The new Fall Season in theater, music, and dance is about to explode. I’ve got some great CDs and the playbook of a Broadway hit to tide us over until this whirlwind gets in full swing. (To buy any of the CDs on Amazon, click on the red title).

The Masterworks Broadway division of Sony does a wonderful service for those of us who love musical theater. I would happily collect every one of their CDs. Carousel has been beloved since it first opened on Broadway in 1945. The score includes some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most recognizable songs: “If I Loved You,” “What’s the Use of Wond’rin,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” This recording features Robert Merrill, Patrice Munsel, and Florence Henderson.

Patrice Munsel also stars in The Merry Widow. I have a very personal connection to this show. Years ago, I attended a performance in Vienna with my sisters. The entire audience sang along; it was a magical night. Of course, this CD is recorded in English, but the enchantment of the 1905 operetta never diminishes. There is an old saying which loosely translates as “In Berlin, the situation is always somber, but never critical; in Vienna, the situation is always critical, but never somber.” Many have heard “The Merry Widow Waltz,” without knowing the origin of the tune. This CD ably captures the mood and opulence of Vienna, a city like no other.

Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Saint of Bleecker Street is a rarely performed little gem which won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1955. Menotti not only composed the score, but also wrote the English libretto. The story revolves around Annina, a young woman in Little Italy, who suffers from—or is blessed with—stigmata and visions. Is she mad or is she indeed a saint? Thomas Schippers, who was the original conductor, is on this CD, as is tenor David Poleri, from the 1954 Broadway Theatre cast. Menotti is a very often underrated composer, but if you don’t have his Amahl and the Night Visitors in your collection of Christmas music, you’re missing out.

Can’t wait for the first ever Broadway revival of Godspell to open at Circle In The Square in October? I don’t blame you. There’s an amazing two disc 40th Anniversary CD available with both the original Off-Broadway 1971 cast, and the soundtrack from the 1973 movie. Everything has been newly remastered, and there are new liner notes by composer Stephen Schwartz.

Masterworks Broadway, a thousand blessings on your head. Where else could I find the CD for shows like Wonderland, which vanished all too quickly from the boards? (Read Michall’s review of the show).

And while we’re heaping on the praise, let’s not forget PS Classics. There’s no other sister act like Liz Calloway and Ann Hampton Callaway, and Boom! Live at Birdland brings us the excitement of being at one of their concerts. They arrange their own music, so it’s not surprising that the included selections show off these two funny, talented siblings to their best advantage. (Read the review of the cabaret show at Birdland).

If you saw the recent Broadway production of Finian’s Rainbow, I bet you were as blown away as I was by the spectacular redhead who played Sharon McLonergan, Kate Baldwin. She Loves Him captures Baldwin in performance at the esteemed Feinstein’s, with none other than Broadway legend Sheldon Harnick as her special guest. (Read Alix Cohen’s review of the cabaret show).

Good news if you enjoyed the Broadway hit The Book of Mormon, and found yourself asking “Did they really say that?” The book of this musical comedy, which won nine Tonys including “ best book,” is now available. Included in the Newmarket Press offering are the rave reviews, production history, and lyrics to all the songs. Do remember that this is an adult show, and probably not for your dear old Granny from Peoria. (Read Michall’s review of the show).

So hang on; it looks like it’s going to be a pretty terrific Broadway season.

Michall Jeffers is an accomplished Cultural Journalist. She writes extensively, both in print and online. Her eponymous cable TV show is syndicated throughout the tri-state area, and features celebrity interviews, reviews, and commentary. She is a voting member of Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and National Book Critics Circle.