Alan Menken tweeted the following: "LEAP will live on, just not on Broadway. And the need for cast recording(s) is still very much on my agenda."
He's confirmed Leap of Faith is being recorded, but the "(s)" in that tweet suggests there is a possibility of another recording.
Given we know he wants the Broadway score recorded, and Raven is a name that will probably sell an album, especially if she goes on tour with the show, might we be getting a new Sister Act recording soon?
If this does happen, it's a shame that the original Mother Superior, Victoria Clark, won't be included. Carolee Carmello is great in the role, but I found Clark's vocals far more satisfying.
From what I have been told by a cast member, there were never really "talks" at any significant level. Mostly just wishful thinking on the part of some fans.
Cast recordings don't just happen. Someone needs to cut the check. And if no one is ready to lay down some money, there's very little that can be done.
The London Cast Recording is very good, but compared to the Broadway production it is like a prototype. The score has gone through SO MANY change/rewrites/alterations and probably some new orchestrations. Not to mention the new songs that were added and replaced some of the London ones.
There needs to be a new cast recording made. I don't care if it is done live or not, but it needs to be made.
I would also like to see a new GHOST recording made, but I know that will never happen. It had quite a few rewrites and changes (most of which I think were implemented in the London production, correct me if I'm wrong), but nowhere near as many as SISTER ACT. For example, the overture for the Broadway production is very different, and I like it (plus the changes to Hear Right Now and I'm Outta Here).
Yes, the score and show have changed significantly since London, which alone warrants a new recording.
Also, other than Patina (obviously), none of the performers on the London recording are anywhere near as good as their Broadway counterparts, at least vocally. This is especially true of the London Mary Robert, who doesn't hold a candle to Marla Mindelle.
I actually like Katie Rowley Jones more than Marla Mindelle in the role. While Mindelle has an undeniably powerful voice, I don't think it was as good of a performance as Katie's in the UK. I suppose both times I've seen the show on Broadway, Marla cracked her voice a little bit though.
The Vienna recording (in German) is pretty good, and is live. The only bizarre aspect is Drew Sarich as Curtis, which I was expecting to like but I didn't. That recording is the Broadway production score.
joined:5/7/11
Posted: 5/19/12 at 02:46pm