blog.castalbums.org

The long awaited premiere of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog has finally arrived. Through July 19 only, you can watch all three parts online for free. Afterward, the film will continue to be available through iTunes, with a future DVD release promised (featuring a sung DVD commentary).

PS Classics has just announced its plans to record the first Broadway revival of 110 in the Shade… despite having yet to raise the full projected costs. Label president Tommy Krasker described the show as “too good to pass up.” Those who agree, and who are in a position to make a tax-deductible donation of $1000 or more, can contact PS Classics at info@psclassics.com. Donors will receive prominent credit within the CD booklet, an invitation to the recording session, and a dozen complimentary CDs.

The production, starring Audra McDonald, is currently in previews at Studio 54 and will open on May 9th.

The “new” original Broadway cast recording of GREY GARDENS is now available to order only on the PS Classics website. This recording substitutes Erin Davie‘s vocals for Sara Gettelfinger on the off-Broadway cast recording and includes several newly written / recorded songs (“The Girl Who Has Everything”, “Going Places”, “Marry Well”).

The off-Broadway version will go out of print when supplies run out… but PS Classics has it on sale for $4.95.

1967 Broadway flop Illya, Darling is getting a new lease on life on May 8, courtesy of DRG Records. This is particularly interesting because it will mark the first time DRG (or any label with an active, established reissue program) has licensed an MGM/UA cast album for reissue, and it therefore raises the question of whether others will follow.

Notable MGM/UA cast albums include Anya, the House of Flowers off-Broadway revival, and the London cast album of Promises, Promises (featuring Betty Buckley).

Update: Eagle-eyed reader Ian Ewing correctly points out that DRG previously issued A Family Affair, also an MGM/UA recording. Please forgive the error; we’ve recently had to lay off our entire fact-checking department.

On March 20, Sony BMG Broadway Masterworks will be releasing remastered versions of four Sondheim musicals, with the following bonus material:

Into the Woods – Original Broadway Cast
Bonus Material: “Giants In The Sky” – John Cameron Mitchell, “Back To The Palace” – Kim Crosby, “Boom Crunch” – Maureen Moore (all three selections from the soundtrack of an unreleased 1991 “making of…” documentary)

Sweeney Todd – Original Broadway Cast
Bonus Material: “Symphonic Sondheim: Sweeney Todd” – the American Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Paul Gemignani; “Green Finch And Linnet Bird” – Harolyn Blackwell (both from Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall).

Sunday in the Park with George – Original Broadway Cast
Bonus Material: “Putting It Together” – Stephen Collins, Rachel York, Michael Rupert, Julie Andrews, & Christopher Durang (from Putting It Together); “Sunday” – Bernadette Peters (from Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall).

Merrily We Roll Along – Original Broadway Cast
Bonus Material: “Not a Day Goes By” – Bernadette Peters (from Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall); “It’s a Hit!” – Stephen Sondheim (from Sondheim’s personal archive).