Guys and Dolls (1995 Studio Cast) (First Complete Recording)

Disc: 1
1. Overture
2. Runyonland
3. Fugue For Tinhorns
4. Follow The Fold
5. The Oldest Established
6. I'll Know
7. A Bushel And A Peck
8. Adelaide's Lament
9. Guys And Dolls
10. Havana
11. If I Were A Bell
12. My Time Of Day/I've Never Been In Love Before
13. Finale Act One

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Description: Rich in humor, romance, and appealing characters, to say nothing of some of the most exuberant and lovingly crafted songs to be found in any show, Frank Loesser's Guys and Dolls is as close as you can get to a perfect musical. In the theatre, it's impossible not to get caught up in the swinging title song, the tender duets of reforming gangster Sky Masterson and mellowing Salvation Army missionary Sarah Brown ("I've Never Been In Love Before"), or the risqué nightclub set pieces and comic lamentations of the perennial fiancée, Miss Adelaide ("Take Back Your Mink"). Here, for a complete recording, the show s Rich in humor, romance, and appealing characters, to say nothing of some of the most exuberant and lovingly crafted songs to be found in any show, Frank Loesser's Guys and Dolls is as close as you can get to a perfect musical. In the theatre, it's impossible not to get caught up in the swinging title song, the tender duets of reforming gangster Sky Masterson and mellowing Salvation Army missionary Sarah Brown ("I've Never Been In Love Before"), or the risqué nightclub set pieces and comic lamentations of the perennial fiancée, Miss Adelaide ("Take Back Your Mink"). Here, for a complete recording, the show springs to life in the studio thanks to some sympathetic performances and John Owen Edwards's taut conducting. Kim Criswell is an excellent Adelaide, funny and touching in her frustrated attempts to get Nathan down the aisle. Most poignant of all, Loesser's daughter Emily sings Sarah Brown's songs with a natural simplicity. They are well matched by Gregg Edelman and Tim Flavin as their respective beaux. It's a treat to hear, with the added bonus of songs written specially for the 1955 film. --Piers Ford ... (more) (less)