Review: PRODIGY Original Cast Recording

The latest cast recording release from Auburn Jam Records, Prodigy, was only released yesterday and has already placed in the top 100 albums on iTunes. This new musical, by the immensely talented Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary, has been commissioned by the National Youth Music Theatre and received its premiere in August last year at the St James Theatre. As well as being performed by a 27-strong cast made up of 11-23 year olds, over half of them also play a musical instrument during the show. Centred around a competition to be Britain's Best New Classical Music Star, five young competitors fight it out to claim the prize. Budding romances, teenage angst and pushy parents added to the mix make for a complex journey to the title.

Brunger's book is solid and he has created very distinct characters with their own unique stories. Lyrically, collaborating with Cleary, this carries through song and is very visual in its storytelling. Considering its setting, the music needs to be at the forefront of the work and Cleary has done an exceptional job in ensuring this is the case. The quality of the musicianship is excellent and the fact it is being delivered by the young cast is very inspiring. Although Caroline Whittingham as Kate is the only finalist who also plays her chosen instrument live, musically, in their introductory numbers, the instrumental defines the characters well.

The opening with the tuning of instruments sets the scene and what follows feels occasionally reminiscent of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in its formatting. The bulk of Act One introduces us to the finalists with a particular highlight being "Block Out The Noise", highlighting the soulful vocals of Sephora Parish as Jessie. Following "Really Good" is when cracks really begin to show and the story takes a heightened personal stance. The Act One finale showcases Kate and Luke (Harry Al-Adwani) at their best.

The Entr'acte has an epic feel like it should almost be a finale, but it is a good continuation of the last song in Act One. "Walk Away" and "We've Got Talent Too" seem to have drawn inspiration from other existing songs with some familiar phrasing. The latter, although a relatively upbeat number, is perfectly placed within the story and is one of the best songs on the album (performed by Luke Rozanski and Hannah Irvine as Harry and Chloe respectively). "Just A Moment" is calm amongst the frenzy of Act Two and is a beautiful arrangement. The recording is rounded up by "Say It In Song" which is packed full of heart and soul, and there is a nice nod to the TV reality show format so many enjoy at the end.

Prodigy is a fresh and original musical production with stars of tomorrow at the helm. The recording is now available from http://prodigy.auburnjam.co.uk/ or is available to download from all major online retailers.

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