Tracks: 1. Opening 2. "Always something..." 3. Over Texas 4. "Ladies... Tea?" 5. Four More Years 6. Caroline 7. Kitty Cat Nap 8. The Smallest Thing 9. "What what?" 10. This Is What We Are 11. "Mary Gallagher, you're needed" 12. "This is the worst birthday..." 13. Where's Mamie? 14. My Husband Was an Army Man 15. Melba, Gloria 16. "To Algiers" 17. Algiers 18. Kidnapping 19. Old Rules Are Old Rules 20. Tomorrow I Will Love You More 21. "Bluer than blue" 22. "This is the beginning..." 23. Eleanor's Room 24. Wingwalk 25. Eleanor's Hand 26. "If the DAR wants to support rearmament..." 27. When Eleanor Smiles 28. Eleanor's Letter 29. Eleanor Sleeps Here 30. "Miss Hickock, I must ask you to come back inside" 31. Great Ladies 32. "Look at Washington!" 33. Closing
Posted 2007-08-05 20:52:48: Amazon.com Editoral Review: Michael John LaChiusa's First Lady Suite is a fascinating probe into some of history's most neglected figures, the wives of U.S. presidents. The title is a wordplay on the familiar presidential suite, but also a reference to the three-part structure that focuses on Jackie Kennedy, Mamie Eisenhower, and Eleanor Roosevelt as they examine what their lives have become and take a metaphorical journey from flying prison to glorious solo flight. The cast, which presented the work at Los Angeles's Blank Theatre in March 2002, is uniformly fine, and it seems unfair and unnecessary to single out any of the nine members (some playing more than one role)--even the first ladies, because in some cases their assistants are equally prominent characters. As for hummable tunes, LaChiusa's score will never be mistaken for something by Jason Robert Brown, but it's angular and jazzy, and when appropriate, it soars. Considering how many unfamiliar shows have been derailed by half-hearted recording packaging, it's a pleasure to report that First Lady Suite comes with a full libretto, cast credits, photos, and liner notes. The show, and those who wish to experience it, deserves nothing less. --David Horiuchi > 2 Comments
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