The rec.arts.theatre.musicals Frequently Asked Questions (2/4)
Tim Gowen
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FAQ Part II: Composers and Frequently discussed musicals
# = new or significantly revised
6. COMPOSERS
6.1 CLAUDE MICHEL SCHONBERG (umlaut over the O)
6.1.1 Shows to Date
6.1.2 Current Projects
6.1.3 Recordings, Videos, Books, etc.
6.1.4 Miss Saigon Magazine
6.2 SIR ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER (LORD LLOYD WEBBER)
6.2.1 Shows to Date
6.2.2 Current Projects
6.2.3 Recordings of Shows
6.2.4 Other Recording/Compilations [ML/SP]
6.2.5 The Phantom Appreciation Society
6.3 STEPHEN SONDHEIM [JAC]
6.3.1 Shows to Date
6.3.1.1 Lyrics and Music
6.3.1.2 Lyrics only
6.3.2 Current Projects
6.3.3 Recordings, Awards, Additional Info.
6.3.3.1 Shows (as composer and lyricist)
6.3.3.2 Revues, Concerts, etc.
6.3.4 Newsletters/Journals
6.3.4.1 The Stephen Sondheim Society
6.3.4.2 The Sondheim Review
6. COMPOSERS
Please note that recording live performances is illegal, and trading
copies of privately-made live recordings. Everybody knows that this
goes on, but many internet service providers have rules which prohibit
the pedalling of illegal trade over their networks. In addition to this
many professionals read rec.arts.theatre.musicals and they're likely to
take
a dim view of this blatant breach of the law.
For recordings from the UK and Europe, try Footlight
or Dress Circle (see section 4.1)
Symbols for the Recordings Listings:
* = show
= audio recording (running time) - label, if known
V = video
B = book
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
6.1 CLAUDE MICHEL SCHONBERG
6.1.1 SHOWS TO DATE
LA REVOLUTION FRANCAISE - Boublil and Schonberg's first musical,
produced in the early 1970's. Very rock beat and completely in
French. About the French Revolution. Even has Schonberg in a
singing role.
LES MISERABLES (1985) - Musicalization of the Victor Hugo novel. Won
the Tony Award for best musical in 1987.
There is a mailing list, les-miserables, for discussion of this
musical. See section 2.2.1.2 of the FAQ for more details.
There are some LES MISERABLES-related files from Cameron
Mackintosh's management company; they are located at:
ftp://ftp.std.com/archives/RAT-archive
http://www.speednet.com.au/~clee/miz/mizindex.htm
The official Les Miserables website is at http://www.lesmiz.com
MISS SAIGON (1989) - Madame Butterfly-type story taking place during
and after the Vietnam War. Nominated for best musical Tony Award in
1991.
There is a mailing list, miss-saigon, for discussion of this musical.
See section 2.2.1.2 of the FAQ for more details.
There are some MISS SAIGON-related files from Cameron
Mackintosh's management company; they are located at:
<A HREF="ftp://ftp.std.com/archives/RAT-archive">ftp://ftp.std.com/arc
hives/RAT-archive</A>
MARTIN GUERRE (1996) - Adaptation of the classic French story of
religous conflict
and mistaken identity. Directed in London by Declan Donnellan, with
musical staging
by Bob Avian. Produced by Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
Book by Alain Boublil and Claud-Michel Schonberg; English Lyrics by
Edward Hardy and
Stephen Clark; Original French Text by Alain Boublil; Additional Lyrics
by Herbert
Kretzmer and Alain Boublil.
MARTIN GUERRE closed in London on February 28th, after over 700
performances. It will re-open in Britain later this year as a touring
production. [TG]
LES MIS movie info: Alan Parker [FAME, BUGSY MALONE, PINK FLOYD THE
WALL, BIRDY] was initially chosen by Cameron Mackintosh to direct the
movie for Tristar Pictures. Parker pulled out, as did two subsequent
directors: Bruce Beresford [DRIVING MISS DAISY, BLACK ROBE] and Richard
Attenborough [GANDHI, A CHORUS LINE - THE MOVIE]. The current credits
are as follows: David Matalon (exec. producer), Cameron Mackintosh
(producer), Chris Kenny (co-producer), Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel
Schonberg (screenplay, music, lyrics), Herbert Kretzmer (English
lyrics), and John Napier (production designer). Mackintosh is still
planning on making a movie once an appropriate director is signed.
6.1.3 RECORDINGS, VIDEOS, BOOKS, ETC.
*LA REVOLUTION FRANCAISE
Original French Cast - First Night
*LES MISERABLES
Original 1980 French Concept Album (90 min.) - First Night
- Before this was the musical as it is known now. Much more
rock/disco
with some different music and extra characters.
London Cast Recording (100) - First Night
- First english production. Contains "Little People" and "I Saw Him
Once" which were cut for the Broadway version.
- Cast: Colm Wilkinson Valjean
Roger Allum Javert
Patti LuPone Fantine
Michael Ball Marius
Rebeccah Caine Cosette
Frances Ruffelle Eponine
David Burt Enjolras
Broadway Cast Recording (100) - Geffen
- Production as it is now. Includes Tony Award Winners Frances
Ruffelle
and Michael Maguire. Won Grammy Award as well.
- Cast: Colm Wilkinson Valjean
Terrence Mann Javert
Randy Graff Fantine
David Bryant Marius
Judy Kuhn Cosette
Frances Ruffelle Eponine
Michael Maguire Enjolras
Symphonic Recording (165) - First Night
- This is the only recording of the entire show. Cast members come
from different productions from all over the world including
London,
New York, Sydney, Los Angeles and Tokyo. Won Grammy.
- Cast: Gary Morris Valjean New York
Phillip Quast Javert Sydney
Debbie Byrne Fantine Sydney
Michael Ball Marius London
Tracy Shayne Cosette New York
Kaho Shimada Eponine Tokyo
Anthony Warlow Enjolras Sydney
Hungarian Cast (60)
Austrian Cast (100)
Israeli Cast (45)
Japanese Single
- 2 songs: "On My Own" sung by Kaho Shimada and "Do You Hear the
People Sing"
Japanese Cast--Kaga or red version (140)
- Recorded live, and has almost the entire show
Japanese Cast--Takita or blue version (140)
- Recorded live, and has almost the entire show
Swedish Cast (70)
Manchester Cast Highlights
- Cast: Ria Jones Fantine
Philip Quast Javert
Meredith Braun Eponine
Jeff Leyton Valjean
Mike Sterling Marius
- 5 songs: "I Dreamed a Dream", "Stars", "On My Own", "Bring Him
Home",
"Empty Chairs at Empty Tables"
Dutch Cast (Mercury Records 120)
1991 Original Paris (Trema Records 120)
Prague Cast
Danish Cast
Korean Cast
Spanish Cast
Tring Highlights (unauthorized and generally inferior to to
sanctioned recordings)
"On My Own" rock single with Frances Ruffelle
V: Stage by Stage: Les Miserables
- Video with clips of show around the world plus clips of
production team.
B: The Complete Book of Les Miserables - Edward Behr
*MISS SAIGON
London Cast (120) - Geffen
- Cast: Lea Salonga Kim
Jonathan Pryce Engineer
Simon Bowman Chris
Peter Polycarpou John
Claire Moore Ellen
Japanese highlights
-7 songs including "I'd Give My Life for You" twice by 2 Kims.
Complete Japanese Cast recorded live
Tring Highlights (unauthorized and generally inferior to to
sanctioned recordings)
Complete Synphonic Recording - First Night Records (KIM CD 1)
- Cast: Joanna Ampil Kim (from UK/Sydney cast)
Kevin Grey Engineer (from LA cast)
Peter Cousens Chris (from Sydney cast)
Hinton Battle John (from NY cast)
Ruthie Henshall Ellen (from London Cast)
V: The Heat is On: The Making of Miss Saigon
B: The Story of Miss Saigon book by Mark Steyn and Ed Behr
*MARTIN GUERRE
London Cast - First Night
- Cast: Iain Glen Arnaud du Thil
Rebecca Lock Bertrand de Rols
Jerome Pradon Guillaume
Matt Rawle Martin Guerre
Martin Turner Pierre Guerre
Video: History in The Making
6.1.4 MISS SAIGON magazine
Sun And Moon
c/o J. Jennifer Kang
16 Maltbie Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
USA
email: JAJ...@ACFcluster.NYU.EDU
There is a Boublil/Schonberg web page at: http://www.netlink.co.uk/users
/nomad/
6.2 ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER [SP]
There is a mailing list, alw, that is devoted to discussion of the
works of the composer. See section 2.2.1.2 of the FAQ for more
details.
The Really Useful Group's Web Page is http://www.reallyuseful.com/
6.2.1 SHOWS TO DATE
Each title is followed by name of lyricist.
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Tim Rice)
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Tim Rice)
JEEVES (Alan Ayckbourn)
EVITA (Tim Rice)
CATS (from poems by T.S. Eliot; additional lyrics by Trevor Nunn and
Richard Stilgoe)
SONG AND DANCE (Don Black)
STARLIGHT EXPRESS (Don Black and Richard Stilgoe)
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe, with
additional material
by Mike Batt)
CRICKET (Tim Rice)
ASPECTS OF LOVE (Charles Hart and Don Black)
SUNSET BOULEVARD (Don Black and Christopher Hampton)
There is a mailing list, sunset-blvd, for discussion of this
musical. See section 2.2.1.2 of the FAQ for more details.
6.2.2 CURRENT PROJECTS
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA movie - This is another one that was rumoured
for a number of years, nearly made, and then slipped back into
rumours. The Really Useful Group now say that the film is going into
production with Warner Brothers next year. At the time of writing,
neither the cast nor director has been announced. There is much
speculation that Michael Crawford still has a contract, and Lloyd
Webber is reported to back him as the star. Anthony Hopkins and
Michelle Pfeiffer have been mentioned as favourites of the studio.
Fans are divided on whether the film is to be welcomed or not. A
rumour surrounding casting suggests that John Travolta is interested
in, or being considered for, the role of the Phantom.
ASPECTS OF LOVE movie - This is another rumored project that hasn't
begun filming yet. Supposedly Lloyd Webber wants Brightman as Rose
and this wouldn't be surprising since he has had her playing Rose on
Broadway, London and for part of the American tour.
CATS animated movie - Currently in pre-production with shooting
scheduled to begin September/95 for Universal, and co-produced by
Steven Spielberg and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Initial reports had Tom
Stoppard writing the script, but as of July/95, the script is being
credited to Patricia Knopp. ALW has reportedly written a new song for
the movie.
A recording of Cats made with the British touring set will be released
in the UK in the Spring/Summer 1998.
A STAR IS BORN - ALW has purchased the rights to produce a stage
version of the 1954 Judy Garland-James Mason movie. He will not write
any original music, but rather retain the Harold Arlen-Ira Gershwin
score and add other songs from the Arlen repertory. Larry Gelbart
(CITY OF ANGELS) has been sought to write the show's book, and Stephen
Pimlott (the recent JOSEPH... revival) is scheduled to direct (ALW
will act as producer). The production is scheduled to open 18-24
months from the time of the project's announcement (which was
March/95).
"PHANTOM 2" - One of the "many" projects being considered by Andrew
Lloyd Webber is a sequel to 'The Phantom of The Opera', which involves
Raoul and Christine, who has a child which is rumoured to by by the
Phantom. This rumour generated a lot of discussion on the newsgroup,
and Lloyd Webber has apparently played some songs to Charles Spencer
of the Daily Telegraph. However he didn't mention this project in a
recent press interview - so the rumour should not be regarded as fact
until we're told anything on an official basis.
6.2.3 RECORDINGS OF SHOWS
*JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
This is the first musical that Lloyd Webber and Rice had produced.
Originally it started off as a piece for a Children's choir and later
became a Broadway musical. The original production was only 15 minutes
long (the first recording ran about 1/2 an hour) but as the years went
by more songs were add to it so that the Broadway production of the
early 80's ran for 60 minutes. In 1991 a new production was staged in
London. This new version of the show now lasts about 2 hours with the
introduction of more dance sequences and the repeating of songs.
Original 1968 Cast (25 min)
-This has Tim Rice playing Pharoah. It is very 60's rock and similar
to the new production.
1973 Young Vic production
1974 London Cast
1979 London Cast
1982 Broadway Cast (60) - Chrysalis
-Stars Bill Hutton as Joseph and Laurie Beechman as the Narrator.
This is a much more musicalized version of the show. It was nominated
for a Tony Award and runs about 60 minutes.
1991 London Cast (72) - Polydor
-Stars Jason Donovan as Joseph and Linzi Hately as the Narrator. This
is a very modernized, rock version of the show.
1992 Toronto Cast (72)
-Stars Donny Osmond as Joseph and Janet Metz as the Narrator. Same
production as the 1991 London.
1993 Los Angeles Cast
-Stars Michael Damian as Joseph and Kelli Rabke as the Narrator.
This is the cast that will play on Broadway.
South African Cast
Irish Cast
Israeli Cast
Mexican Cast
*JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
This is Lloyd Webber's and Rice's musical detailing the last days of
Jesus. Some argue that this should have been called Judas Iscariot
Superstar since the show is basically detailing Judas's dilemma in
betraying Jesus. There have been a lot of new recordings and
productions coming out to celebrate its 20th year Anniversary. Some
music from this show came from the Original Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Original Concept Recording (90)
- Cast: Ian Gilliam Jesus
Murray Head Judas
Yvonne Elliman Mary Magdalene
- This is the original studio version before this became a musical.
Very rock and features the voices of Rice and Lloyd Webber as
chorus members.
Original London Cast
Original Broadway Cast (45)
- Cast: Jeff Fenholt Jesus
Ben Vereen Judas
Yvonne Elliman Mary Magdalene
Motion Picture Soundtrack (100)
- Cast: Ted Neely Jesus
Carl Anderson Judas
Yvonne Elliman Mary Magdalene
Hungarian Cast
German Cast
French Cast
Russian Cast
Original Australian Cast(45)
Japanese Cast
Mexican Cast
Danish Cast
Brazilian Cast
Swedish Cast
20th Anniversary Recording(100)
- Cast: Paul Nicholas Jesus
Keith Burns Judas
Claire Moore Mary Magdalene
Australian Cast(60)
- This is an even more rock version of the show in the same manner of
the new Joseph production. Features among other performances, a
heavy metal "Herod's Song" and a very Top-40 "I Don't Know How to
Love Him."
1997 London Cast
V Movie directed by Norman Jewison
*JEEVES
Original London Cast(50)
- There is indeed a recording for Lloyd Webber's only flop. This is
based on the Jeeves novels by P.G. Wodehouse. One of the criticisms of
this show is that the book dragged it down and the Jeeves was just a
background character. Sadly, the record is out of print. Some rare
record store might have it but expect to pay up to $200 if you are lucky
enough to find it. The recording is missing some of the show's songs
but in the end proves to be a pretty good listen.
1996 London Cast
*EVITA
Musical of the life of Eva Peron. Winner of Best Musical and Best
Actress Tony Awards among others. Started off as a concept recording
like Jesus Christ Superstar and was later turned into a staged musical.
Original Concept Recording - MCA(120)
- very "Rock" sounding and contains the song "The Lady's Got
Potential" as well as Che's insecticide plot line which were eventually
dropped for staged production.
- Cast: Julie Covington Evita
C.T. (Colm) Wilkinson Che
Paul Jones Peron
Original London Cast(60)
- They only released a highlights recording of this cast.
- Cast: Elaine Paige Evita
David Essex Che
Joss Ackland Peron
Original American Cast(110)
- Cast: Patti Lupone Evita
Mandy Patinkin Che
Bob Gunton Peron
Motion Picture Sountrack
- Cast: Madonna Evita
Antonio Banderas Che
Jonathan Pryce Peron
Magaldi Jimmy Nail
This is the soundrack from the movie, which opened late 1996 in
the USA and early 1997 in the UK. It features "The Lady's Got
Potential" with re-written lyrics as well as a new song, "You Must Love
Me" which won Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice the Oscar for Best
Original Song at the 1996 Oscars. [TG]
Spanish Cast(110) - Epic
American Touring Company
Australian Cast
New Zealand Cast
Korean Cast
Brazilian Cast
Hungarian Cast
Mexican Cast
South African Cast
German Cast
Israeli Cast
Japanese Cast
*CATS
Original London Cast(120)
- This recording has Elaine Paige, Paul Nicholas, Brian Blessed, and
Sarah Brightman among others. It has a different version of
"Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser" from the future productions and includes
the song the "Ballad of Billy McCaw".
Original Broadway Cast(120)
- This recording has Betty Buckley, Terrence Mann, and Ken Page among
others. In order to make fun of those who claimed he had stolen from
Puccini, Lloyd Webber wrote "Growltiger's Last Stand" to replace the
"Ballad of Billy McCaw" as a Puccini parody.
Australian Cast(90)
- This is the only English recording with the "Pekes and the
Pollicles" on it.
German Cast(60)
German Cast live(120)
Japanese Cast
Japanese Cast (second recording)
Dutch Cast
French Cast(120)
Mexican Cast
Hungarian Cast
*SONG AND DANCE
Song and Dance is a combination of Tell Me on a Sunday and Variations.
Unexpected Song was added for the Broadway version.
London Cast with Marti Webb(100)
- This was recorded live and contains both the Song and Dance
portions.
Broadway Cast with Bernadette Peters, songs only(60) - RCA
London with Sarah Brightman
German Cast
Tell Me on a Sunday Swedish recording.
VBBC broadcast with Sarah Brightman
*STARLIGHT EXPRESS
[Thanks to Jeremiah Rickert for many details]
This musical has a rather chequered history. It was originally
conceived as a cartoon retelling of the Cinderella story. Many re-
writes and revisions have taken place over the years, and Richard
Stilgoe - the credited lyricist - in fact inherited many of the lyrics
(including 'U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D' from Peter Reeves)
Original London Cast - Polydor(100)
-with Frances Ruffelle as Dinah
American Concept Recording - MCA
German Cast(60)
German Cast live
German Cast - 1993
German Recordings
The German recordings all include the Overture with the Mother telling
the little boy to go to sleep and put his trains away. They end up
singing Starlight Express as a Lullaby, albeit with a Germanized version
of the Broadway lyrics:
When it's dark around you,
When the area is silent,
you see a light shining in the distance,
you see the night train, that will
take you to the stars...
The Broadway lyrics are:
When night is darkest,
open up your eyes,
the dream begins,
it's becoming clearer,
listen in the distance,
listen and you'll find,
the midnight train is getting nearer.
These lyrics seem to have been used in every production except the
London one, which kept the "When You're goodnights have been said"
version of the song.
The German recordings also retain C.B., renamed Caboose, but cut out
Belle. Additionally, the Coda of freight is included ("Earth, Water,
Air, Fire, see the steam, rise higher"). The New London cast is the
first English recording that includes the Starlight Express Lullaby with
the mother and the Coda.
German Recordings (Like Broadway) All have four Rockies, because Rocky
IV was out by the time it reached Broadway. Despite the Fact there's a
fifth Rocky film, I don't know of any production using a fifth Rocky.
Original German Recording
This is a concept recording (with slightly more pop arrangements of the
score) that was released before the show opened to stir up interest. Du
Allein (You Alone, i.e, Only You) was sung by German pop and theatre
star Ute Lemper, and Johnny Logan. (I hadn't heard of him, but assume
he's a pop star as well.)
The Original Bochum Cast: (53mins, 1988)
Ashley--Roslyn Howell
Buffy--Carol Hoffmann
Caboose--Hans Johnasson
Dinah--Natalie Howard
Electra--Eric Clausell
Greastball--Paul Kribbe
Papa--Trevor Michael Georges
Pearl--Maria Jane Hyde
Rusty--Steven Michael Skeels
Complete Bochum Recording (Live, 1989, 114 mins)
As far as I can tell, this is the most complete recording of the show.
1hr, 54mins long. The "International Race" plot of the show is easier
to discern here than any recording up to this time. (if you understand
German).
Ashley--Johanne Simpson
Buffy--Aiko Naksone
Caboose--Kapa Kitchen
Dinah--Laurie Sheppard
Elecktra--David-Michael Johnson
Greaseball--Nigel Casey
Pearl--Lovette George
Poppa--Stevie Woods
Rusty--Bernie Blanks
Bochum Cast Highlights (56mins)
Came out in 1991. Studio recording highlights of the Bochum Cast.
Ashley--Tracey Heyworth
Buffy--Ivy Fox
Caboose--Kapa Kitchen
Dinah--Darlene Casanova
Electra--Koffi Missah
Greaseball--Nigel Casey
Pearl--Claudia Bradley
Poppa--Stevie Woods
Rusty--Colin Munro
Australian/Japanese Touring Company (in English)(45)
[JR]
1993 London Starlight Express.
This is an extensively revised version of the original. Two characters
were dropped (C.B. and Belle) and the title song was re-written. "Only
He" was also dropped, and "Make Up My Heart" and "Next Time You Fall In
Love" added. The lyrics for this latter song was written by Don Black.
"Freight" was also re-worked, and some new ensemble characters added.
[TG]
This production is still running at the Apollo Victoria theatre.
There is also a more recent cast recording, called London Cast, but
featuring performers from the Las Vegas cast of the show. [JR]
*THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
This is Andrew Lloyd Webber's biggest hit yet. This show has played to
sell-out crowds on London and Broadway since it opened in 1986 and 1988
respectively. Michael Crawford created the role of the Phantom in both
productions. Another popular Phantom, Colm Wilkinson, played the
Phantom at Lloyd Webber's Sydmonton Festival, where a draft of the first
act was presented. This sometimes leads to battles between the
performers' fans about who "created" the role or was the "original"
Phantom. As Crawford and Hal Prince worked together on many aspects of
the role, it is safe to say that Michael Crawford certainly created the
role as it's presented today. Colm Wilkinson is thought to have been
offered the role first, and later played the Phantom for five years in
Toronto, Canada.
Other very popular Phantoms include Peter Karrie, Franc D'Ambrosio,
Davis Gaines, Grant Norman, and Dave Willetts.
The London production reached its 10th anniversary on 9th October 1996,
but did not mark the occassion with anything in the style of the Les
Miserables 10th anniversary concert. A gala performance was attended by
special guests, and fans lucky enough to get a ticket. As a special
finale, Sarah Brightman sang on stage, along with four Phantoms - Peter
Karrie, Ethan Freeman, Davis Gaines and Simon Bowman. Michael Crawford
was unable to attend due to a hip injury. Guests and media then went to
a "Masquerade Ball". [CD]
London Cast (100 min.) - Polydor
- Cast: Michael Crawford Phantom
Sarah Brightman Christine
Steve Barton Raoul
- This is the same cast that went to Broadway.
collector's edition 24ct Gold release of London Cast (831 273-2G)
collector's edition 24ct Gold release of London Cast Highlights
Toronto Cast (70) - Polydor
- Cast: Colm Wilkinson Phantom
Rebeccah Caine Christine
Byron Nease Raoul
- This is a highlights recording but it does include the Hannibal
opera
which was not on the London Cast Recording.
Hamburg Cast Highlights(50 min)
Phantom - Peter Hofmann
Christine - Anna Maria Kaufmann
Raoul - Hartwig Rudolz
Vienna Cast(120)
Phantom - Alexander Goebel
Christine - Luzia Nistler
Raoul - Alfred Pfeifer
Dutch Cast Highlights
Phantom - Henk Poort
Christine - Joke de Kruif
Raoul - Peter de Smet
Swedish Cast(110)
- Basically the whole show recorded live.
Fantomen - Mikael Samuelson
Christine - Elisabeth Berg
Raoul - Bengt Nordfors
1988 Japanese Cast(120)
Phantom - Masachika Ichimura
Christine - Rhoko Nomura
Raoul - Yuichiro Yamaguchi
(No longer produced - very hard to find.)
1992 Japanese Cast(120)
Phantom - Yuichiro Yamaguchi
Christine - Kyoko Suzuki
Raoul - Kanji Ishimaru
Studio cast - TER
Phantom - Graham Bickley
Christine - Claire Moore
Raoul - John Barrowman
Studio cast - JAY
Phantom - Ethan Freeman
Christine - Claire Moore
Raoul - John Barrowman
(Same recording as TER, but Bickley's tracks replaced by Freeman.)
Swiss Cast (1 CD)
*ASPECTS OF LOVE
Lloyd Webber's musical based on the David Garnett novel. This show has
met mixed success. It played 3 years in London but didn't even last one
year on Broadway. It is currently touring the United States in a
revamped Robin Phillips production. Some people complain that this show
consists of 1 song others are quick to point out the many musical themes
in this show. There has been debate about the relationship between the
beginning and ending of the play and it has been generally resolved that
the beginning takes place right after Alex has left Rose and Jenny and
has met Giulietta. In the touring production this means that it is
actually George's body in the casket.
Original London Cast(137) - Polydor
- Cast: Michael Ball Alex
Ann Crumb Rose
Kevin Colson George
Kathleen Rowe McAllen Giullieta
*SUNSET BOULEVARD
Musical version of the Billy Wilder movie, which opened in London
July 12, 1993. The London Cast Recording (a.k.a. World Premiere
Recording) was released in England in August 1993, and is now
available domestically in the U.S. The LA cast has been recorded,
and the CD was released September 13 1994.
Productions of Sunset Boulevard in New York and London closed within
a month of each other in March and April 1997. The US touring
production
has also ended.
Original London Cast - Polydor
-Cast: Patti LuPone Norma Desmond
Kevin Anderson Joe Gillis
Meredith Braun Betty Schaeffer
Daniel Benzali Max von Mayerling
American Premiere Cast - Polydor
-Cast: Glenn Close Norma Desmond
Alan Campbell Joe Gillis
Judy Kuhn Betty Schaeffer
George Hearn Max von Mayerling
Sunset Boulevard Single (Michael Ball)
The Perfect Year Single (Glenn Close)
6.2.4 OTHER RECORDINGS/COMPILATIONS [ML/SP]
The Premiere Collection (50) - MCA
- 14 singles from Superstar to Phantom, including the Phantom rock
version with Steve Harley and Sarah Brightman.
The Premiere Collection Encore (60) - Polydor
- 16 singles from Evita to the new production of Joseph, including
"Amigos Para Siempre", the 1992 Summer Olympics theme.
VThe Premiere Collection Encore (90) - Polydor
- 16 videos based mostly on songs found in the two Premiere
Collection recordings.
Requiem (70) - EMI
- A Latin mass written in tribute to ALW's late father. Features
Placido Domingo, Sarah Brightman, and Paul Miles-Kingston.
Variations, 1978 (40) - MCA
- These variations on Paganini's 24th caprice in A minor were
written for Julian Lloyd Webber's cello/rock band. This work was
later adapted into the dance portion of Song and Dance.
Variations, 1986 (40) - Philips
- A reworking of the original Variations for full orchestra.
The Magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber II
The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (60) - First Night
- 15 songs from Superstar to Phantom, featuring Paul Nicholas
and Stephanie Lawrence
Andrew Lloyd Webber Love Songs (50) - Silva
- Somewhat of a misnomer--after all, "Don't Cry for Me Argentina"
can hardly be called a love song. Dave Willetts is one of the
featured singers.
Ovation
Essentials (70) - Koch
- 17 songs from Evita to Aspects. One of the featured singers is
is Claire Moore
The Odessa File soundtrack
Gumshoe soundtrack
"Amigos Para Siempre"
-Lloyd Webber was commissioned to write this theme for the 1992
Summer Olympics in Barcelona. It is sung by Sarah Brightman and Jose
Carreras and has lyrics by Don Black in English and Gloria Estefan in
Spanish.
*Artists who have put out Andrew Lloyd Webber collections:
Sarah Brightman
Michael Crawford
Marina Prior
Jose Carrerras
Stephanie Lawrence
6.2.5 The Phantom Appreciation Society
The Phantom Appreciation Society in the UK has 250 members
internationally, and produces a quarterly newsletter/magazine.
Would you be able to add our address to the FAQ? People
can either e-mail Christine Daae (she had it legally changed!)
at cd...@easynet.co.uk for more information, or write to:
The Phantom Appreciation Society
Salkyns
Gt Canfield
Bishop's Stortford
Herts
CM22 6SX
UK
6.3 STEPHEN SONDHEIM [JAC]
There is a mailing list, sondheim, that is devoted to discussion of
the works of the composer/lyricist. See section 2.2.1.2 of the FAQ for
more details.
6.3.1 SHOWS TO DATE
6.3.1.1 LYRICS AND MUSIC
Broadway musicals unless otherwise indicated. Each title is followed
by year of first production and name of librettist.
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (1962; Burt
Shevelove & Larry Gelbart after Plautus)
ANYONE CAN WHISTLE (1964; Arthur Laurents)
EVENING PRIMROSE (1966; James Goldman after Collier)
television musical
COMPANY (1970; George Furth)
FOLLIES (1971; James Goldman)
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (1973; Hugh Wheeler after Bergman)
THE FROGS (1974; Burt Shevelove after Aristophanes) play
with music, Yale School of Drama
PACIFIC OVERTURES (1976; John Weidman)
SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET (1979; Hugh
Wheeler after Bond)
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (1981; George Furth after Kaufman &
Hart)
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (1984; James Lapine)
INTO THE WOODS (1987; James Lapine)
DICK TRACY (1990) songs for film
ASSASSINS (1991; John Weidman) off-Broadway
Opened December 18, 1990 at Playwrights Horizons
Ran for 73 performances
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by John Weidman
Based on an idea by Charles S. Gilbert, Jr.
Produced by Playwrights Horizons
"Something Just Broke" was added in to the Original London Score.
PASSION (1994; James Lapine)
6.3.1.2 LYRICS ONLY
Composer listed first, then librettist.
WEST SIDE STORY (1957; Leonard Bernstein; Arthur Laurents)
GYPSY (1959; Jule Styne; Arthur Laurents)
DO I HEAR A WALTZ? (1965; Richard Rodgers; Arthur Laurents)
THE EXCEPTION AND THE RULE (project abandoned 1968; Leonard
Bernstein; John Guare after Brecht) also known under the
working titles THE ROAD TO URGA and A PRAY BY BLECHT
CANDIDE (additional lyrics for 1973 revision; Leonard
Bernstein; Hugh Wheeler after Voltaire)
6.3.2 CURRENT PROJECTS
INTO THE WOODS film (199?; Lowell Ganz & Babaloo Mandel)
In October 1994, and all-star reading of the script was held
at the home of Penny Marshall. Participating in the reading
were Robin Williams (the Baker), Goldie Hawn (the Baker's Wife),
Cher (the Witch), Steve Martin (the Wolf), Danny DeVito (the
Giant), Elijah Wood (Jack and the Beanstalk), Roseanne (Jack's
mother), Bebe Neuwirth (Cinderella's stepmother), Mayim Bialik
(Little Red Riding Hood), Samantha Mathis (Rapunzel), Brendan
Fraser (Rapunzel's prince), Moira Kelly (Cinderella), Kyle
MacLachlan (Cinderella's prince) and Michael Jeter (Cinderella's
father). Marshall is attached as director, though an item
in Marilyn Beck's gossip column in February 1995 reported that
a co-director may be brought in because of the size of the
production. No cast nor start date has been announced.
Currently, the Into the Woods film does not look promising. Sony
Pictures has dropped the project from its plans and the film version is
being shopped around to other studios.
SWEENEY TODD film (199?; no screenwriter announced)
Tim Burton plans to direct a movie version of SWEENEY, possibly
after the completion of his current movie, MARS ATTACKS! Sondhiem
will write new songs and update older ones for the SWEENEY movie.
SINGING OUT LOUD (199?; William Goldman)
A film musical project to be directed by Rob Reiner.
The project has reportedly been abandoned.
MUSCLE
Sondheim has abandoned work on MUSCLE, which Lapine is
now developing with William Finn and Ellen Fitzhugh.
GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER
Co-written by Sondheim and George Furth
WISE GUYS Sondheim's new musical comedy will be about the Mizner
brothers: Addison (an architect) and Wilson (playwright,
prospector, and businessman). The production was scheduled to open on
June 30 1997, but now anticipates a fall '97 date. The "Wise Guys" title
may also be changed as it was only devised for the Center's use in
production marketing. The musical comedy will parallel the lives of the
Mizner Brothers and the rise and fall of vaudeville. From the 18802 to
the 1930s.
To date, Stephen has written two complete songs for WISE GUYS. They
held a private reading of completed sections of the script and music on
March 27, 1997, in NYC. The reading was directed by Lori Steinberg and
starred Victor Garber, Dee Hoty, Robert Westenberg, etc. (The director
and actor's for the readings do not mean anything about who will direct
or star in the final production).
6.3.3 RECORDINGS, AWARDS, ADDITIONAL INFO.
(OC = original cast)
6.3.3.1 Shows (as composer and lyricist)
*SATURDAY NIGHT
Sondheim's first Broadway musical, abandoned when its producer
died. Several of its songs have been recorded in anthologies
(see below).
*A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
A fast-paced farce in which the songs serve as interludes.
The film dropped many of the songs and was overproduced, but
does preserve the performances of Mostel and Gilford.
OC: Broadway Angel CD
- Cast: Zero Mostel, Jack Gilford.
*ANYONE CAN WHISTLE
A 9-performance flop.
OC: CBS CD; the CD adds music omitted from the LP.
- Cast: Angela Lansbury (her first musical), Lee Remick, Harry
Guardino.
*EVENING PRIMROSE
Based on a short story; score comprises only 4 songs. No
recording except for a medley of the songs on Mandy Patinkin's
"Dress Casual" CD (Bernadette Peters as guest artist).
*COMPANY
The show that established Sondheim's stature, a mixture
of musical and revue with urban life and personal commitment
as the themes.
Tony awards: Musical, Music, Lyrics, Book, Director, Scenic
Design
OC: CBS CD.
- Cast: Dean Jones, Barbara Barrie, Elaine Stritch, Donna
McKechnie, Beth Howland, Charles Kimbrough, George Coe.
- There is also a "London Cast" album which is the OC with
Dean Jones's voice tracks replaced by those of his
replacement, Larry Kert (to be reissued on CD on English CBS).
V Video documentary of recording session: RCA Video.
1996 London Cast
- Cast:
Bobby Adrian Lester
Sarah Rebecca Front
Harry Clive Rowe
Susan Clare Burt
Peter Gareth Snook
Jenny Liza Sadovy
David Teddy Kempner
Amy Sophie Thompson
Paul Michael Simkins
Joanne Sheila Gish
Larry Paul Bentley
Marta Anna Francolini
Kathy Kiran Hocking
April Hannah James
*FOLLIES
None of the three recordings conveys the full stature of
this score and show, arguably Sondheim's finest. The first
is too truncated, the second inattentive to dramatic values,
the third unwisely revised; all are seriously incomplete.
Tony awards: Music and Lyrics, Director, Choreographer,
Scenic Design, Costumes, Lighting, Actress (Alexis
Smith)
OC: Broadway Angel CD.
- Cast: Alexis Smith, Dorothy Collins, Yvonne De Carlo,
Gene Nelson, John McMartin, Mary McCarty, Ethel Shutta.
- CD contains 1 song not on LP.
Concert cast: RCA, 2 CDs.
- Cast: Barbara Cook, Lee Remick, Carol Burnett, George
Hearn, Mandy Patinkin, Elaine Stritch, Comden & Green,
Liz Callaway, Howard McGillin.
1987 revision, London cast: First Night, 2 CDs.
- Cast: Julia McKenzie, Diana Rigg, Delores Gray, Daniel
Massey.
*A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
Based on the Bergman film SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT, with an
operetta score based on variants of triple meter.
Tony awards: Musical, Music and Lyrics, Book, Actress
(Glynis Johns), Supporting Actress (Patricia Elliott)
Academy award [film version]: Adaptation Score
OC: CBS CD.
- Cast: Glynis Johns, Hermione Gingold, Len Cariou,
Patricia Elliott, Victoria Mallory, Laurence Guittard.
London 1996
- Cast: Judi Dench, Sian Phillips, Lawrence Guittard, Joanna
Riding, Patricia Hodge, Lambert Wilson
V The film version is too poor to be worth much attention.
V The NY City Opera production televised on PBS is better,
but not commercially available.
*THE FROGS
Originally done in and around a swimming pool. No recording;
2 songs ("Invocation and Instructions" and "Fear No More"--
lyrics by Shakespeare) have been recorded in compilations.
*PACIFIC OVERTURES
A depiction of the recent history of Japan in modified Kabuki
style, with an all-male (till the finale), originally
all-Asian cast.
Tony awards: Costume Design, Scenic Design
OC: RCA CD.
- Cast: Mako, Soon-Teck Oh, Sab Shimono, Gedde Watanabe,
Isao Sato.
English National Opera production: TER, 2 CDs (complete
including dialog).
*SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Sondheim's closest approach to opera, a large-scale piece
in which all but about 15 minutes is set to music, and which
has been done by opera companies.
Tony awards: Musical, Book, Score, Actor (Len Cariou),
Actress (Angela Lansbury), Director, Scenic Design,
Costume Design
OC: RCA, 2 CDs (highlights on 1 CD).
- Cast: Len Cariou, Angela Lansbury, Victor Garber.
VVideo of LA stage performance (RKO Video)
- Cast: Lansbury, George Hearn, Cris Groenendaal, Betsy Joslyn.
*MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
A Broadway failure which has often been performed by schools
and universities, and which has been repeatedly revised by its
authors.
OC: RCA CD.
- Cast: Jim Walton, Ann Morrison, Lonny Price, Jason
Alexander.
Leicester Haymarket (1992, released 1994): TER CD.
- Cast: Michael Cantwell, Maria Friedman, Evan Pappas
York Theater Company (1994): Varese Sarabande CD.
- Cast: Malcolm Gets, Amy Ryder, Adam Heller
*SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE
An examination of the artist's changing role in terms of
the painter Georges Seurat and a modern counterpart.
Tony awards: Scenic Design, Lighting Design
Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1985)
OC: RCA CD.
- Cast: Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, Charles Kimbrough,
Dana Ivey, Cris Groenendaal, Barbara Bryne, Robert Westenberg,
Brent Spiner.
V Video of stage performance: original cast. (Karl-Lorimar Video)
*INTO THE WOODS
This combination of 4 traditional fairy tales with a new one,
examining the aftereffects of their stories, provided Sondheim
with his longest Broadway run since FORUM.
Tony awards: Score, Book, Actress (Joanna Gleason)
OC: RCA Victor CD.
- Cast: Bernadette Peters, Joanna Gleason, Chip Zien, Tom
Aldredge, Robert Westenberg, Chuck Wagner, Kim Crosby,
Ben Wright, Danielle Ferland.
London cast: RCA Victor (one new song in this version).
- Cast: Julia McKenzie, Imelda Staunton.
V Video of stage production: Original cast. (only available
on laserdisk)
*DICK TRACY
Academy award: Original Song ("Sooner or Later")
- 5 "period" songs. 3 sung by Madonna (one as a duet with
Mandy Patinkin); they are performed by her (not the
soundtrack performances) in her album "I'm Breathless."
The other 2, background choral numbers in the film, can
be heard on the Carnegie Hall concert recording.
V Film available on video (Touchstone/Buena Vista)
*ASSASSINS
A 90-minute one-act show, an examination of the role of
assassins in American history in revue-like nightmarish
format.
Original cast: RCA Victor CD.
- Cast: Victor Garber, Jonathan Hadary, Terrence Mann, Annie
Golden, Debra Monk.
PASSION
A one-act chamber musical, set in 19th century Italy, about an
ugly, sickly woman in pursuit of a handsome soldier. Passion is based
on Passion d'Amore, a film directed by Ettore Scola, and the the novel
Fosca,
by I.U. Tarchetti
Passion was premiered on November 9 1994 at the Lincoln Center.
Sets by Adrianne Lobel, costumes by Jane Greenwood, lighting by Beverley
Emmons.
Directed by James Lapine with Jane Comfort
Fosca Donna Murphy
Giorgio Jere Shea
Clara Marin Mazzie
The London production, starring Maria Friedman and Michael Ball
was presented in two acts.
Tony awards: Musical, Score, Book, Actress (Murphy)
Olivier Award: Best Actress in a Musical (Friedman) (1996)
OC: Angel CD.
- Cast: Donna Murphy, Jere Shea, Marin Mazzie, Gregg Edelman,
Tom Aldredge, Cris Groenendaal, Francis Ruivivar, George
Dvorsky
6.3.3.2 Revues, Concerts, etc.
SONDHEIM: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE (1973; tribute concert), RCA
Victor, 2 CDs
SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM (1976; revue), RCA, 2 LPs, not
reissued on CD
MARRY ME A LITTLE (1981; revue), RCA CD
A STEPHEN SONDHEIM EVENING (1983; concert), RCA, 2 LPs;
program available for performance as YOU'RE GONNA LOVE
TOMORROW
SONDHEIM (1985; newly recorded anthology), Book-of-the-Month
records, 2 CDs
A COLLECTOR'S SONDHEIM (1985; reissue anthology), RCA, 3 CDs
SONDHEIM: A CARNEGIE HALL CELEBRATION (1992; tribute
concert), RCA, 2 CDs. Abbreviated (90-minute) version on
RCA Video
PUTTING IT TOGETHER (1993; revue), RCA 2-CD recording
6.3.4 Newsletters/Journals
6.3.4.1 The Stephen Sondheim Society
The Stephen Sondheim Society, based in Britain, was formed
in 1993 to promote the works of the composer. US membership is
20 pounds, and benefits include a newsletter listing British
professional and amateur productions of Sondheim shows, reviews
of new recordings, and other Sondheim-related articles. This is
a "sanctioned" appreciation society. For more information,
write to:
The Stephen Sondheim Society
c/o Dress Circle, 57/59 Monmouth Street
Upper St. Martin's Lane
London WC2H 9DG
UK
6.3.4.2 The Sondheim Review
The Sondheim Review is a quarterly journal devoted to Sondheim's
works. The cost is $19.95 for 4 issues.
The Sondheim Review
Box 11213
Chicago, IL 60611-0123
or phone 1-800-584-1020
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