Listen to history truly in the making with this early demo of Kander and Ebb's "New York, New York." Written for the 1977 film of the same name, the song would, of course, go on to become one of the most iconic American songs ever written, perhaps most notably as a mainstay of NYC's annual New Year's celebrations. Listen above.
The demo is one of several included as bonus tracks on the upcoming Broadway cast album for New York, New York, the current stage musical loosely based on the 1977 film. The full album will get a digital release June 23, with physical CD and vinyl editions following later this year. To pre-order or pre-save, click here. The album is produced by Michael Croiter, Sam Davis, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, and co-produced by Sonia Friedman, Tom Kirdahy, Craig Balsam.
Along with "New York, New York," the album features demos for John Kander and Fred Ebb's "Along Comes Love" and "Wine and Peaches," and a demo of Kander and Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Can You Hear Me?" All the demos feature the songwriters themselves singing. Also included will be an instrumental sing-along version of the musical's title track.
LISTEN: Hear Anna Uzele Take on the Iconic Title Number From Broadway's New York, New York
The production has also released video of two complete numbers from the show, including "Light" and "Wine and Peaches."
Featured on the cast recording are stars Colton Ryan and Anna Uzele along with Clyde Alves, John Clay III, Janet Dacal, Ben Davis, Oliver Prose, Angel Sigala, and Emily Skinner, as well as ensemble members Wendi Bergamini, Allison Blackwell, Giovanni Bonaventura, Jim Borstelmann, Lauren Carr, Mike Cefalo, Bryan J. Cortés, Kristine Covillo, Gabriella Enriquez, Haley Fish, Ashley Blair Fitzgerald, Richard Gatta, Stephen Hanna, Naomi Kakuk, Akina Kitazawa, Ian Liberto, Kevin Ligon, Leo Moctezuma, Aaron Nicholas Patterson, Alex Prakken, Dayna Marie Quincy, Julian Ramos, Drew Redington, Benjamin Rivera, Vanessa Sears, Davis Wayne, Jeff Williams, and Darius Wright.
Take a look at the full track list:
- "Morning in New York"
- "Cheering for Me Now"
- "Major Chord"
- "New York in Summer"
- "Better Than Before"
- "One of the Smart Ones"
- "Gold"
- "Wine and Peaches"
- "I Love Music"
- "My Own Music"
- "I’m What’s Happening Now
- "New York in the Rain"
- "A Simple Thing Like That"
- "Can You Hear Me?"
- "Happy Endings/Let’s Hear It for Me"
- "New York in the Snow"
- "Marry Me"
- "Along Comes Love"
- "San Juan Supper Club"
- "A Quiet Thing"
- "New York at Night
- "A Quell’ Amor"
- "Sorry I Asked"
- "But the World Goes Round"
- "New York Concerto"
- "Music, Money, Love"
- "Light"
- "New York, New York"
- "Can You Hear Me?" (Demo)
- "Along Comes Love" (Demo)
- "Wine and Peaches" (Demo)
- "New York, New York" (Demo)
- "New York, New York" (Instrumental)
READ: Name That Tune! A Comprehensive Guide to the Songs of New York, New York
New York, New York opened at the St. James Theatre April 26 after beginning previews March 24. The all-star creative team is led by five-time Tony winner Susan Stroman, who directs and choreographs the production with music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, a book by David Thompson and co-written by Sharon Washington, and additional lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It earned nine Tony nominations and one Tony Award (for Beowulf Boritt's set design).
Inspired by the 1977 film written by Earl M. Rauch, New York, New York is set in Manhattan in the days after World War II is over. A collection of artists has dreams as big and diverse as the city itself, among them Francine Evans, a young singer just off the bus from Philly, destined for greatness. At least, until she encounters New York native Jimmy Doyle, a brilliant but disillusioned musician.
READ: Susan Stroman Has Been Preparing for New York, New York Since Childhood
Sam Davis leads the music team as music supervisor and arranger, with orchestrations by Daryl Waters and Davis, vocal arrangements by David Loud, music direction by Alvin Hough, Jr., and music coordination by Kristy Norter.
The production features scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Donna Zakowska, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Kai Harada, projection design by Christopher Ash and Boritt, hair and wig design by Sabana Majeed, and makeup design by Michael Clifton. Casting is by Jim Carnahan and Jason Thinger, with Johnny Milani serving as production stage manager. Spanish translations and additional text are by Michael León.
