About the Album: Richard Llewellyn’s 1939 novel, How Green Was My Valley, was a popular success, so much so that Twentieth Century-Fox purchased the screen rights immediately and released their Academy Award-winning film version just two years later. The film itself is very musical, with its beautiful score by Alfred Newman, and a lot of townspeople singing a lot of tunes. So, it must have seemed a natural for such a musical property to be turned into an actual musical, and in 1966 that’s exactly what happened with the aptly retitled A Time for Singing. The team responsible for musicalizing How Green Was My Valley was first-time Broadway composer John Morris, and first-time book and lyric writers Gerald Freedman and Morris.
An impressive cast was assembled, including Shani Wallis, Laurence Naismith, Tessie O’Shea, and Ivor Emmanuel. The choreographer was Donald McKayle, and the sets were by the great Ming Cho Lee, lighting by Jean Rosenthal, and costumes by Theoni V. Aldredge. Orchestrations were by Don Walker and the musical direction by Jay Blackton – in other words, a Class A cast and creative team straight down the line. A Time for Singing opened on Broadway on May 21, 1966 after ten previews. The show received humdrum reviews and closed after only forty-one performances. Over the years, a cult has grown for A Time for Singing, thanks to its excellent cast recording that was issued by Warner Bros. Records. The score is beloved by hordes of theater music fans and the album was always a sought-after collector’s item. It has taken a long time to bring it to CD, and we’re thrilled to be the ones to do it. Perhaps the show will be rediscovered – certainly the score is worthy of rediscovery, with John Morris’s lush and beautiful music, and excellent lyrics by Morris and Freedman.
For this first-ever CD release, the original album masters were used – they were in pristine condition and the sound is absolutely stunning. So, here, finally, is A Time for Singing and it is indeed truly a time for singing.
Label: Kritzerland Records
Alberta Bair Theater Reveals 2024-2025 Season
by Stephi Wild
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The stage is alive in 24-25! Alberta Bair Theater has announced its 2024-2025 season packed with top-notch entertainment. Learn more about the full lineup here!
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by Chloe Rabinowitz
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by Stephi Wild
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Review: Musical Theatre West Brings MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Back to Life in Long Beach
by Michael Quintos
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by Stephi Wild
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Review: BROADWAY SESSIONS - a Great Showcase of NYC Talent at Green Room 42
by Analisa Bell
- April 03, 2024
If you’re looking for something to do at 9:30pm every other Thursday, head no further than Broadway Sessions at Green Room 42 – you won’t be disappointed! Green Room 42 was alive with great energy last Thursday evening for the long-running open mic Broadway Sessions, produced and hosted by “your Broadway Buddy” Ben Cameron
MRS. KRISHNAN'S PARTY & More Lead Boston's April 2024 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW
- April 01, 2024
Boston is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2024 include Mrs. Krishnan's Party, Jagged Little Pill and more!
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