I *love* J & H. I am all for a new recording... but let's make it the full show with all the changes and all versions of every song... You know what I mean.
I figured that they would make a new recording with Maroulis and Cox, but of course it has to be another "concept" recording instead of an actual cast recording. Inevitably, the actual tour cast and orchestrations will be more interesting and go unrecorded.
I have a feeling its being touted as a concept because it will be recorded and released before the show starts touring. I have hopes that it will contain the score as presented in the tour and Broadway revival.
Little secret about me, I'm a Wildhorn nut! I love his music, so I've been geeking out about this all day and submitted an essay for the contest. I'd love to win!
Sorry, but could someone please kindly explain to me the difference between a "concept" and a "cast" album? I've tried googling it,but I'm still confused (especially in this context). Thank you!
The definition seems to have changed over time. The first big concept recording (not the first concept recording) was The Who's Tommy. It took a concept or loose story and used songs to tell that story. Jesus Christ Superstar came not too long after. This is what would lead to the change in definition. JCS was more like a cast recording as it was not as abstract as Tommy. It used a full cast to tell the story rather than just one band, but still it was just an album that told a story. JCS went on to do concerts and eventually full stage productions. Evita came next. It claimed to be a concept album, but it was really a commercial demo recording. It was recorded for the purpose of finding its way to stage. Since then a number of musicals have followed suit. They produce "concept albums" that are really nothing more than commercial demo recording to sell a show to audiences before it opens.
Ok, ok, ok... before we get too far gone. Rock bands still do concept albums a la The WHo's TOMMY. Examples include the original Green Day AMERICAN IDIOT album and My Chemical Romance's THE BLACK PARADE and DANGER DAYS albums. In the rock and roll world, concept album means an album that loosely tells a story through the music presentation.
As far as I can tell, in the musical world, a concept album is how a composer thinks the show will/would sound on stage. Often times, the orchestrations and lyrics are different in concept albums as they have often not been performed in front of an audience. Once the cast is firmly in place and the show has opened on Broadway or wherever they sometimes re-record the show as a cast album to reflect the new version/new cast of the show. The cast album normally comes after changes to the show have (ideally) stopped.
Thanks, Jimmy and Clarke. I guess that's what adds to my confusion. Since we know what "Jekyll and Hyde" sounds like onstage, and audiences are already familiar with the production, I don't understand the idea of a concept album to sell a show that's already "sold."
^It would probably be more accurately described as an extended "promotional sampler" than an actual concept recording. This is a new version of the show, probably with entirely new orchestrations. They'll be able to sell it on the road, and IF the show actually makes it to Broadway, they'll already have a recording to sell at the merch booth on day one.
AMAZING!!! Can never have enough Jekyll, especially with Deborah Cox/ Teal Wicks. Thank you so much for recording this!!
I don't think Teal Wicks is on this recording. That article lists the recording artists and she's not one of them nor is she scheduled for the premiere production that will be done at La Mirada Theatre in September before it begins its U.S. tour. She's doing "Carousel" right now at the Goodspeed Opera House.
That being said I'm looking forward to a new recording and will definitely be purchasing it at La Mirada or sooner if it's released before the show debuts there.
It's probably being called a "concept album," because... as said before 1) this is a different version of the show (with two leads who have never seen the musical, nor the director!) and 2) this album looks to be a bit more of Frank showcasing some other "pop" talent he has. (ie: Teal Wicks is not listed for the album)
Expect a casting notice soon, rehearsals will begin sometime in early August - I'm surprised its not out yet.
DeClarke - I think Wildhorn gets bashed way too easily. "J&H" was a very good show and my wife and I loved it when we saw it in 1997 (believe it ran for over 1500 performances). My wife knew Mr. Cuccioli from HS and we got to meet the rest of the cast backstage that night including the amazing Linda Eder. I also enjoyed "Scarlett Pimpernall", Douglas Sill was excellent. Did not see "Bonnie & Clyde" but what I have heard of the show from listening to cast recording I really enjoyed.
^Deborah Cox, who will be reprising her role for the tour will be Lucy. Constantine will also perform on the album.
Either Shannon Magrane (another American Idol alum - she's young) or Carly Robyn Green (most likely Emma - one of Frank's more pop-talents who was actually in attendance at the June Frank & Friends concert) will do the two remaining female roles, Nellie (Lucy's prostitute friend who sings in "Girls of the Night") and Emma.
I'm more curious as to which (if any) "trunk" songs will appear, or what ideas they have for the new songs.
^I'd bet that "The World Has Gone Insane" will be in. There's no way they would cast Constantine as Jekyll and not have him sing that song. Unless they're writing something new for him to sing in that spot, but it would probably have the same rock flavor.
Well, I suppose it may depend on when the recording is to take place as to whether or not Teal will be on it. According to an article in the Courant, Teal is leaving Carousel August 4th for J&H. "Snyder says he has a kindred spirit on multiple levels with Wicks, who is leaving the show on Aug. 4 to take a leading role in the national tour of the Broadway-bound revival of "Jekyll & Hyde."
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joined:11/9/04
Posted: 7/17/12 at 09:17am