Various - Adding Machine: A Musical
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Free Music Notes for Adding Machine: A Musical
Free Music Review: What do our lives add up to in the end?
Hit: 5 Stars
From start to finish, I loved this recording of "Adding Machine," the new musical by Joshua Schmidt and Jason Loewith. Strikingly original, the show offers further proof that any subject, with the right approach, can be turned into an effective musical. This will certainly be high on my list of the decade's best new scores.
Based on an expressionist play by Elmer Rice, "Adding Machine" is social commentary wrapped in a surreal story about a working-stiff accountant, Mr. Zero (Joel Hatch), who, when not berated by his wife at home, performs mind-numbing work--thoroughly unappreciated, except by an assistant who longs for him from afar. Things get even bleaker when, after learning he's being replaced by new adding machines, Zero snaps and kills his boss.
The plot gets plenty twisted (and darkly funny) from there, and it's all represented vividly on this recording by a fine cast, who act and sing with the gusto of a live performance. From the grating of Mrs. Zero (Cyrilla Baer) at the beginning as she lashes out at her docile husband, to the truly satisfying conclusion to Zero's oddysey, "Adding Machine" holds you in its grip.
Of course, that grip comes in large part from the music by Joshua Schmidt, which is fantastic. Consisting of percussive rhythms and keyboards (regular and electronic), the score is ominous and forceful, and complements the bizarre story perfectly. Only a couple numbers sound "traditional," used effectively in the few touching moments amid all the bleakness (featuring Amy Warren, poignant as Zero's assistant). But this isn't a show meant to put a bounce in your step. It's meant to knock you on your a--. Schmidt and Loewith achieve that brilliantly.
Free Music Review: Loved it at the Minnetta Lane, even better on CD
Hit: 5 Stars
After seeing this show in June I decided I would take the experience home with me to give the score a few more listens. I am overwhelmingly glad I did. I enjoyed it even more on 2nd 3rd and 10th listens.
I would have to say, CAUTION: This is not your mother's musical theatre!
Elmer Rice's (the original playwright) bleak world view is perfectly illustrated and expanded upon by this mathematical and rewarding show. Granted, this might not be a CD that you want to put on your 'Jog and Workout Playlist', but if you want something to stimulate you and challenge you sonically as well as philosophically, this cast recording packed with stellar acting and singing is a winner.
It is NOT 'Funny Girl' or 'Hello Dolly', but it has just as much artistry, heart, intelligence as anything I can think of.
Particular Standouts on the Disc are: The Music of the Machine, I'd Rather watch You (a tin pan alley pastiche), and The Party.
Free Music Review: A unique score that is well worth having.
Hit: 5 Stars
The recording of Adding Machine perfectly captures the entire musical with its wonderful performances and unique score that is unlike anything else currently running in New York. If you have had the good fortune to see this production on stage, you will know what a unique theater experience it is. When I saw the show I knew that my appreciation for the score would only grow in repeated listenings, which it has. The musical performances both define the characters and further the plot and are true to the original Elmer Rice play. Once again PS Classics has identified and recorded a show that will not be forgotten once the original production has ended.Free Music Review: Surprising and Subversive
Hit: 5 Stars
This is easily the most satisfying and interesting musical theater score of the year, emerging from the best musical to arrive in New York this season. The show itself is a wonder, and the CD captures much of what's great about it. This is a score that confounds expectations, although it does include a few pastiche numbers, for dramatic effect. But for the most part, composer Joshua Schmidt, along his libretto collaborator Jason Loewith, have created something totally new, while certainly reflecting the influence of Kurt Weill, Marc Blitzstein, and others. Anyone interested in the future of serious musical theater will want this CD.Free Music Review: dark comedy great to listen to...
Hit: 5 Stars
When I first saw this show 0ff-Broadway I did not know what to expect. I loved it! I quickly got another ticket to see it again. I really got into it's dark macabre style story telling. Even though it was a small production, I got the cold, early 20's feeling. This cast recording captures the show in a great way. As a matter of fact, the music sounds crisp and clear. Did they add orchestrations? I think it belongs in any "Broadway" collection.