110 in the Shade (1999 Studio Cast)
While110 in the Shadeisn't as familiar to audiences asHarvey SchmidtandTom Jones'sThe Fantasticks(but then what is?), theoriginal Broadway productionwas a modest success in 1963 and this 1999 studio recording makes a compelling case for its evocative and beautiful music. Based on N. Richard Nash's playThe Rainmaker, it's set in a western state in the middle of a devastating drought. Enter a stranger (Ron Raines) who promises to bring rain, but first must convince the town spinster (Karen Ziemba, 2000 Tony winner forContact) of his powers--and of course romance ensues. (Music Man, anyone?)  This excellent studio cast (also includingRichard MuenzandWalter Charles, plusKristin Chenowethin a cameo) features a number of principals from the 1992 New York City Opera revival, and the two-disc set incorporates new songs from that production as well as transitional music and underscoring to create a complete recording that is a near-theatrical experience. The choral and orchestral work is outstanding, and the beautiful booklet includes a detailed synopsis, an essay on Schmidt and Jones as well as new notes by both, and photographs, but no lyrics. As an extra treat, though, the booklet also has Schmidt's striking paintings, which he used to help him visualize certain scenes as he was composing. This is very simply one of JAY's best releases ever.--David Horiuchi