Search - Andrea McArdle :: On Broadway

Andrea Shines, Husband Not As Much

Jason E. Platt | Whittier, CA United States | 09/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This cd grew on me. At first, I dismissed it because of the pop-style arrangements that Andrea McArdle's husband, Edd Kalehoff, put forth which don't fit with a traditional Broadway style that Andrea does so well.



However, because I am a big Andrea McArdle fan, I decided to continue to listen to this cd. She sings these songs really well, has tremendous diction, and shows tremendous range of character. The arrangements work better with 60s songs like "Easy To Be Hard" from Hair and "Pinball Wizard" from The Who's Tommy. I actually listened to the originial Pinball Wizard but I like Andrea's version more--which says a lot because I almost always prefer the original version of songs more. However, it's not really my type of song, so you can take that for what it's worth.



Her daughter, Alexis Kalehoff, does her parents proud with a really sweet version of "Castle On A Cloud" from Les Miserables.



Overall, many of the songs on this album could have been better arranged, but it still is worth buying if you are an Andrea McArdle fan since she hasn't recorded that much. I hope she gets the opportunity to record a lot more as she is one of the bright talents on Broadway, with a distinctive, likable voice and deserves more cds and chances to show her stuff.

"

STANDING ROOM ONLY!!!

Chaz Macrina | New York, NY | 08/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great Broadway CD sung by the quintessential Broadway voice of Andrea McArdle!!! Don't miss it! Her voice sparkles with a clear, true sound. Truly masterful!!!



She opens with "Never Never Land" and sings it with the kind of warmth and wonder that only Andrea can give with such spirited generosity. It is simply the best interpretation of that song that I have ever heard recorded, live or otherwise. Similarly, many performers have recorded "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," but only Andrea actually sings the song with the depth of emotion and range it was meant to have and thereby evokes a truer response from the listener. As the song builds, she remains centered and delivers her strength from resources within, as opposed to allowing her vocal to go wide, as some performers have done in the past, to substitute for lack of technique or emotion. Likewise, her version of "Buenos Aires" is relentless as it should be. As she takes us into the bridge, she does so with a brightness that is fresh and natural to the meaning of the song and its position in the musical as a whole, while at the same time staying away from the typically pumped up false bravado that lesser talents have superficially imposed upon it. The beauty and intimacy of "Starlight Express" is painted as a soulful lullaby that awakens an enchanting dream world just beyond the imagination of the listener. Her personality is illuminated in her music as well as in her choices and she reveals a quality that is quite personal, lovely, and accessible.



Perhaps it is Andrea's persona that we remember as the wide-eyed child singing about "Tomorrow" that makes "I Dreamed A Dream" so bittersweet. Yes it is meant to be bittersweet, but when Andrea sings it, it takes on a cache that is deep, beautiful, brilliant, and at the same time heartbreaking. Even though all is lost for her character Fantine, Andrea weaves a message bearing hope for future generations.



Opening the album with "Neverland" and closing with "Tomorrow" is of course a stroke of genius. Andrea gives her signature song added resonance as an adult, reminding us of new possibilities contained in every fresh moment. She has given us the voice that hearing her sing for the first time as a child promised it would become. Andrea McArdle is not only a force to be reckoned with, but more importantly, a talent to be celebrated. I believe Andrea McArdle and "Tomorrow" is that rare blend of singer and song that happens only once in a very long while. Like Judy Garland and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," and Barbra Streisand and "People," Andrea McArdle and "Tomorrow" will be remembered and treasured for all the tomorrow's to come."