Various – The Grass Harp. A Musical Play CD (1999) Audio Quality Guaranteed

Description

The 1972 production of this little-known musical lasted just seven performances. Based on Truman Capote’s autobiographical novel, it tells the story of the tension between his two, highly individual aunts. Claibe Richardson’s score is charming, switching fluently from epic ballads to early 1970s pop numbers and more traditional show tunes. Possibly, though, its sheer variety for a relatively “small” show didn’t work in its favour and left audiences unmoved. Fans of Barbara Cook will be pleased to hear one of her later, rare musical roles (Dolly Talbot) given a wider audience and there’s more evidence, if any were needed, that she is one of the best lyrical singers Broadway has ever produced. But Karen Morrow as the evangelist Babylove gives an equally treasurable, if brief, performance (“Reach Out”). “I Trust The Wrong People” replaced “What Do I Do Now?” in later productions and is offered here as a bonus track, sung with unusual delicacy by Elaine Stritch. This in itself is enough to make the album desirable. –Piers Ford