Pacific Overtures (1976 Original Broadway Cast)

Pacific Overtures (1976 Original Broadway Cast)

Pacific Overtures is one of Stephen Sondheim's most rewarding but least-appreciated works. Part of the reason is it's been one of the least-staged Sondheim shows due to its unusual requirements: following the conventions of the Japanese Noh play, it uses an all-Asian, all-male cast, and authentic instruments such as the shamisen. As a slice of history, John Weidman's book is fascinating: In 1853, Japan's borders were closed to all foreigners until the arrival of American Commodore Matthew Perry forced the opening of trade relations. Sondheim's score captures the delicacy of Japanese verse ("Poems"), a blackly humorous scene of the emperor's refusal to acknowledge the American ships ("Chrysanthemum Tea"), Gilbert & Sullivan-esque patter ("Please Hello"), and the most beautiful song ever written about prostitution (the lyric men's trio "Pretty Lady"). Worthy of special mention is the song Sondheim has often claimed as his best ever, "Someone in a Tree," which describes the crucial meeting in the treaty house from the perspective of different characters on the outside. Over a quarter century after its 1976 Broadway debut, Pacific Overtures began to enjoy increased attention from theater companies, culminating in a Broadway revival in 2004. --David Horiuchi
Country USA
Manufacturer Masterworks Broadway
Binding Audio CD
ReleaseDate 1984-12-03
UnitCount 1
Format Cast Recording
UPCs 078635440720
EANs 0078635440720

Country	USA
Manufacturer	Masterworks Broadway
Binding	Audio CD
ReleaseDate	1984-12-03
UnitCount	1
Format	Cast Recording
UPCs	078635440720
EANs	0078635440720

Pacific Overtures (1976 Original Broadway Cast)

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