[Hamepages]

With so many new musicals appearing almost daily, I had begun to wonder if we would soon run out of suitable subjects. But then out of the blue I came across a concept album from a new work and realised that all the great ideas hadn’t already been used up.

Anyone who loved the film version of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Man Who Would Be King” (and surely no one could fail to be charmed by the combination of Caine and Connery in top form) will surely, like me, welcome the effort to bring it to the stage. The man behind this project is Neil Berg (“The Prince and the Pauper” and “Grumpy Old Men”) who has collaborated with book writer/ lyricist D J Salisbury and the show is apparently in the development stage, following a run in California earlier this year.

On the basis of the concept album I think the project has real potential. While we are only treated to 11 songs from the score (plus a bonus track) what is on offer is top quality. The CD contains some great dramatic moments - “Up There”, “A Kingdom Calling”, “Wounded Wings”, the title song etc. In fact the only track that didn’t quite make it to my ears is “In The Serai” but that may be because it is one of these pieces that work better on stage.

No expense has been spared in putting this concept album together, right from the coloured booklet with lyrics, the big impressive orchestrations and the choice of artists. The best known of these will be Bryan D’Arcy James (Peachy) but I was equally impressed by several of the others while Marc Kudisch (Daniel) rather steals the show with a stunning “A Kingdom Calling”.

“The Man Who Would Be King” sounds like a show to keep an eye out for. Meantime, if you want to check it out or to order a copy of the CD go to www.neilberg.com