Frank Wildhorn and Jeff Calhoun revised "The Civil War" as "Freedom's Song" for the Ford's Theatre 150th anniversary commemorating Abe Lincoln's death. The musical opened last week and runs through May 20.
Given that "The Civil War" played Ford's Theatre in 2009 with direction by Calhoun, it seems they actually worked on making a lot of changes from structure to plot to design from the generally concert-presentation as seen in the past. The DC critics seem far more pleased with it than back in 2009 with many noting that they went in expecting a grossly commercial (it's Cherry Blossom-tourist season now) and understated work, but that's not the case.
It's probably the best concept album ever produced for "Broadway" bound at the start. 60 musicians, voices from pop / country / Broadway / blues, and completely in its entirety. Unfortunately, I found the show on Broadway to be dull, which is hard given the music.
The show in Washington now is much better. The song list is pretty different and at about 95 minutes, its highly enjoyable.
I always remember thinking they are using the "wrong songs" to promote the show (ie Rosie / Regis & Kathy) until the Tony Awards. Incredible voices and energy from the cast.
Intrigued. I've never heard this as it doesn't seem to be on sale on line, and the CD is £128 in UK, I just looked on Amazon.
Why don't you go? Why don't you leave Manderley? He doesn't need you... he's got his memories. He doesn't love you, he wants to be alone again with her. You've nothing to stay for. You've nothing to live for really, have you?
The double disc album is unfortunately out of print now (when AOL and Time Warner merged back in 2000); the "Nashville Sessions" (aka the highlights though different takes) was still in print maybe 5-7 years ago, but I'm actually not sure on the status of that either.
Interesting that there's a re-invention of this project. Always thought it was a good piece that just got lost in whatever else was happenning on Broadway back in the day. That and the fact that some people loved to bash Frank. The last version I covered at a smaller professional venue in NJ. was really impressive. In fact people who saw this on Broadway were equally impressed. It's one of his better works, imo.
I always enjoyed the score. Some of the most beautiful.
"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."