I too am surprised by how “traditional musical theatre” this cast album sounds, especially since Shaina showed me more of her poppier side with the Public Works As You Like It.
The pop side shines through once again with most of her own material (as the activist Alice Paul), and still it’s the bulk of her conventionally old-school score that carries the impressive, dense storytelling on display.
Jenn Colella is consistently good, show after show after show. This is the best Nikki James has sounded since Mormon, and Hannah Cruz is a pleasant surprise. I was shocked when I first saw the Public cast announcement a few years ago that Grace McLean would play President Wilson, but her naughty “Ladies” is just one of many treasures on the album. Not in her house, scoundrels!
Ally Bonino has this Lindsay Mendez-type timbre in her voice, anyone catch this in her 11 o’clock number?
It sounds absolutely thrilling when all the suffs sing together in perfect harmony, backed by the 12-piece band (also all-female).
Hope I can march on over to the Music Box soon.
“I am furious, but I am sailing.”
Updated On: 6/6/24 at 03:02 PM