David Clarke - Page 19

To call THE BODYGAURD - THE MUSICAL good would be kind. But, being completely honest, the theatrical confection is simply high-octane fun. The show's book is as flimsy and full of cheese as anyone could expect. Where the show excels is its score. So, it's no surprise that First Night Records/R.E.D.'s release of THE BODYGUARD - THE MUSICAL (World Premiere Cast Recording) is a treasure trove of excellently sung covers of iconic pop hits.

Ghostlight Records' recent release of A BRONX TALE (Original Broadway Cast Recording) perfectly captures the spirit of the Broadway show. The record sounds reminiscent of JERSEY BOYS with music and lyrics that pulsate with a heart that reminds listeners of HAIRSPRAY. The up-tempo tracks, enthusiastic performances, and pop and funk sounds of the 60s flood the album. This ensures audiences will be tapping their toes to the infectious beats, even if the songs don't stick to their ribs after the CD ends.

Consummate musician and Tony Award winner Levi Kreis has returned with a stunning new album that celebrates musical theater with BROADWAY AT THE KEYS. His signature gospel and blues inspired vocal stylings reverberate with joy and sincere heart across the album, allowing him to expose the emotional depth of each song with his sparkling arrangements.

Broadway veteran and twelve-time MAC Award winner, Karen Mason released IT'S ABOUT TIME, earlier this month. The lovely, yet understated, record perfectly captures the vibrancy of Mason's instrument. Despite being recorded in a studio, IT'S ABOUT TIME captures the magic of live cabaret performance and offers it as something listeners can experience anywhere in the world.

Billy Mitchell's hilarious VILLAIN: DEBLANKS makes a triumphant New York City return tonight at Feinstein's/54 Below. Tonight's sold out show features Kathleen Turner, Morena Baccarin, Lesli Margherita, Michael Potts, Maulik Pancholy, and Micah Stock and will benefit New York Civil Liberties Union.

The hilarious, sexy, and surprisingly touching musical PRETTY FILTHY made a splash Off-Broadway in early 2015. Ghostlight Records' PRETTY FILTHY (Original Cast Recording) perfectly captures the humor of the show. Michael Friedman's often blunt but always-relatable lyrics are uncompromised on the recording. The cast's voices shine across the 13-track album.

Today, Morgan Reynolds (who recently charmed audiences as the Scarecrow in the 2nd National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE WIZARD OF OZ) turns 30! As a birthday present from him to the world, he has released a music video for his latest single 'Twirl Queen,' a campy and catchy holiday pop song that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Surprise! Ghostlight Records just pulled a Beyonce. They dropped the digital edition of FALSETTOS (2016 Broadway Cast Recording) shortly after the stroke of midnight on December 16, 2016. To be fair, they did announce that the cast would be recording the score on October 26, 2016, but no hard date for release was previously set. Now, fans in the United States can purchase the lush score through iTunes (the digital version will be available internationally on December 23, 2016) while they wait for the physical version of the dual disc album to be released on January 27, 2017.

Playing Alex with aplomb, Nick Cearley instantly buries himself deep in the hearts of the audience. With a charming smile and glittering personality, he gently wraps the audience around his finger before the opening statements about the story being entirely fictional come to an end.

Last Sunday, BROADWAY BARES: ON DEMAND raised $1.48 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Musical theater dancer and actor Ian Campayno personally raised over $3,000 as a member of the cast for this years show. Just before this years BROADWAY BARES show, I sat down with Ian Campayno to talk about his current show, TRIP OF LOVE and BROADWAY BARES.

In July 2012, HIMSELF AND NORA premiered at the New York Musical Theater Festival. In 2014, Jay Records released HIMSELF AND NORA (Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording). Following the steamy romance between James Joyce and his muse, Nora, the musical has returned to New York in a lush Off-Broadway production at the Minetta Lane Theatre. Recently, I sat down with Michael McCormick, who plays John Joyce, Ezra Pound, and others, to chat about the show.

It's that time of year, and I can't help but wonder if your CD collection and iPod are Tonys ready. It's just a handful of hours until the 70th annual Tony Awards, and New York City and theatre fans across the world are excitedly buzzing about this year's ceremonies which will be broadcast live on Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 8/7c on CBS. This Broadway season has some exciting contenders in the musical categories, and to get you ready for the big night, I'm recapping the albums you should be listening to (or at least pre-ordering).

The synth-laden opening strains of Concord Music Group's AMERICAN PSYCHO (Original London Cast Recording) are appropriately dark and sterile. In crafting the score for the musical adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' novel by the same title, Duncan Sheik has created a Broadway score that purposefully reminds listeners of synth-pop music by the likes of Giorgio Moroder while mixing in updated technologies to ensure that the score is as crisp and pulsating as any track on Daft Punk's RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES. The end result is an album filled with addictive looping and backbeats that masterfully mixes throwback modalities with modern technology to create an unexpectedly electronic musical score.

This past January, Broadway performer Benjamin Eakeley charmed audiences at Feinstein's/54 Below with Broadway Swinger. In anticipation of the encore performance, BroadwayWorld chatted with Eakeley about his solo cabaret show; SHE LOVES ME, his current Broadway gig; and his 1960s musical heavy career.

Helmed by Sam LaFrage, the Ragtag Theatre Company is back. Following their rip-roaring THE COMMEDIA RAPUNZEL, the talented troupe is tickling ribs with their latest concoction: THE COMMEDIA CINDERELLA. Billed as LGBTQ theatre designed for the entire family, this show puts a refreshing and much appreciated new spin on the timeless fairytale, finding a way to speak to the individual heart of every member of the audience.

Scott Alan has been giving music theater performers vividly emotionally and stirring songs to perform ever since 2007. Cynthia Erivo captured the hearts of many as Celie in THE COLOR PURPLE. Oliver Tompsett is best known for playing Fieryo in the West End production of WICKED. The three artists joined forces for Alan's most spellbinding album yet, Cynthia Erivo and Oliver Tompsett Sing Scott Alan.

After two successful EPs, Broadway veteran Matt Doyle has released his first full-length album, Uncontrolled. Doyle successfully crowd-funded the album on Kickstarter, and his passion for the material shines on every track. For fans of his EPs, the pop tonality emanating from Will Van Dyke's skillful arrangements will be familiar. For those listening to Matt Doyle for the first time, this aural landscape is inviting and addictive.

When I saw the current Broadway revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, I enjoyed it. So, it was a surprise when I didn't feel the same way about Broadway Records' FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (2016 Broadway Cast Recording) upon first listen. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is one of my top four favorite shows of all time, so I gave the album another couples of listens, and the charm of this record revealed itself to me.

THE COLOR PURPLE's critically lauded revival is currently impressing audiences eight times a week at the Jacobs in New York City. The show is one of Broadway's most popular shows, making tickets somewhat scarce. So, if you're like me, you haven't been able to see it. Luckily, Broadway Records has recorded the revival cast and released THE COLOR PURPLE (New Broadway Cast Recording).

Actress/singer Rumer Willis returns to New York City with her spellbinding debut at Cafe Carlyle. Having previously wowed New York audiences as Roxie in Broadway's CHICAGO and at Feinstein's/54 Below, Willis' sultry instrument and chanteuse aura melds her youthful energy with the reverence for music that is associated with this historic venue.