Shannon Reynolds, the "new media" coordinator at Razor & Tie, sent me John Lithgow's new kids CD, THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET. I hadn't any idea that John Lithgow had done so much in the kids entertainment area, but according to the press release this is his "third kids album".

From the press release:

John Lithgow is no stranger to the world of children's entertainment: He is the best selling author of six illustrated books, as well as instructional titles including LITHGOW PALOOZA: 101 WAYS TO ENTERTAIN AND INSPIRE YOUR KIDS, released in April 2004. He has also performed in numerous concerts for children across the country.

He's got a great Web site, which even includes a coloring page of downloadable animal drawings!

I really like this CD. I've always been a fan of John Lithgow as a singer (loved him in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS) He doesn't have a fabulous legit "voice" but he does know how to entertain with his voice and is eminently "listenable".

Despite his history of playing some real "baddies" in films like "Cliffhanger", and unscrupulous characters on the Broadway stage, he totally communicates a genuine love for kids and goofy friendliness on this CD.

Also from the press release:

This album features versions of classic songs from The Great American Songbook including "Getting To Know You" and "You Got to Have Pep", with decidedly animated performances geared towards children. Produced by JC Hopkins, the album features guest appearances by Madeleine Peyroux, Seinfeld's Wayne Knight, Broadway's Sherie Rene Scott and cabaret star Maude Maggart.

I love the fact they used classic songs originally written for adults. It makes the CD so much more endearing and enduring.

Lithgow himself says about the songs: "They came from the good old days of Tin Pan Alley...from vaudeville or from musicals of the twenties and thirties. They have a wonderful lightheartedness because people in those days didn't mind being silly. In fact, for a lot of singers and writers, that was their stock in trade. People listened for jokes and rhymes and wit in ways they seldom do now. So I thought, well, this is exactly the kind of music I'd love to introduce to kids today."

I know my kids would have loved it when they were younger, but I have no doubt that my nine-year old will be listening to this on her CD player at night at she falls asleep. My favorite tracks were "Getting To Know You", "Pick Yourself Up", "Inka Dinka Doo" and "Lullabye in Ragtime".

Thanks Shannon, and thanks John!

(P.S. Can't wait to see you as the unscrupulous Hollywood producer in the movie musical version of DREAMGIRLS...)

Technorati tags: Broadway Music Movie Musicals Musicals Blog Blogs Theater Theatre Entertainment