Review: TWO CITIES Original London Cast Recording

From Charles Dickens' classic novel A Tale of Two Cities stems the musical Two Cities. The show opened in London's West End in February 1969 where it received a mixed reception from the critics. However, many who watched the production fed back positive comments which increased the interest and continued to get people through the door. Sadly, though, Two Cities had already been given its closing notice. There is not a great deal of information left about the show except a recording of the Original London Cast which is being released today by Stage Door Records. The CD also features a number of bonus tracks which were cut from the production prior to opening, dating back to 1966.

Developed by Jerry Wayne in the mid-1960s, he asked his son Jeff (of War of the Worlds fame) to compose the score whilst Jerry himself wrote the lyrics. Irrespective of its 'marmite' critique, the production was still nominated for 'Best Musical' by The Variety Club & Evening Standard that year and leading man Edward Woodward won the award for 'Best Male Performance in a Musical'. Having now listened to the recording, the quality is superb for something that is bordering on fifty years old.

There is a full, rich sound to the first number 'The Best of Times' which begins with the widely known opening lines of the novel: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." The score, although samey in part, is occasionally reminiscent of Wayne's other work. The instrumental in 'Independent Man/What Would You Do' is particularly good and along with the lyrics are perfectly layered in this number as well as in the Quartet later on. There are some striking melodies throughout along with subtle changes in pace, especially during 'And Lucie Is Her Name'.

The storytelling is not particularly clear without a synopsis, purely based on listening. Individually the songs are enjoyable vocally, except for the slight shrillness in 'The Knitting Song' when being sung by the female chorus. There is a wonderfully rich tone to Woodward and Kevin Colson's vocals in the aforementioned 'Independent Man/What Would You Do' - a definite highlight on the album.

Overall, Two Cities is consistent in its delivery and has been produced brilliantly. The added bonus tracks are a nice addition as well. It just lacks a strong thread tying it all together.

Two Cities is being released by Stage Door Records on 24 June 2016 and can be purchased from Amazon.

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