Academics are doubtless dismayed that Thomas Hardy's work should, after all this time, prove a fruitful hunting ground for musical theatre projects. In fact, more than many classic authors, his tales of the brooding, dark side of human relationships and the buffeting they take from twists of fate lend themselves to careful musical treatment. In 1999, a musical version of Tess of the ...
Following hot on the heels of their enormously successful collaboration for The Lion King, Elton John and Tim Rice have once again culled their talents to create another Disney contemporary musical, based this time on Verdi's opera Aida. The album, recorded by some of the biggest talents of pop, country, and R&B, features songs from the stage show, which recounts the well-known tale ...