Some shows last so long that we get original cast albums, revival cast albums, and sometimes covers or compilation albums. Sometimes we might get an album of a show when it is in previews and get a new one with updated songs or different instrumentals. But in this case a live performance album, something that is not the most common thing, one of my favorite Broadway albums of all time is a 25th Anniversary live performance of Les Miserables. I talked about SIX recently and it is one of favorite shows from the new season, I hope to see it live someday but until that day comes, I have this album so let's talk about it.
This album was recorded on opening night of SIX, for those who do not know this is the tale of ex-wives of Henry the 8th but through the lens of pop and showing the world that they were more then just their marital status to the monarch. I have praised already and how the musical is relatable, has great moments of humor, historical importance, while also being songs that reflect real feelings in a fantastic way. I love SIX and now we have another album, and it is fantastic. But the only question is, do we need this album as well when we already have the cast recording?
The answer is a resounding of course we do! This album is incredible and it is awesome for people like me who do not get to see the show to get a peek into what it is like live. Hearing the audience reaction to the parts I laughed at, hearing moments that made me cheer as well made me feel connected to a show that I hope to see someday. Live albums are not the most common but whenever we do get one it is a real treat, and this is no different. This album was a blast start to finish, making the listener feel as if they were in the theater hearing it themselves.
This album also has a ton of things the first one didn't, jokes, spoken lines and transitions. This adds so much and does not take away from the other album but rather stands alongside it. I loved this and now having a complete version of SIX has me hoping other shows will follow suit. Such as the Les Miserables album mentioned earlier, that one is essentially the whole show from start to finish in album form. Some of the jokes, improvised bits and more are on here and it makes this experience very much worth going through these amazing songs again.
Hearing the transitions and character introductions are the icing on the cake, adding so much life to the album. This and the first SIX album are not comparable but rather stand side by side, they are both worth the listen for different reasons. This when you want something extra, and the first if you just want the songs without any jokes or audience reactions undisturbed. Both are great for their own reasons and worth at least one listen. But trust me, they each are filled to the brim with bops and are easily to listen to over and over again.
The songs have this great feeling of this historical figures singing about real emotions, heartbreak, betrayal, self-doubt, identity and more bring these queens out of the history books and into our lives today. These songs are easily relatable to anyone who has been hurt by someone they are dating and filled with comedy and empowerment on such an outstanding scale that shows why we love theater.
Thank you so much for reading, take care and I hope your day is a showstopper!
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