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When I Grow Up
Broadway’s Next Generation Live at 54 Below

 

Music: various
Lyrics: various
Performed by: Caleb McLaughlin, Emily Rosenfeld, Ethan Haberfield, Grace Capeless, Isabela Moner, Kelsey Fowler, Matthew Gumley, Matthew Schechter, Neil McCaffrey, Rozi Baker and Zoe Considine
Label: Broadway Records and 54 Below
RRP: £13.99
Release Date: 09 July 2013


In its continuing series of recordings from New York's 54 Below club, in the heart of Broadway, Broadway Records brings us something different this time. Not content with just bringing us the best of established Broadway talent, their latest release features a recording of a concert by the little people, recorded live at the club in March this year [2013]. When I Grow Up: Broadway's Next Generation is a concert of the more recent Broadway hits, by the youngest of Broadway stars - the kids.

This is one CD I knew I was going to enjoy from when I first heard about it several months ago. Varese Sarabande did a similar 'Broadway Kids' series a good few years ago, and, apart from a couple of solo albums, there has been nothing since. Which is surprising, given the interest from the various TV talent shows that seem to favour kids these days. However, here it is, spurred on no doubt by the revival of Annie on Broadway, and the success of Matilda on both sides of the Atlantic.

The choice of songs here is great - everything from The Wiz, to The Last Five Years, via Company. There is an enormous amount of talent here, and not a week link in any of the singers. Not only are they great singers, but as you would expect, also deliver their songs and intro chat with confidence. The solo numbers are much more successful than the ensemble numbers, which is probably more to do with the recording technique than anything - I'm guessing they were pretty incredible on the night.

I'm not going to single out any particular performances, as they are worthy of being here. Who I will single out is musical director Michael J Moritz Jnr, who also produces here. I know how much work goes into evenings like this, especially with a band, and it is a credit to him, just as much as it is to the performers and Broadway Records.

Patti, Leo, Christiane, and all previous performers at 54 Below, keep watching over your shoulder.

9

Ian Gude

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