Listmania!
My Favourite Musicals
The Wild PartyThe Wild Party by Various
Buy new: £20.59 / Used from: £11.02
An exceptional example of how brilliant and exciting modern musicals can be. Andrew Lippa's score is both intricate and tuneful and each song can be applauded in it's own right - simply BRILLIANT!
Schwartz - WickedSchwartz - Wicked by Sean McCourt
Buy used from: £8.00
A wonderful musical with interesting characters. Schwartz shines as the composer/lyriscist. The sucess of this show lies primarily with the 2 female leads, Elphaba and Glinda whose numbers are fab!
J.R.Brown - Songs for a New World-original Broadway CastJ.R.Brown - Songs for a New World-original Broadway Cast
Buy new: £18.19 / Used from: £8.88
Jason Robert Brown, musical theatre's best kept. This collection of songs originally written for seperate projects oozes vitality from the first bars of the opening number.
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now ChangeI Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change by Various
Buy used from: £10.57
A musical comedy revue based around relationships, getting them, maintaining them and losing them. Hilarious from start to finish with one or two poignant moments.
Parade OcrParade Ocr by Original Cast Recording
Buy new: £12.69 / Used from: £6.78
A full show offering from Mr Robert Brown on the subject of discrimination and prejudice. The music truly reflects the sentiments of the characters in a story that has a moral for us all.
Closer Than Ever [Us Import]Closer Than Ever [Us Import] by Original Cast Recording
Buy new: £23.99 / Used from: £14.36
Another revue show, again with something for everyone as the characters each have a song illustrating their stage in life and mind set. Everyone should find some emotion they can relate to.
The Secret GardenThe Secret Garden by Original Royal Shakespeare Company
Buy new: £7.78 / Used from: £6.73
The musical variety evident in this show makes it an interesting listen. Couple this with the wonderful story being told primarily through the songs means it should get the recognition it deserves.
The Hired Man in ConcertThe Hired Man in Concert by Howard Goodall
Buy used from: £57.00
This show transports you from small farms in the 19th century, to the trenches of the 1st World War, to the coalmines of northern England and is a hidden gem which once heard will never be forgotten.
Into the Woods (Peters, Gleason, Zien, Aldredge, Westenberg)Into the Woods (Peters, Gleason, Zien, Aldredge, Westenberg) by Original Cast Recording
Buy used from: £8.49
No musical list would be complete without Sondheim and I believe this is his finest work. The intricacies in both intonation and lyrics for which he is renowned are demonstrated clearly throughout.
Jesus Christ Superstar - A New Stage Production SoundtrackJesus Christ Superstar - A New Stage Production Soundtrack by Original Soundtrack
Buy new: £11.08 / Used from: £3.94
My one concession to Andrew Lloyd Webber - this is fantastic and Glenn Carter as Jesus gives a truely wonderful performance. The Judas role is weak in this recording but don't let this put you off.
Children of EdenChildren of Eden by Various
Buy used from: £9.62
Another Stephen Schwartz show which beautifully retells the stories of the Old Testament through songs that are catchy & easy to listen to. A more mature sound than the earlier Godspell or Pippin.
Hair [Us Import]Hair [Us Import] by Original Broadway Cast Recording
Buy new: £12.69 / Used from: £7.44
Originally performed in 1968, many of the themes of this 'pop' musical have not dated well, but the overiding energy and great melodies deserve to be remembered and sung along to with great gusto!
Hot MikadoHot Mikado by Original Cast Recording
Buy new: £4.98 / Used from: £4.49
G&S as you've never heard it before. This is a heady mixture of blues, gospel and swing with the occasional ballad thrown in for good measure. A very lively recording of a great show!
Sweet CharitySweet Charity by Various
Buy new: £16.19 / Used from: £5.07
Cy Coleman's classic show devised by Bob Fosse for his then wife Gwen Verdon. The plot is weak but there are some great numbers including 'If They Could See Me Now' and 'The Rhythm of Life'.
South PacificSouth Pacific by Original Cast Recording
Buy new: £7.78 / Used from: £6.45
Although perhaps not R and H's best known musical, this is my favourite of theirs as it contains a female lead both strong in character and humour - things often lacking in 1950's musical theatre.
Sweeney Todd [Us Import]Sweeney Todd [Us Import] by Original Cast Recording
Buy used from: £20.51
This Broadway recording of another Sondheim show displays a darkness rarely seen this genre. The complexity of the score is amazing, incorporating what is almost operatic singing into a staged show.
The Last 5 YearsThe Last 5 Years by Original Cast Recording
Buy new: £12.98 / Used from: £9.86
The most recent show from JRB, chronicling the history of one relationship over a five year period. Just two performers but a wonderful heart warming piece for anyone who's ever been in love.
AssassinsAssassins by Various
Buy new: £20.09 / Used from: £8.04
A great recording of a great show. The performers are both powerful and captivating and Sondheim's genius shines through each song from start of finish.
Hamlisch: A Chorus Line: Original Broadway cast [SOUNDTRACK]Hamlisch: A Chorus Line: Original Broadway cast [SOUNDTRACK] by Original Cast Recording
Buy new: £6.89 / Used from: £3.68
Perhaps not the greatest musical ever written but for anyone who's ever been through the audition process this is sure to hit a raw nerve. High drama and comedy prevail in this Broadway recording.
RentRent by Various Artists
Buy new: £8.79 / Used from: £4.74
A wonderful modern musical, full of gritty realism rarely seen in the era of the 'pop' musical and made more poignant by the fact that Jonathan Larson died just days before the opening night.