On The Town - Original London Cast Recording

Leonard Bernstein's a score for the musical "On The Town" is one of the famed composer's most underrated works. While "West Side Story," "Candide," and his canon of orchestral masterpieces usually come to mind when first contemplating Bernstein's compositions, his writing for "On The Town" gives us an enrapturing blend of fun songs and beautifully effective dance music, and it deserves more notice. With a new production of the show being slated for this year, masterworks Broadway gives us another recording from its vaults: The 1963 Original London cast recording of "On The Town."

It features Elliott Gould in the role of Ozzie, one of the three sailors who are spending their 24-hour shore leave in World War II New York. Each of the three men (Franklin Kiser and Don McKay accompany Gould on the excursion) find a girl for "company," with Gaby's girl coincidentally being from the same Midwestern town as he. Comedy ensues.

The songs are given lively renditions. The boys give a vibrant performance of the well-known opening number, "New York, New York"; Gould and his female counterpart, played by Gillian Lewis, are humorous in their ode to self-control, "Carried Away"; and the classic "Some Other Time" is warm and heartfelt, as sung by the six leads.

The highlights of this record, however, are the engagement and sophistication of Bernstein's dance music. From the rapid pulse of "Miss Subways" zipping us through the underground tunnels of Manhattan and the balletic "Dance: Lonely Town," which instrumentally provides us with insight into Gaby's pondering his presence in a big metropolis, to the variety of festivities that take place at Coney Island, the orchestra gives the dances a top-notch representation.

The women provide some vocal alternatives to the more standard versions of Bernstein's melodies, (with lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green). "I Can Cook, Too," traditionally presented with a upbeat, straight groove, is given a more swinging accompaniment to Carol Arthur's vocal.

Overall, this single album-length disc is an enjoyable revisit to a soundtrack that will hopefully gain more visibility in the musical theater world.

"On The Town (Original London Cast Recording)"
Leonard Bernstein
CD and digital formats
Masterworks Broadway