About the Album: House Of Flowers originally opened on Broadway in 1954, where it received tepid critical notices. The show, based on a short story by Truman Capote, didn't last long. In 1968, Capote and the show's original producer revived the show at the Theater de Lys off-Broadway, in a simplified, pared-down version. Sadly, even the simplified, pared-down version received tepid notices and folded quickly. Whatever audiences and critics thought of the show itself, the score remains a glorious thing, filled with one incredible Arlen/Capote song after another, including several that have gone on to become standards. It was directed by Joseph Hardy, and featured a terrific cast - Yolande Bavan, Josephine Premice, Daniel Barrajanos, Charles Moore, Tom Helmore, Thelma Oliver and others. The revival was fortunate to receive a cast album courtesy of United Artists Records. This cast album is a very different beast from the original Broadway cast album - there are fantastic new arrangements and orchestrations by the then up-and-coming Joe Raposo, who would go on to legend status for writing some of the most beloved children's songs ever for Sesame Street. Also, there are new numbers not originally featured in the Broadway version, which makes this a must-have for Arlen and show completists. This revival cast recording of House Of Flowers is tuneful, fun, well-sung, and, as Capote said, "... a simple thing" - and in all the right ways. The CD is a Limited Edition of 1000 copies only. 1. Preface: Smellin' Of Vanilla 2. A Sleepin' Bee 3. Somethin' Cold To Drink 4. House Of Flowers 5. Two Ladies In De Shade Of De Banana Tree 6. Don't Like Goodbyes 7. Jump de Broom 8. Smellin' Of Vanilla 9. Waitin' 10. Woman Never Understan' 11. I Never Has Seen Snow 12. Madame Tango's Particular Tango 13. What Is A Friend For? 14. A Sleepin' Bee/I Never Has Seen Snow (reprise) 15. Finale: Two Ladies In De Shade Of De Banana Tree Label: Kritzerland
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