Taboo (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
If you were in New York whenTaboowas in previews, you would have thought that all the show's drama took place backstage instead of on it--reports of clashes between producer Rosie O'Donnell, director Mark Renshaw and various members of the cast (including author-actor Boy George) appeared almost daily. But guess what: The show turned out to be a lot better than its reputation, and based on its two cast albums, the Broadway version even improved on the London one. The book was spruced up by playwright Charles Busch and Boy George tweaked his score, adding for instance the opening number "Freaks/Ode to Attention Seekers." This welcome recording confirms thatTaboois an underestimated show. Pop and theatrical at the same time, it even delivers show-stopping power ballads (Liz McCartney's "Talk Amongst Yourselves," Cary Shields's "I See Through You") that could have a second life on cabaret stage or evenAmerican Idol.--Elisabeth Vincentelli