Sheer Brilliance! - Drew Carey is the leader of high caliber comedy. The cast of actors who are part of his show make a good thing even better. Carey is truly gifted. He can sing, dance, act and make you laugh so hard you are wiping tears of laughter out of your eyes. He does not disappoint with this collection either.The selection of songs is wonderful and makes you feel as if you have been treated to a night on Broadway. The very moving Since I Gave My Heart Away is the only departure from comedy and laughter, but still wonderful in its own right.The entire show is pure joy, a true delight. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, long established comedienne (Saturday Night Live in the early-mid 1980s and later Seinfeld) is at her peak performance on this one. She is an extraordinary singer which, surprisingly exceeds her comedic ability, which is quite high. She belongs on Broadway!Brent Spiner also adds fun and laughter to this ensemble. As for Drew, let s raise our glasses to Drew Carey! He can sing, dance and act and he is one of the FUNNIEST people I have ever seen! He is brilliant! Nobody could have done the role of Toymaker as well as Drew Carey. I think he is a kind man at heart and his gift of laughter has proved that many times.Just get this collection. You will be glad you did. In addition to laughing so hard it hurts all over, you will enjoy the music as well. It s a win-win deal, so just go get this!
Don t rush to judgement - I know what you re thinking: Stupid concept, a cast of TV actors led by Drew no one asked you to sing and dance on your show Carey. You probably think you re too good for this movie. And maybe you re right. The script was lame, the production was stinted and Wayne Brady was wasted as The Magician s Son.But...and this is the part where I wow you...none of that matters because this CD is wonderful. The songs by Stephen Schwartz (Pippin, Godspell) are beautiful and worthy of any Broadway hall. Since I Gave My Heart Away is touching and sad. Just Because It s Magic is charming and witty. And the opening number Toys is an expertly constructed tapestry of...you know, singing.And what of the performances? Terrific. Julia Elaine Louis-Dreyfus proves that singing is her forte, Brent Data Spiner steals the show as Stromboli, Usher (who does not appear on this CD but did on TV) enchants and seduces (not that way) as the Ringleader of the Roustabouts or whatever the heck he is.And Drew? Look, I like Drew s voice. I think he moves very well for a big guy and his voice, though not expertly trained or as strong as most, is sweet. And as the kind-hearted and simple toymaker, his voice seems oddly appropriate to convey those feelings. In conclusion, ladles and jellyspoons, don t hurt yourself watching the movie, just buy the record. Partly because Stephen Schwartz is a brilliant songwriter but mostly because I m looking for other members for my Drew Carey Should Make Another Musical Club Or the DCSMAMC as I call it...Not really.
Truly Magical!!!! - This soundtrack is absolutely fantastic. I originally got the movie because I am a HUGE Drew Carey and Whose Line fan (I heard Wayne Brady would also be in the movie) Well, let me tell you, I never expected it to be so wonderful, but it blew me away. The songs were so wonderful, there were many upbeat songs that just got stuck in my head, like Just because it s magic, Pleasure Island, And Son, & Toys. Then there were some beutiful songs in the movie as well that truly moved me like Empty Heart & Since I Gave My Heart Away(Which I might add had me in tears the first time I saw the movie, it moved me so much). There is a little bit of everything for everyone on this soundtrack....which is why I had to have it. This CD is not like other cd s you ll buy, this is just normal actors, (and some talented pro singers, Usher and Sonya Isaacs)having fun adn sounding great! I honestly never expected Drew Carey to sound so good, but he kicks butt on this cd!!!! It truly is magical adn is a must have. I can t keep the music out of my head, I find myself humming the songs now and then.....truly worth it. :-D
Not what I expected from a Disney/Drew Carey production - Wow. When I heard Geppetto was on ABC s Wonderful World of Disney, I decided to tune in so I could laugh at Drew Carey making a fool out of himself. However, the more I listened to the music and the lyrics, I realized there was actually something valuable here. Of course, Julia Louis-Dreyfus really does make a fool out of herself with her ridiculous accent and hideous singing (not that Carey s is good, but it s tolerable). The real strength of this show lies in the performances of its supporting players. Brent Spiner is phenomenal as Stromboli (unfortunately he only sings one number), and Rene Auberjonois does a fine job as well. The music itself ranges from passionate and moving(Empty Heart and Since I Gave My Heart Away) to upbeat and playful(Bravo, Stromboli! and satisfaction Guaranteed). I recommend this underappreciated musical to anyone looking for a show with great music without the heavier social implications of Rent(not that there s anything wrong with Rent, but I wouldn t recommend it for my five year old). The movie is also worth getting, especially to see Brent Spiner do some funny things and to see how funny Drew Carey s hair looks.
The kids and I love it! - We are all enjoying this cd in the car. My 7-year old son is requesting track #5 Just Because It s Magic, #7 Bravo, Stromboli, #9 Satisfaction Guaranteed and #11 Pleasure Island. My four-year old daughter LOVES Toys. It is a nice switch from N Sync every minute (nothing personal) and it s great to hear the kids singing the songs in the back seat!