Debbie on Disc
Well, this is definitely one of the more peculiar CDs to come out in recent memory. But what else could be expected of the cast recording of Debbie Does Dallas, a musical that bills itself as “based on the American film classic?” Folks who have delighted in the naughty humor of the Off-Broadway hit will likely be amused by the CD as well, which offers an oral — excuse me, aural recreation of the theater experience.
Debbie Does Dallas is not exactly a musical in the conventional sense. There are a handful of songs — written by Andrew Sherman, Erica Schmidt, Jonathan Callicutt, and Tom Kitt — but they really aren’t substantial enough to merit a full recording. So, smartly, the people at Sh-K-Boom (the album’s label) decided to record several scenes and dialogue excerpts from the show, inserting a bedtime-story-like narration to connect the scenes, songs, and instrumental music. The result is no so much a traditional cast album as it is a Reader’s Digest condensed version of the show on CD.
Debbie‘s terrifically talented cast is what really makes the production, which continues to play at the Jane Street Theatre. The performances are only about half as effective on disc, since so much of their comic effect is visual — tics, gestures, blank stares, funny faces, etc. Most of the dirtier gags are also visual, so there has been an effort to add some filth to the recording; suffice it to say that there is no shortage of orgasms to be heard here. In fact, a whole medley of them is supplied by the enthusiastic cast on track #69. (How appropriate.)
The songs are a mixed bag. As Debbie, Sherie René Scott sings the folk rock-ish “Small Town Girl” with heart, and this is easily the best cut on the album. Minus the penis-shaped candles that, I suppose, gave the rather grotesque “Dildo Rag” its humor, that song isn’t much to listen to. A soulful delivery by Jon Patrick Walker as the dumb-but-handsome quarterback Rick makes “I Wanna Do Debbie” surprisingly enjoyable. The country-flavored “God Must Love a Fool,” sung by Mary Catherine Garrison as the hysterically conniving airhead Lisa, is a great tune and actually is more effective on the album than in the show, where it seemed an unnecessary digression. The electric guitar riffing of the porn-meets-Monday Night Football mood music that permeates the disc worked perfectly in the context of the show but is mere background filler here. Finally, “Where I Need to Go (Debbie’s Theme),” is one of those played-during-the-end-credits, Celine Dion-type numbers — a forgettable song, but winningly crooned by Scott.
Special additions to the disc include a wonderful, extended overture (imagine if a porn film had an overture!) and, of course, that infamous 69th track. There are also a couple of karaoke cuts that permit you to sing your own versions of “Small Town Girl” and “I Wanna Do Debbie.” The CD booklet includes song lyrics but no dialogue; it also has a centerfold of Ms. Scott. These extras make the Debbie Does Dallas CD the ultimate souvenir for fans of the show, and, perhaps, a welcome diversion for others who find the bad writing and stilted acting of pornography titillating to the funny bone. But purists — both moral and musical — should probably steer clear.
