Description

Original Soundtrack – Wonderful Town London Cast – Vinyl Record

The ‘Wonderful Town’ London Cast recording is the soundtrack of the musical revival performed in London. Wonderful Town is a musical with a score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. It’s based on the play ‘My Sister Eileen’ by Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorov, which itself is an adaptation of short stories by Ruth McKenney. The musical first premiered on Broadway in 1953 and has seen various revivals since then.

Wonderful Town tells the story of two sisters, Ruth and Eileen Sherwood, who move from Ohio to Greenwich Village in New York City to pursue their dreams, encountering a series of comedic adventures. Ruth aspires to be a writer, while Eileen aims to become an actress. The musical captures the essence of 1930s New York City through its vibrant and witty score, which includes elements of jazz, swing, and classical Bernstein touches.

The London revival of Wonderful Town has been staged multiple times, with one of the notable productions occurring in 1986, featuring Maureen Lipman as Ruth and Emily Morgan as Eileen. This production was well-received, and the cast recording from this revival captures the energy and charm of the live performance.

The soundtrack includes several standout numbers that are emblematic of Bernstein’s style and the musical’s energetic narrative:

‘Christopher Street’ – This opening number introduces the setting of Greenwich Village with charm and bustling energy.
‘Ohio’ – A song where Ruth and Eileen lament their decision to leave Ohio for the uncertainties of New York.
‘One Hundred Easy Ways’ – Ruth humorously explores why she can unintentionally drive men away, showcasing her witty and self-deprecating nature.
‘A Little Bit in Love’ – Eileen expresses her romantic aspirations in this sweet and melodious song.
‘Conga!’ – A humorous highlight where Ruth gets caught up in a conga line with a group of Brazilian sailors, leading to chaotic fun.

The London cast recordings of Wonderful Town serve as an important preservation of the musical’s interpretations over the years. These recordings are cherished by theater enthusiasts for their ability to convey the humor, the cultural context of the 1930s, and the musical brilliance of Bernstein. The London revivals often bring a fresh take to the story while maintaining the original spirit of the Broadway production.

Soundtracks like these not only provide audiences with the ability to relive the musical experience but also serve as educational resources that illustrate how musical theater can evolve across different productions and cultural contexts. The ‘Wonderful Town’ soundtrack from the London cast captures the dynamic spirit of the city it portrays and remains a delightful listening experience for fans of classic musical theater.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal with promo slit in jacket

First Night Records

Maureen Lipman as Ruth

Track Listing
1. Christopher Street
2. Ohio
3. One Hundred Ways To Lose A Man
4. What A Waste
5. A Little Bit In Love
6. Pass The Football
7. Conversation Piece
8. Quiet Girl
9. Conga
10. Darling Eileen
11. Swing
12. Ohio Reprise
13. It’s Love
14. Vortex Ballet
15. Wrong Note Rag
16. It’s Love Reprise