Shrek the Musical

Shrek. Probably one of the most unlikely movie to musicals made. Ever. But, it is not to bad. I know of a few people who LOVED the show, and I must admit, I kind of like the album. Shrek is a show starring Brian D'Arcy James as Shrek, Sutton Foster as Fiona, Christopher Seiber as Lord Farquaad, Chester Gregory II as Donkey, John Tartaglia as Pinocchio. Some songs have heart, while some songs are just silly! It is a very good, kid friendly musical. Unfortunately, it closed on broadway on January 3rd, 2010, but will start a tour towards the end of the year.

Rent

Rent, starring Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Idina Menzel, Taye Diggs, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jesse L. Martin, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, and Fredi Walker. Its about friends living in the lower east side, some of which have aids. This is such an emotional musical, with so much power, so much love, so much understanding. The music and lyrics were by Jonathan Larson (may he rest in peace), who died the day before opening, also of aids. My personal favorite song is called "Take Me or Leave Me", between the 2 lesbians, Maureen and Joanne, played by Idina Menzel and Fredi Walker. Its just a fun song about accepting someone for who they are, instead of trying to change them for who you want them to be. There are some hard hitter songs, also. Like the rest of the album. It is just so heartfelt, and a few songs make me cry. I admit, they do. But, it is a classic album, and everyone should own one.

Hair

Now, I only have the revival cast recording, but I must say it is VERY good. I always thought of myself as an opened minded, theatre hippie, but it took Hair to really open my eyes, along w Rent, to what love and acceptance really are. It stares Caissie Levy, Will Swenson, Gavin Creel, Allison Case (on medical leave), and a few other people. It is set during the vietnam war, and is about a set of hippies who want the war to be over, and peace all around. Which, still resounds today, with the war in Iraq, and the current gay rights issue. Hair is just a beautiful album to go along with a beautiful show.

Lippa's The Wild Party

Lippa's The Wild Party, starring Julia Murney, Idina Menzel, Brian D'Arcy James, and Taye Diggs, is a musical set in the 20's. It is focused on 2 vaudville performers, their best friend, and her boyfriend. Soon, a love triangle forms. The way the music is set up is gorgeous! It is VERY 1920's style music, which I love! Everyone sounds amazing on the album, especially Julia. Her voice is just brilliant with that style of music. She can do no wrong. Idina also sounds amazing. Who I was supprised by was Brian D'Arcy James. He sounds amazingly wonderful with that style of music, and his songs that he sings are truly amazing. The Wild Party is one of my favorite cast albums, so if you dont already have it, go get it asap!