Lynda Carter, Daniel Radcliffe show musical chops in new recordings

Two actors with serious geek cred have recently branched into musical projects (for a second time, in one case). Here’s a look at new CDs from Lynda Carter (“Wonder Woman”) and Daniel Radcliffe (“Harry Potter”):

Lynda Carter, aka Wonder Woman, is making a new name for herself as a singer.

“Crazy Little Things” by Lynda Carter – Carter’s second CD in the past few years is stronger than her first, “At Last.” She sounds a bit more confident and assured, and she includes a wider variety of material. Fans of locomotives will want to hear the three train songs included, though “Locomotion” is slowed down a bit too much. As with “At Last,” Carter still sticks mostly to pop standards from days gone by. She gives them a slow, jazzy, smoky feel that suits the maturity and richness of her voice. I’ll bet her cabaret shows are dynamite. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” is a nice take on the title track. “Up on the Roof” is a smooth, atmospheric take that slows the song to good effect. Things pick up with “C’Est la Vie” and “Let the Good Times Roll.” “Glee” did outdo her on “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” but maybe she can duet with the show’s Matthew Morrison some day. I’d pay to see that. GRADE: B

Daniel Radcliffe, aka Harry Potter, makes his Broadway musical debut with 'How to Succeed ...'

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” with Daniel Radcliffe – I haven’t seen a show on Broadway in years, but judging from Tony Awards performances, Radcliffe was robbed in not getting nominated for this revival, which also was a then-unlikely vehicle for Matthew Broderick in a past version. Radcliffe is not the world’s greatest singer, but he makes up for it in earnestness and spunk, which almost make this old warhorse seem new again. Sure, the 1960s show can seem dated. Even today’s “Real Housewives” aren’t just “Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm” while their CEO husbands are bringing home the bacon. But it’s clear in every song that this cast is having fun. Radcliffe plays J. Pierrepont Finch, a young up-and-comer armed with a book (narrative passages read by Anderson Cooper) and a drive to reach the top. As he catapults up the corporate ladder, he falls in love with his secretary, Rosemary (played by Rose Hemingway). The show also stunt casts John Larroquette (“Night Court”) as bigwig J.B. Biggley, and he does just fine (and won the Tony). Fans of the show will find a lot to like in this recording and Radcliffe’s performance. And maybe Radcliffe’s name will find it some well-deserved new fans. GRADE: B+