Y'all know I love me some Broadway. Well recently, thanks to the suggestions of sweet (and cultured) friends, I have discovered these two incredible shows. I cannot stop listening to the original Broadway cast albums on Spotify and I'm just bursting to tell you about them!
This show has been on Broadway for a little less than a year and was written by Pasek and Paul, an incredibly talented duo. It's brand new, relevant, and deeply moving as it tells the story of a severely anxious and lonely teenager, Evan Hansen, who gets caught up in a lie. Even with a cast of just 8 people, their talent reaches out and hits you in the heart. Each of them is so powerful and talented, and when they come together (like in "You Will Be Found"), your heart will soar. Ben Platt, who you might recognize from Pitch Perfect, stuns in his leading role and leaves me in awe. This Tony-winning show is beautifully done, funny at times, and helps us understand the longing that accompanies loneliness--something we have all felt at some point.
Yes, this was done in live theater, not just animation! I'm talking about the gorgeous show with music and lyrics by Alan Menken (Aladdin, Hercules) and Stephen Schwartz (The Prince of Egypt, Pocahontas). Yeah, so you already know it's going to be amazing because these dudes are legends. Michael Arden is perfect as Quasimodo and has one of the most powerful voices I've ever heard and Ciara Renee (who plays Esmeralda) sounds like an actual angel. The dramatic score takes you away to Paris and haunts you with its honest lyrics. It's heartbreaking, majestic, and will probably make you hold your breath and then cry a few times.
Seriously, just listen to these albums beginning to end, in order, and with your eyes closed. Take it all in. You will not be sorry.
...then tell me so we can geek out together. K thanks, bye.
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