Emma Rice’s ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS releases live cast album
Wise Children and Plush Theatricals have announced the release of the live cast album for their hit musical ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS, which was captured during its 2020 run at Bristol Old Vic, and is now available on all streaming platforms.
Adapted from the film LES ÉMOTIFS ANONYMES, the musical features direction and a book by Emma Rice, with music and lyrics by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond. The production was originally set to tour the United States following the Bristol premiere, but the tour was halted due to the pandemic.
Emma Rice said: “We were all heartbroken when COVID forced us to cancel the American tour. But this glorious live album is the perfect way to preserve the brilliant performances and pure joy of our beloved Romantics Anonymous. We are delighted to be able to share this tender, delicious and magical musical with the world.”
Funny, tender, and delightfully awkward, ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS is a delicious love story about breaking the mold and finding the courage to be happy. When Angelique, a gifted chocolate maker inhibited by social anxiety, takes a job in Jean-Rene’s struggling chocolate factory, a fragile love affair unfolds.
The album features Marc Antolin as Jean-René, Carly Bawden as Angélique, Brett Brown as Salesman/Fred, Me’sha Bryan as Suzanne/Mimi, Harry Hepple as Ludo/Remi, Laura Jane Matthewson as Young Woman, Sandra Marvin as Magda/Brigitte/Dr. Maxim, Craig Pinder as Father/Pierre/Receptionist, and Gareth Snook as Mercier/Mumbler/Marini.
The orchestra includes Tom Brady (musical direction & piano), Sarah Bowler (cello), Sophie Creaner (woodwind), and Mike Parkin (percussion), with musical supervision by Nigel Lilley, orchestrations by Simon Hale, mixing by Simon Baker, and mastering by Fritz Meyers.