The Eclectic Musical Theatre Radio Show EPISODE ONE

My regular selections to help you discover and celebrate Musical Theatre songs.

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Musical Theatre is an incredible art form that is varied and diverse. But radio music programmers choosing show songs seem to all have access to the same limited or dated playlist. There is nothing wrong with standards BUT…. there is so much more music to discover so I have decided to put together my own eclectic imaginary musical theatre radio show for you with fortnightly episodes. There are familiar songs, obscure songs and songs that I just think everyone should love!

Here’s the link and the track listing is below - HAPPY LISTENING

Episode ONE - The Imaginary Musical Theatre Radio Show

EPISODE ONE

As the Dawn Breaks (feat. Darragh Cowley, Rachael Wooding, Faith Omole & Alex Young) [Live] FROM The Original Cast of Standing at The Sky’s Edge

This show originated in Sheffield and was brought to London by the National Theatre. It swept the board at the 2023 Olivier Awards with its beautiful story about three families with roots over sixty years living in Park Hill, a council housing estate in Sheffield, England. The show features stunning, soulful music by rock musician Richard Hawley of Pulp. What is most incredible is that much of the music was not written directly for the show but still serves to advance the plot, to express emotion and provide character insight. This number sets the scene for the show as the sun is rising and the opening lines could be from Under Milk Wood

“As the dawn breaks

Over roof slates

Hope hung on every washing line”

Let Them Eat Cake (Demo Version) -Tasha Taylor Johnson & Jack McManus FROM Cake The Musical Demo Recording

This is a brand new show that had a short development run in 2023. It was choreographed and directed by the genius that is Drew McOnie and had a banging soundtrack, an incredible cast and the absolute heat that is Zizi Strallen in the lead role. It tells a story of how Marie Antoinette was conned and I can’t wait to see a full production of this future looking show.

Strong Enough -Stephanie J Block and Teal Wicks FROM The Cher Show (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

The Cher Show is a blast. You already know every song so you feel comfortable and the creative team give the songs just enough twist to ensure they don’t all just comment on the action but actually sometimes take it forward. This version of Strong Enough is beautifully placed, arranged and performed.

Hundreds of Stories - Lin Manuel Miranda and Olga Merediz FROM In The Heights (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

In The Heights is a great working class musical that, for me, traces its origins back to Blood Brothers in the way it talks about how the poorest in society are constantly squeezed by the richest. This song is the perfect encapsulation of the working class dream of escape. In this case Usnavi wants to escape Washington Heights to return to his roots in the beautiful Republica Dominicana

Any Moment / Moments In The Wood - Sara Bareilles and Gavin Creel FROM Into the Woods (2022 Broadway Cast Recording)

Sara Bareilles brings something magical to these two songs. She glides from the excitement and ecstasy of sex with the self absorbed Prince to the realisation that she should feel bad about it but … actually she has sexual needs so why shouldn’t she satisfy them. Gavin Creel does an amazing ‘Charming not Sincere’ Prince. Genius!

Summer Share -Alison Fraser, Deborah Graham, Robert Hoshour & Scott Bakula FROM Romance Romance (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

Romance Romance is like A Little Night Music with a perky 80s TV theme tune soundtrack. This song could play over the opening titles to an all-American sit-com set in a huge house featuring a schlubby dad and a hot mom who have two teenagers and a six year old with an attitude. This sweet little show opened onBroadway in 1988 when the Great White War was dominated by British mega-musicals. In that year’s Tony Awards it went up against Phantom and Into the Woods - so you can guess what happened but it is worth checking out - especially act two!

Colored Lights - Arielle Jacobs FROM A Leap in the Dark (Live at Feinstein’s at 54 Below/ Song from Kander and Ebb’s The Rink)

Arielle Jacobs is currently creating and playing the role of Imelda Marcos in the Original Broadway production of Here Lies Love. She is an incredible actor and her one woman show ( which I once booked for a cruise line) is an example to vocalists everywhere of how to build and perform a show that has narrative, that has truth and has wonderful songs. Check out a A Leap In The Dark and get schooled! I should also say that Arielle is one of the nicest and most open people in the business.

Shattercane and Velvet Glass - Storm Large, Ryan Nixon, Carrie Manolakos and Carrie Cimma FROM Lizzie (Original Soundtrack Recording)

Lizzie is a musical about Lizzie Borden who murdered her parents with an axe in 1892. Musically it springs from the well of 90s Alt Rock and Punk stylings and sits perfectly with its subject matter of the first celebrity murderer. The show has been through several developments and will be staged at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre this September (2023) followed by a short tour.

Everybody Say’s Don’t - Barbra Streisand - FROM The Broadway Album (original song from Anyone Can Whistle by Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents.

I promised a musical theatre banger in every episode and this song certainly qualifies. Barbra Streisand takes the song out of the context of the show but imbues it with a whole new meaning and truth. And listen to that voice - do you think being Streisand’s Musical Director is the scariest job in the world?

I would love to know your thoughts on the music selection and let me know what music you think we should all be listening to!