Search - Cy Coleman, Ira Gasman :: The Life (1997 Original Broadway Cast)

This is the finest of all Broadway Musicals

James R. Messenger | Atlanta, Georgia | 08/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many years ago, as a freshman in college in New York I had the privilege of seeing Cy Coleman's great musical "Sweet Charity" about 20 times. I couldn't stay away. And what a show with such a score!It seemed strange to me that Coleman would return to the same theme many years later -- what could be done that he hadn't already done? But as "The Life" unfolded and one magnificent song after another -- with melodies the likes of which Broadway hadn't seen since the great era of the '60s -- each song topping the next, I was simply blown away. At the end of this amazing show -- and the book is as powerful as the music -- I felt as if I'd been run down by a freight train. Indeed, I went back the very next night to make sure that what I thought I saw was real. It was. Over time, I suspect this show, which Newsweek called a masterpiece, will become a legend as great as that of "Porgy and Bess" (and one heck of a lot more fun to watch). If you missed "The Life," pray for a revival soon. The assembly of extraordinary singers in this show is truly something. But what's even more extraordinary is that the show became even better than this album over time as the singers came to fully understand their songs. Whew! A masterpiece. A true masterpiece. (And I've seen every important musical there is. I've never seen its equal.)"

How Did "Titanic" Beat This?

AJK | Chicago, IL | 08/14/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"1997's Tony Award for Best Musical goes to ... "Titanic"?



Cy Coleman & Ira Gasman's terrific score for "The Life" is much stronger than that season's other productions: "Steel Pier" and the aforementioned "Titanic". Maybe the Book needed work. Fortunately, the show will be remembered for its outstanding performances by Tony-Winners Lillias White & Chuck Cooper along with Tony-Nominees Pamela Isaacs & Sam Harris.



Best tracks include:



The Oldest Profession

My Body

He's No Good

I'm Leaving You

"Someday" Is For Suckers

My Friend



Though not as strong as some of Mr. Coleman's other scores ("Sweet Charity", "City Of Angels", & "The Will Rogers Follies" come to mind), you'll be hooked after a couple of listens! Let's hope this show gets revived ... and soon!"

Interesting, Moving, Powerful, Awesome

AJK | 11/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is terrific. Not only is Cy Coleman's music, of course, fantastic, but the storyline and characters actually serve to make this CD more listenable. The story is so interesting and the music helps it along really well. The cast is unbelievable, especially Lilias White (Tony Winner), Pamela Isaacs (Tony Nominee), Sam Harris (Tony Nominee), and Chuck Cooper (Tony Winner). Check out "My Body," "I'm Leaving You," "The Oldest Profession", "Someday is for Suckers", and "My Friend". Good good good score. Buy it!"