Road Show, the latest work by composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim and his most recent collaboration with book writer John Weidman, is out now. The musical, which re-examines the true-life tale of the Mixner brothers the creative team last told in 2003's Bounce, has been through a number of permutations, and, says Playbill's Steven Suskin, "this recording sounds new, vibrant and refreshing."

Suskin cites the song "The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened" as "one of the late-period Sondheim songs that I like best" and goes on to explain that much of the larger score "is built in what you might call musical blocks, and excitingly so." These blocks begin with a "main theme which the composer continually returns to and expounds upon," such that they grow "stronger and stronger as they are repeated in ever-changing context."

The review goes on to praise the creative team behind the new Road Show recording:

As on Bounce and almost every Sondheim musical since 1970, Jonathan Tunick provides orchestrations that perfectly translate the composer's music for orchestra. This is what an orchestrator is supposed to do, of course, but few do it so well. Tommy Krasker, one of the most expert producers of theatre-related recordings today (including many recent Sondheim titles), has brought us this Road Show, and he has made a fine job of it.

Read the complete article at playbill.com.

---

Talkin’ Broadway's Rob Lester also credits Krasker, asserting: "The sound and spectacularly theatrical feel of the whole project is masterful, with veteran producer of choice for so many recent Sondheim projects, Tommy Krasker, thankfully at the helm doing a yeoman's job."

Lester examines the evolution of works over the years to what has culminated in Road Show and recognizes that while, "for Sondheim fans, any new cast recording, revival of an old favorite recorded once or more before or, certainly, a new score is An Event," even less fanatical lovers of musical theatre can appreciate the new take on the Mizners: "it's darker, sharper, and ultimately deeper and more emotional in many parts."

The review lauds the cast, led by Michael Cerveris, who "mixes charm with cold-hearted determination impressively, singing with brio and bravado and more than a bit of seductive persuasion so right for the character," and and Alexander Gemignani, who gives "a nuanced and three-dimensional, sympathetic performance, sung with grace and attentive care."

Lester concludes:

The highly crafted work of Sondheim and the many intertwined lines of Weidman's are sharp, packed, concise and full of character specificity. It's an ambitious project, no doubt, and it often succeeds and will often be played and appreciated by more serious fans of challenging and interesting musical theatre.

Read the full review at talkinbroadway.com.