CD Review – Redhead – Studio cast and original Mexican cast

REDHEAD – Studio Cast and Original Mexican Cast (Stage Door Records – STAGE 2450)

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I have always been a keen follower of musicals as far back as I can remember. In the 60s, when I was in my teens, I didn’t have a lot of money and so I had to be content with the studio cast recordings of all the new musicals which were released by the likes of MFP, Hallmark, WRC, RCA Camden, etc. So, I have a very nostalgic love for these recordings – without which I would have been bereft of my musical upbringing. I still have every single one of those records in my collections – albeit a bit used and some a little scratchy.

When I received this CD from Stage Door Records to review I had many things on my mind (I was about to move to a new house) and I thought it literally was the remastered recording of the Broadway production. The cover didn’t look right so I took the time to actually read it and lo and behold, it was a studio cast recording from one of those labels I hold so dear to my heart. I have to admit, it is not one that I possessed so I was really looking forward to listening to it – but, what is this? The Mexican cast recording also included? Why? Well, read on and find out more…

Many people may not even be aware of the original Broadway cast recording of this musical Redhead, as it wasn’t a huge success even though it won the Tony Award in 1959 for Best Musical, as well as a couple more. I wouldn’t call it a failure, it ran just over a year, but compared with Gwen Verdon’s next show Sweet Charity, it did not last long. Having said that, it is basically a murder mystery with comedy and it is very well-served here on this recording by both the leading ladies and men.

The studio cast has the power of Rita Williams and Bryan Johnson behind it. Williams was well-known to people like me who bought these low-cost records, she either appeared on them as herself or her group, The Rita Williams Singers, were the ‘chorus’. Johnson was actually a respected actor who sang. He came second in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960 with ‘Looking High, High, High’ which became a big hit in the UK. Along with the Mike Sammes Singers and the Hill Bowen Orchestra, they give this show a nice bit of a lift and, up against the original Broadway cast, it sounds excellent, even though it is only highlights.

Also on the CD is the original Mexican cast recording of the show and I have to admit I did think – why? But having heard it I can see why it has been included. It is marvellous. It helps of course if you know the original in English, but the fun they are obviously having comes over in droves. It stars Virma Gonzalez and Armando Calvo with a bit part being played by none other than Placido Domingo! This is the complete recording.

Add to that another three tracks, which are ‘pop covers’ by Art Lund, Toni Arden and Tommy Leonetti, and you have yet another treasure from Stage Door Records. This is part of their Collector Series titles and is limited to 500 units – so don’t hang around, get online and buy it!

Nick Wakeham