Review: A ROCKIN' MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM World Premiere Recording

William Shakespeare's plays have had many reincarnations over the years but none quite like this one. Broadway Records have produced the world premiere recording of A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream by New Arts: Newtown Musicals which is a summer program by the 12.14 Foundation, a memorial to the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School back in 2012. All profits made by the sales of this album will go directly to the Foundation to support its future work.

The cast is almost entirely made up of young people, with the exception of three Broadway performers (Marla Mindelle, Clarke Thorell and Saum Eskandani) who have generously given their time to work with and alongside this talented group of youngsters. The show was also double cast to give more young people the opportunity to get involved - this has hence led to a two-disc recording so both casts (Stars and Moon) get the chance to feature.

The backstory behind this production is excellent and gets you on board without even listening to it. There is a little bit of a stigma when non-professionals are involved that it may seem a little amateur but in general, the recording is far from sub-standard (and nothing like the musical version featured in the 2001 film Get Over It which sprung to mind straight away!). In fact, at times, it is difficult to tell who the Broadway performers are amongst the community cast.

The lyrics are true to the text but have just been embellished by Eric Svejcar - who is also the mastermind the music - and Director Michael Unger. The album has a contemporary feel which is appropriate for the performers both delivering the material and the target audience. There are plenty of toe-tapping tunes across a multitude of genres; from disco beats in 'Merry Wanderer' to the 1950s Frankie Valli-esque 'Donkey-Angel' which is a particular favourite of mine. There are some wonderful melodies during 'Course of True Love' and phenomenal harmonies in 'Pas De Quatre'. There is only really one point whereby it becomes slightly school production-like and that's during the 'Fairies Lullaby'.

Overall an excellent display of the next generation of talent and thoroughly enjoyable.

A ROCKIN' Midsummer Night's Dream is now available from www.broadwayrecords.com.

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