Description
Stage Door presents the CD debut of the 'Ambassador' Original London Cast Recording. Based on the Henry James novel 'The Ambassadors', the musical first opened at London's Her Majesty's Theatre in October 1971 starring Howard Keel and Danielle Darrieux.
Featuring music by Don Gohman and lyrics by Hal Hackady, the plot focuses on lawyer Lambert Strether (Howard Keel), who is instructed to travel to Paris at the request of his employer, the widowed Mrs Amelia Newsome (Margaret Courtenay). Amelia wants him to find her wayward son, Chad, and rescue him from the clutches of a Frenchwoman and bring him back to America. In Paris Lambert experiences the clash of cultures and finds the openness of the European lifestyle far more attractive than his own stifling existence. Lambert encounters the Countess Marie de Vionnet who opens his eyes to a new way of life, falling in love with Marie, complications ensure when he discovers that it is in fact Marie who has been having the affair with Chad.
Produced by Norman Newell and recorded by RCA Records in November 1971, the London Cast Recording of 'Ambassador' effectively captures Gohman and Hackady's rich and exuberant score. Featuring stellar performances from its leading players Keel and Darrieux and an impressive ensemble, highlights from the score include 'All Of My Life', 'Tell Her', 'Young With Him', 'That's What I Need Tonight' and 'Not Tomorrow'.
The release of 'Ambassador' launches Stage Door's 'Cast Album Masters Series'. Licensing recordings from the major labels, the series will present the CD debut of many London Cast Recordings from the 1960s and 1970s, all digitally remastered from the studio master tapes. The 'Ambassador' London Cast Recording is licensed courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited.