Passing Strange

Strangely Passing

"Passing Strange" defies all musical theater dictums and is actually a recorded performance of what was really more of a concert than a traditional Broadway musical. So what's wrong with that? There have been a lot of complaints on both sides of the fence about "Passing Strange", i.e., that it's "rock" and doesn't belong on a Broadway stage, or that Broadway music is dead and this is so much better. Well, both sides miss the point. More challenging yet just as necessary as the more accessible "In the Heights", these two companion pieces make a strong case for a broader musical theater palette. Theater is a living, breathing thing and without those who push the boundaries (and those who are willing to accept that) it becomes an antiquated art form.

While Stew's music has neither the sophistication nor the complexity of Lin-Manuel Miranda's score for "In the Heights", it's raw urgency is both startling and immediate. True, there's no attempt in his work to adapt to the musical theater idiom, but he shouldn't have to. That's not the point and it would defeat his purpose, which is to present something utterly personal that is also universal. Not so surprisingly, many of these songs are just as listenable, albeit in a different context, than anything on Broadway these days. "Church Blues...", "Arlington Hill" and "Keys" all have moments of beauty, while "Identity", "Amsterdam" and "Love Like That" are powerful statements of longing and discovery. The cast, headed by Stew himself, is terrific. Tony nominee Daniel Breaker, a true star-in-the-making, is the heart and soul of this recording and he deserves to be heard from again soon. He is supported by the marvelous Rebecca Naomi Jones and an ensemble that includes Chad Goodridge, Colman Domingo and Elissa Davis, all of whom acquit themselves well.

"Passing Strange" may not be for everyone, but it deserved a longer life on Broadway and will hopefully find a broader audience in some other permutation. For anyone who loves musical theater and the future of musical theater, it's worth a listen. November 19, 2008

Grows On You

When I saw "Passing Strange" last May, I left feeling that I had just witnessed something new (& even amazing), but couldn't really summarize my impression and wasn't sure if the piece was meant for Broadway. The cast members, led by Stew and Daniel Breaker, were all excellent.

The score is fresh, but only a couple of songs, "Keys" and "Amsterdam", seemed memorable at the time. Upon repeated listenings of the cd, however, many others jumped out as well. Feels more and more like a a great rock record. Terrific!

Best Songs:

Amsterdam
Keys (Marianne)
Keys (It's Alright)
We Just Had Sex
Come Down Now
Love Like That October 25, 2008

FANTASTIC

I was one of the lucky ones who got to see Passing Strange while on Broadway in New York. What struck me about the show was that this is unforgiving rock and roll. It never slips into "Broadway" like most other rock shows do. The story line is moving and the music is just amazing. I listen to it over and over and over. Even if you don't know the play, the music is just fantastic and you get a clear understanding of the story line just through the lyrics. MY FAVORITE CD OF 2008. September 30, 2008

A "STEW To Savor

While Rodgers and Hammerstein and Andrew Loyd Webber are booming on Broadway, some interesting new voices are being heard and Stew is among the best. The style is contemporary and should be heard by everyone, but unfortunately the show had to clsoe because business is business and not enough people showed up to support it. Their loss, but you can get a feel for this exuberant score from the excellent cast recording. August 31, 2008

Really Good!

I really enjoyed this show, and the CD captures it unusually well. I think it was a great choice the producers made in taping it live, as it captures the heart of the music. August 27, 2008

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