Lisa Vroman's Broadway Classic: An Enchanting Journey Through Theatre Hits

Lisa Vroman Broadway Classic

Today's music review is all about the amazing album by Lisa Vroman entitled Broadway Classic. I had to pleasure of seeing Lisa perform the role of Christine several times during her time with various productions of the show. Lisa Vroman performed as the original alternate Christine in the Music Box Tour of Phantom before moving on to San Francisco as the principal Christine for the show's five-year run. Miss Vroman went on to perform the role for several years on Broadway and again with the Music Box Tour. While I love most of the ladies I've seen as Christine (25 of them) if someone asks of the ones I've seen which is my favorite and I usually reply, I liked all of them for one reason or another so I couldn't narrow it down to just one. With that said, Lisa was consistently perfect throughout every performance I'd seen and her voice effortlessly flowed from her in a mesmorizing way. If any future Christine needed one to research for their role, Lisa is the one to take notes from.

Lisa Vroman as Christine

Lisa's Broadway Classic album, a sixteen-track CD produced in 1999, holds a special place in my heart. The moment I saw it in the Borders bookstore I frequented, the very same one I'd worked at for a few years, I bought the only copy in the store. Before I even left the store, I had already queued up her stellar rendition of "Think of Me" on my trusty Philips Portable CD Player, her mesmerizing voice flowing through my headphones. During the brief time I hosted an internet radio show, I frequently played tracks from Lisa's CD and was consistently asked by listeners where they could get a copy. To this day, Lisa's album remains one of my all-time favorite Phantom-related CDs. Backed by the San Francisco Radio Orchestra, the lush orchestrations can fill any room, depending on your sound system. Lisa's voice is nothing short of enchanting.

Lisa's Broadway Classic album isn't just about her incredible renditions of Phantom tunes; those are merely a fraction of what she masters. Some might argue that Julie Andrews' version of the legendary Rodgers & Hammerstein tune "The Sound of Music" is the definitive recording, but once you hear Lisa's rendition, you might find yourself reconsidering. Maury Yeston's "Unusual Way," a song I have cherished since hearing it performed by Dave Willetts, Elaine Paige, and my friend Jonathan Frank, receives a masterclass treatment from Lisa.

Lisa isn't just well-versed in modern theatre tunes; she delves into the works of Lerner & Loewe, as well as the iconic Leonard Bernstein. Her versatility shines through each track, making this CD a must-have for theatre music aficionados. Phantom enthusiasts will be particularly enchanted. I could sing the praises of this CD for days; it’s truly outstanding. Miss Vroman's performances of "Think of Me" and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" make this CD worth every penny; the rest is just the cherry on top.

Though this is a CD review and I touch on the times I've seen Lisa live in The Phantom of the Opera, in the future, I will be featuring my thoughts and profiles on the ladies and gentlemen I've seen in The Phantom of the Opera over the years, just as I am doing with my Saturday GLOWcase series which features the cast, crew, and fans of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.

If you’ve had the chance to listen to this CD or see Lisa perform live, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share your comments below! If you enjoyed this review and would like to support future content, your contributions are greatly appreciated. Thank you! 🎶

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Dale Kristien's The Beauty of Broadway: A Must-Listen for Phantom Lovers

Dale Kristien, The Beauty of Broadway

Dale Kristien holds the unique distinction of being the only actress to perform the role of Christine for eight weekly performances in the original Los Angeles production of The Phantom of the Opera until it closed. Her journey as Christine began as the Alternate Christine on Broadway, stepping in for Patti Cohenour who replaced Sarah Brightman. It’s a shame that replacement performers often don't get the chance to release a cast recording, especially when they possess a voice like Dale Kristien.

A page from Phantom's LA program featuring Dale with Michael Crawford

After the LA production of Phantom ended, Dale recorded an eleven-track CD for Prima Records titled The Beauty of Broadway. Naturally, she included a few Phantom tunes. Her renditions of “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” and “Think of Me” are stellar, complete with her breathtaking cadenza and HIGH C. The album also features her duet “All I Ask of You” with her Raoul co-star, Michael Piontek. The other eight tracks span various shows, from Peter Pan and The Secret Garden to Irene. One of the most epic moments on this CD, besides the Phantom tracks, is her incredible vocal duel with her former Carlotta, Leigh Munro, during “Glitter and Be Gay” from Candide.

Dale’s voice is unique, lighter in tone than most actresses who have portrayed Christine. However, this lightness does not equate to weakness by any means. I highly recommend this CD to any Phantom fan who appreciates an outstanding Christine, as well as fans of classic musical theatre.

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I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Your stories make this journey all the more special. If you enjoyed this post and would like to support my storytelling journey, any small token of appreciation is always welcome. Let’s keep the joy of sharing memories and stories alive together!

Megan Starr-Levitt's Beautiful Broadway: An Intimate Vocal Masterpiece

I first encountered Megan Starr-Levitt as an understudy in the Broadway production of Phantom, but she truly shone when she covered the role of Christine. Her performance was mesmerizing. When I saw that Megan had released a CD, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

Beautiful Broadway features ten tracks, including beloved classics like "How Could I Even Know" from The Secret Garden, "Moonfall" from Drood, and "Think of Me" from Phantom. Megan's voice is stunning and crystal clear, and her renditions of these songs are simply captivating.

Megan Starr-Levitt as Christine

While the album is a simpler production, with Megan’s voice backed by a single piano, it allows her vocals to take center stage. This raw, intimate setup beautifully showcases her talent. Her rendition of "Think of Me" is a standout and is a permanent fixture on my playlist.

I highly recommend this CD to fans of Megan, classic Broadway, and those who appreciate the purity of piano and voice arrangements. Though it's a little hard to find, it's worth searching for as Megan’s voice is colorful and beautiful, making this album a delightful addition to any collection.

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Album Review: "Fly" by Sarah Brightman - Soaring High with Every Track

Sarah Brightman Fly

Sarah Brightman’s "Fly" album is a magical ride from start to finish. I was a huge fan of Brightman’s previous album “Dive” which featured covers and tunes written or co-written by Frank Peterson of Enigma fame. Released in 1995 and subsequently released a year later featuring the duet “Time To Say Goodbye,” this album blends pop, classical, and electronic sounds in a way that only Brightman can. It kicks off slow with the title track and gradually builds. My favorite from the album for years was the track "A Question of Honour," a powerful track that mixes opera and dance music seamlessly. The song builds up with intense energy, setting the tone for the rest of the album.

"Ghost in the Machinery," a hauntingly beautiful track with a catchy beat. "You Take My Breath Away" follows, showcasing Brightman’s ethereal voice perfectly. Each song on the album has its own unique vibe—like "Something in the Air," which features Tom Jones and has a fun, retro feel to it. "Heaven Is Here" is another standout, with its dreamy melodies and soothing vocals.

The album doesn’t shy away from emotional depth, either. "How Can Heaven Love Me" is a duet with Chris Thompson that’s both powerful and heartfelt. The album wraps up with a reprise version of "Fly," a tender and touching conclusion to this musical journey.

Fly was also re-released for Brightman's La Luna Tour featuring a bonus disc known as Fly II and again in 2006 as an expanded single disc featuring tracks from Fly II as bonus tracks.

Overall, "Fly" showcases Sarah Brightman’s versatility as an artist. Whether she’s belting out high notes or singing softly, her voice is captivating. Each track brings something different to the table, making this album a must-listen for both old fans and new listeners alike.

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