Let’s face it, ‘Wicked’ will never get old! But here’s a list of some musical theatre cast recordings if you fancy a trip down the yellow brick road to staginess…
1. Come From Away
Winner of best new musical at the 2019 Oliviers, ‘Come From Away’ tells the true story of how a small community welcomed people into their homes, after planes were grounded on the day of 9/11. This album features a live folk band and captures the audience with its narrative lead, foot stamping tunes. Book, music and lyrics written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein.
2. Company
The musical comedy, Sondheim classic has a fresh burst of life! A female led, gender reversed cast starring Rosalie Craig as Bobbie, took to the London’s West End Stage and was an audience hit with its relatable themes of life, love and marriage. The Broadway legend Patti LuPone, who plays Joanne, also won at the Olivier’s for best actress in a supporting role in a musical. Even though it’s now closed on the West End, the cast recording is definitely worth a listen! Directed by Marianne Elliott, music by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth.
3. Hadestown
The Hadestown cast recording takes you down a bluesy mythical path to the underworld, following the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. This ‘folk-opera’ originated from Anais Mitchell’s concept album and was developed Off Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop. The music is innovative and features styles such as New Orleans dixie jazz and American folk. Full of metaphorical poetry, Hadestown is a contemporary musical theatre masterclass! Music, lyrics and book by Anais Mitchell, developed with and directed by Rachel Chavkin.
4. Six
The story of the six wives of Henry VIII gets a remix with this pop-concert musical full of girl power. Each song is individual – some emotional whilst others sassy – and the wives tell their tale and compete for the saddest story. Although sounding quite gloomy, this modern musical is anything but, and the songs will be in your head for days! The musical, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, has been extended until 2020.. So make sure you see it live!
5. Mean Girls… Duh!
Who doesn’t love your favourite teenage film being transformed into an all singing, all dancing musical? The songs represent the characters and their situations perfectly, with the balance of comedy and the mean undertone that runs throughout the 2004 film. Music by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Neil Benjamin and book by Tina Fey. The musical already opened in 2018 on Broadway.. so fingers crossed we get more details on a West End transfer soon!!
(Featured image by C D-X on Unsplash)
Jessica Sykes 