Tony winner Idina Menzel released the “Redwood” Original Broadway Cast Recording. The show is identity, overcoming grief, and healing.
Menzel co-conceived the musical with director, book writer, and co-lyricist Tina Landau.
Menzel stars as Jesse, a woman who finds herself at a crossroads in a Northern California redwood forest after a life-altering event. Following this traumatic event in her family life, Jesse finds healing and catharsis while climbing a redwood tree. Kate Diaz wrote the music and co-wrote the lyrics.
This record opens on a dynamic note with “Drive,” and it is followed by the atmospheric “The Trees” and the enthralling “Climb.”
It immediately breaks into “Little Redwood,” which Khaila Wilcoxon blows out of the water, and an expressive rendition of “The Stars.”
Emmy winner Michael Park shines on “Big Tree Religion,” while “Back Then” is heartfelt and moving. The musical’s orchestra does a solid job with “The Ascent” and Menzel displays her trademark pipes on the “Great Escape.”
“Looking Through this Lens” by De’Adre Aziza is controlled, pensive and reflective, and it segues into the inspirational “In the Leaves.”
Equally noteworthy are “Becca’s Song,” as well as Menzel’s “No Repair,” and “The Fires,” which is sheer bliss.
After the soothing “The Rain,” it closes with “Still,” where Zachary Noah Piser showcases his harking, powerhouse vocals, and the grand “Finale,” where the cast leave their listeners yearning to hear more.
Each song on this collection has its own identity; it is a pity that this Broadway musical is closing tomorrow because it had so much potential.
For anybody who didn’t get the chance to see “Redwood” on Broadway, this album makes one feel as if they were there. This collection is worth checking out, and it garners two thumbs up.
The “Redwood” Original Broadway Cast Recording is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
Read More: “Redwood” review
