kiss of the spider woman

[alxscrz2]

Posted: 6/27/08 at 12:34pm

Which cast recording is better to get, Chita Rivera's or Vanessa Williams ??
-thanks
Updated On: 6/27/08 at 12:34 PM

[Smaxie]

Posted: 6/27/08 at 12:37pm

I'd say Chita, all the way. Vanessa sings it prettily, but there's none of the spooky, menacing quality that Chita brought to it.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 6/27/08 at 12:46pm

Definitely both.

The Original Broadway Cast Recording is longer, actually. The Vanessa Williams replacement cast is good just for that, though it does feel more like a 'highlights' recording since several songs don't include the longer dance music heard on the Original Broadway Cast Recording.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 6/27/08 at 1:03pm

Smaxie, I think there is a menacing quality to Vanessa William's voice in "Kiss..." But, I think Chita is more larger-than-life/theatrical, which works really well for songs like "Where You Are" and "Gimme Love." However, Ms. Williams has a more seductive and youthful voice that works extremely well for "I Do Miracles" and the aforementioned title song. If you had to choose one (I do suggest getting both though), I would go for the Original with Chita. Ultimately, the cast is better on the OBC, with Brent Carver and Anthony Crivello giving pretty definitive performances as Molina and Valentin respectively.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 6/27/08 at 1:10pm

I just found Vanessa Williams to be a blank in that role. One thing not mentioned in my earlier post... I also think the Vanessa Williams recording sounds terrible. I hate the mix and think the balance between the voices and the orchestra is out of whack.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 6/27/08 at 1:24pm

I think the Williams cast recording is enjoyable, but I have to side with Smaxie in terms of Chita's performance. I just think Chita brings a darkness to the role that Williams can't really match.
Also, as much as I enjoy McGillin and Mitchell in other recordings, I find them to be quite uninteresting in this one recording, especially as compared to the great Brent Carver and Anthony Crivello.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 6/27/08 at 1:57pm

See, I get the darkness... everybody has their own opinions.

[MisterRussell]

Posted: 6/27/08 at 2:03pm

Me, i had to own both recordings: the OBC for the performances, the Revival because I'm a completist. I saw the show on tour with Chita and Dorian Harewood as Valentin, and he was the best of the three. No recording, though.

[EugLoven]

Posted: 6/27/08 at 2:08pm

This is a tough one... like if someone likes fountain pens versus ball-point.

In one vein, I'm a traditionalist and adore my Original London Cast album (with Carver, Crivello and Chita). Nothing beats the orchestrations during the Prologue. And Chita's stinging voice in the title song. Plus, the Morphie Tango seems more fluidic. And the prisoners more robust in Over The Wall. Brent Carver is the epitomizing Molina. Anthony Crivello's Day After That is superb. Okay, so I'm a little more partial to this album...

In the other vein, we've got a stellar cast in the New Broadway recording. Vanessa is a little more alluring (more of a vixen than a vamptress). We also get a lot more songs, more of the dialogue interspaced with larger chunks of the score. Brian Stokes and McGillin are a fine pairing also.

I say buy both. Or at least get your hands on both somehow *cough*pirate*cough*
Updated On: 6/27/08 at 02:08 PM

[Brave Sir Robin2]

Posted: 6/27/08 at 2:11pm

I own the OLCR and I like it alot. Try YouTube to preview the differences.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/27/08 at 2:15pm

I agree with Smaxie. Chita's voice is better suited for the role. It lends more mystery to the character.