Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart - Pal Joey: 1995 Original New York Cast Recording

The cynical, frank tale of a second-rate Chicago singer and the women who lust after him, Rodgers and Hart's Pal Joey stood in stark contrast to most other Broadway shows of 1940. Watered down by Hollywood in 1957, the show was restored to its original frank, raunchy splendor by the team of New York's Encores! series. The stellar cast performing that concert version (Patti LuPone, Peter Gallagher, Bebe Neuwirth,and Vicki Lewis) rises up to the challenge and takes obvious delight in the witty, brassy songs. LuPone is especially magnificent: in full control of her material ("Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "What Is a Man?"), her Vera Simpson is playful and sensual--a sly, sexy dame, as Joey would say. This is classic American musical theater at its best. --Elisabeth Vincentelli Amazon.com

Never seen the show, but catchy songs

This is one of a couple broadway productions where i've never seen it, but still like it. I remember(Aaron says) when "Plant You Now, Dig You Later" got me confused because of the odd choice of song names(where do they pick song names, anyways). January 6, 2008

Great Update

Having already purchased the original cast and film score its interesting to compare the different songs that make up each and the different styles of vocal production. But if you are only going to have one recording this is probably the best as its combines songs & versions from all of the show's performance history. The singing style is much more what an audience in 2006 would expect as well. Traditionalists and purists might not be happy though.
March 6, 2006

Great "Pal Joey"

"Pal Joey" is my favorite Rodgers and Hart musical. This Encores! recording is excellent. Peter Gallagher is a wonderful Joey Evens and the supporting cast, including Bebe Newirth is great.
I have not mentioned Patti Lupone yet, however I will now. We all know that you either love or hate Ms. Lupone rarely do people "like" her. I think she has incredible range in her voice, comic timing and acting ability. Then there is her diction. "Evita" was fine, although there were several moments where you couldn't understand her. Tim Rice's simple lyrics were perfect for her. Once she starts singing Cole Porter and Lorenz Hart lyrics, she's gone too far. "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" literally sounds like "Bewitched, baba-ba-ba-wildered am I." Although her voice is wonderful, she must work on her diction.
Otherwise, this recording is wonderful. There are several moments on the 1950 recording I like better ("Take Him") but this is more complete and wonderfully sung. August 16, 2005

Joyful Joey

I hadn't heard the other recordings of Joey, or even the complete score, but this is great stuff. I wish someone would revive this on Broadway again. Such a great score. A top notch cast of singers, headed by the wonderful Patti Lupone as Vera and Bebe Neuwirth doing Zip! How can you lose? Essential for any Broadway musical lover. I just wish they'd record all the other Rodgers and Hart shows. Many are still waiting to be recorded. March 18, 2004

great new recording

This recording of PAL JOEY features the amazing cast assembled for the 1995 Encores! concert production. Heading this recording are Patti LuPone as Vera and Peter Gallagher as Joey.

The immortal score by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart includes "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered", "You Mustn't Kick it Around", "That Terrific Rainbow", "Happy Hunting Horn" and "Take Him".

This recording features Vicki Lewis (most recently seen on Broadway in CHICAGO) as nightclub singer Gladys; and Bebe Neuwirth (CHICAGO) as scene-stealing reporter Melba Snyder who sings the cult-fave song "Zip".

Patti LuPone (LES MISERABLES, SUNSET BOULEVARD) is in fine voice as Vera (the role originally played and monopolized by Vivienne Segal), while Peter Gallagher (GUYS AND DOLLS) gives the right amount of caddish charm to Joey.

The cast also includes Daisy Prince, Lori Werner, Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, Nora Brennan, Lynn Sterling, Georgina Spelvin, Georgette Spelvin, Arthur Rubin and Ned Eisenberg. The Coffee-Club Orchestra is conducted by Rob Fisher. January 4, 2003

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