BWW Reviews: COOL RIDER Original Studio Cast Recording

Following a massive 235 people donating over £12,000 via Kickstarter, Cool Rider (the stage concert production of Grease 2) has been able to release a studio cast recording of the show that received four and five star reviews when being debuted in the West End last year. It may have only been on for seven performances but it had great impact which is reflected in the support it has received from the public. This was also echoed in the 2014 BroadwayWorld Awards whereby Cool Rider received a huge nine nominations. Furthermore, although only being released yesterday, the recording is currently in the top ten of the UK soundtrack iTunes chart.

After listening to the recording a few times over this morning, a big thank you to everyone who helped making this recording a reality - it's brilliant. Unfortunately I was unable to witness the live show last year but following this, I am pretty sure the show is going to have a bright future. A lot of film sequels cannot match the success of the first but Grease 2 has built up a cult following and in my opinion, dare I say it, is better than the original. Many of the critics who dubbed it a flop when the film was released 33 years ago clearly weren't seeing what we are now! Producers Christopher D. Clegg and James DP Drury's enthusiasm for the production has shone throughout the whole journey and they are now reaping the benefits.

The cast is packed with musical theatre favourites including Ashleigh Gray and Aaron Sidwell. They too are paramount to Cool Rider's success; superb casting by Jacob Sparrow. Gray is an extraordinary choice for Stephanie. She is sassy, fiery and a real powerhouse which really shows in the title song 'Cool Rider' and during the reprise of the number in 'Who's That Guy'. Sidwell has a distinctive voice and although remarkably gentle in comparison to Gray, due to the characteristics needed for reformed geek Michael, the pairing works perfectly. His rendition of 'Charades' is goosebumps worthy. Excellent support is provided by all notably Bronté Barbé (Sharon) and Hannah Levane (Paulette). Reece Shearsmith is also great vocally in 'Reproduction' - a playful song, memorable for many as a sex-ed class with a difference!

Lee Freeman's orchestrations on the album are so fresh and exciting. From the overture to previously unheard musical sections and the addition of 'Who's That Girl', a classic 1982 film has been revitalised again into something very special.

Cool Rider is now available to download from iTunes UK or you can order the CD from www.CoolRiderLive.com.