Lady, Be Good! (1992 Studio Cast Recording)

It's hard to believe when you're used to grim and gritty contemporary musicals, but Broadway used to be a lot of fun. Listening to '20s Gershwin shows will give you a taste of the melodies, humor, and hi-jinks that used to be common on the Great White Way. Yet another fine installment in the Roxbury series, this recording features a restored score of the 1924 musical that was Ira and George's first full-scale collaboration. Lara Teeter and Ann Morrison take on the parts created by Fred and Adele Astaire (Teeter even reproduces an Astaire tap solo!) while Michelle Nicastro, Jason Alexander, Michael Maguire, and John Pizzarelli spark in the supporting cast. In addition, the choral work is stellar and there are superb songs aplenty ("Fascinating Rhythm," "The Half of It, Dearie, Blues," the title track)--will somebody bring back the 1920s, please? --Elisabeth Vincentelli