BWW Reviews: Broadway Records' SIDE SHOW (Original 2014 Broadway Cast Recording) Will Be Stuck With You

With the tagline "It Will Never Leave You," the much anticipated Broadway revival of SIDE SHOW closed at the St. James Theatre faster than most expected it to. However, Broadway Records had the foresight to record the reworked musical, ensuring that-love it or hate it-this revival will never leave us. Spanning 26 tracks and totaling 1 hour and 19 minutes worth of music, SIDE SHOW (Original 2014 Broadway Cast Recording) is an album that is sure to be stuck with you!

I was fortunate enough to see the show during its too brief run, and my absolute favorite aspect of the album is that it pristinely captures Peter Hylenski's exact sound mix. Listening to the album, I can close my eyes and instantly be transported back to my seat in the St. James Theatre. From the opening notes of "Come Look at the Freaks," Sam Davis' musical direction and arrangements of Henry Krieger's score and Harold Wheeler's orchestrations grab your attention and heart. Across the disc, the music emanating from the orchestra is emotionally powerful, gorgeous, and unforgettable. Whether bold, brash, violent, and unnerving or sweet and melodic, this score comes to life as it smartly vacillates between vibrant strength and mysterious beauty.

The vocal performances on the album are stirring and stunning as well. Emily Padgett colors her soprano voice with a glossy shimmer. This works to characterize Daisy Hilton's extroversion and brash characteristics. Conversely, Erin Davie's soprano instrument is more earthy and grounded. This spectacularly conveys Violet* Hilton's introversion and delicacy. However, both women smartly blend their voices when needed, creating glowing unisons when required. With their vocal skill and prowess, key numbers like "Who Will Love Me As I Am?" and "I Will Never Leave You" are instant favorites on the album, as is their "Sideshow" bonus track.

Singing the role of Jake, David St. Louis' brassy, warm, and darkly intonated baritone soars on "The Devil You Know" and "You Should Be Loved." In performance, both of these moments were true showstoppers, and they exist as incredible showstoppers on the album as well. Ryan Silverman, as Terry Connor, gives a breathtaking performance on "Private Conversation," filling it with overwhelming emotional sincerity. His brilliant and bold baritone buries itself deeply in the heart and guarantees that the moment on the album is as delightfully visceral and commanding as it was in live performance. As Buddy Foster, Matthew Hydzik uses the warmth of his glittering tenor instrument to convey his character's sensitivity and charm. Other standouts include Blair Ross' harshly intimidating performance as Auntie compared to her compassionate and kind Bearded Lady and Javier Ignacio's rousing solos as Houdini on "All in the Mind."

Broadway Records' release of SIDE SHOW (Original 2014 Broadway Cast Recording) is a sumptuous and robust capture of a show that simply didn't find its stride. On the disc, the orchestra dazzles and delights. The vocals pop with clarity and energetic vigor. All the elements come together to create a superbly thrilling release. You may not be able to look at the freaks anymore, but lend them your ear. You won't regret it.

Broadway Records' released SIDE SHOW (Original 2014 Broadway Cast Recording) digitally on February 23, 2015. Physical copies were made available on February 24, 2015. The album can be purchased from Broadway Records' online store, iTunes, Amazon, and elsewhere music is sold.

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