Music written by Henry Krieger. Lyrics by Tom Eyen.
Principal cast includes: Heather Headley (Lorrell Robinson); Audra McDonald (Deena Jones); Lillias White (Effie Melody White); Darius De Haas (C.C. White); Norm Lewis (Curtis Taylor, Jr.); Billy Porter (Jimmy Early); Tamara Tunie (Michelle Morris); James Stovall (Marty).
Recorded live at The Ford Center For The Performing Arts and
The Hit Fctory Studios, New York, New York between September and November 2001. Includes liner notes by Tommy Krasker and Frank Rich.
Personnel: Karen Karlsrud, Karl Kawahara, Rick Dolan, Jorge Avila, Blair Lawhead, Ashley Horne, Suzanne Ornstein, Paul Woodiel, Belinda Whitney (violin); Eileen Folson , Clay Ruede (cello); Jay Brandford (flute, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Richard Heckman (flute, oboe, English horn, tenor saxophone).
Audio Mixer: Joel Moss .
Liner Note Author: Frank Rich.
Recording information: The Ford Center For The Performing Arts, New York, NY (11/24/2001); The Hit Factory, New York, NY (11/24/2001).
Directors: Brenda Braxton; Michael Bennett .
This 20th anniversary performance of the 1981 musical was recorded less than two weeks after September 11, 2001, in N.Y.C., no less. So forgive the stars (Heather Headley, Audra McDonald, and Lillias White) if they're not quite as lively or as joyful as they should be. But in the telling of a Supremes-like girl group who has their ups and downs -- captured here for the first time in their complete form on disc -- the game one-time cast has a ball with the material. And the showstopper "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" still thrills after all these years. ~ Michael Gallucci
Professional Reviews
Entertainment Weekly (3/1/02, p.81) - "...brilliant blend of Motown-style grooves, snappy harmonies, and showstopping ballads..." - Rating: B
