Original Cast: ‘Big City Rhythm—the Songs of Barry Kleinbort’

We know Barry Kleinbort as the preeminent writer/director for New York cabaret singers; what many do not know is his excellence as a songwriter. It’s on display in this 1996 original cast album showcasing the work of Kleinbort the composer-lyricist and performed by an all-star cabaret line-up of Lewis Cleale, Melanie Vaughan, Eric Michael Gillett and Broadway’s Marcia Lewis.

The show pulses to the rhythms of New York: what draws people to Manhattan, keeps them here or drives them away. Count critic Howard Kissel among his fans: “The CD leaves you feeling giddy—the way you did years ago when you saw what they used to call musical comedy.”

As for satire, Kleinbort’s “A Sondheim Song” has never been surpassed when it comes to needling the Master.

Track Listing 

1    Big City Rhythm
2    I Get Around
3    Milwaukee
4    Love Me, Love Me
5    A Sondheim Song
6    Love Me, Love Me (Take Two)
7    Leading Lady Valentine
8    When Ya Gonna Learn?
9    The Kindest Man
10    To Be Wanted/Everyone Needs Someone
11    What Would You Say?/I'm Waiting
12    Lost Movie Themes
13    Skyline (Helen's Soliloquy)
14    I Belong
15    Voices
16    When?
17    Big City Rhythm (Reprise)