Do Re Mi (1999 Broadway Revival Cast)

Despite its stellar pedigree (music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Comden and Green, book by Garson Kanin), 1960's Do Re Mi remains relatively obscure. It was said to be a lightweight romp, irremediably linked to the outsize personalities of its two original stars, Phil Silver and Nancy Walker. Now Nathan Lane and a superior cast prove that, while no masterpiece, Do Re Mi is a vastly entertaining musical. The book is an inane romp about a jukebox scam, but the score has brassy, swinging tunes ("Waiting," "All You Need Is a Quarter"), sentimental duets ("Fireworks"), a hilarious novelty number ("What's New at the Zoo"), and a couple of bona fide showstoppers ("Cry Like the Wind," "Make Someone Happy"). While Lane hams it up with his usual gusto, Brian Stokes Mitchell (Ragtime) and Heather Headley almost steal the show as the young lovebirds. The CD also includes a 20-minute 1961 interview with the creative team. --Elisabeth Vincentelli