Jerome Kern's ROBERTA Full Studio Cast Recording

[Mr. Nowack]

I just stumbled across the listing for this on CastAlbums.org and thought I would spread the word here. It's being done by New World Records, who did a number of restoration recordings back in the '90s, more recently the Rodgers & Hart show DEAREST ENEMY.

Apparently they're using the original full orchestrations, which are always nice to hear for an old show like this. The only other readily available full-length recording is the Goddard Leiberson one from the '50s (and the significantly modified soundtracks), but I don't know if the orchestrations on that are close to the originals or not (the soundtracks certainly aren't).

It's nice to see that these types of recording are still being made by someone somewhere (although DEAREST ENEMY was a poor choice in my opinion). There are so many old scores that are intact somewhere but are never heard, at least in their original forms.
Amazon Listing

[mjohnson2]

Already preordered it. Very very excited to listen to it.

[CATSNYrevival]

I've never even heard of this show! I'm curious though just from the composer and names involved. Although that album cover doesn't really scream musical comedy.

[Bdwyblues]

I worked on a production of ROBERTA in the early 1980's at what is now Maine State Music Theatre. Back then it was Brunswick Music Theater run by Victoria Crandall. The show starred Dorothy Stinnett as Madame Roberta along with Betsy Kiser, Ken Prescott and Ginger Prince. The exquisite fashion show (Gowns by Roberta) was designed by David Robinson. The score is beautiful and features the hit "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." Vicki Crandall often did operettas. I got to see and hear such shows as Blossom Time, The Student Prince, Song of Norway, and Bitter Sweet. Those scores are so beautiful. I eagerly look forward to the release of this CD.

[Demitri2]

One of my earliest summer stock experiences. The show actually played in a barn called the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, Long Island. It starred an ancient Edward Everett Horton and SOUND OF MUSIC's Patricia Neway (who sang a lovely "Yesterdays"). I was impressed because at one point the younger female performer singing "I Won't Dance" sat in my lap and sang "Oooooh he's handsome!". For a twelve year old it made my summer (plus I was probably the only male sitting in the first row under sixty).

There are two film versions of the show. The more faithful 1935 version ROBERTA with Astaire and Rogers. And the retitled LOVELY TO LOOK AT from 1952.

[GavestonPS]

There was also a TV production in 1969, starring Bob Hope, John Davidson, Michelle Lee and Janis Paige.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371917/

[allofmylife]

The original show in 1933 starred Bob Hope and a woman named Tamara who accompanied herself on the guitar as she sang "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." The chorus was packed with people who went on to long careers, including, I believe, Fred MacMurray, Alan Jones, Ray Middleton and George Murphy. Roberta was played by Fay Templeton, who starred in shows with George M. Cohan, thirty years earlier. Sidney Greenstreet was also in the show.

RKO bought the movie rights and put Astaire and Rodgers into second leads, after "Gay Divorce" it was a backward step for them but the quickly regained their star footings.

[allofmylife]