Man of La Mancha (Original Cast 2000 Covent Garden Music Festival)

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Music reviews of Man of La Mancha (Original Cast 2000 Covent Garden Music Festival)

Music Review: New Recording Is a Mixed Affair
Rating: 4 Stars

I felt that Criswell under played her role of Aldonza. Although her performance was technically very good, I felt that her characterization of Aldonza was lacking in other performances of the the role that I had heard or seen. I was wondering if she was directed this way. I have her two solo albums and in my opinion she is much better on those two recordings.

Ron Raines is at the top of his game and it is a shame that there is no place for a performer of his stature on Broadway these days. He gives a stunning version of The Impossible Dream.

The other quibble I have is the spoken dialogue. I found the readings to be flat, dull and uninspired. I wonder if the cast was in the studio at one time. The spoken dialogue lacked spark and characterization. I had no idea at times who was speaking as there was no real distinction in the speaking voices.

Thankfully one can program out the dialogue and just lisen to the music. Always critized as a one song show (The Impossible Dream) the score has a lot to recommend. It's a shame the composer and lyricist were never able to follow up with a successful show.

I recommend this recording with 4 stars for its technical excellence, the complete score and for most of the performances. I normally find Jay's complete recordings to be at the top of their game and an important part of any collection. I have nothing but high praises for 110 in the Shade, Cabaret, Nine and Lady in the Dark which are part of my collection. This recording of Man of La Mancha just misses the mark of being perfection.

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