The Music Library's media collection includes a large number of recordings of musicals and revues. These include original Broadway cast recordings, non-Broadway cast recording, and revival cast recordings of specific shows. We strive to maintain a comprehensive collection of original Broadway cast recordings. Our collection also includes compilations that contain songs from various musicals and recordings with jazz, pop, cabaret, concert, or instrumental versions of musical numbers.

Questions to ask when looking for cast recordings:

• Are you looking for the Broadway cast?
  • Check the Catalog description, CD container, or NAXOS description for cast information. Some recordings may be London, Los Angeles, or other casts.
• Are you looking for the original cast?
  • Check the Catalog description, CD container, or NAXOS description for cast information. "New Broadway Cast Recording" or "Revival" or similar phrases usually indicate the performers were not in  the original cast from the opening production. For Broadway shows, you can compare credits on the recording to the opening cast list in IBDB or a reference source.

Other considerations: Cast recordings generally contain the songs, and often overture and entr'acte, but do not include all of dialogue (there may be a one- or two-line lead-in). CDs of cast recordings usually contain booklets with the lyrics printed inside.

You must use the online catalog to locate CDs in the Music Library. Search the Catalog by title of musical (without "The" etc. at the beginning), then narrow your search to Music Recording (CDs and LPs) or Audio CD (just CDs).

Some (but not all) original cast recordings come up in a genre or subject search for original cast recordings; however, original cast does not necessarily mean original Broadway cast.

The NAXOS streaming audio database includes musicals. You can browse by Genres--Classical Music--Musicals or search by the title of a musical. You will find full cast recordings and also compilations. Sometimes you will need to click on the title to view the album to get cast and production information.

Examples of NAXOS album titles for original Broadway cast recordings:

• RODGERS, R.: Sound of Music (The) (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (50th Anniversary Edition) (Martin, Mark Hellinger Theatre Orchestra, Dvonch)
• KANDER, J.: Chicago [Musical] (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (Verdon, Rivera, Orbach, Martin, McCarty, O'Haughey, Lebowsky)
• SONDHEIM, S.: Into the Woods [Musical] (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (Crosby, Moore, Gemignani)
• HERMAN, J.: Hello, Dolly! [Musical] (Channing, Burns, Brennan, Reilly, Coleman)

Examples of NAXOS album titles for revivals or non-Broadway casts:

• RODGERS, R.: Sound of Music (The) (New Broadway Cast Recording) (Luker, Siberry, Rafter)
• KANDER, J.: Chicago [Musical] (New London Cast Recording, 1997) (Lemper, Henshall, Planer, Goodman, Valentine)
• KANDER, J.: Chicago [Musical] (Reinking, Neuwirth, Naughton, Fisher)
• SONDHEIM, S.: Into the Woods (Williams, McMartin)
• HERMAN, J.: Hello, Dolly (1994 Broadway Revival Cast) (Stella)

Examples of NAXOS album titles for recitals, concert versions, or arrangements:

• Guitar Recital: De Chiaro - RODGERS, R. / LEIGH, M. / BERNSTEIN, L. / LLOYD WEBBER, A. (The Guitar on Broadway)
• PARKER: Billie's Bounce / RODGERS: My Favourite Things
• LEVAY, S.: Mozart! / Elisabeth Medley / STYNE, J.: Overture from Gypsy (Broadway To Vienna - The Musical Goes Symphonic) (Richter)
• PETERS, Bernadette: Sondheim, Etc., Etc. Live at Carnegie Hall - The Rest of It
• SONDHEIM, S.: Anyone Can Whistle [Musical] (Carnegie Hall Concert Cast Recording) (Lansbury, Bakula, Kahn, Peters, Gemignani)
• Vocal Recital: Patinkin, Mandy - SONDHEIM, S. / RODGERS, R. / WILLSON, M. / HART, L. (Dress Casual)

There can sometimes be a delay between the time a production opens and the time the cast recording is released. We try to buy the CDs as soon as they come out. If you can't find the musical you are looking for, ask! If it is available, we will get it for you, and if it isn't out yet, we can make sure you get notified when it comes in.

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