ON RECORD: Andy Kelso's Five Favorite Cast Albums- 'It Got Me Hooked on Musical Theater'

BroadwayWorld is excited to bring you our latest weekly series- ON RECORD. Ever wonder which Broadway tunes have inspired your favorite performers? Check back every Tuesday to find out which cast recordings have made an impact on Broadway's brightest stars.

In this week's edition, we hear from Andy Kelso, who is currently starring as 'Charlie' in Kinky Boots- playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Read on to find out his top five picks!

1. RENT

This is a no-brainer. I have MANY memories of belting my face off to this soundtrack when it first came out. This soundtrack was definitely the thing that got me hooked on musical theater...it totally changed my idea of what musical theater could be.

Buy it today at Amazon or iTunes

2. Jekyll & Hyde

Anthony Warlow's voice on this album is ridiculous. I remember hearing it in high school and being blown away by his sound. His voice is in a lot ways still my gold standard for the ideal musical theater sound.

Buy it today at Amazon or iTunes

3. The Full Monty.

LOVE this music and soundtrack. It's funny & touching with a great mix of jazz, funk, and rock. It's the JAM. It also happened to be the very first Broadway show that I ever saw. It's too soon right now, but I can't wait for a revival.

Buy it today at Amazon or iTunes

4. Into The Woods

Most of my "can't live without" cast recordings are based on the memory that brought the album into my life. This one is no different. My high school did this show my sophomore year and I quickly became obsessed with the soundtrack (if nothing else so that I could learn the show and the lyrics to "Your Fault"!). I ended up playing the Baker and to this day, it is definitely one of my top 5 musicals of all time. And I STILL haven't seen the movie!

Buy it today at Amazon or iTunes

5. Kinky Boots

Duh. This is the first Broadway Cast Album that I have had the honor to be a part of. Recording the album was such an amazing and surreal experience. While it's not my first choice to listen to these days as I get to hear (and sing) the musical 8 times a week, the music, the memory, and the recording are far too amazing to live without. PLUS-the album won a Grammy award!! #nobigdeal

Buy it today at Amazon or iTunes

Kelso is thrilled to be playing Charlie after originating the role of Harry in Kinky Boots. Broadway: Mamma Mia! (Sky). National tour: Wicked (Fiyero). Regional: Rent, Two Rooms, Jacques Brel..., The Drawer Boy, Fiddler on the Roof. Film/TV: The Producers, "Thank You...Next." Andy is originally from Denver and studied acting at the University of Northern Colorado. Thanks to the Kinky team, my teachers, my family and my Sheila. Proud member of AEA. www.andykelso.com