The only think wrong with living in the UK is that you are living in the UK. Which is great for some things, and really cool if you live near London, but in general, it’s not so hot if you like theatre. It’s also not so hot - in fact it’s usually pretty cold. Listening to and reading about what’s on in New York comes with a great deal of envy and frustration, and I don’t think I’ve ever experienced it so much as when listening to the second of this months Live At 54 Below releases from Broadway Records - Emily Skinner & Alice Ripley - Unattached.

In the nearly 20 years since Side Show first brought them together, Emily Skinner and Alice Ripley have found success and acclaim on Broadway (including a joint Tony nomination for Side Show, and Alice’s Tony win for Next to Normal), recordings and concert halls. Reunited for the first time in New York City since their legendary Town Hall concert nine years ago, their intimate new show Unattached – Live at Feinstein’s/54 Below is filled with fan favourites, powerhouse vocals, new material and this new live album captures an unforgettable show by two of Broadway’s most beloved leading ladies.

If only all concert albums were like this one. Just the right amount of chat, just the right amount of music. They are clearly still working ‘as one’ (if you don’t get that, read up on the musical Side Show) and their chat, as well as their musical numbers, are perfectly conjoined. If I’m honest, I would have liked more serious numbers, and more from them on their own (it is called Unattached, but there’s a lot of duets here). I would have also liked a bigger band - 3 piece works well in the main, but some of the numbers here needed bigger, and some needed more texture.

But what is here is still fantastic none the less. The medleys are well thought out, and add a different slant to their normal structure. I loved 'I Don’t Need A Roof' from Big Fish (one of the most under-rated shows of the last few years) and of course the songs from Side Show. Whilst we get 'I Will Never Leave You' with some comedy interjections, it would have been night to have that, and possibly 'Who Will Love Me As I Am' as proper, seriously delivered numbers.

Another great success for Broadway Records, and as always the production and Robbie Rozelle’s artwork are the best there is. Long may this continue.

9

Ian Gude