BWW CD Reviews: LYSISTRATA JONES (Original Broadway Cast Album) is Witty, Cheerful, and Effervescent

By: Jul. 09, 2013
Get Access To Every Broadway Story

Unlock access to every one of the hundreds of articles published daily on BroadwayWorld by logging in with one click.




Existing user? Just click login.

LYSISTRATA JONES had its New York premiere in a critically acclaimed Off-Broadway production produced by Transport Group Theatre Company at The Gym at Judson. It transferred to Broadway and opened at the Walter Kerr Theatre on December 14, 2011. Living in Houston, this show was not even a blip on my radar. Having been a longtime reader of BroadwayWorld, the name was familiar, but I didn't know anything about the show. With the June 14, 2013 announcement that a film adaptation is in the works, I felt compelled to track down a copy of the Original Cast Album and give the quirky comedy at least a few listens.

Instantly, the poppy, hook-laden aural soundscape created by Lewis Flinn, astounded me. In the liner notes, he said his goal was to create music that would reflect what the characters would be listening to on their iPods. There is no question that Lewis Flinn wholly succeeds in this pursuit. Each moment of the vibrantly vivacious score reflects the sounds that pervaded radio airwaves in the late 1990s through the early 2000s. Certainly, by the show's 2011 premiere some of these sounds were outdated; however, they must have been wonderfully nostalgic for the twenty-somethings coming out of college and beginning their professional lives. These songs easily remind listeners of the pop music of the Backstreet Boys, N'SYNC, Christina Aguilera, and Britney Spears, with the influences of melodic hip-hop from the likes of Nelly, Alicia Keys, and OutKast. Then, running under these radio friendly riffs is the sensibility of Broadway composition, creating a cohesive and narrative album that relates the story of the show well.

Lyrically, Lewis Flinn shows a good sense of humor and a keen ear for believability. The lyrics are bubbly and light, reflecting the inarticulateness of college aged kids' casual conversations. Even with the simplified language, the heart of the characters is palpable and infectious. After repeated listens, the humor still elicits smirks and laughs from listeners. Lastly, Lewis Flinn is adept at creating a rhyming verse that truly sounds like real cheers when necessary.

Patti Murin sings the role of Lysistrata Jones with sincere pizzazz. Her bright, endearing voice shines on the uplifting ballad "Just Once," the funky "Change the World," the sweet and evocative "Where Am I Now?," the empowering "Hold On," and its reprise.

As the confident and cocky Michelangelo "Mick" Jackson, Josh Segarra is surprisingly charming. His smooth vocals are exceptional on "Lay Low" and "When She Smiles," making both numbers some of the absolute best on the album.

Liz Mikel imbues her Hetaira with astonishing soul and divine power. Her impeccable and brilliant voice commands attention on every track it is present on. She dazzles from the beginning of the recording to the end, making numbers like "I Don't Think So," "Writing on the Wall," "Hold On," and its reprise truly dazzle with absorbing radiance.

The hilarious Lindsay Nicole Chambers fills her portrayal of Robin Smythe with fascinating eccentricity, making the nonconformist character all the more loveable. Her unique vocal instrument and unmistakable character approach makes numbers like "Just Once" resonate with sheer fun.

Alex Wyse is phenomenally adorable and hysterical as Hebrew Rapper Todd "Cinesias" Stein. His charismatic rendering of "Don't Judge A Book" leaps into the hearts of listeners and will be a favorite both in and out of the context of this recording.

Jason Tam, Alexander Aguilar, Ato Blankson-Wood, Katie Boren, Kat Nejat, LaQuet Sharnell, and Teddy Toye round out the cast and do remarkable jobs with the jovial and somewhat campy score. Each one does amiable and heartfelt work with their vocals, ensuring that their presence is always delightful.

The small band keeps the music lively and ebullient. Under the baton of Brad Simmons and Chris Haberl, the band plays with precision and gusto. It is composed of Brad Simmons and Chris Haberl on Keyboards, Freddy Hall on Guitar, Alan Stevens Hewitt on Bass, Marques Walls on Drums, Wilson Torres on Percussion, and Biti Strauchn on Vocals/Percussion.

LYSISTRATA JONES (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is altogether witty, cheerful, and effervescent. The engaging score and humorous lyrics easily entertain listeners with their winsome enthusiasm. After listening to this spirited album, I am anticipating the upcoming film adaptation. The album is Produced by Dean Sharenow and Lewis Flinn, with Douglas Carter Beane, The Broadway Consortium, David Huntington, Sase Sham, and Jana Shea as Executive Producers. It was Recorded at MSR Studios, NYC and Mixed at Steel Cut Audio, NYC by Dean Shearenow. The album was Mastered by Scott Hull at Masterdisk, NYC.

LYSISTRATA JONES (Original Broadway Cast Recording) was released by Broadway Records on May 6, 2012. Digital copies can be purchased at iTunes and Amazon. Physical copies are available anywhere music is sold.

For information about other theatrical recording releases, click here.

Image courtesy of Broadway Records.


Videos