ALBUM REVIEW: Ramin Karimloo, 'From Now On'

Iranian-born Canadian singer and actor Ramin Karimloo has become one of the best-known talents in the world of Musical Theatre, building a CV of impressive productions worldwide. He made his West End debut at 26, making history as the youngest Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera, and then reprised that role for both the 25th Anniversary concert, and the sequel musical Love Never Dies. Broadway credits include Les Mis (Tony Award nomination), Anastasia and Chess at the Kennedy Centre.

The theme of this record is reflection, and each track fits the brief perfectly. Karimloo turned 40 last year, and it is clear that this milestone prompted him to look at his journey thus far. A broad spectrum of work is covered here, with songs from The Bridges of Madison County, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Dear Evan Hansen, Chess and The Bodyguard.

From Now On is the second full-length album from Karimloo, and covers a series of Musical Theatre and film favourites with his “Broadgrass” band, adding an unusual folk twist to these classics, with instruments like banjo, and fiddle. Perhaps the most different from the original is Frozen’s Let It Go, which would not feel out of place on a folk album, rather than an all-singing, all-dancing Disney cast recording.

Minimal vs Actual art work!

Inspired by our feature last week, we thought it may be interesting to compare the Minimal Musical designs against some of the real designs used by the shows. Do you prefer the alternative version? Tweet us which one is your favourite, or if you like a particular design from a different production of the show then share that too! 

Cabaret 

2012 London revival vs Minimal Musicals 

DEXTER star Michael C. Hall will star in Tony-winning revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch

TV's favorite serial killer is ready to rock on Broadway...in heels! Dexter's Michael C. Hall will be the next star to don a wig and heels in the Tony-winning revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The Golden Globe winner will rock in the role starting October 16 at Broadway’s Belasco Theatre, with Tony winner Lena Hall continuing as onstage hubby Yitzhak. Current star Andrew Rannells will play the final performance of his limited engagement on October 12.

Although Hall was most recently seen in the Will Eno play The Realistic Joneses, he first made a name for himself in Broadway musicals, taking on the Emcee in Cabaret in 1999 and portraying Billy Flynn in Chicago in 2002. Off-Broadway, his credits include Mr. Marmalade, Cymbeline, Macbeth,Timon of Athens, Henry V, The English Teachers, Corpus Christi,Romeo and Juliet and Skylight. Hall is best known for playing serial killer Dexter Morgan in Showtime's Dexter, earning one Golden Globe Award from five nominations and six Emmy Award nods. Other screen credits include HBO's Six Feet Under and the films Cold in July andKill Your Darlings.

Andrew Rannells to replace Neil Patrick Harris in Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Andrew Rannells, who received a Tony nomination for his performance in The Book of Mormon, will star in Hedwig and the Angry Inch after Tony winner Neil Patrick Harris exits the show Aug. 17, producers announced June 12.

Rannells will begin performances Aug. 20 and is contracted to star in the show for eight weeks. His stage credits also include The Book of Mormon, Jersey Boys and Hairspray. He has also starred on the hit TV show "Girls." 
The Broadway premiere of the cult rock musical began previews March 29 at the Belasco, prior to an official opening April 22. 

Hedwig features a book by John Cameron Mitchell and music and lyrics by Stephen Trask. The landmark 1998 musical stars Harris as the titular Hedwig, a transgender singer fronting a fictional rock-n-roll band. Lena Hall, who recently starred as Nicola in Broadway's Tony-winning musical Kinky Boots and is also the lead singer of rock band The Deafening, co-stars with Harris as Yitzhak.