Dive into the enchanting world of musical theatre with Michael Collins' captivating album, "Where's Charley?" Released on July 27, 2010, under the Naxos label, this chamber music collection is a delightful blend of classic tunes that span a little over an hour. Michael Collins, a renowned artist, brings to life the original London cast recording of 1958, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both longtime fans and new listeners.
The album opens with the lively "Overture" and continues with a series of charming songs like "Where's Charley?" and "Better Get Out of Here," featuring a cast of characters including Charley, Amy, Kitty, and Jack. Collins' orchestration is impeccable, with each track showcasing his mastery of chamber music. The album also includes a delightful medley from "Hans Christian Andersen," featuring beloved songs like "I'm Hans Christian Andersen," "Inchworm," and "Wonderful Copenhagen."
Collins' rendition of "Where's Charley?" is not just a faithful adaptation but a celebration of the original's charm and wit. The album's highlight, "Make a Miracle," is a standout track that beautifully captures the essence of the musical. Collins' ability to convey the nuances of each character and emotion is evident throughout the album, making it a captivating listen from start to finish.
Whether you're a fan of musical theatre, chamber music, or simply great music, "Where's Charley?" is an album that promises to enchant and delight. Michael Collins' interpretation of these classic tunes is a testament to his artistry and his deep appreciation for the genre. So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies of "Where's Charley?" transport you to a world of musical wonder.
2010 Naxos2010 Naxos
Tracks
Where's Charley?: OvertureNorman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley? (Charley, Chorus)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: Better Get Out of Here (Amy, Kitty, Charley, Jack)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: The New Ashmolean Marching Society and Student Conservatory Band (Jack, Kitty, Amy, Chorus)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: My Darling, My Darling (Jack, Kitty)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: Serenade With Asides (Mr. Spettigue, Charley)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: Make a Miracle (Amy, Charley)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: Lovelier Than Ever (Donna Lucia, Sir Francis, Chorus)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: The Woman in his Room (Amy)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: Pernambuco (Reggie, Chorus)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: Once in Love with Amy (Charley)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: The Gossips (Gossips, Chorus)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: At the Red Rose Cotillion (Jack, Kitty, Chorus)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Where's Charley?: Finale. My Darling, My Darling (Charley, Full Company)Norman Wisdom, Pip Hinton, Terence Cooper, Pamela Gale, Jerry Desmonde, Felix Felton, Marion Grimaldi, Barry Kent, Jill Martin, Sheila Francis, Helen Anderson, Studio Chorus, Michael Collins Orchestra, Michael Collins
Hans Christian Andersen: I'm Hans Christian AndersenDanny Kaye, Jane Wyman, Gordon Jenkins Chorus, Gordon Jenkins And Orchestra, Gordon Jenkins
Hans Christian Andersen: Anywhere I WanderDanny Kaye, Jane Wyman, Gordon Jenkins Chorus, Gordon Jenkins And Orchestra, Gordon Jenkins
Hans Christian Andersen: The Ugly DucklingDanny Kaye, Jane Wyman, Gordon Jenkins Chorus, Gordon Jenkins And Orchestra, Gordon Jenkins
Hans Christian Andersen: InchwormDanny Kaye, Jane Wyman, Gordon Jenkins Chorus, Gordon Jenkins And Orchestra, Gordon Jenkins
Hans Christian Andersen: ThumbelinaDanny Kaye, Jane Wyman, Gordon Jenkins Chorus, Gordon Jenkins And Orchestra, Gordon Jenkins
Hans Christian Andersen: No Two PeopleDanny Kaye, Jane Wyman, Gordon Jenkins Chorus, Gordon Jenkins And Orchestra, Gordon Jenkins
Hans Christian Andersen: The King's New ClothesDanny Kaye, Jane Wyman, Gordon Jenkins Chorus, Gordon Jenkins And Orchestra, Gordon Jenkins
Hans Christian Andersen: Wonderful CopenhagenDanny Kaye, Jane Wyman, Gordon Jenkins Chorus, Gordon Jenkins And Orchestra, Gordon Jenkins
Hans Christian Andersen: The Ugly DucklingFrank Loesser, Lynn Loesser, Studio Chorus
Hans Christian Andersen: InchwormFrank Loesser, Lynn Loesser, Studio Chorus
Hans Christian Andersen: The King's New ClothesFrank Loesser, Lynn Loesser, Studio Chorus