Album: Harry on Broadway, Act I

Overview
"Harry on Broadway, Act I" is a 2006 double-disc album by the multi-talented artist, singer, and star Harry Connick, Jr., including the music from his two Broadway reveals "The Pajama Game" and "Thou Shalt Not". Launched by Sony BMG's Columbia Records, the album showcases Connick's comprehensive talent with a collection of reinterpretations of classic Broadway program tunes and original structures. The album debuted at number 51 on the US Billboard Top 200 chart.

"The Pajama Game" (Disc One)
The very first disc of "Harry on Broadway, Act I" includes tunes from the 2006 Broadway revival of "The Pajama Game", a traditional, Tony Award-winning musical made up by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, with a book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell. The story revolves around a pajama factory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the labor dispute in between workers who demand a 7 1/2 cent raise and the management who declines to give in.

Harry Connick, Jr. plays Sid Sorokin, the factory superintendent who falls in love with the complaint committee head, Babe Williams, played by Kelli O'Hara. Connick brings his signature jazz, pop, and big band design to the classic tunes, reviving songs like "A New Town is a Blue Town", "I'm Not At All in Love", "Hey There", "There Once Was a Man", and "Hernando's Hideaway". The album features Connick singing duets with O'Hara, who got a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the Broadway production.

Connick's smooth vocals and O'Hara's psychological delivery mix together effortlessly, developing a shimmering chemistry on songs like "There Once Was a Man". The supporting cast members, consisting of Michael McKean, Roz Ryan, and Megan Lawrence, deliver energetic efficiencies. Connick's piano abilities and the dynamic orchestrations by William David Brohn and Bruce Coughlin enhance the vocal performances, giving this performance of "The Pajama Game" a fresh, modern sound while remaining real to the original program's spirit.

"Thou Shalt Not" (Disc Two)
The second disc of "Harry on Broadway, Act I" includes songs from "Thou Shalt Not", a 2001 Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Harry Connick, Jr., and a book by David Thompson. The program is loosely based on Émile Zola's unique "Thérèse Raquin", a tale of love, betrayal, and murder set in 1940s New Orleans.

"Thou Shalt Not" is a darker and more somber counterpart to the upbeat "The Pajama Game", showcasing Connick's flexibility as an author. The album features Connick singing numerous tunes, including "My Little World", "I Like Love More", and "Light the Way". The duet with Kelli O'Hara on "All Things", a tender love tune, is one of the standout tracks on this disc.

Although "Thou Shalt Not" received blended evaluations and a brief operate on Broadway, the music stands on its own as a testament to Connick's talent as a writer and entertainer, including a mix of jazz, gospel, blues, and Broadway-style ballads.

Conclusion
"Harry on Broadway, Act I" strengthens Harry Connick, Jr.'s credibility as a talented musician, author, and entertainer capable of conquering the Broadway phase. With its mix of classic show tunes and initial structures, the album showcases Connick's incredible variety and style for storytelling through music. Whether you're a fan of Broadway musicals, jazz, or Connick's unique style, "Harry on Broadway, Act I" is a deserving addition to any music collection.