REVIEW: NEXT THING YOU KNOW Original Cast Recording

Salzman and Cunningham's NEXT THING YOU KNOW cast recording definitely could be the next thing you will know about. The show, which I had never heard about before, had an Off-Broadway run that resulted in this great recording.

The recording features Patti Murin (Lysistrata Jones), Lauren Blackman, Jay Armstrong Johnson (35mm), and Colin Hanlon.

Vocally, I thought the album had its highs and lows, with the girls sometimes sounding a little too breath-y for my taste. The boys generally are stronger in my opinion, with J.A.J. truly standing out. That being said, I think the music and story speaks for itself.

I found myself loving the story of these 20-somethings experiencing the lives they don't want in the slightest. Songs like "The Way To Get a Girl" and "Hungover" truly standing out not just because they are well sung and acted, but also because musically they are fun and well written.

I am curious to see how this show lives following this release and I definitely think it deserves a listen!

LYSISTRATA JONES OBCR To Be Released on May 15th

The original Broadway cast recording of LYSISTRATA JONES, the short lived musical starring Patti Murin, will be released through Broadway Records on May 15th. The cast will reunite to go into the studio to record vocals on March 28th.

The track listing is as follows:
1. Right Now: Opening
2. Right Now: Party Time
3. Just Once
4. Change the World
5. No More Giving It Up
6. Lay Low
7. I Don’t Think So
8. You Go Your Way
9. Where Am I Now?
10. Writing on the Wall
11. Hold On
12. Don’t Judge a Book
13. Right Now: Operetta
14. When She Smiles
15. Hold On (reprise)
16. The Final Game
17. Give it Up!
18. Never Say Never (Curtain Call)
19. Bonus Track: TBA

Benanti, Murin Set for Upcoming Pilots

Laura Benanti (Gypsy, Women on the Verge) and Patti Murin (Lysistrata Jones) have both been cast in upcoming pilots for next season.

Benanti will star in GO ON on NBC, where she recently starred in the short lived The Playboy Club. According to Deadline, the series focuses on 'Ryan (Perry), an irreverent yet charming sportscaster who, trying to move on from a loss, finds surprising solace in the members of his mandatory support group.' Benenti will play a tightly-wound support group leader.

Murin will star in an untitled CBS comedy series. According to Deadline, the series is about 'an ensemble of young people trying to achieve their creative dreams in these tough financial times.' Murin will play a clothing designer.

These both have the makings to be good, but with the way TV has been lately, we will have to wait and see.

LYSISTRATA JONES Gets One Step Closer to a Cast Recording

It's a big news day for the flop LYSISTRATA JONES. First, on Thursday March 1st, the orchestra of the show is set to record the score of the show. While there is no word on when the cast will add vocals. Or a label. Or a release date. This means that the show is getting close to receiving an original cast recording. The only redeeming thing about this I think is Patti Murin's killer vocals.

In other Lyssie news, the cast will reunite for a special one night concert performance of the show at Joe's Pub in NYC on April 9th.

Anyone have any thoughts on Lyssie's successful post-Broadway life? Will anyone be checking out the concert?