When the original
production of CAMELOT opened on Broadway in 1960, Robert Goulet was practically
an unknown. But his role as Lancelot and his rendition of the unforgettable “If
Ever I Would Leave You” made him a star. Years later he starred in the
television adaptation of two Broadway classics and this CD bring his
performance to our homes.
Let’s start with
Cole Porter’s KISS ME, KATE, which score isn’t heard in its complete form. What
makes this score sound so different from other recordings is the dated 60s
orchestrations (Ray Charles and Jack Elliott were the responsible), just listen
to “I Hate Men” and you’ll understand what I mean. At the same time, those 60s
sounds are what makes it a funny listening and gives it a less operatic
approach. Robert Goulet strong voice is perfect for the role of Fred/Petruchio
and Carol Lawrence beautiful voice is a match for Lili/Kate; Jessica Walter is
a strong Lois/Bianca and Jules Mushin & Marty Ingles give us a good
rendition of the hilarious “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”.
Like CAMELOT,
BRIGADOON has a score by Frederick Loewe & Alan Jay Lerner, that meaning
that Goulet is in known territory and the melodious songs are perfect for his
romantic idol image; at his side, Sally Ann Howes is a sweet Fiona. The two
sound great in “The Heather on the Hill” and “Almost Like Being in Love”; but
for me the great Goulet’s moment is “There But for You Go I”. Thomas Carlisle
also shines with “Come to Me, Bend to Me” and “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean”. Like
KISS ME, KATE, this recording doesn’t include the complete score, but the music
director, Irwin Kostal, didn’t try to modernize the orchestrations.
None of these
soundtracks are the best or definitive recordings of these two great scores,
but both make for enjoyable listening and are a strong showcase of Robert
Goulet’s talent.
Rate: 6 (from 1
to 10)
No comments:
Post a Comment