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Stellar `U' recording

If you missed last November's production of "Falsettoland" in the Arena Theater, or if you've spent these interim months pining for a more permanent memory of the show, your prayers have been answered. This University production has cut its own CD.

Unusual? Yes. Worthwhile? Undoubtedly. Not only is this stellar production -- lovingly directed by Job Christensen -- preserved for a lifetime, but this recording surpasses all expectations as far as quality, performance and professionalism are concerned. In fact, it currently occupies a secure spot in my collection, rubber-banded to "March of the Falsettos" (its one-act companion piece), sandwiched between "Evita" and "The Fantasticks." It has replaced the Michael Rupert-Stephen Bogardus-Faith Prince version, currently the only mass-released version of the show (on the DRG label).

This "Falsettoland," you see, contains the lyrics heard in any licensed production. Such lyrics -- most notable in the opening title number -- were incorporated to align the piece to "March," its usual predecessor. (The shows were originally performed separately, and combined first in 1991 at the Hartford Stage and then in 1992 on Broadway.) These changes -- including an adorable bit about the '80s, a jab at Nancy Reagan, and a four-line reprise of "March of the Falsettos" -- will be jarring for those unfamiliar with "March" (you might feel as if you're missing something), but they'll grow on you.

Many of Jason's bits ("The Fight," "Another Miracle of Judaism") have been changed; they're snappier and wittier. "Everything Will Be All Right" incorporates another bit from "March," giving this recording just a touch of early '80s groove.

On top of the revisions -- which make this recording a must for any collector or aficionado -- the performances are wonderfully fresh and vivid. All of the singers fare as well -- if not better -- as they did in performance. One definite standout is Amy Eidelman as Trina. After hearing Eidelman's earth-shattering rendition of "Holding To the Ground," you'll retire Faith Prince's permanently. (Now if only Eidelman would lay down a track of "I'm Breaking Down" from "March," since it only exists on Alison Fraser's solo album.)

And let's not forget the biggest reason this "Falsettoland" sounds as smooth and well-supported as it does. Musical director Sam Davis -- heard on the piano -- makes quite a mark here. Listen closely to Davis' orchestrations alongside the original; you'll hear numerous noteworthy and inspired additions.

Local theatergoers know how rare it is for a University-related production to make it to record. That accomplishment is even more astounding considering the size of this production: Sponsored by Basement Arts and Queer Unity Project, the show played one weekend in the Arena Theater -- the smallest venue on campus.