THE NEW ROCKY HORROR SHOW:
1995 New Zealand Cast

*CD*
1995, BMG/Stetson Records Ltd., SRCD25
1995, BMG/Stetson Records Ltd., 74321 270812 (limited edition double CD w/THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW: Original New Zealand Cast

CAST:
The Usherette/Magenta: Lucy Briant
Brad Majors: Andrew Binns
Janet Weiss: Jennifer Ward-Lealand
The Narrator: Mark Wright
Riff-Raff: Mark Hadlow
Columbia: Tina Cross
Dr. Frank N. Furter: Stuart Devenie
Rocky Horror: Rene Naufahu
Eddie/Dr. Scott: Ray Woolf
Phantoms: Andrew Laing, Julie O'Brien, Jeff Kingsford-Brown, Joseph Murray, Tracy Wilson, Marcus Pointon

PRODUCED BY: Stewart Macpherson
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Paul Dainty & Stewart Macpherson
ARRANGER: Garth Porter
MUSIC SUPERVISION: Michael Williams
ENGINEERED AND MIXED BY: Graeme Myhre, at Revolver Studios Auckland
ASSISTED BY: Sam Gibson

RUNNING TIME: 58:25

This recording is very identical to the 1992 Australian Cast recording. The exact same musical arrangements are used, and the two recordings sound very much alike. Just like the 1992 Australian Cast, this recording takes a new approach to TRHS cast albums. The only difference is that this recording has an entirely different performing ensemble. But since the two are sound so alike, it is very difficult to judge which one is the best to the two.

This recording features a fabulous 'Science Fiction/Double Feature,' which really gets this album off to a good start. Also, this album's versions of 'Over At The Frankenstein Place,' 'Once In A While' and 'Planet Schmanet, Janet' are pretty enjoyable, as well. All the performers on this recording are quite energetic and they all sound good. This recording's main weakness is that it is almost a complete replication of the 1992 Australian Cast. I'm assuming that the producers did not consider all the RH fans who collect every recording, because if you have never heard the 1992 Australian Cast recording, this is really a fine cast recording. But for those die-hard completist fans, there's really nothing new here. This recording's other downers include 'Eddie's Teddy' (personally, I like the country/western arrangement, but Dr. Scott sounds too much like a Nazi here) and an INCOMPLETE 'Rose Tint My World.'

On this recording, 'Charles Atlas Song' and 'Charles Atlas Song (reprise)' are combined into one track. 'Rose Tint My World' is also missing the "Wild And Untamed Thing" section. This recording features the show's original spoken intro: "Glad you could come tonight!" as well as a bonus track: 'The New Time Warp (Megamix).' This "megamix" features an extended version of the song that is slightly re-mixed, but it's nothing too fabulous.

This recording was issued in two different releases in New Zealand. First, it was issued as a single, standard CD release. Secondly, it was released in a special, limited-edition double-CD package featuring the Original New Zealand Cast recording. (Both releases are pictured above.) Only 5,000 copies of the double-CD set were released, and this release is of value to RH collectors, because it is the only time the Original New Zealand Cast recording will be released on CD.

Although this recording is not too original, it is still quite entertaining and enjoyable.

MISSING TRACKS: 'The Sword Of Damocles,' the "Wild And Untamed Thing" portion of 'Rose Tint My World,' and 'Science Fiction/Double Feature (reprise)'

*****AVAILABILITY*****
Currently in print and available on CD in New Zealand only. Memories Of The Past lists this CD in their mail-order catalog, but I cannot guarantee availability. You may also try getting it from a dealer/retailer specializing in import CD's. The special limited edition/double CD set of this CD with the Original New Zealand Cast album was a very limited release of only 5,000 copies, and may be very difficult to find nowadays.

sanity for today's Audio Archives
sanity for today