Release Date: 24 March 2017
Label: Stage Door
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 5055122190493
Genres: Soundtracks Musical
Description
Over 50 years since Kermit Goell's 'Pocahontas' was last heard, Stage Door present the first opportunity to hear selections from this lost score.
Recently discovered studio demos of the show, recorded in 1962 with a company of Broadway singers, now make their debut on CD accompanied by a selection of piano instrumentals from the score played by the composer. As a special bonus, the CD concludes with a newly recorded interview with Anita Gillette, the star of 'Pocahontas', reflecting on her memories of the production.
The London Cast Album of 'Pocahontas' was scheduled to be released by Decca, however the recording sessions were subsequently cancelled following the show's swift closure and the work became a forgotten memory in a long list of lost West End musicals, the score presumed unrecorded.
'Pocahontas' opened at London's Lyric Theatre in November 1963, featuring music, book and lyrics by Kermit Goell and starring Anita Gillette in the title role alongside Terence Cooper playing both roles of John Smith and John Rolfe. The musical encompassed all aspects of Pocahontas' life story, from her beginnings in Virginia to her death in Gravesend in March 1617. The production first opened as 'The Princess Pocahontas' at the Glasgow Alhambra Theatre on October 8th 1963, later playing theatres in Leeds and Liverpool before transferring to London's Lyric Theatre, opening on November 14th 1963 and closing after just 12 performances.
The 'Pocahontas' CD release continues Stage Door's commitment to preserve "lost" British theatre scores of the past 50 years and coincides with the 400th anniversary of Pocahontas' death in March 2017.
Tracklisting
Tommy Steele
Original Broadway Cast
Max Bygraves
Original London Cast
The Nolans
Moira Danis
1967 London Studio Cast Recording
Original London Cast & George Formby
Bradley Jaden
Various Artists
Original Off Broadway Cast
Original Revival London Cast
Original West End Cast Recording
Original London Cast
Various Artists
Various Artists
