BWW CD Reviews: Broadway Records and Yellow Sound Label's THE VISIT (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is Devastatingly Beautiful

Earlier in 2015, the final musical from legendary musical creative team John Kander and Fred Ebb opened at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway. THE VISIT, based on the 1956 three act tragicomedy by the same title from Friedrich Dürrenmatt as adapted by Maurice Valency, captivated audiences despite its brief run and lack of Tony Award wins. Now, the unique and devastatingly beautiful score is available from Broadway Records and Yellow Sound Label on THE VISIT (Original Broadway Cast Recording).

As the opening strains of "Prelude" pipe through the speakers, just like when I sat in the Lyceum, the first thing that grabs hold of me is the vaguely Eastern European sound of Kander's mysterious and haunting score. Larry Hochman's dazzling orchestrations for THE VISIT keep this humble soundscape at the forefront of the entire show, boldly utilizing alto flute, bass clarinet, oboe, English horn, zither, mandolin, and accordion on both melodies and the lush underscores. The tonal landscape is vastly different from most pieces in the musical theatre cannon, making THE VISIT sublimely inviting, even when the music spins towards unnerving darkness. Ultimately, Kander and Hochman have expertly crafted a grandiose Broadway style symphony of utterly romantic music that is informed by the heartache and misery each character in the story has experienced.

Lyrically, Ebb has spun gold with his words. His poetry is poignant and tenderly plays on the heartstrings of the listener. His lyrics are subtle and often err on the side of simplistic recitation of events, leaving behind the grandeur of metaphors. Despite this lack of flourish, the words are meaningful and keep the listener present in the emotions of the story. Also, the lack of poetic stylistics for a majority of the compositions ensures that when they are present their meanings are stringently clear and purposefully impactful on the heart, mind, and soul.

As Claire Zachanassian, Chita Rivera dominates the album with her vivacious charm and richly evocative performances. Every word is pristinely formed to convey the shifting emotions of her embittered yet surprisingly loving character. On numbers like "You, You, You" and "Look at Me" Rivera sings with touching heart. On numbers like "Winter" and "Love and Love Alone," she stirs our hearts as she keenly shows how Claire's has broken. Likewise, Claire wields her wealth and power with a wonderful sardonic bite, and Rivera conveys this with precision on numbers like "A Confession."

The late Roger Rees gives a resplendent performance as Anton Schell on the album. His voice is filled with hope and love on tracks like "I Know Claire" and "You, You, You." Joyful reverie informs his bright vocalizations on "I Must Have Been Something" and "Look at Me." On "Fear," he masterfully illustrates how the events of the plot have broken his character, but hope beats out desperation and his vocals showcase this on "A Car Ride" and "In the Forest Again" despite the encroaching shadows of sure death.

Other standout moments on the disc include Jason Danieley's soul crushing and breathtaking performance on "The Only One." Matthew Deming as Louis Perch and Chris Newcomer as Jacob Chicken spellbind the audience with mesmerizing falsetto vocals on tracks like "Eunuch's Testimony." John Riddle as Young Anton and Michelle Veintimilla as Young Claire fill their moments with amorous passion, portraying the youthful love and folly that bound Claire and Anton to one another.

It's truly unfortunate that THE VISIT is no longer running on Broadway, as it would have probably fared much better in a less competitive season. Thankfully, the score is captured in all of its glory on Broadway Records and Yellow Sound Label's THE VISIT (Original Broadway Cast Recording).

Broadway Records and Yellow Sound Label released THE VISIT (Original Broadway Cast Recording) on July 10, 2015. It can be purchased from Broadway Records' online store, iTunes, Amazon, and elsewhere music is sold.

To post a comment, you must register and login.