Bye, Bye Birdie
Remastered Soundtrack

For the die-hard movie fan, this CD includes an unreleased and different versions of "One Last Kiss", and the high school girls vs. high school boys version of "We Love You, Conrad". But the real beauty of this is hearing the success of the remastering in the fullness and prominence of the orchestra. These arrangements have never sounded better--lots of brass, solid bass--it even makes up for the occasional bland vocal performance here and there.

-- Stany2401

A Chorus Line
OBC

A Chorus Line tops my list of favorite musicals and the CD, recently remastered, contains expanded versions of several of the tracks.

-- jogle

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas
Karen Mason

Recommended by mlop

A Christmas Survival Guide
Original Cast

This collection of Christmas songs (loosely presented as a musical) manages to be serious without being sappy, but also funny without being (too) cynical. It's a great listen for anyone who feels the stress of Christmas preparations, and the cast of theatrical talent is top notch.

-- MikeR (Mike Rhone)

Christmas Stays the Same
Linda Eder

Recommended by many Eder Fans

Copenhagen
DVD

Recommended by
Teri Harpster

Count Your Blessings
DVD

A warm, embracing collection of standard (and not-so-standard) Christmas music, sung and produced with exquisite taste. Wally Harper has done his usual best with beautiful arrangements and some lovely old-fashioned choral work, but of course the heart and soul is Ms. Cook's warm, inviting voice. This album truly reflects the spirit of "Peace on earth, goodwill towards men".

-- Stany2401

Elaine Stritch: At Liberty
DVD

I saw this show from the front row at the Public and the DVD recreates the entire experience for me. Elaine -- in your face -- tells stories about her life in the theater like no one else could. After listening for the past year to the CD, you forget how visual her presentation was. Her stories are priceless. (Not for my kids, however, I think ELEGIES and GYPSY will send them into enough therapy).

-- fionasdad

Quite simply - amazing.

-- MDCOZ

Elegies: A Song Cycle
By William Finn - Original Cast

Didn't have a chance to see the limited run in NYC, but my family and I enjoy songs like "Mr. Choi and Madame G," "Joe Papp," and "Peggy Hewitt." My six-year old likes "Mark and Monica," but I have to turn down the volume quick in some places to edit inappropriate language. Whereas you celebrate different lives for most of the CD, the final five songs are darker with lots of homage paid to a national tragedy. "Elegies" is some fine Finn!

-- fionasdad

Elegies For Angels, Punks And Raging Queens
New York Concert Cast

My bias toward this show begins with the fact that I live with the playwright/lyricist Bill Russell. That stated, ELEGIES has always been one of my favorite and rarely performed musical theater pieces (although I have been able to see it many, many times). This live recording of the Momentum AIDS Project benefit concert is superb. Rarely have I heard a live recording capture the excitement of an event and also capture how moving, melodic and funny this particular piece is. Emily Skinner, Alice Ripley, Norm Lewis Stephanie Pope and Brian D'Arcy James, to name a few, sing the score brilliantly. Veanne Cox, Mario Cantone and Bryan Batt among others are featured in six poems from the 30 in the piece.

-- bruceb (Bruce Bossard)

Ethel Merman in Vegas

Her hits, her style, her personality, and some specialty material make this a very entertaining CD, recorded live (per the CD) at the fabulous Flamingo Hotel. Gotta love the Merm!

-- Stany2401

Follies in Concert
Documentary DVD

A great documentary about remaking what was to be a complete recording of this classic cult show. Due to Union rules, I believe, the whole concert could not officially be shown. But still, a perfect treat.

-- Bobster

Great Joy - A Gospel Christmas
Broadway Inspirational Voices

Brilliant, wonderful and uplifting.

-- Gracie

Gypsy
Original Broadway Cast

One of the greatest Broadway musicals, sounding crisp and delicious.

-- Buzz Hauser

Gypsy
Broadway Revival Cast

Like her or not (I saw it and thought she was outstanding. Granted it was a Tuesday evening), any musical theater buff worth his or her salt must own all GYPSY recordings. This recording is a favorite among my three children while en route to places in the mini-van. The songs have been re-titled "The Moo Cow Songs" and "Broadway, Broadway." Nothing beats the aural image of hearing my kids sing/scream "For Me" in unison at the end of "Rose's Turn." In fact, they think Bernadette copied Harvey Fierstein in the "Big Doll's House" ending. I think your kids, too, will enjoy GYPSY with Bernadette.

-- fionasdad

Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Original Cast Recording

Not being big on rock musicals, I never bothered to try it out and then I got it for my birthday and fell absolutely in love with it. How much in love? My birthday's in June and it's still in my cd player!

-- theaterwench (Jennifer Hoguet)

Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Soundtrack

Because everybody needs two copies of this show

-- missdona

Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Film DVD

The film based on the cult Off Broadway musical directed by its star. Proof that some shows CAN be made into movies.

-- Bobster

Imagine If We Only Have Love
Marieann Meringolo

Imagine K.D.Lang and Barbra Streisand having a love child... This would be the silver throated Ms Meringolo! She handles pop standards, such as Lennon's "Imagine" and Allen/Callen/Malamet's "Love Don't Need a Reason", with ease and brings wit and intelligence to camp/theme classics, like "Theme From the Valley Of the Dolls" and "Alfie," along with standards that send chills of pleasure in their hearing, seemingly for the first time. And many a tear will be shed while listening to her versions of Friedman's "Trust the Wind" and Shuman's "If We Only Have Love". The high point of this amazing CD, to me at least, is a moving and highly emotional "Unchained Melody". This CD should be on everyone's Holiday list!

-- MN

Home For the Holidays
Studio Recording
Broadway voices sing holiday songs
Benefits Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS

This is a new CD of mostly traditional Christmas carols. The songs are sung by some of the Broadway's best theater performers including Liz Callaway, Victor Garber, Liza Minnelli, Alan Cumming, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Patrick Wilson, Billy Porter, Ann Hampton Callaway, Gary Beach, Roger Bart, Lillias White, Jane Krakowski, Sam Harris, Davis Gaines, and others. Proceeds go to the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS charity.

-- Scott Cain

Infinite Joy: The Songs of William Finn
Live Recording

A delicious sampling of one of the great masters of the perfectly crafted theatre song. Unpretentious, unselfconscious, often hilarious lyrics combined with musical hooks which keep the tunes buzzing in your head long after the CD is over. Plus, his loyal fans include cult favorites Liz Callaway, Carolee Carmello, Stephen DeRosa and Mary Testa, gleefully pressed into service, offering the ultimate interpretations of Bill's gems.

-- GladysBumps

Also recommended by
nycbhh and PJ

The Last 5 Years
Off Broadway Cast Recording

I wanted to be the one to recommend this CD because I want to get all the credit when people buy it and fall in love with this score! Okay, so some of the credit should go to the composer/lyricist Jason Robert Brown and the breathtaking performances of Norbert Leo Butz an Sherie Rene Scott, but feel free to send me a thank you e-mail anyway. Seriously, this is an exhilaratingly cathartic musical, and it is perfectly captured on CD--you get the entire show minus a bit of dialogue (most of which is printed in the liner notes). Plus, the cello alone is worth the price of the CD.

-- sueberoo

Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music
Original Cast

The show totally changed how people thought of her and, recorded live, it belongs in anyone's collection. It's taken twenty years (until Elaine Stritch) for a show to so totally encapsulate a great performer's career.

-- Steve Rosenthal

Listen to My Heart
Original Cast

-- Recommended by ste2000nyc

The Maury Yeston Songbook
Featuring Christine Andreas, Brent Barrett, Laura Benanti, Betty Buckley, Liz Callaway, Philip Chaffin, Robert Cuccioli, Christine Ebersole, Eden Espinosa, Christopher Fitzgerald, Sutton Foster, Michael Holland, Brian d'Arcy James, Howard McGillin, Alice Ripley, Johnny Rogers.

a wonderful collection of the beautiful music of Maury Yeston. I bought it after my second trip to see Nine because I saw that several Nine songs are featured on the disk and was instantly hooked. With each listen you'll discover more and more just how remarkable Yeston's music really is. And what performances! Great listening and perfect for the holidays

-- drew86

Indispensible for musical theatre fans.

-- ste2000nyc

Moanin' Low
Libby Holman

All the songs that made Libby Holman a Broadway star in the 1930s, including -- you guessed it -- "Moanin' Low." (yes, that's the same song that Claire Trevor sings in "Key Largo")

-- ZiegfeldGirl (Christine)

The Movie Album
Barbra Streisand

Okay, she's coasting a little bit and making very few demands of herself on this CD. But in terms of musical choices, it's the best album from her in years. There's a very interesting mind at work, making for strong presentations, and some of the tracks are quite moving.

-- Stany2401

My Favorite Broadway: The Love Songs
Concert DVD

Recommended by Clarion86

Now And Forever Box Set
5-CD Set

It includes not only the main songs from his shows but also cover versions by top pop artists from Elvis to Streisand to Boy George as well as a CD of rarities from shows that were never produced and alternate versions of previously recorded songs. 5 CDs in all and a load of pictures from the various productions. Even if you are not a huge Lloyd-Webber fan, I would imagine that any show CD collector would find this a must.

-- DenDen (Dennis Silkwood)

Once on This Island
Original Broadway Cast

If you haven't already discovered this show, you are in for a treat. It's a seamless and beautiful tale that will carry you away to a mythical Caribbean island. The score is a testament to the power of storytelling and to the resiliency of the human spirit. Also, LaChanze, the female lead in the show, lost her husband this year in the WTC tragedy, so listening it to this ear is just that much more special.

-- Ronnik

Pete 'n' Keely
Original Off Broadway Cast

Wish it had been out while the show was running.

-- Nydiva

Play It Cool
Lea DeLaria

I haven't stopped playing it since I bought it. Her jazzy renditions of "All That Jazz", "I've Got Your Number", and "Straight To The Top" I can listen to over and over again. And she obviously must have liked "The Wild Party" Broadway musical since she sings two songs from it. This is my favorite CD of 2001.

-- Kwamina

Put a Little Love in Your Mouth
Songs of Amanda Green, with Mario Cantone, Jonathan Dokuchitz, Jessica Molaskey, Mary Testa, Brooks Ashmanskas

-- Recommended by Ann Miner

Ruth Draper Monologues
2-CD Set

The must-own item for every theater-lover, and especially every actor or aspiring actor. This is not just entertainment, this is from among the only records of any kind we have of one of the great theater artists of the century. Ms. Draper created and populated entire worlds with her brilliant monodramas. The variety and nuance of these performances are staggering.

-- Kerr Lockhart

-- also recommended by MFeingold

Seussical: The Musical
Original Broadway Cast

Seussical is a perfect gift for the family, particularly for kids who can hear their favourite Seuss characters come to life in song. For adults who consider themselves Broadway fans, Seussical features a charming score, wonderfully preserved.

-- Buddy (Nate Gardner)

Simple Song
Matt Bogart

This CD is enjoyable start to finish featuring his own B'way hit songs plus some new and not-so-known songs. It also features duets with his brother Dan, LaChanze, and Jessica Boevers.

-- Joanna Bell (JoBell)

Slow Down
Gilles Chiasson

I got it over the summer and I still listen to it non-stop. The songs are such a great mix of everything from B'way standard songs to '80s music to his own work. Plus he's got a great voice, which doesn't hurt.

-- JoBell

Sondheim: A Celebration At Carnegie Hall
Concert DVD

A DVD for the Sondheim completist!

-- Lynne Chapman

Star!
Soundtrack

While being a motion picture, it features music from so many stage shows, by some of the greatest composers who ever lived; and performed definitively, by Julie Andrews.

-- JohnM

Sunday in the Park with George
Original Broadway Cast

Recommended by
Corey Leigh

Sunday in the Park with George
DVD

Recommended by
Corey Leigh

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
Original Broadway Cast

The original cast is about as perfect as they come. The perfect representation of how brilliant a writer Sondheim is. No theatre newcomer or veteran should be without it.

-- NSFAN

Tanz Der Vampire
German

Out of all the CDs I've acquired, the free ones in workshops, the out-of-print ones at Footlight, and even the expensive ones at Colony, this is the one CD that's still fresh. I don't understand a lick of German, but it still comes across as funny, tongue-in-cheek, and a joy to hum along.

-- CM from NY

The Fantasticks
Original Cast

If you don't have this one yet, you don't know what you're missing. After almost 42 years and sadly due to close in a couple of months, relive the memory of this nation's longest running show and the world's longest running musical (since 1960 - when there wasn't a kitten in sight!)

-- Frank

The Frogs/Evening Primrose
Studio Cast

Performers include Nathan Lane, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Theresa McCarthy and Neil Patrick Harris.

-- P genre

Also recommended by Pam

A Good Day and Pentimento
Jessica Molaskey

Jessica Molaskey's CDs are both marvelous, and would be appreciated by anyone on your gift list who is fond of vocal standards masterfully interpreted. Ms. Molaskey stands with the best of 'em (Rosemary, Ella, et. al.) in her interpretations, while still making each song her own. Able backup is provided by husband John Pizzarelli on guitar, as well as other friends and family members.

-- Mike Rhone

The Grass Harp
Original Cast

Perhaps the best flop scores of the Seventies, with wonderful vocals from Barbara Cook, Karen Morrow, and Carol Brice. Varese Sarabande's re-release features additional tracks by Elaine Stritch and George Rose.

-- Adam Feldman

Live at Birdland
Pizzarelli Trio

Jazz afficionados ought to love the John Pizzarelli Trio's live CD, a two disc set recorded at Birdland in New York City. The jazz virtuosity combined with John's easy vocals and winning sense of humor make each track a delight. I challenge anyone to listen to "I Like Jersey Best" without laughing out loud.

-- Mike Rhone

The Magic Show
DVD

Know someone who loves magic but missed The Magic Show on Broadway? In July 2001, Image-Entertainment released a DVD made from the film of a Toronto show, staged at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre before a live audience. Now, "right before your very eyes," as one of the songs suggests, Doug Henning makes a 7000-pound elephant vanish in seconds and conjures up a glamorous assistant on the count of three. All integrated with the rock musical songs of Stephen Schwartz.

-- Carol de Giere

Oklahoma!
DVD of RNT production with Hugh Jackman

Recommended by Teri Harpster

The Secret Garden
2001 London Cast

A strong recording of a sometimes underrated score with a message of healing and renewal.

-- Steve Parsons

Thoroughly Modern Millie
Original Broadway Cast

Sutton and the cast sing their hearts out and music is joyous and fun. Also, I don't know how anyone can listen to "Forget About the Boy" without chiming in to sing along. This, by far, was my favorite new musical last season.

-- trishanyc

tick tick....BOOM!
Original Off Broadway Cast

Because Jonathan Larson's search for meaning and fulfillment touched me and his very timely lyrics remind me every day that "actions speak louder than words."

-- trishanyc

Its a fabulous collection of songs by the late author of Rent, and it sounds great even if (like me) you haven't seen the show.

-- Jonah Orlofsky

Jonathan Larson's music is so incredible. This surpasses Rent in more ways then one. "Louder Than Words" is one of the most moving songs I've ever heard. It especially relates to the time we are in right now.

-- HelloKitty

Two on the Aisle
Original Broadway Cast

It's a long out of print item and a must for serious collectors.

-- Erato

Under the Influence
Tuey Connell

This New York based Jazz singer and composer has recently crossed over into New York's Cabaret scene. This CD proves why this have been a natural move. From classical standards, such as "Love Me Or Leave Me' and "No Moon At All" to his self-penned songs, he possesses a naturalness and an intimacy which serves him well on a Cabaret stage.

-- MN

Unsuspecting Hearts
Emily Skinner and Alice Ripley

I think this CD displays their talents very nicely. Their voices complement each other and intertwine smoothly. Excellent CD.

-- ExGirlND

Urinetown
Original Cast

Hype and parodies aside, it's got some lovely melodies and performances by one of the strongest ensemble cast in recent theatre history (in my not so humble opinion!)

-- CKDexter

Via Dolorosa
David Hare Solo Performance

Captures the entire gist of the show, especially poignant nowadays.

-- DKNJ

Waiting for Guffman
DVD Film

It has terrific extras and deleted scenes; and really, any fan of theatre needs to see this film.

-- CKDexter

Whisper Sweet
Carol Sloane

This Boston based Jazz singer brings a sense of style and honesty to eleven standards from the Great American Songbook, each on a quite gem. Ms Sloane has a grace and poise not seen enough. And this collection should go a long way to prove there are not many better than this fine singer.

-- MN

The Witches of Eastwick
Original London Cast

Attractive melodies include "Make Him Mine" and "I Wish I May", and great performances by Maria Friedman, Joanna Riding and Lucie Arnaz. Many of the melodies will stay with you long after the CD finishes.

-- Andy

Who Knows?
Tom Andersen

Tom has sweet, soaring voice that's as golden as Fort Knox, and this exciting new CD combines pop, country and swing. It features "Ghost in This House," a hauntingly beautiful song by Hugh Prestwood; a toe-tapping swing treatment of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "A Lovely Night," and a shattering rendition of the Patsy Cline classic "I Fall to Pieces," plus four of Tom's finest original tunes.'

-- Interview by Wayman Wong

Zanna, Don't!
Original Off Broadway Cast

It's almost as good as being at the show!

-- Sheryl

Ziegfeld Follies of 1936
Encores! Cast

Recommended by Pam