Which Parade CD?

[minicko88]

Posted: 9/9/10 at 8:07pm

I have the Original Broadway Cast Recording, but I recently heard that the Donman production made a cd as well. I was curious as to which one you guys liked better? I happen to love Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello, so is this other album better? I am trying to figure out if I should buy this copy too. Let me know your thoughts!

[sit&dither]

Posted: 9/9/10 at 9:18pm

While I believe one can never have too many Parade CDs, the original recording is the must have if one is choosing only one. I think the Donmar production's edits for a cleaner book (and smaller cast) benefit most from a live performance. However, I don't feel that the changes improve upon the CD experience as a whole.

[tazber]

Posted: 9/9/10 at 9:26pm

I agree 100% with sit&dither. The OBC is essential and incredibly moving.

I can not recommend it highly enough.

[Broadway Bob*]

Posted: 9/9/10 at 9:40pm

I just found out from an MTI rep that the changes made to PARADE for the London (and subsequent LA) production(s) are being interpolated into the MTI licensed version of the show, so the London recording will now more closely reflect the show that will now be done by theaters.

[minicko88]

Posted: 9/10/10 at 5:43pm

So, I bought the donmar production, because I agree with what sit&dither said... One cannot have enough Parade CDs... And I love it... Especially the finale... They sing that one part a Capella, and the music comes back it... BEAUTIFUL! It also provides alot of dialogue that gives a better understanding of what is going on to those who haven't seen the show. However, the factory girls song was a disappointment, because the OBC was beyond brilliant! Is it better than the OBCR... Ehhh... I am still debating... what do you guys think?

[mormonophobic]

Posted: 9/10/10 at 6:07pm

This is one of those shows where I would definitely suggest getting both. While the Original Broadway Cast Recording has people who I feel are the best fit for the roles (and Carolee Carmello's voice alone is worth the price of purchase), the London Recording is much more complete. You can listen to the latter recording from the first track to the last and actually feel like you've watched the show all over again, as it includes dialogue and different intros for some of the songs. The London Recording also has Lara Pulver as Lucille Frank. Although she's not quite in the same league as Carolee, she is still superb and her "Do It Alone" is magnificent.

All in all, you can't go wrong with whatever you do here. Parade is a wonderful show and each album definitely has something to offer. If you are only going to get one, let it be the OBCR, as it has the best performances and by far the best rendition of (my personal favorite song here) "The Factory Girls/Come Up To Me Office".

[Daniel2]

Posted: 9/10/10 at 7:44pm

I'll have to get the Donmar because I love the score--but honestly, in my opinion, the less dialogue on an OCR the better. I get tired of hearing the dialogue over and over and just want to get to the song.

[binau]

Posted: 9/10/10 at 7:46pm

How is the dialogue tracked?

I mean, I enjoy small lead-in dialogue that really sets the tone of the performance (e.g. the lead-in to Everything's Coming up Roses and Rose's Turn on the 03 Gypsy revival).

But for extended dialogue, I like it on a separate track so (because I rip all CDs on iTunes) I can choose to check/uncheck it if I feel like listening to it.

Is the dialogue on separate tracks?