to endow the score of this modern film adaptation of a junior high school literary evergreen with both a golden age of Hollywood dramatic bent (Jones) and a '90s-slick guitar-muzak veneer (Edelman). A strange amalgam that doesn't quite work. --Jerry McCulley  (less)

in English.  (less)

tunes and Yiddish translations of English songs by Jewish composers is the overblown, symphonically orchestrated result. Patinkin plays to the third balcony on "Mamaloshen" ("mother tongue"), squeezing every iota of feeling out of songs you might have heard on Grandma's knee, and turning each guttural consonant into a virtual phlegm fest. Nostalgia can be nice, but things get weird when Patinkin makes with Yiddish versions of such showstoppers as "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," Paul Simon's "American Tune," "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," and-- oy vey ist mir! --even "The Hokey Pokey," their inclusion justified on assimilationist principles. --Richard Gehr  (less)

first two recordings were in French, Nolita is in both languages (pre-production took place in Paris). It's a quieter, more intimate affair than previous efforts, but just as lovely. Like Brazilian vocalist Astrud Gilberto or Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval, Keren Ann never shouts when a whisper will do and the music throughout could even be described as "whispery" (as opposed to, say, wispy ): gently strummed guitars, delicate strings, spare percussion. There is one song, however, on which she does not take the lead: actor Sean Gullette ( Pi ) recites the spooky "Song of Alice," John Cale-style, while Keren Ann provides backing vocals. --Kathleen C. Fennessy  (less)

only person authorized by the A.A. Milne estate to recite Milne's poetry. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this CD will benefit the children and families that are supported by Pocono Area Transitional Housing (PATH). The Children's Suite is a magical journey of music and poetry that appeals to listeners of all ages.  (less)

voice, but even she couldn't pull off the plot, which was heavily influenced by The King and I (just replace Siam with India, the king with a doctor, and the English woman with one from Ireland). This 1960 show never quite surpasses its curio status, but those with an appreciation for the more obscure reaches of the musical-theater world will get a kick out of it. (Come on: Pearl Buck and Maureen O'Hara!) The operetta-flavored duet "My Little Lost Girl" is particularly nice. --Elisabeth Vincentelli  (less)

in English.  (less)

In 1946 Bikel entered London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art from which he graduated with honors two years later. It was also at this time that he began to develop a serious interest in the guitar and folk music. But he was first to make his mark as an actor. Sir Laurence Olivier was so impressed with Bikel's performance in several small London theatre productions that he offered him a roll in his production of A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Vivien Leigh. Bikel soon took over the second male lead, Mitch, in the play. From Streetcar on, Theodore Bikel's career has been illuminated by superior stage and screen portrayals. In London he won acclaim playing the Russian Colonel in Ustinov's The Love Of Four Colonels a...  (less)

Him to Perform at New York's Madison Square Garden. One of Rapahel's Major Achievements Has Been Singing and Recording in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Even Japanese, Performing at the Most Important Venues around the World Such as New York's Carnegie Hall, Paris' Olympia, Moscow's Bolshoi, and Sydney Opera House. In 1987, Raphael Celebrated his 25th Career Anniversary, Making History for Being Able to Reunite 114,000 Fans at Santiago Bernabeu's Stadium.  (less)

called her "the greatest living prima donna," Gencer made no studio recordings. Only live recordings like this from 1969 preserve her electrifying artistry, in a Donizetti rarity that is actually one of his finest operas. Newly translated Italian-English libretto included.  (less)

musicals and revues for the professional stage, including some of the longest running shows in Canadian Theatrical History. The musical stars George Masswohl as Rob Roy , Susan Gilmour as his wife Mary, and David Dunbar as the Duke of Montrose (winner of Best Actor award in Chicago for his King Arthur in Camelot) as well as a stellar supporting cast of top professional actors and musicians. The story covers a dramatic period in Scottish history, shortly after the Act of Union, and begins with the Duke of Montrose declaring Rob a wanted man due to the disappearance of One Thousand English Pounds he had lent him to purchase cattle. For ten years, Rob was pursued, often captured, but always escaping, and in the process he became the stuff of legend and a rallying voice...  (less)

while they play circle games, ride the rope, build a bridge, find the colors, discover body parts, stack, and more. The activities focus on listening skills, physical coordination, motor skills, team work, body identification, building self-esteem, and following instructions. This collection includes 16 English songs, with 7 Spanish versions, from the award winning producers of the popular "Smart Songs" music series.Lending his talent to this project is actor, singer, Tim Russ (Tuvok) of the Star Trek: Voyager television series. Also available from Abridge Club: "Smart Songs for Kids 1", "Smart Songs for Kids 2", "Movin' & Shakin' for Youngsters", "Hoppin' & Boppin' for Youngsters", and "Animal Romp & Stomp".  (less)