The Night of the Hunter

NYMTF

An unused poster design

CD Reviews: 2002-2003
Reviews by John Kenrick
(Copyright 2002-2003)

The Night of the Hunter - Studio Cast
Varese Sarabande
Don't ask me how this 1998 recording escaped my attention for so long – just take my word that it is a knockout! This is a musicalization of the powerful 1955 film about a murderous religious fanatic chasing two children to get at a fortune stolen by their father. While the subject matter sounds unlikely, the results are riveting. Claibe Richardson's melodies range from haunting to vivacious, and Stephen Cole's lyrics bring the characters to vivid life. Ron Raines makes the bloodthirsty preacher three dimensional, and Sally Mayes is irresistible as the latest widow he sets his sights on. But the show-stealer here is Dorothy Loudon, who is simply sensational as the old woman who offers the escaped children a safe home – her rendition of "One More Harvest" is everything great theatre music should be. If you are serious about musical, this challenging recording will offer you tons of pleasure – now if only someone would give New York a first-class staging of this remarkable show!

Brian Noonan, Dee Hoty, Mary Stout and the Company

Dee Hoty Beth Fowler

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