BWW CD Reviews: THE LAST SHIP (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is Deeply Satiating

I was able to catch a performance of THE LAST SHIP during previews at the Neil Simon Theatre. At that Sunday performance I found myself at a unique crossroad that I've never been at before. By intermission I knew I was looking forward to a cast recording of the musical, but I was largely uninterested in seeing the second act. I stuck it out and left inspired by the music and the cast's performances but entirely unmoved by the clunky book by John Logan and Brian Yorkey.

Luckily for fans of THE LAST SHIP and Sting's haunting score, Universal Music Classics' release of THE LAST SHIP (Original Broadway Cast Recording) perfectly captures the star of the show in all of its glory. In performance and on the album, Sting's pristine score undulates with the rhythm of waves crashing against the shore, giving the show and album the appeal of sea shanties and highlighting the working class struggles of the characters. The same is true for his lyrical work. Sting's music and lyrics, largely inspired by people he grew up around in Wallsend, Northumberland, England, keenly illustrate the hardships and joys of the lives of the shipbuilders of Northern England.

Moreover, there is no denying that Sting wrote the score, as it colored by his unmistakable style. Despite this, the music exists as a concrete musical theatre score, which is especially obvious in its smartly constructed choral arrangements sung with lively vigor by the talented ensemble. The chording and movement that occurs across the vocal parts is breathtakingly beautiful across the album, and offers some of the score's more interesting moments. One just needs to hear "Island of Souls," the end of "Shipyard," or the end of "The Last Ship" to hear how richly complex and deeply satiating the ensemble's musical moments are.

Like when I saw the show in performance, Rachel Tucker delivers THE LAST SHIP's most memorable performance on the cast recording. Her lush alto instrument and perfectly controlled belt bring radiant life to the sweetly soft "August Winds," the saucy "If You Ever See Me Talking to a Sailor," the evocative "When We Dance," and the heartrending "It's Not the Same Moon." Every moment that Rachel Tucker vocalizes on the album stands out as the album's most memorable and best moments. Hopefully, this won't be the last we see of her on Broadway.

Staring as Gideon Fletcher, Michael Esper's vocals serve as a spot on impersonation of Sting. His enunciation, the way he lands on notes, and the way he handles each phrase in the music, it is abundantly clear that he is channeling the artistry and style of the score's writer. The is especially noticeable on numbers like "When We Dance" and "The Night the Pugilist Learned How to Dance." Likewise, Aaron Lazar, as the supporting male lead Arthur Millburn, vocalizes with charming clarity on numbers like "What Say You Meg?" and "When We Dance."

Jimmy Nail, portraying Jackie White (the role currently being played by Sting on Broadway), sings with infectious energy. His performance on the album and when I saw the show also stands as one of my favorite aspects of THE LAST SHIP. His charisma and spirit make numbers like "Shipyard," "We've Got Now't Else," and "Underground River" the standout moments that they are. Similarly, Fred Applegate as the priest sings with emotional sincerity on moving pieces like "The Last Ship (Part One)" and on "So To Speak."

Sadly, the release doesn't include the whole score. Seeing the show, one of my favorite moments was Shawna M. Hanic's belting out her characters' boisterous ditty "Mrs. Dee's Rant," which is sadly missing from the disc. Furthermore, the sensationally stirring and equally beautiful songs "Hymn" and the Act I Finale "The Last Ship (Reprise)" are also missing from the album. The album is also missing, "We Got Now't Else (Reprise)," "Island of Souls (Reprise)," Sail Away (Reprise)," and "August Winds (Reprise)." Thus, the album serves as a fairly strong representation of the score. Yet, with notable musical moments among others missing, the picture is incomplete. Personally, I'd also rather have "And Yet," which appeared in the Chicago production and was replaced by "All This Time" as a bonus track over Sting simply signing a version of a song that already appears on the album.

Even though it is incomplete and I'm no fan of the show as a whole, Universal Music Classics' release of THE LAST SHIP (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is a gem in my collection of Broadway music. There is a raw intensity and glorious power in this score that makes it one of the most fascinating scores I've had the pleasure of hearing. Although listening to the album so many months after seeing the show, I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me want to revisit THE LAST SHIP. Maybe it works better as a song cycle. Maybe there were other reasons I didn't feel compelled by the performance I saw.

Universal Music Classics' released THE LAST SHIP (Original Broadway Cast Recording) both physically and digitally on December 15, 2014. It can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and elsewhere music is sold.

Additionally, THE LAST SHIP is currently playing at the Neil Simon Theatre, 250 West 52nd Street, New York City, New York 10019. For audiences interested in seeing the show with Sting as Jackie White, he continues in the role through January 24, 2015. Tickets for THE LAST SHIP are currently on sale through May 31, 2015. For tickets and more information, please visit http://thelastship.com.

For information about other theatrical recording releases, click here.

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