Lovers of Broadway cast albums are in heaven. Nearly all the new and revived 1996-97 Broadway musicals have released cast albums, or are scheduled to be over the next few weeks. Here is the status of all of them, listed alphabetically:
ANNIE: Still "in the works" as of Aug. 18, but no label or dates confirmed, according a spokesperson. No other details available.
THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE: "Encores!" concert presentation, starring Davis Gaines, Sarah Uriate and Rebecca Luker, recorded by DRG. Release date: Sept. 16.
CANDIDE: Released July 29 by RCA Victor. In stores now. Download audio clips on Playbill On-Line!
CHICAGO: Released by RCA Victor. In stores now. Download audio clips on Playbill On-Line! DREAM: Despite the show's July 6 closing, plans for a cast album have not been dropped, though there are were "no firm plans" as of July 8 for a recording session, according to a spokesman for producer Louise Westergaard. (Co-star John Pizzarelli sings the title song from the show on his new solo album, "Our Love Is Here To Stay," released April 29.)
JEKYLL & HYDE: Released July 15 by Atlantic Records. In stores now. Download audio clips on Playbill On-Line! (Two previous studio recordings are also in stores now.)
JUAN DARIEN: A CARNIVAL MASS: Released by Sony Classical. In stores now.
KING DAVID: Recorded live May 20-21 by Walt Disney Records. In limited release in the New York area now. Phone orders being taken at (888) 937-7464.
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS: Released by RCA Victor. In stores now. Download audio clips on Playbill On-Line!
PLAY ON!: Released May 20 by Varese Sarabande. In stores now.
THE LIFE: Released June 3 by Sony Classical. In stores now. (A previous pop-star concept album also is in stores now. Download audio clips on Playbill On-Line!
TITANIC: Released July 1 by RCA Victor. In stores now. Download audio clips on Playbill On-Line!
STEEL PIER: Released July 29 by RCA Victor. In stores now. Download audio clips on Playbill On-Line!
SWEET ADELINE: "Encores!" concert presentation, starring Dorothy Loudon, Gary Beach and Patti Cohenour, to be recorded by DRG. Release date: January 1998.
-- By Robert Viagas
