Search - Charles Strouse, Lee Adams, Marc Kudisch :: Bye Bye Birdie: The New Soundtrack Recording (1995 Television Cast)

A fun new look at a Broadway Classic

11/12/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having seen Bye, Bye Birdie on stage several times before ever seeing the original movie, I was already smitten with the story. I finally gave in and bought the Dick Van Dyke version and, as much as I love Dick Van Dyke, that movie is nowhere near as great as the Broadway show. When the remake came out, I was a little skeptical, but let me tell you, I LOVE IT! Sure, Chynna Phillips hasn't got a lot of experience making movies, but she portrays Kim as a believably naive teenager, which is exactly what she should be, not "sexy" as Ann-Margaret played her. The soundtrack is fabulous and it is great to have audible proof that Jason Alexander is more than just "George" from Seinfeld. Vanessa Williams also does an excellent job as Rosie. George Wendt, as Kim's long suffering father, added just the right amount of comic relief and cynicism to "Kids", and Tyne Daly played the smothering "Mama" to a T. I would recommend this disc to anyone looking for a little bit of fun, toe tapping music, and if you're looking for a little "pick-me-up", this is the album for you. Just try listening to "A Lot of Living To Do" without humming along!"

Great Cast! Great CD!

Robert Lopez | California | 06/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since there are only three versions of this show on CD this is definately the best one! Not only does it have a fresh new look and sound, but it's got a fabulous cast! Jason Alexander (SEINFELD, LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!) and Vanessa Williams (DANCE WITH ME, & BROADWAY'S: KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN) star as Albert and Rosie. Jason does extremely well with the material "Put On A Happy Face", "American Boy", Talk To Me" & "Rosie" and has a great time, in fact they added two new songs for him. The hilarious "What Did I Ever See In Her! (in the film but not on the CD) and the triumphant "A Giant Step". Vanessa does well with "English Teacher", "American Boy", "What Did I Ever See in Him" a newly revised "Spanish Rose" and "Rosie". She even has a song written for her "Let's Settle Down" in place of the reprise of "One Boy." The song's okay, but out of all the new songs written for the TV special this is the worst one. Besides Vanessa lacks the energenic spark that original DIVA Rose, Chita Rivera had. (If anything Chita Rivera is THE BEST part of the 1960 Original Cast CD. Her rendition of "Spanish Rose" is the definitive one.) Conrad Birdie, played to perfection by Broadway Star Marc Kusdish of (JOSEPH...), SCARLETT PIMPERNEL ). Definately the most handsome and best sounding Conrad I've seen! He takes the HIGH note at the end of "One Last Kiss", his "Honestly Sincere" is fierce!Other Cast members include Chyna Philips (of WILSON PHILIPS fame) playing Kim MacAfee. They changed Kim's age from 15 to 17 because Chyna looks a little old to be playing that young. I think they should have chosen Debbie Gibson! But her voice is very strong in "How Lovely.." "One Boy" (At a lower and easier key to sing!), and letting loose in "What Did I Ever See in Him" and "A Lot Of Livin'." Tyne Daily plays Albert's Mom, Mae Peterson to Diva Perfection. She's so wonderful that they added a song for her. "A Mother Doesn't Matter Anymore", it's a great song by a great performer. Kim's parents are played by CHEER'S George Wendt and Broadway star Sally Mayes (CLOSER THAN EVER , and DAS BARBECUE ). Although "Kids" reprise was taken out they still get a chance to shine in "Kids" and "Ed Sullivan". Vicki Lewis (NEWS RADIO & LAS VEGAS CAST OF CHICAGO THE MUSICAL) has a cameo appearence as the bubble gum chewing scretary Gloria Rasputin. Although she is not on the CD, her part is hilarious in the film. Newcomer Brigitta Dau (I've seen her on a NOXIMA commercial a few times, Not Rebecca Gayheart) tackles the role of the annoying best friend Ursula. In the film Ursula, Helen, Penelope Ann, Alice and Nancy sing "Bye Bye Birdie" in a Soda Shop. That was one of my favorite songs. But it's NOT on the CD, only a Overture rendition with hundreds of screaming girls.All in all you can't loose by buying this CD. It's got 4 new songs for the CD along with 16 orginal show songs plus lively orchestrations.... Anyhow, you won't be disappointed...."

A Fresh Look At Bye Bye Birdie

Robert Lopez | 08/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best version of Bye Bye Birdie I have heard. Jason Alexander and Vannesa Williams are wonderful. Though Kim Macafee lacks the certain charm of Ann Maragaret, she still holds together. When I saw this version, I was amazed. They had given one of America's favorite musicals a fresh look. The added two songs fit perfectly into the score, and there couldn't have been a better cast!"