RishFirst to rec
“If you have never listened to/watched this incredible musical, do yourself a favor and give this one a listen. The story is set in early 1900s America and follows three families: An upper-class White family, Jewish immigrants from Europe (filmmaker Tateh and his daughter), and a Black couple from Harlem (pianist Coalhouse Walker and his partner Sarah). During the show, these characters' lives intertwine in hopeful, tragic, and powerful ways. It's a musical whose themes are just as relevant today as they were when it premiered in 1996.
The music of this show is sweeping and beautiful, perfectly blending traditional musical theatre with ragtime and marching band styles. The arrangements and instrumentation make it one of the most sonically distinctive musicals, and I love the style they crafted.
And of course, the performances are all spot on. Don't get me wrong: I love the performances from Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, and Lea Michelle, but the performers from the 2025 album are just spectacular. Cassie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz, and Nichelle Lewis really shine, but let's be honest, the best performance on this album is easily Joshua Henry. If you have never had the pleasure of Joshua Henry gracing your ears, you need to seek out a recording of this man’s voice. I don’t think he is the best singer on broadway right now. He shines through the album, but especially on New Music, Coalhouse’s Soliloquy, and of course, Make Them Hear You (he is also phenomenal in the broadway revival cast recording of Carousel). I would talk about my other favorite songs but I would have to list like half the album, just listen to it, it’s amazing”
