's star-studded presentation of (1964) -- based on 's -- was known as much for 's brilliant direction and choreography as it was for 's equally effective lyrics and music. The cast includes the irrepressible as , , and a young in the role of . The show originally opened on January 16th, 1964, and became the longest running Broadway musical of its' time. The Original Cast Recording also scored big, selling an unprecedented 80,000 copies the first week it was released. In 2003 terms, that would have given the record a Top Ten debut, which remains an unmatched feat for a Broadway soundtrack. The show earned an astonishing ten Tony Awards, and also garnered a Grammy for Song Of The Year in 1964 -- beating out the ' ( ) and 's ( ). The bonus tracks include and by the -led London cast from 1965, as well as and the dynamic title track featuring 's 1967 Broadway reformation. An additional highlight is the rare pairing of from 's 1970 revival. Incidentally, the lead role was originally conceived for , and these two songs were sold on a 45-RPM single that was available only at the performances. A 2003 conversation with is excerpted in the ten-plus-minute segment concluding the disc, which also comes with a 15-page booklet replete with rare cast and recording session photos, as well as condensed plot summaries, and respectively historical essays. ~ Lindsay Planer