Artist: BROWN, JASON ROBERT
Format: Compact Disc
This recording of the 2007 London production of Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry's ground-breaking Parade is quite excellent - it may even be the greatest recording of a musical this decade! Based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man falsely accused of murdering a young girl in the racist South of 1913, this is a grim but important story, deftly told with a smart script and some of the very best musical theatre writing. The original recording, with lush orchestra and larger cast, shows off the music, but for overall dramatic power, this performance bests the original. Containing all the music and dialogue, including some new music and smart revisions, this deluxe set offers the opportunity to revel in what a well constructed piece of musical theatre Parade is. The swiftly paced, suspenseful first act, in which Leo is charged and convicted (climaxing with the show's audacious courtroom scene), and the subtly moving love story of the second act, as Lucille attempts to free her husband, are all here to enjoy. There is an intimate intensity brought by the smaller orchestra, and the strong cast, headed by Bertie Carvel and Lara Pulver as Leo and Lucille, serves the material with skill (differentiating themselves from the excellent portrayals by Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello on the original). Admirably packaged on two discs (plus a DVD with a making-of featurette), this is an essential recording of an important work.
Price: $44.99 (AUD Includes GST)
Buy!