I have touched upon this show at several instances, but have never listened to a cast recording of it in its entirety. Since I am interested by the general concept and what I have seen or heard from it, I thought I'd ask which cast recording is most recommended for beginners.

I enjoy the 2004 Broadway recording. Very accessible.

I second the 2004!

The 2004 recording is probably the most "official," given that the revival production is the one reflected in the current script and score, but I think the original recording has the better performances.

I actually prefer the 1991 recording to the 2004 one. The 2004 revival might have more dialogue and it has 'Something Just Broke', but I feel the performances on the 1991 are more definitive. Plus it has the scene with Lee Harvey Oswald and the assassins. Which is pretty brilliant and completes the recording's context, in my opinion.

I recommend the original 1991 recording for the reasons stated above.

The Boothe and Zangara are far superior in the 91 performance, but the NBC makes for a better listening experience overall.

In light of the 4:2 favour thus far for the 1991 recording, I believe I shall begin there.

You should also get the Book. Assassins is so near perfect, and one cannot understand the genius of it without the Book.

^ I am by my own admittance not an avid reader and I likely do not have the time to read through the script because of my university studies regardless, but I shall certainly bear that in mind.