Frank Wildhorn's Freedom's Song DC reviews

[philly03]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 12:54pm

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.


Freedom's Song review

[philly03]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 12:55pm

Washington Post

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 7:37pm

How dare they dare give out anything other than a pan to a Wildhorn show.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 8:51pm

Because all critics have it in for Wildhorn, Roxy hath decreed and so it must ever be.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 10:32pm

I've always said THE CIVIL WAR was Wildhorn's best Broadway Show, so far.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 10:34pm

Might have to agree with you there.

[philly03]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 10:47pm

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.





Civil War 1999 Tony Awards Updated On: 3/25/15 at 10:47 PM

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 10:49pm

I still have the CD. At least,we have some recording of the score.

[Eurotrash]

Posted: 3/26/15 at 8:05am

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.

[philly03]

Posted: 3/26/15 at 12:37pm

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.

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 3/26/15 at 7:11pm

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.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-jersey/article/BWW-Reviews-Eagle-Theatres-THE-CIVIL-WAR-is-Glorious-20140925

[hockeynut2]

Posted: 3/29/15 at 12:55pm

You can read the DC reviews in 'Other Reviews' on DCMetroTheaterArts.





ALl the Freedom's Song reviews on DCMTA

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 3/29/15 at 1:00pm

To PB

I saw the Broadway version. It was very good. Unfortunately since it was Wildhorn, it was D.O.A as far as the critics were concerned.

[JRybka]

Posted: 3/29/15 at 9:54pm

I always enjoyed the score. Some of the most beautiful.