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 | Title : Thou Shalt Not: Original Broadway Cast Recording (Words and Music by Harry Connick, Jr.)
Author : Connick Jr., Harry
Release Date : 20020618
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $19.98
Amazon.com Price : $18.98
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Editorial Reviews :
Harry Connick Jr.'s Tony-nominated score for his 2001 Broadway debut, Thou Shalt Not, sounds a lot like, well, Harry Connick Jr. Transplanting Émile Zola's dark novel of passion, adultery, and murder, Thérèse Raquin, to 1940s New Orleans allows Connick to operate in his element, with songs that don't need to move the plot along among the most interesting: Debra Monk's saloon song 'My Little World,' a traditional funeral march ('Won't You Sanctify'), the lively ensemble numbers 'Light the Way' and 'Take Me to the Mardi Gras,' the numerous jazzy instrumentals, and Tony nominee Norbert Leo Butz (The Last 5 Years) sounding like the crooning composer-lyricist himself on 'Oh, Ain't It a Shame' and 'It's Good to Be Home.'
Connick plays piano but doesn't sing on this 77-minute original cast recording, but other cast members include Kate Levering (Peggy Sawyer in the 2001 revival of 42nd Street), Craig Bierko (Harold Hill in the 2000 revival of The Music Man), and Leo Burmester. Director-choreographer Susan Stroman couldn't duplicate her phenomenally successful run of Contact, The Music Man, and The Producers--Thou Shalt Not was generally panned, and the show closed after a three-month run. That makes this CD a historical document, and thus it's great to have the full lyrics, but for those not up on their Zola, a plot synopsis would have been nice.
Buyer Reviews :
This is an excellent CD PERIOD. Despite what critics said of the poorly received Susan Storman/ Harry Connick Jr. Musical, THOU SHALT NOT was an excellent show, with Connick's brilliant score accented by Stroman's always fascinating and phenomenal choreography and direction. The story is one of adult themes and makes a more anti-musical song and dance show. The songs are New Orleans jazz (where the story is set) featuring Blues, Swing, Dixie Land, and Baptist funeral hymns. Connick both wrote and orchestrated the music and if you are a fan of his, you will love this CD. The songs start out with the syncopated rhythm Connick uses as a conscience and a reminder of sins broken in the show. He then goes in to a nice jazzy blues song, and the show begins. Song after song you are amazed.
Now any one who saw the musical would remember the three ballet scenes. They are also included on the CD, which makes it even better. The first ballet sequence is with the lead female Theresa dancing; this is followed by the excellent love-making scene on the rotating bed, brilliantly stages by Stroman; and the final is the Thou Shalt Not Ballet, in which Theresa is tormented by her conscience, again brilliantly stage by Stroman.
The show features my second favorite Broadway Actor (sorry, first is Nathan Lane- Love him since Guys and Dolls) Norbert Leo Butz. This up and coming performer will be the next big thing to hit Broadway. Sounding much like Connick Jr. himself, Butz brings excellent quality to his performance as the Husband of Theresa, murdered by her lover Laurent. For those of you who saw the show, Butz was ANNOYING in the first act, creating an excellent character, but when he comes back in act II to comically haunt Theresa and Laurent, he is a loveable character. His hit song in Act II 'Oh, Ain't It Sweet' allows him the freedom to show of his skills (singing on the CD and dancing acting and singing in the show). His other songs also standout on the album, including his finale song 'It's Good to be Home' and the eerie song before her dies entitled 'Tug Boat.' Except to see Norbert Leo Butz on many more soundtracks of hit Broadway shows. (also by the Last Five Years, featuring Butz.)
Now, I also do not want to give you the impression the Butz (like the reviewers say) is the only thing good in Thou Shalt Not. The other actors did a very fine job. They sing their songs very strongly including Debra Monk's (and Butz's song) I got my Eyes on you and Ted L. Levy (a solo ensemble member) in 'It's Good to be Home' and 'Sanctify' (the funeral procession).
If you saw the show, this is an excellent soundtrack. You like Broadway musicals, this is a great soundtrack. You like Harry Connick Jr, this is a great CD. Buy this CD!
(by Brian J Kuchcicki)
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