Cast Albums Blog

Author Archive:  SingingLibrarian

More CD debuts for London Cast Recordings coming


Recent months have seen quite a number of significant OLC recordings get their CD debut.  November sees the release of two more very different shows of interest to collectors.

First, Sepia Records, a British public domain label, will release the London recording of Mary Rodger's Once Upon a Mattress, the musical retelling of The Princess and the Pea.  Due on 9th November, the recording includes the same numbers as the LP release of the original Broadway cast, interpreted by performers including comedian Max Wall as the Jester and character actress Jane Connell as Princess Winnifred.  On CD, it is paired with the studio recording of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves 40, which Rodgers wrote with Sammy Cahn.  Sung and narrated by Bing Crosby, this curiosity (intended for a child audience) is also making its CD debut.

Once Upon a Mattress -- 1960 Original London Cast

Later in the month, Stage Door Records will release the original cast recording of Mutiny!, a show which starred David Essex, who also wrote the score with Richard Crane.  Based on the novel Mutiny on the Bounty, the show also starred veteran actor Frank Finlay and pop diva Sinitta just prior to her career-making meeting with Simon Cowell.  It was modestly popular, running for over a year in the mid 1980s  This release is remastered from the original tapes.

Mutiny! -- 1985 Original London Cast