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Rating: 
Summary: Unfairly Neglected
Review: I just finished performing in a run of this show at Univ of MD and I can honestly say that I'm in love with this show. Musically and lyrically, it was written with such honesty and truthfulness -- none of that flambouyent loudness and sillyness associated with other musicals, just the truth. The music and words work so well together! All of the songs are wonderful expressions of situations that can happen in anyone's life. "One of the Good Guys" and "Life Story" are examples of that fact. Also, Shire notates the notes to the words so well. Shire and Maltby's sound partnership is very evident. This makes for a easy interpretation by the performer, such as in "What am I Doin'?" how the higher notes are used in points of emotional elevation. But that's how it is with all the songs. So simple but yet, you can tell, the intricities were carefully and delicately thought out. What I just can't express is how real and honest the songs are. This is the best example to show of a musical. What's a shame is how unknown and unpopular this musical is. No one seems to understand and find a way to unlock the realness of this unfairly neglected piece of American repertoire. It needs to be introduced to the mainstream audience. Well, at least I can tell you. But you must spread this to the world. Tell your friends, relatives, tell all! Do not let this sink into the musical land of the unknown.
Rating: 
Summary: Contrived, but fun nonetheless
Review: The score to a reveiw by the almost infamous duo of Maltby and Shire, Closer than Ever contains some memorable songs on an extremely vague topic, using "doors" as a metaphor for choices and chances one must face in life. This metaphor expounds itself into a wide array of songs on everything from a father having his first child to the history of Muzak. This review is a little more enjoyable than the trite "starting here, starting now" by the same authors. However, be advised that Maltby and Shire have the almost impressive ability to say nothing with so many words. Still, the music is both enjoyable and entertaining. Maltby and Shire began the review when a song from their musical "Baby" was cut from the show. They began to throw in other random songs into what they called their "urban file" until they were asked to put up a small cabaret in 1987. "Closer Than Ever" was the result.
This is the complete score to the show. It contains all of the vocal harmonies and counterpoint that each of the 4 performers are supposed to sing in the show, as well as the piano accompaniment. In response to the last review, a Vocal Score is literally a piano reduction of the music used in an actual performance of a show with complete dance music, scene change music, etc. They are usually a bit pricey. Vocal Selections are usually a simplified piano reduction with (sometimes) both melody and chord symbols written in. In the hands of a good pianist, either will suffice for a recital performance or otherwise.
Rating:
Summary: Contrived, but fun nonetheless
Review: The score to a reveiw by the almost infamous duo of Maltby and Shire, Closer than Ever contains some memorable songs on an extremely vague topic, using "doors" as a metaphor for choices and chances one must face in life. This metaphor expounds itself into a wide array of songs on everything from a father having his first child to the history of Muzak. This review is a little more enjoyable than the trite "starting here, starting now" by the same authors. However, be advised that Maltby and Shire have the almost impressive ability to say nothing with so many words. Still, the music is both enjoyable and entertaining. Maltby and Shire began the review when a song from their musical "Baby" was cut from the show. They began to throw in other random songs into what they called their "urban file" until they were asked to put up a small cabaret in 1987. "Closer Than Ever" was the result.
This is the complete score to the show. It contains all of the vocal harmonies and counterpoint that each of the 4 performers are supposed to sing in the show, as well as the piano accompaniment. In response to the last review, a Vocal Score is literally a piano reduction of the music used in an actual performance of a show with complete dance music, scene change music, etc. They are usually a bit pricey. Vocal Selections are usually a simplified piano reduction with (sometimes) both melody and chord symbols written in. In the hands of a good pianist, either will suffice for a recital performance or otherwise.
Rating:
Summary: Great Music. Great Audition Material
Review: This musical is one of the best I've heard. The music is writen EXACTLY how it is played in the original cast. I HATE when the music is written with the melody line played. Let the vocalist sing it's part and the piano play it's part. Thankfully, this book is like that. There is no plot to the entire peice. Each song tells it's own story. It is great for auditions. It is modern enough for the newer musicl theatre auditions, yet some of the songs are old style for the older musical auditions. In short (yeah right) it's a great book.
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