jules Munshin. The roles played on film by Betty Garrett and
Ann Miller are sung by Stella Tanner and Noele Gordon. The
album was followed by a studio cast recording capturing songs from the
various 'Broadway Melody' films. Conducted and arranged by
Tony Osborne, the recording pays homage to the timeless songs
that featured in these very first Hollywood movie musicals. The
performers recruited to recreate the classic songs of Arthur Freed,
Nacio Herb Brown and Cole Porter include Bruce Forsyth, David Hughes,
Millicent Martin and Gerry Dorsey (who would achieve fame and
chart success as Engelbert Humperdinck). Recorded in
glorious stereophonic sound, both studio cast recordings of 'On The
Town' and 'Broadway Melody' now make their debut on CD. |
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JAN
CLAYTON SINGS 'CAROUSEL'
ELLA LOGAN SINGS FAVORITES FROM 'FINIAN'S
RAINBOW'
Jan Clayton found fame when selected by Rodgers and Hammerstein to play the lead role of Julie Jordan in the original Broadway production of
'Carousel'. Thirteen years after Clayton originated the character of Julie Jordan, she was asked to revisit the role for a production of
'Carousel' to be staged as the American contribution for the 1958 Brussels World Fair. To coincide with the World Fair production, Clayton recorded an album of the Rodgers and Hammerstein score for Disneyland Records. Conducted by
Camarata, the recording preserved Clayton's performance in glorious stereophonic sound and offered a unique interpretation of the classic 'Soliloquy', abridged and retitled 'My Little Girl'.
In 1947, Ella Logan created what would arguably be her signature role, as Sharon McLonergan in the Original Broadway production of Burton Lane and Yip Harburg's musical
'Finian's Rainbow'. In 1955 Logan returned to the recording studio to record a solo LP of songs from
'Finian's Rainbow', accompanied by
George Greeley. The ensuing album was released by Capitol Records in 1955 and featured upbeat and jazzy arrangements of the show's songs, allowing Ella to bring a fresh and dynamic approach to the score.
Both these recordings offer listeners the unique opportunity to discover the original Broadway leading ladies of
'Carousel' and 'Finian's Rainbow' reinterpreting their signature musicals on record. 'Jan Clayton Sings Carousel' and 'Ella Logan Sings Favorites From Finian's Rainbow' make their debut on CD and form part of Stage Door's
'Collector's Series', a line of limited edition CD products presented in the retro style of a miniature long-playing record.
All Collector's Series titles are limited to 500 units. |
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LOST
WEST END REVUES
LONDON'S FORGOTTEN REVUES
1940-1962
LOST
WEST END REVUES celebrates London's forgotten revue shows of the
1940s, 50s and 60s, compiling songs from 35 West End productions and
showcasing these unique musical works from the golden age of British
theatrical entertainment. Ranging from 1940 to 1962, the selections
featured include a broad range of musical styles and genres, from witty
songs satirising topical issues of the era to dramatic ballads and
entertaining comedy numbers, all showcasing the art of revue. Prolific
musical theatre composers represented on the album include Noel
Coward, Vivian Ellis, Sandy Wilson, Lionel Bart, Leslie Bricusse,
Charles Zwar, Alan Melville and more. Presented as a Deluxe 2CD
Set ; 'Lost West End Revues' features over 50 tracks (including over
20 tracks appearing on CD for the first time) from London cast
recordings to pop covers and live recordings. The album includes
recordings by a glittering ensemble of star performers including Maggie
Smith, Kenneth Williams, Hermione Gingold, Noel Coward, Beatrice Lillie,
Joyce Grenfell, Anthony Newley, Gillian Lynne, Fenella Fielding, Sheila
Hancock, Millicent Martin, Bud Flanagan, Dora Bryan, Cyril Ritchard,
Bernard Cribbins and more. |
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KING
KONG - A JAZZ MUSICAL
ORIGINAL LONDON / SOUTH AFRICAN CAST
'King
Kong' was a pioneering South African musical inspired by the
life and death of the heavyweight boxing champion Ezekiel Dlamini.
Billed as a 'Jazz-Opera', 'King Kong' featured music by Todd
Matshikiza and lyrics by Pat Williams. The production was
first staged at Johannesburg's Witwatersrand University Great Hall,
opening on February 2nd 1959 and went on to take South Africa by storm. Nelson
Mandela attended the opening night and is on record as highlighting
the show as his favourite musical. The original South African production
starred Nathan Mdledle, Ruth Nkonyane, Dan Poho and Miriam
Makeba, helping launch Makeba's international career.
West End theatre impresario Jack Hylton was determined to bring the
ground breaking South African musical to London, insisting that as many
of the original cast members as possible transfer with the production.
'King Kong' subsequently opened at London's Princes Theatre on February
23rd 1961 and ran for 201 performances. Critics praised 'King
Kong' for its inventive staging, stand out performances and vibrant
score. Stage Door are pleased to debut the Original London Cast
recording of 'King Kong' on CD. The recording is complemented
with selections from the Original South African Cast recording,
including many songs that were subsequently cut from the London
production. |
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SANDHOG
STUDIO CAST RECORDING / OFF
BROADWAY CAST
'Sandhog'
is a musical adaptation of "St. Columba and the River"
a story by Theodore Dreiser about the tunnel workers, known as
"sandhogs," who built the first tunnel under the Hudson River.
Featuring music by Earl Robinson and lyrics by Waldo Salt,
the musical opened at New York's Phoenix Theatre in November
1954, running for just 48 performances. The cast included Jack
Cassidy, Alice Ghostley, David Brooks and Betty Oakes.
In 1956, Earl Robinson and Waldo Salt recorded an album of 'Sandhog'
with Robinson singing the score accompanying himself on piano and Salt
providing linking narration. The album was subsequently issued on the
Vanguard label and has since become regarded as one of the most sought
after and collectable musical theatre recordings. Earl Robinson and
Waldo Salt's recording of 'Sandhog' now makes its debut on CD. As a
special bonus, the CD also includes Selections from 'Sandhog' as
performed by the original Off-Broadway cast members including Jack
Cassidy and Alice Ghostley. The album concludes with a selection of
bonus tracks featuring recordings of the show's main theme 'Katie-O' /
'Johnny-O' as covered by Edmund Hockridge, Felicia Sanders and Vince
Martin. The release of 'Sandhog' forms part of
Stage Door's COLLECTOR'S SERIES, a line of limited edition CD
products presented in the retro style of a miniature long-playing
record. All Collector's Series titles are limited to 500 units. |
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LOST
WEST END VINTAGE 2
LONDON'S FORGOTTEN MUSICALS
1943-1962
Following
last year's critically acclaimed release of 'Lost West End
Vintage' (highlighted in The Sunday Times as an 'Essential
New Release') Stage Door are pleased to continue the album series
with 'Lost West End Vintage 2'.
LOST WEST END VINTAGE 2 celebrates London's forgotten musicals of
the 1940s, 50s and 60s compiling songs from 37 West End productions and
showcasing these unique theatrical works from the golden age of the
British musical. Ranging from 1943 to 1962, the selections featured
include a broad range of musical styles and genres from prolific musical
theatre composers including Ivor Novello, Noel Coward, Vivian Ellis,
Julian Slade, Sandy Wilson, Lionel Bart, Leslie Bricusse and more.
Presented as a Deluxe 2CD set; 'Lost West End Vintage' features 50
tracks (including over 20 tracks appearing on CD for the first time)
from London cast recordings to pop covers, demos and other musical
rarities. The album includes recordings by a glittering ensemble of star
performers including; Mary Martin, Jeremy Brett, Sally Ann Howes,
Dora Bryan, Julie Wilson, Evelyn Laye, Barbara Windsor, Elizabeth Seal,
Cleo Laine, Frank Sinatra, Julie Andrews, Anna Neagle, Spike Milligan,
Joan Sims, Millicent Martin, Denis Quilley and more. |
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SCENE
ONE / WE SPEAK THE SAME LANGUAGE
JAMES SHIGETA
James
Shigeta is most known for his starring roles in films such as
'Bridge To The Sun', 'The Crimson Kimono' (for
which he won the 1960 Golden Globe Award for 'Most Promising
Newcomer'), 'Flower Drum Song' and 'Lost
Horizon'. In his later career, Shigeta is remembered for his
featured role in the 1988 action film 'Die Hard'. On
record, Shigeta recorded his first solo album 'Scene One' in
1960, a collection of standards and original songs with orchestrations
and musical direction by Frank Sinatra's regular arranger Axel
Stordahl. Following James' starring role as Wang Ta in the 1961 film
adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'Flower Drum Song', James
was signed to Fred Astaire's label Choreo (later Ava Records).
The resulting album 'We Speak The Same Language' was
issued in 1962 and featured selections from 'The
Fantasticks', 'Kean' and 'All American' Both
James Shigeta's solo albums 'Scene One' and 'We
Speak The Same Language' now make their debut on CD accompanied
by his solo number 'You Are Beautiful' from the soundtrack of 'Flower
Drum Song'. As a special bonus, one of Shigeta's highly collectable
Japanese language singles is included, his 1955 cover of 'Tara's
Theme' (from 'Gone With The Wind'). The release forms part of Stage
Door's COLLECTOR'S SERIES, a line of limited edition CD products
presented in the retro style of a miniature long-playing record. All
Collector's Series titles are limited to 500 units. |
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REDHEAD
/ LA PELIRROJA
STUDIO CAST RECORDING / MEXICO
CITY CAST RECORDING
Albert Hague and
Dorothy Fields' musical 'Redhead' proved the surprise hit Broadway show of 1959, winning
'Best Musical' at that year's Tony Awards.
In May 1959, the RCA Camden label issued a studio cast recording of the 'Redhead' score. Recorded in London, the album featured Rita
Williams, Bryan Johnson and Fred Lucas with the Mike Sammes Singers
and Hill Bowen Orchestra.
One year after 'Redhead' opened on Broadway, a Spanish language adaptation by Luis De Llano and Martha Fisher opened in Mexico City.
'La Pelirroja', starring Virma Gonzalez, Armando Calvo and featuring
Placido Domingo opened on February 11th 1960 at Teatro de los
Insurgentes. The production was subsequently preserved on record by RCA Victor Mexico.
Stage Door are pleased to debut on CD both the RCA Camden 'Selections from Redhead' album and the complete Mexican cast recording of
'La Pelirroja'. The release is complemented by a handful of 'pop' covers of the 'Redhead' song score, performed by
Art Lund, Toni Arden and Tommy Leonetti. The release forms part of Stage Door's
COLLECTOR'S SERIES, a line of limited edition CD products presented in the retro style of a miniature long-playing record.
All Collector's Series titles are limited to 500 units. |
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COMPLETE
ALBUM SERIES (2CD SET)
PAT SUZUKI
Pat Suzuki, best known for starring in the original Broadway production of
'Flower Drum Song' and originating the Rodgers & Hammerstein standard 'I Enjoy Being A
Girl', enjoyed great success as a solo recording artist (receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Album in
1960), issuing four solo albums for RCA Records between 1958-1960. For the first time ever, all four of Pat Suzuki's solo albums 'The Many Sides Of Pat Suzuki'
(1958), 'Miss Pony Tail' (1958), 'Broadway '59' (1959) and
'Looking At You' (1960) now make their debut on CD as the Deluxe 2CD set
'Pat Suzuki - The Complete Album Series'.
The retrospective collection features 50 tracks including Suzuki's haunting interpretation of 'How High The Moon'
(later featured in the 1988 film 'Biloxi Blues') and her solo recording of 'I Enjoy Being A Girl'
which became a Top 50 hit in the United Kingdom when issued as a single in April 1960. |
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SINGLES
AND RARITIES 1958-1967
PAT SUZUKI
This
collection compiles all Pat Suzuki's non-album singles recorded for both
VIK / RCA between 1958 - 1960 and her sole release for Capitol Records
in 1961. The collection concludes with two pop singles Pat recorded for
the PDA label in 1967 alongside a handful of tracks recorded for
"Pat!", a mid Sixties solo album that sadly was never
completed. Tracks include "Pat Suzuki's Football Four",
four highly collectable singles issued in September 1958 featuring
Suzuki's interpretations of various college football anthems. Also
featured is Suzuki's single version of "Love Eyes" (from the
musical 'Whoop-Up'), recorded during the "Broadway
'59" sessions but omitted from the final album. Moving from RCA to
Capitol in 1961, Suzuki issued one single for the label featuring tracks
from the then current Broadway shows 'Sail Away' and 'The
Gay Life'. In the mid Sixties, Suzuki collaborated with Warren
B. Meyers on a proposed new album of show songs and standards. Five
tracks were recorded for the album project (titled 'Pat!') and a handful
of acetate test pressings were manufactured. The five tracks recorded
include a showstopping version of Stephen Sondheim's
'Everybody Says Don't' (from 'Anyone Can Whistle') and a striking
interpretation of Frank Loesser's 'Never Will I Marry' (from 'Greenwillow') 'Singles And Rarities' forms part of Stage Door's COLLECTOR'S
SERIES, a line of limited edition CD products presented in the retro
style of a miniature long-playing record. All Collector's Series
titles are limited to 500 units. |
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