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Delightful studio "Oliver!"

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 04/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the 1962 London studio cast recording of Lionel Bart's OLIVER! The recording--featuring several famous British celebs--is a fantastic rendition of the score.



Alma Cogan, a famed British songstress, plays the role of Nancy; and the part fits her voice like a glove. Dynamic with "It's a Fine Life" and "I'd Do Anything", she also tugs at the heartstrings with a chill-inducing "As Long As He Needs Me". Ms Cogan could--and should--have been one of the leading singers on the world stage, had she not died of ovarian cancer at the age of 36.



Stanley Holloway, star of the Broadway, London and film incarnations of "My Fair Lady", plays the villainous rogue Fagin. He delivers a comic and sly performance with such numbers as "Be Back Soon", and "Reviewing the Situation".



Playing the title role, Denis Waterman sings a tender "Where is Love?". Tony Tanner ably-delivers as The Artful Dodger with a lusty "Consider Yourself". This recording also features the fondly-remembered character actress Violet Carson (who played Ena Sharples on long-running British soap "Coronation Street"), in the role of vile Widow Corney.



On the whole, this rendition of OLIVER! features enough top-drawer talents to help ensure it becomes an often-played title in your collection. Snap it up today!



[Broadway Angel/EMI ZDM 0777 7 64890 2 5]"