Search - Walter Charles, Adam Heller, Cass Morgan :: The Immigrant (A New American Musical)

The American Musical at its Best and Most Beautiful

Karen dM | New York, NY | 09/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The musical is a distinctively American art form and this recording of "The Immigrant" demonstrates the special power of music to uplift and delight our hearts, to probe our minds, and to deepen our connection to life as we live it.



The sheer beauty of the music with its poignant lyrics, rich character portrayal, and expertly sung storyline start the listener on a rich journey into a tapestry of sound and sense. It is so expertly produced, gloriously sung and lyrically lovely, that you feel as if you are in the room with the characters -- characters whose sound signatures are as varied and nuanced as the places from which they come.



Composer Steven M. Alper and Lyricist Sarah Knapp have accomplished the most difficult of musical tasks. The music itself is a dynamic and vital character and the songs serve as scenes that carry the story forward. It's accessibility lies in the way certain songs run through and inform your daily life like little medleys of meaning. Its complexity stems from the insight and talent that this particular musical team fuses into fresh and new forms.



The recording's universal appeal is that the sound itself taps into the valiance of the human spirit. Its uniqueness comes from its ability to use the pleasure and power of sound to weave intricate layers of meaning, desire, humor and craft. Every time I hear it, I find something else to enjoy. "The Immigrant" is what a fine recording of a great story should be -- thought provoking, entertaining and inspiring."

The show was wonderful -- the CD brings it all back

Claire | Oregon | 09/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We saw this show in Denver and with the original cast off-Broadway. Moving, uplifting, memorable songs that bring tears to your eyes. The four cast members really deliver -- both individually and in combination. Stars and Travel Light are just wonderful -- and Take the Comforting Hand is everything a hymn should be. The orchestration is challenging and the musicians perform beautifully. It is clear from this CD why the show won a Drama Desk Nomination for best orchestration. If you are a fan of Light In The Piazza, you will definitely apprecite this score as well. Complex but accessible music that delivers dramatically. Definitely a must-have for fans of the Broadway musical form."