REVIEW: LEAP OF FAITH Cast Recording

So today the (long awaited?) cast recording of Alan Menken's newest Broadway show LEAP OF FAITH, starring Raul Esparza and Jessica Phillips, was released. Having seen the show (review here), and feeling very mediocre, I think the recording proves there was a show in there.

My biggest problem with the production was that it was rushed and the story wasn't fleshed out. The music was fun and showed off the actors' voices, even if it is not going to change the shape of modern musical theatre.

If you listen to the recording, which is about 5/8 belting, 2/8 dialogue, and 1/8 other, you might wonder why it closed so quickly.

Raul Esparza, as always, shines, and Leslie Odom Jr. (Smash), I think is better on the recording than he was live. Phillips, unfortunately, is boring and lifeless on the recording in my opinion, and doesn't shine in the same way she did live on stage.

Highlights for me are "Step Into the Light," "Are You On the Bus?" and "Jonas' Soliloquy."

I highly recommend this, if only for a single full listen on Spotify then buying some of the tracks individually.

LEAP Not Completely Off the Bus Yet

After today's news regarding LEAP OF FAITH's imminent closing, it seemed that the production was doomed and would have an early death. Alan Menken though has taken to Twitter and said that "LEAP will live on, just not on Broadway. And the need for cast recording(s) is still very much on my agenda."

This is interesting. I'm not surprised that there will likely be a recording. Menken will want this score preserved. Even if only for Raúl Esparza's "Jonas' Soliloquy." I am just curious what the (s) means because I can't imagine this show getting multiple recordings. So we will have to see, so stay tuned...

BREAKING: LEAP OF FAITH to Close May 13th

UPDATE #2: LEAP OF FAITH will officially close on Sunday May 13th after the matinee, according to the show's producers.

Alan Menken posted on his twitter this morning: "@AIMenken: LAST CHANCE SALVATION! If you want to experience LEAP OF FAITH better do it this week. What a long, strange trip it's been...," making it likely that a closing notice would be imminent.

Menken tried to cover it up, by tweeting, "To clarify - If people want to see LEAP OF FAITH continue to run - If people want to see a number from LEAP on the Tonys - BUY TICKETS NOW!!" but the last push wasn't successful.

It seems that a Tony nomination can't save this new musical, that was rushed to Broadway. I saw an early preview and there is definitely a good musical in there somewhere. They just unfortunately didn't give it the time to find it.

REVIEW: Alan Menken's LEAP OF FAITH

[Please note that this was a preview performance so things will be changed and fixed before opening night.]

Last night, April 6th, I saw a preview performance of Alan Menken (Newsies, Sister Act)'s new musical LEAP OF FAITH, based on the movie of the same name. The show features lyrics by Glenn Slater and stars Raul Esparza (Arcadia, Company), Jessica Phillips (Next to Normal), Kendra Kassebaum (Wicked), and Leslie Odom Jr. (Smash).

Overall, the show was a lot better than expected. I had read very mixed to negative things about the first few previews so was not expecting much. I was expecting a forgettable score and a Raul Esparza star vehicle. I have to say though, this was not the case.

While Raul Esparza definitely shone with the show and score that seemed to be built for his voice and style, the other actors definitely held their own. All of the principals did a great job. I was extremely impressed with Kendra Kassebaum, who played Esparza's sister, and Talon Ackerman, who played Phillips's son who is physically disabled (which she clearly describes).

Kassebaum had attitude while still being lovable and her voice just shone on the few songs she had. Her duet with Phillips, "People Like Us," is probably my favorite song from the show. Ackerman, who was the sole person who believed in Esparza's character Jonas Nightingale, made you feel his pain and portrayed this over-eager 13 year old perfectly. His voice was good (you could tell he was having some problems with his voice changing) and he was definitely the person who stood out that I didn't expect.

Technically, the set was alright. I loved the tent, which is the focal piece of the set and is a character in and of itself. That being said, in the beginning of the second act, the show stopped for about 5 minutes because the mechanism that turned the tent platform had broken down. I didn't mind though, because it actually came at the best moment for the break. I also enjoyed how the set grew from the stage, with platforms up to the audience in the mezzanine.

The rest of the set was minimalistic and looked like it was done by a low budget college show. I think they really dropped the ball on the set besides the tent. Hopefully they can change it a bit before opening. The lighting was good, there were a few moments that were a little strange. Sometimes it was difficult to hear soloists over the choir (which rocked hard).

Overall, I think this show is good, but I don't know if it is good enough to survive. I think the Tony's will be important for the show (Raul could easily get at least a nomination). I give it through the summer. I think come fall, it won't be around. I hope it proves me wrong though...

NEWSIES to Release Cast Recording!

The new Broadway musical NEWSIES based on the Disney film of the same name will have an original cast recording through Ghostlight Records due out later this spring. Check out more info in the video below.

The musical features music by Alan Menken (Little Mermaid) and a book by Harvey Fierstein. It stars Jeremy Jordan and Andrew Keenan-Bolger.

I am so excited that there will officially be a cast recording because the music I have heard is great and can't wait to actually see the show in March!!!