Jekyll & Hyde - The Gothic Musical Thriller (1994 Concept Cast)
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Free Music Notes for Jekyll & Hyde - The Gothic Musical Thriller (1994 Concept Cast)
Free Music Review: EXCELLENT SCORE DELIVERED BY THE OUTSTANDING CAST
Hit: 5 Stars
`Jekyll and Hyde' was composer's Frank Wildhorn first major contribution to the musical theatre. And it was a winner. For the first time in many years there was a new American composer in the musical theatre world who showed promise. The musical itself has all the ingredients that appeal to the audiences who prefer a good story, together with a gorgeous contemporary score and crafty lyrics, a formula Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice successfully started to implement with their `Jesus Christ Superstar' in the early 70-is.
Jekyll and Hyde enjoyed a decent run on Broadway from 1997 till 2001, with more than 1500 regular performance. Currently it is running in the Czech Republic, Russia and there is a US tour, with the new productions for this year to open all over the world, from England, South Korea and Sweden to USA.
This musical has several recordings and the one in question here is the best of the lot, due to the fact it is the most complete and it features an excellent cast. Before the show was actually staged on Broadway, the Atlantic Records came to an idea of making a studio concept recording of the score, that is, the best numbers selected by the authors, whose material comprised much more than was eventually put on this recording, despite the fact the whole story is told on it.
The story is the adaptation of the famous novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson, which is widely known, but let us repeat the essentials. We follow a young and promising doctor, Henry Jekyll, in the Victorian London. He is striving to separate the good and evil inside the human body. When the hospital refuses to grant him a living human on whom he could test his formula, Jekyll decides to be his own guinea pig with the most terrifying consequences. His evil alter ego awakens in the form of Mr. Edward Hyde and he inflicts a reign of terror upon London and all those dear to Jekyll, including his fianc?e Lisa and a good-hearted prostitute Lucy.
Frank Wildhorn's score evokes the gothic elements of the story and the time it takes place in a most satisfying way. His musical style is very similar to the big, sweeping arias we are used to hear from the Andrew Lloyd Webber's songbook. That is not to say that Wildhorn imitates the British master, but rather that they both have a fine touch for writing gorgeous melodies. The score itself is various by its nature. It consists of the soaring big solo numbers, be it ballads or the more strong ones, together with a few moving duets and a haunting quartet number sung by the main characters. There are also some wonderfully powerful big ensemble numbers, sung beautifully by the company, such s `Fa?ade', or `Murder, murder!'. By contrast, one has to mention an opening to Act 2, called `Mass', which is a short requiem piece delivered in the most solemn way by the chorus. Such versatile score makes a unified whole, none the less. Overall, this score gets a high mark.
The same judgment can for the most part be said about the lyrics, which are the work of Leslie Bricusse. His long spanning career includes credits for the theatre, musicals, films and pop pieces, as a lyricist and a composer. Since this is a concept album, some bits mentioned in the booklet synopsis are not featured in the songs, but despite that, the lyrics work for the most part, although at times they lack pacing and they don't always serve to develop the character's actions.
The one thing that shines all the way through this recording is its wonderful cast, whose magnificent vocal power delivers the story in the most convincing way. That is most obvious in the case of Anthony Warlow, an Australian singer, well known in the circles of opera and musical theatre. The character of Jekyll and Hyde is very difficult to portray vocally, it is two roles in one. Mr. Warlow, however, amazes with his ability of vocal transformation. His well-minded Jekyll is a complete opposite of the malicious, steadfast vocal of Hyde. Also, he is an exceptional singer, with an outstanding range, as heard is songs like `I need to know' or `This is the moment'. It is a shame he never took his Jekyll to the stage. Another name that must be mentioned is the young and talented Linda Ender, the wife of the composer Frank Wildhorn, who plays the good prostitute Lucy, the most tragic of all the characters here. She is currently one of the best vocally equipped singers in the musical theatre world and this recording is another proof to this fact. Her renditions of `Bring on the men' (a funny cabaret number which in the end did not reach the stage), `Someone like you' (Lucy's longing for a good person like Jekyll in her life) or `A new life' (a hopeful wishing for a better tomorrow) are moving and impeccably sung. Only the third major member of the cast is not up to the level of the others and that is Carolee Carmello's portrayal of Jekyll's fianc?e Lisa. Unfortunately, she sounds too old for the role and she tends to sing it in the unsuitable sweetly-pathetic way. The supporting cast, on the other hand, is tremendous.
The CD package comes with a full libretto and lyrics, the pictures of the cast and authors, together with the thanking notes from them.
Conclusively, `Jekyll and Hyde' is a musical made in the best way of the blockbuster shows of the 80-is and the early 90-is like The Phantom of the Opera, Les, Mis, Miss Saigon or Sunset Boulevard. This recording captures its captivating story and the thrilling score, so the lovers of the modern musical theatre should not ignore it.
Free Music Review: The music and singers sparkle with brilliance
Hit: 5 Stars
After having listened to this CD countless times since september last year I feel I have adequately cooled down so as not to flesh out this review with twenty exclamation points at the end of every sentence. To put it lightly: this show is absolutely phenomenal. Naturally, it has its flaws and skippable songs like every show, but for the theatre fanatic this is an unmissable CD. This is the best version of this show out there - the OBC pales in comparison.
Some of the notable tracks:
"I Need to Know": the first full song, and a taste of what is to come. There are no words to describe the impression that Anthony Warlow's heavenly voice has on me.
"Bring on the Men": This song is great fun to listen to, and a welcome moment of comedy so that the show isn't dragged down in depression. Linda Eder is in top form and the orchestrations here are excellent.
"This is the Moment": A fantastic song that has perhaps been a little too exploited outside the musical, but nonetheless Warlow manages to remove every note of tackyness here and sings it right from his heart. I was lucky enough to hear him sing this in concert earlier this year, and it was clearly the standout item in the show.
"Transformation"/"Alive": His anguished screams and deep, sexy voice as he changes into Hyde would be enough to seduce any sane woman. The bridge in the middle of "Alive" is particularly... interesting.
"His Work and Nothing More": A stunningly beautiful quartet as the people in Jekyll's life worry about his devotion to his work, a song that was utterly ruined in the OBC.
"Dangerous Game": Warlow's smooth, seductive vocals merging with Eder's beautiful harmonies make this one of the best tracks.
"Confrontation": The best track in the show, as Jekyll internally battles with Hyde. I have found that no one unless they have been previously informed can guess that it is Warlow singing the parts of both Jekyll and Hyde.
In conclusion, this is an absolutely brilliant CD, and has been my favourite for a full year. Even if you don't like the story, the songs or the lyrics, get it just to hear Anthony Warlow - no fan of his can go without it.
Free Music Review: The only reason to buy this is Anthony Warlow!!!
Hit: 3 Stars
I watched the performance of Jekyll & Hyde when it was touring in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2000 and fell in love with it. I bought the Original Broadway Cast Recording and can't put it down until today. Last year, I read a review about how good this album is and I thought it might be good to own another version of Jekyll & Hyde. I was disappointed with it. I expect it to be better.
The main reason why I don't feel like I was wasting my money with the album is ANTHONY WARLOW. It's really worth your money just to hear him sing "I Need to Know", "This Is the Moment", "Alive", "Reflections", "Once Upon a Dream" etc. But when it comes to the overall of the album, I find the Original Broadway Cast much more polished.
The arrangement, the orchestration and the ensemble for the OBC are much much better. Linda Eder (who plays Lucy) is in a better voice in the OBC. Most people complained about replacing "Bring on the Men" with "Good 'N' Evil". To me, I think Good 'N' Evil is a much better song for the stage performance. Don't boo me for this. It's just what I thought. -_-"
Carolee Carmello is just not right for the part of Lisa (which later changed to Emma). Christiane Noll from the OBC does a much better job and she has the most beautiful voice I've ever heard.
One of my favourite songs from this show is "Confrontation" but I was really disappointed with the version in this album. It seems like Anthony Warlow recorded the Jekyll and Hyde part at different time then the sound engineer put it together. It kinda ruined the whole idea of the song. The actor is supposed to change between characters while he is singing it not singing it separately like this.
Final word from me is that I think you should get the OBC first to hear the overall view of the whole show. I know that Bob Cuccioli might not be as good as Anthony Warlow but he's really good as well. But if you are a fan of Anthony Warlow, just buy this. You will be so enjoy listening to Warlow but other actors are just mediocre and the ensemble is just bad.
Free Music Review: Rock Opera Classic
Hit: 5 Stars
Frank Wildhorn's Gothic rock opera Jekyll and Hyde is a powerful work of theater that has sadly gone on the wayside. I don't believe Broadway scored big with this musical as it is very rarely performed next to the more brand name musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber- Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Phantom of the Opera,Sunset Boulevard, or Les Mis for that matter. But Wildhorn has a lot of great moments and the music dramatically expresses Dr. Jekyll's conflict and torment. Anthony Warlow and Linda Eder bring their respective characters- Jekyll and his love interest/fiancee to luminous life. The tunes are memorable, full of raw emotions and though bordering on high melodrama, never loses its power. This is the original "concept" cast, that is the first cast that performed it sans an audience or recorded it for a test. These singers would go on to sing it on Broadway but never reached the level of fame as the later studio cast recording. On one special DVD of the performance, actor David Hasselhoff shows off his singing talent and acting abilities on Broadway in the role of Jekyll/Hyde. Must be seen to believedFree Music Review: Flawed, yet hinting something more
Hit: 2 Stars
I know many Frank Wildhorn fans will loathe me for the things i am going to say, however i merely ask you to read my review before you make your judgement too quickly.
i bought this CD and i confess, it disappointed me immensely. Linda Eder has a lovely voice and, on that note, the entire cast has beautiful voices. However, the score is seriously flawed...there is something missing...something so disappointing. Most songs are too long for my liking and the music gets very repetetive shortly into the first act. The story (freely adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel) is certainly good...but the music isn't powerful enough to set the scene correctly. Mr. Wildhorn's ridiculously laughable attempts at a seductive, sexy song for the character of Lucy end up sounding comical because how stretched out the song is (god, it must be at least five minutes) and how lame the lyrics are ( quote: 'men are mad about my afternoon teas...they're quite informal i just do it to please!those triple sandwiches are my fav'rite ones...i'm also very partial to buns!' then the girls in the audience cheer, 'o yea, you go girl' and giggle frivolously. The song is pathetic...i don't even think it could seduce an intoxicated man.
Facade is also one of the annoying, interminable songs on the CD. Attempting to be reminiscent of Andrew Lloyd Webebr's 'Masquerade (thankfully, it's unsuccessful), Facade is a stupid song sung by the ensemble in hopes of connecting it with the split personality theme. Very stupid indeed.
Now i could go on and on and on about all of the flaws this musical has...but i won't because that would be unjust. Now i'll mention the few good things about this musical.
1. The cast (extremely talented)
2. The beginning spoken part...very chilling words and the backround music is surprisingly thrilling as well.
3. There are about three or four good songs in the entire musical (pretty pathetic) and off of the top of my head, i can name 'Nobody Knows Who I Am' and 'Alive'. I forget the others, since they are so scarce.
4. A word of caution...
Although, this was a terrible musical (to be honest with everyone), Frank Wildhorn isn't such a bad composer. After hearing this, i admit i was very biased against Frank Wildhorn and thought of him as talentless and silly. However, after going to a consert with the composer at the piano (at the Lenape Regoinal Performing Arts in New Jersey) I realized i was wrong. Try something else. He's pretty good.