The Grass Harp (1971 Original Broadway Cast)
The Grass Harpis a charming little story about two spinster sisters and their dispute over a folk remedy called dropsy cure. Based on thenovellaby Truman Capote, which also became a 1996 film, this musical features a score by Claibe Richardson (who wrote the music for the 1998 concept albumNight of the Hunter) with lyrics by Kenward Elmslie. The sound is mostly traditional Broadway, but Richardson also throws in a few Bacharach-esque '70s pop grooves. Headlining the cast isBarbara Cook, and while this may not be the deepest score she's ever wrapped her golden voice around, she'll have you humming the rousing march "Yellow Drum" for a long time. The show lasted only a week on Broadway in 1971, but is preserved in this reissue of the original cast recording. An extra bonus is two songs cut from the original production but recorded elsewhere--"I Trust the Wrong People," sung by Elaine Stritch, and "Brazil," sung by George Rose. A synopsis is included, but no lyrics.--David Horiuchi