The Trained Actor's CD Collection

Musical theatre in America is hopefully making a comeback. I love musical theatre and hope someday to find myself on the stages of Broadway... hey, a man can dream, can't he?! Anyway, these are some of my favorites and more are coming. And yes, I am a Sondheim fanatic... so what of it?

Sweeney Todd: Original Cast Album
by Stephen Sondheim

This was the first musical I have ever worked on and today the music of Sweeney Todd still sends shivers up my spine! Angela Lansbury puts me through the roof and Mr. Cariou with his chopper makes me run for cover, but with my ears WIDE open. Great musical by Stephen Sondheim.

Into The Woods: Original Cast
by Stephen Sondheim

Mr. Sondheim tops himself with this classic retelling of the Grimm's Fairytales. A few new faces, but a lot of old friends stretch their vocal chords in Into The Woods. If you ever get the chance to see a revival of this musical, or even catch the replay of the original cast (starring Bernadette Peters) on PBS, DO IT!!!! You will not regret going Into The Woods again and again.

Assassins: Original Cast
by Stephen Sondheim

Another dark musical by renowned American Musical Magician, Stephen Sondheim. This one deals with the hellish history of past American Presidents and their Assassins. Some may not care for this sick humor, but Assassins is an "in your face" telling of America's sordid and sad history. Actress Jodi Foster may not appreciate her reference in this show, but musical and history lovers around the world sure do!

RENT: Original Broadway Cast

It's peppy, uptempo, hip and hoppin'... it's starving New Yorkers who sing! Did this musical come out of nowhere and smack us in the face, or what??? I haven't seen it, but I did get a chance to audition for the West Coast Premiere... oi vey! Fantastic music and such energy that makes you want to starve in New York! A good buy.

City Of Angels: Original Broadway Cast
by Cy Coleman and David Zippel

This time it's all the west coast, baby. Stein, a hack writer of Detective Novels is about to get his chance at the big time! A screenplay based on his detective, Stone. Of course, the ego's of both Stein and Stone ignite the screen... er, stage. Great fun. If you saw the Tony Awards you were as amazed as I was with the costumes and the music. I was able to see City Of Angels in London's West End and I was blown away! Great music and story from Coleman and Zippel. Let's hope they get together some time soon for another great musical feast.