Telly Leung is a Broadway veteran (Rent, Aladdin, Phantom) who embraced the culture of alcohol in the theater from his earliest days doing Rent in his twenties.
CD Review: ONLY DREAMING, Matt Croke
By: Kerrie Nicholson
In the sleeve for his debut album Only Dreaming, Matt Croke writes: "As a small boy I always loved listening to albums - I dreamt and hoped that one day I would be lucky enough to actually make one myself. Years later... here it is."
Currently playing the titular role in the West End production of Aladdin, Croke's Only Dreaming is a celebration of roles and songs he knows and loves, some roles he's played, others perhaps to come. What is for sure, though, is that the whole album shines with an infinitely likeable charm and ease.
The striking point from the outset is that the choice of songs showcase tremendous versatility in terms of style, and it's wonderful to see an artist so confident in their choices. In the 15 tracks, we hear familiar old classics such as "Singin' In the Rain" and "Something's Coming" to numbers from more modern musicals such as Big Fish and Catch Me If You Can, encompassing jazz as well as the more traditional orchestra feel.
The album is playful musically and toys with the idea of hearing the familiar done anew; notably, there's a version of Moulin Rouge's "Come What May", traditionally sung as a duet, this time done as a solo piece.
There's also a good sprinkling of Disney in there for good measure, with a little help from fellow Aladdin castmate Trevor Dion Nicholas, former Broadway Jasmine Hiba Elchikhe and current West End Simba Nick Afoa - with the latter joining forces for a mash-up of their characters' major solo numbers: "Proud of Your Boy" and "Endless Night".
Croke's voice is adaptable and versatile; there's a warmth and richness to it that makes notes soar, as well as endearing sense of vulnerability, should the song call for it. As such, he shows a real gift for storytelling and emoting meaning in lyrics - in particular during Stephen Schwartz's "Beautiful City" from Godspell, where the arrangement is stripped back to only his voice and a piano, and a hauntingly tender "Not While I'm Around", from Sweeney Todd.
Only Dreaming feels like a love letter to the versatility and depth of musical theatre, as Matt Croke blends traditional and contemporary influences. His portrayal of Aladdin has no doubt earned him many fans, and if the quality on this album is anything to go by, his star looks set to only continue to rise.
Matt Croke's Only Dreaming is available now
Broadway news in your inbox
Weekly top stories - unsubscribe anytime.
Weekly top stories - unsubscribe anytime.
|
Podcasts
Meet the Olivier and Tony-winning genius director and choreographer turning his hand to the official stage adaptation of 50 First Dates: The Musical – which is now playing a limited run at The Other Palace in London. Host: William J Connolly.
#262 STEFAN LAGOULIS - Stage to Stage: Stefan’s Journey to the West End
STEFAN LAGOULIS / @stefann96 is currently in the Ensemble of HERCULES on the West End in London. He's originally from Australia and his story of breaking into the London theatre scene via BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL is beyond inspiring.Disney's Aladdin (Australian National Tour); Faust (Arts Centre Melbourne); Hamilton (Australian National Tour); Moulin Rouge!
#251 Julio Rey - The Ups and Downs of Broadway - Playing Aladdin on Broadway
Julio Rey - The Ups and Downs of Broadway - Playing Aladdin on Broadway.
Episode 113 | Colt Prattes: "Chipper"
Join your favorite podcast hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo , on the latest episode of Survival Jobs with the handsomely charming and gifted actor Colt Prattes who dishes on the behind the scenes action on the hit Netflix holiday film, "The Merry Gentlemen".
The former Jasmine of Disney's Aladdin US Tour, Senzel Ahmady, sits down with us to talk about her life as a dropout princess, her Filipino-Afghan roots, and making her 54 Below solo debut! Sir Michael Allan Galvez and Macon Prickett co-host.
Episode 155: SHOWMANCE — A New Broadway Novel
My guest is six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin, who has created book & lyrics for Broadway musicals The Prom, Disney’s Aladdin, The Wedding Singer, and Elf. Today, he joins me to discuss his captivating new novel set in the world of theater, SHOWMANCE.
Chad Beguelin Uses His Own Broadway Failure as Inspiration for His Debut Novel SHOWMANCE
In the world of Broadway, success can seem like a dazzling dream. But behind every show that makes it to the stage, there are countless moments of uncertainty and setbacks. For writers, especially, the journey from writing a script to getting it produced is anything but predictable.
#41 - James Monroe Iglehart - Blows his own horn in A Wonderful World
James Monroe Iglehart chats with us about starring as Louie Armstrong as well as Co-Directing A Wonderful World. James shares stories of originating the role of The Genie in Aladdin, being part of Memphis and Hamilton.
Marcus M. Martin (Broadway’s Aladdin) on Gratitude
In this Artist Exploration, Marcus M Martin, from Broadway’s Aladdin, and Charlie Murphy, MTCA Director discuss: Learning the business of the business at BW. Graduating in the pandemic. How the Genie is played differently on broadway vs. tour.
Episode 346: Aaron J Albano gets Broadwaysted!
FIRST TIME GUEST ALERT! Play along as Aaron J Albano (@AaronJAlbano - Wicked, Newsies, Allegiance, Aladdin) join Bryan, Kevin, and Kimberly for baby time, broadway talk, theatre games, bad puns, and more! Become a supporter on our Patreon: https://bit.ly/2Q2zELG.
GRAMMY Award winner and Broadway star, Adrianna Hicks joins us to Take A Bow for her work in the entertainment industry. Adrianna has a wealth of knowledge from performing around the WORLD. From Germany to Austria, touring the United Stated to Broadway.
.jpg?format=auto&width=365)
Tickets From $70
Tickets From $135
Tickets From $58
Tickets From $67
Reader Reviews
To post a comment, you must register and login.