Studio Cast – 2016 / Music by Alan Menken and lyrics by
Stephen Schwartz
Starring: Michael Arden, Patrick Page, Ciara Renée,
Andrew Samonsky, Erik Liberman, Jeremy Stolle, William Michals and Neal Mayer
Rate: 8 (from 1 to 10) / Photos by Matthew Murphy
Review: This is probably Alan Menken’s most dramatic
score. Originally written for the Disney 1996 animated movie, the stage
adaptation premiered in 1999 in Berlin and only in 2013 had the first English
production. Recently, it was staged at the Paper Mill Playhouse and there was
talk of a future Broadway production, but it was cancelled. Even so, someone
thought that the stage score should be recorded and now we have this studio
cast recording featuring the lead cast of the Paper Mill Playhouse.
The result is a must for Alan
Menken’s fans, beautifully sung by a strong cast. In the leading role Michael
Arden delivers the emotional “Out There” (I still prefer Jason Danieley’s
version), this song is one of the most beautiful songs ever written by Menken,
with perfect lyrics by Stephen Schwartz; he also sings “Heaven’s Light”,
another terrific song, much stronger here than in the movie. As Esmeralda,
Ciara Renée gives us a great rendition of the pop ballad “God Help the
Outcasts”. With Arden they sing “Top of the World”, one of the new songs that
blends perfectly into the score and the same can be said about “In a Place of
Miracles” and “Someday” (Celine Dion would like to sing this one). In the role
of Frollo, the bad guy, Patrick Page sounds menacing in the dark “Hellfire”.
I miss “A Guy Like You”, a
very entertaining song that was cut from the stage production. In fact the
entire stage score is very serious, the only light moment is the “Topsy Turvy”
number where Erik Liberman joyfully leads the cast.
Alan Menken is probably the
most melodic of the contemporary composers and this is one of his most
accomplished works. A sure bet for unpretentious musical lovers!
I love this recording. The score is glorious and makes extensive use of choral music throughout. I understand that the reason Disney chose not to take the show to Broadway is that Menken refused to reduce the size of the huge chorus required to sing the music.
ReplyDeleteIt's a pity Harry, Disney should put this show on Broadway.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jorge. It would be a wonderful show to experience, in a Broadway theatre, with the full cast of actors and singers. But there's the problem. The show requires nine principle actors, twelve members of the congregation and twenty-eight choir members. That's a total of forty-nine. Forty-nine performers on the stage would mean a huge salary - much more than for the usual, smaller Broadway cast. That's unfortunate but understandable, given the economics of producing a Broadway show. But this show and this score are simply stunning and I believe that Hunchback will have a very long life in regional and community theaters. It's possible, also, that this show might become a regular feature in opera houses, just as Candide, Follies and Sweeney Todd have done in years past.
DeleteI never though about that, but you're right. The score will work perfectly in opera houses. That's a great idea!
ReplyDelete