Amazon.com: The best thing about this CD is the score: Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields's songs have lost none of their incisiveness over the years, and even a lackluster revival such as this one doesn't entirely succeed in dulling their edge. In the title role, Christina Applegate means well and tries hard, which isn't enough to make us forget Gwen Verdon, the powerhouse original Charity. Even "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This," a showstopping number if there ever was one, shines like a 40-watt bulb when it should be 400. As Charity's paramour Oscar, Denis O'Hare gives a wonderful, multifaceted performance, though of course Oscar doesn't get songs--except for the welcome addition of "A Good Impression." While this production is adequate but no match for the original recording, fans will be delighted by the bonus tracks. Backed by a small ensemble, Coleman sings four 1963 demos, including an intimate, delightful "I'm the Bravest Individual." The composer also pairs with Fields for a live version of "Big Spender" recorded in 1972. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
How Sweet it Really Is? My best friend and I had the opportunity to see the actual Broadway production of Sweet Charity staring Christina Applegate back in December of 2005. It was an amazing show! This soundtrack/CD is awesome. It puts me right back on Broadway in New York City. Christina Applegate is spectacular. I love this album and recommend it to everyone.
Nice Revival Christina Applegate is a totally endearing, multi-faceted performer, but there is no way you can forget Gwen Verdon, or to a lesser degree, Shirley MacLaine in the so-so movie. However, I love revival recordings, if only because they tend to record a more complete score, and they are technically so superior to most of the older originals. On that score, this Sweet Charity doesn't disappoint. While Applegate is fine, Dennis O'Hare shines as Oscar. The rest of the cast are okay. Nothing more, nothing less. And as Nicki, Janine LaMama can't overcome Bebe Neuwirth in the Debbie Allen revival in the 80's. Allen also suffered the same comparison as Applegate. One note about the score, one of Coleman's best, the song Too Many Tomorrows is beautifully done here. A gorgeous ballad, I think has been under appreciatted among all the bigger, brassier numbers. The bonus tracks at the end of the CD of Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields are mere annoying curiosity pieces, to be listened to once, then turned off. Overall a pleasant CD, Christina Applegate still needs that one big role that can make her a bona fide broadway star, she has the talent and versatility, now she has to get the right show.
A Sweet Attempt at a New Charity.... To begin, I saw this show twice before it bowed out at the Al Hirschfeld theatre. I had no intention of seeing it, but unfortunately, nothing else was available.
I didn't have the pleasure of seeing Gwen Verdon in the title role, but I don't consider myself unfortunate; Ms. Verdon, with all her dancing capability, could never carry a tune (See: Chicago, Damn Yankees, and yes, even Charity). She may have been the toast of Broadway a few decades ago, but Mrs. Bob Fosse is about as over-rated as Les Miserables.
I only recently caught the movie version with Shirley MacLaine...needless to say, not even the great Chita Rivera nor the incomperable Sammy Davis could save that version, which removed several wonderful pieces from Cy Coleman's score.
I found Christina Applegate to be completely endearing and poignant. Her character may have been a little watered down, but she was still effective. There were times where her lack of vocal capability was front and center (See: You Should See Yourself, If My Friends Could See Me Now), but it never took away from her performance. She absolutely shines in "I'm the Bravest Individual" and, on stage, had wonderful chemistry with co-star Dennis O'Hare. Each number serves as a modern tribute to it's 1966 counterpart, although each is a little more sugar-coated than the last.
Will Christina Applegate ever be regarded as Gwen Verdon? Never. Should she be shunned for her turn as Charity? Certainly not. I'd take Applegate over MacLaine any day.
a Bittersweet Charity Why do TV stars with little or no singing ability try to do a big Broadway musicial?
I gave Christina Applegate's version of Sweety Charity a chance. I love the previous versions of Charity with actres's Gwen Verdon, Shirley MacLean, and Debbie Allen . I listened with open ears. However Applegates version seem TOO Jersey, TOO Tart and TOO green to give this Broadway soundtrack any UMF!
The Pussycats Dolls should record this arrangement of the Signature tune, "Hey Big Spender" I think it would be a great single of them, however it does not work for me in this soundtrack
The other signature tune of "If my Friends could see me Now" under the singing of Christina was so bad...I felt she could have needed the use of a few FRIENDS. Is Matt Leblanc available?
One of the highlight is the talented Ernie Sabella singing "I always Cry at weddings". I'd cry too if i was on this soundtrack.
A bonus highligh is the original demo recording of Cy Coleman's tumes. Great threater history. However this is the wrong CD it should have been on
Have some charity for yourself and miss this one
Bennet Pomerantz, Audioworld
annoying and really overrated. everyone goes on and on about how great the new revival of sweet charity is. well i found it AWFUL. Christina Apelgate(i know thats not how you spell it..) is EXTREMELY annoying and "poppy", and this is what gives broadway a bad name.
Truthfully, it doesnt deserve any stars. but i did find one song "The Rhythm Of Life" to be a relatuvely good song. On the original release of Sweet Charity, back in the sixties, this song is done terribly, but i did enjoy it on this CD.
so basically do not purchase this CD, but get the song, "The Rhythm Of Life" individually off of itunes or something.
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