I'm Getting My Act Together And Taking It On The Road

The latest release from the vaults of Masterworks Broadway is a re-release of the 1978 Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording of "I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road." The pop-rock infused show was first produced by Joseph Papp (the man who brought "Hair" and "A Chorus Line," two other 1970's smash hits, to life) for the New York Shakespeare Festival / Public Theater.

With book and lyrics by Gretchen Cryer, and music by Nancy Ford, "I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road" tells the story of veteran performer, Heather Jones (originated by Cryer), and her pursuit to define her career against the wishes of her manager. Nominated for two Drama Desk awards and a Grammy, the show had a successful run of over 1,100 performances, and subsequently spawned productions from Chicago, to the West End and Germany.

Though the title has faded into relative obscurity over time, its female-empowerment infused songs continue to maintain their presence in both cabarets and auditions. Anchored by the hit "Old Friend" (which Heather has written for the soft-hearted side of Joe, her manager), the score contains such notable tunes as its opener, "Natural High," the proud-turned-to-realistic, "Strong Woman Number," the has-been tale of "Miss America," and the ensemble version of "Put In A Package."

A woman's look at feminism in a time where gender equality was at a crossroads between the "free love" of the 1960's and the progression towards equal rights that has continued all the way until the present day, Cryer and Ford created a underrated work that proved both "ahead of its time" and "out of its element" within the same show. In addition to cast and recording credits, the CD booklet contains a helpful synopsis, and anecdotes about Joe Papp. At a mere 31 minutes in length, the recording comes up short in length, but not in quality, and is also available both digitally and for streaming.

"I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road"
CD and digital releases
$11.98
www.masterworksbroadway.com