Customer Rating:  
Summary: I Miss Howard...
Comment: I've never seen the Broadway musical, so this is strictly commentary on the music. I've been a die-hard fan of The Little Mermaid since the movie was first released in 1989, in part because of Alan Menken's unforgettable score and Howard Ashman's genius lyrics that speak to the heart, especially Part of Your World. I like new recordings of the music from the movie, including the country-ized versions that have been released over the years, so when I stumbled across this CD, I snapped it up.
For new recordings of old favorites, this album is mostly a winner. While no one can ever replace Jodie Benson for me, Sierra Boggess captures Ariel's youth and innocence very well, and most of the other characters are well-cast. I have a hard time with Sherie Rene Scott as Ursula; her songs sound like someone just singing songs from the show/film rather than Ursula.
New songs leave something to be desired-- the lyrics lack something that's hard for me to pin down in a review. Glenn Slater does outstanding work, but there is something off about the lyrics here. They're appropriate for the story, but they simply lack heart. They're Broadway tunes and nothing more. Disney lost a very special kind of magic in its musical productions with the passing of Howard Ashman, and without even looking at the credits, it's easy to know which ones are Howard and which ones are not. Lest anyone think I am being too hard on Glenn Slater, he comes really close with Eric's song "Her Voice," and from me that's a high compliment.
Broadway fans, Disney enthusiasts, and most fans of the movie will find this a five-star addition to their music collections. Those who know what I'm talking about with Howard should be aware that while it's easy to sing along with the newer tunes, they'll never touch your heart the way Howard did. The vast majority of people will love this CD for yourselves and your children.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A black King Trident!
Comment: Yup,when King Trident appeared you could see the audience whisper to each other and the confusion among the kids, like my 3 girls,ages 6,8, and 11.Ariel is as white as can be which made it so bizzare.It's like having a white Porgy or Bess or a non-jewish fiddler on the roof.Could you imagine the uproar. The show was just o.k. Better than Lion King(which isn't hard to do with people running around holding a paper mache face), but not even close to Beauty and The Beast,which was great.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Little Mermiad Rocks
Comment: This is an awesome CD and a must have for every Little Memaid/Ariel lover. I purchased this for my daughter, as it was #1 on her wish list for Christmas. I couldn't resist giving it to her early. The Little Mermaid is her favorite Disney Character, and this is a great edition to her collection. The music is great, sound is great,
Customer Rating:
Summary: Disney's The Little Mermaid - Original Broadway Cast
Comment: I bought this as a gift for my 7 year old, but I listen to it more than she does. We saw the show in NY in August and this cd transports us back to Broadway each time we listen to it. The songs written to showcase "Prince Eric's" voice are so beautiful they bring tears to my eyes. You will love this music!
Customer Rating:
Summary: GREAT!!!
Comment: This CD is even better than the movie! Has 11 new songs not counting the reprises and the ones they rewrote for the better. Listen to it all the time. The storyline is even better than the movie! They are moving and hilarious! Sierra, Sherie, Titus, and Norman are a blast!
|
