As Thousands Cheer: The Hit Musical Comedy Revue! (1998 New York Revival Cast)
Revues loosely mixing sketches, songs, and dance numbers were Broadway staples for decades, but most of them, including 1933's hitAs Thousands Cheer, have fallen into oblivion. After a successful small-scale revival in New York in 1998, the show finally got its first recording. All ofIrving Berlin's songs are preserved in lovely, minimalist (piano and bass) arrangements by a crack cast, while fortunately only one of Moss Hart's now-creaky sketches made it to the CD. Though "Heat Wave" and "Easter Parade" are genuine classics, the real thrill comes from the lesser-known numbers.Judy Kuhnis wrenching on "Lonely Heart," while Howard McGillin's "Though a Keyhole" packs a surprising blend of ferocity and sarcasm that will surprise those who dismiss Berlin as blandly wholesome.--Elisabeth Vincentelli