[.ca] Once Upon a Mattress

i love this show...:
i was in a production of "once upon..." and had an amzing time. the first time u hear the soundtrack, the songs are a bit strange if you don't know the story. see the show! its hilarious! i'm 15 and i was in this show this summer. let me tell you, i always have these songs in my head.

a fine recording; Sarah Jessica Parker tries her best:
This cast album to the 1997 Broadway revival of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS is quite enjoyable, though the production itself met with mostly-negative reviews and it quickly shuttered. ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and the lead role of Princess Winnifred are still largely identified with the legendary Carol Burnett. In this revival, Sarah Jessica Parker gamely attempts to crawl out from under Burnett's shadow, though she doesn't really succeed. Burnett had a seemingly-effortless belty singing voice, wheras Sarah Jessica Parker's light soprano is pretty but not substantial enough for the songs of the boistrous, bombastic Winnifred. Parker especially struggles with the long, sustained phrases in "Shy" and "Happily Ever After", though her "Swamps of Home" is quite charming. Mary Lou Rosato is perfect for the role of Queen Aggravain, and David Aaron Baker is a fantastic Prince Dauntless. Jane Krakowski (GRAND HOTEL, NINE) is a breathtaking Lady Larken, ably-partnered by Lewis Cleale as Sir Harry. Their duet of "Yesterday I Loved You" is sublime. The cast also features Heath Lamberts (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), Lawrence Clayton, Tom Alan Robbins and David Hibbard. A fine recording but it pales beside the peerless original Broadway cast album with Carol Burnett, Jane White and Joe Bova.

Sarah Jessica Parker CANNOT sing!:
I'm sorry to rate this so low but SJP is horrible. I cringe every time I hear her bark her way through "Shy." Please take my advice and get the old recording with Carol Burnett. She far surpasses SJP in talent, both musically and artistically.

Excellent:
With gorgeous orchestrations, lovely voices, and Sarah Jessica Parker at her very best, this recording far outshines the original. The entire score is featured here, all done tastefully. It is also worth mentioning that some of the lyrics and orchestrations were updated and sound more contemporary giving the show a greater Broadway feel. Don't waste any more time and BUY this CD. You won't be sorry.

A Great Musical Score for All:
Although some may think that Sarah Jessica Parker and her voice is annoying in this musical I don't think anyone else could have done it better. She has that quality that keeps you listening because it is humorous and her voice adds charm to her character. "Shy", "Normandy", and "Happily Ever After", "Spanish Panic" are among my favorites. The entire company has done a marvelous job in this recording of Once Upon a Mattress. I only wish this musical version was out on video. This is a great musical and would be enjoyed by all!!

• Overture - The Orchestra
• Many Moons Ago - Company
• Opening for a Princess - Lawrence Clayton
• In a Little While
• On a Stormy Night... - Tom Alan Robbins, Mary Lou Rosato
• Shy
• Minstrel, the Jester & I
• Sensivity
• Swamps of Home
• Normandy
• Spanish Panic - The Orchestra
• Song of Love - Company, David Hibbard
• Entr'acte
• Quiet - Sarah Jessica Parker
• Goodnight, Sweet Princess - David Baker, Heath Lamberts
• Happily Ever After
• Man to Man Talk - Lewis Cleale, Jane Krakowski
• Very Soft Shoes - Lawrence Clayton, Players
• Yesterday I Loved You
• Lullaby
• Finale - Lewis Cleale, Jane Krakowski