The Scarlet Pimpernel: Encore! (1998 Broadway Revival Cast)
After a "concept" CD and then an original cast album, this is the third recording ofFrank Wildhorn'sThe Scarlet Pimpernel. What basically happened was that the show was faltering on Broadway, but a couple of deep-pocketed producers saw it, loved it, and decided to finance a revised version with a new director and new cast members (Rachel York replacing Christine Andreas and Rex Smith replacing Terrence Mann). ThisEncoreCD mixes recordings by both casts and adds two bonus tracks (by Peabo Bryson and Wildhorn powerhouseLinda Eder) from the concept recording. The protracted history here may be as hard to follow as the show's plot, but thenPimpernelhas always been about more than mere narrative subtleties. It's about bombast, showmanship, in-your-face theatrics, and a couple of power ballads. And it's all on this recording.--Elisabeth Vincentelli