The rec.arts.theatre.musicals Frequently Asked Questions (2/4)

[Tim Gowen]

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FAQ Part II: Composers & Writers and their works

7. COMPOSERS

Symbols for the Recordings Listings:

* = show
= audio recording (running time) - label, if known
V = video
B = book

7.1 CLAUDE MICHEL SCHONBERG

7.1.1 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.

Original French Cast - First Night

LES MISERABLES (196.) - Musicalization of the Victor Hugo novel. Won
the Tony Award for best musical in 196..

Original 196. 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

The official Les Miserables website is at http://www.lesmiz.com

MISS SAIGON (196.) - Madame Butterfly-type story taking place during and
after the Vietnam War. Nominated for best musical Tony Award in 1991.

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 (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 26th, after over 700
performances. It will re-open in Britain later this year at the West
Yorkshire Playhouse in the UK, previewing from 23rd November. [TG]

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

7.1.2. FUTURE PROJECTS

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.

7.1.3 MISS SAIGON magazine

Sun And Moon
c/o J. Jennifer Kang
16 Maltbie Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
USA
email: JAJ6.6.@ACFcluster.NYU.EDU

There is a Boublil/Schonberg web page at: http://www.netlink.co.uk/users
/nomad/

7.2 ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER [SP]

The Really Useful Group's Web Page is http://www.reallyuseful.com/

7.2.1 SHOWS TO DATE

Each title is followed by name of lyricist.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Tim Rice)

*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 6.'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 1966.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
196. 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 (Tim Rice)

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

WEB PAGES

http://monsterbit.com/daemon/jcs.html
http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Stage/3583/jcslinks.htm

JEEVES (Alan Ayckbourn)

*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 (Tim Rice)

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 (from poems by T.S. Eliot; additional lyrics by Trevor Nunn and
Richard Stilgoe)

*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.
Video (1998)
- A recording of the British production starring Elaine Paige as
Grizabella, John Mills as Gus and Ken Page as Rum Tum Tugger. This
version does not contain "Growltiger's Last Stand" - due to the extreme
age of John Mills (90). It does, however, have "The Awful Tale Pekes
and the Pollicles"
- This video was released first in the United Kingdom, and then in
the USA a few weeks later. It was also aired on PBS in the United
States.

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 (Don Black)

*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 (Don Black and Richard Stilgoe)

[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.

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, 196.)

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, 196., 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 (Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe, with
additional material by Mike Batt)

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 196. and 196.
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 (6.1 273-2G)
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

196. 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)

WEB PAGES

http://phantom.skywalk.com/
http://members.aol.com/CH522/index.html
http://www.reallyuseful.com/

CRICKET (Tim Rice)

This small musical, written for a private Royal performance, was never
recorded, and indeed many of the tunes were later recycled in 'Aspects
of Love'.

ASPECTS OF LOVE (Charles Hart and Don Black)

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 (Don Black and Christopher Hampton)

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 1997.

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)

WEB PAGES

http://www.cen.uiuc.edu/~dd-moore/sunset-blvd.html
http://www.reallyuseful.com/

7.2.2 CURRENT PROJECTS

WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND had a 'try out' in Washington in 1997, and was
universally derided. A re-worked version will open at the Aldwych in
London on 1 July. This musical by Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman is
based on the novel and film about some children who believe that an
escaped convict is Jesus Christ. Lloyd Webber's version loses the
original British section, switching it to Louisianna.

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.

Recent rumours suggest that Antonio Banderas is being considered for the
role. He has recently appeared in the EVITA movie, and sang at Lloyd
Webber's fiftieth birthday concert at the Albert Hall in London.

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 1996.

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 16.24
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.

The musical is going to be written by Lloyd Webber and the well known
novelist Frederick Forsyth. There will be an accompanying "novella".

7.2.3 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, 1976.(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, 196. (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.
The Andrew Lloyd Webber 50th Anniversary Concert
This has been released on CD and Video. It was recorded in early
summer 1998 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and contains songs from
most of ALW's shows.

7.2.4 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

7.3 STEPHEN SONDHEIM [JAC]

7.3.1 SHOWS TO DATE

7.3.1.1 LYRICS AND MUSIC

Broadway musicals unless otherwise indicated. Each title is followed
by year of first production and name of librettist.

*SATURDAY NIGHT

Sondheim's first Broadway musical, abandoned when its producer
died. Several of its songs have been recorded in anthologies
(see below). The 1997 London Bridewell Theatre production was recorded,
and is available on the First Night label.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (1962; Burt
Shevelove & Larry Gelbart after Plautus)

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 (1964; Arthur Laurents)

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 (1966; James Goldman after Collier)
(television musical

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 (1970; George Furth)

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 (1971; James Goldman)

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.
196? revision, London cast: First Night, 2 CDs.
- Cast: Julia McKenzie, Diana Rigg, Delores Gray, Daniel
Massey.
Papermill Playhouse (1998)
- Cast: Kaye Ballard, Michael Green, Laurence Guittard, Billy
Hartung

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (1973; Hugh Wheeler after Bergman)

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 (1974; Burt Shevelove after Aristophanes) play
with music, Yale School of Drama

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 (1976; John Weidman)

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 (1979; Hugh
Wheeler after Bond)

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.

The story uses many legends which were first seen in written form in
Victorian London. These 'penny dreadfuls' were cheap, 'pulp' fiction
designed to appeal to the readers' gruesome and romantic tastes.
Various versions depicted Mrs Lovett as a beguilling beauty while others
(Bond's play and this musical) chose a less appealing character.

Sweeney Todd has been rescued from the sea off Botany Bay near Australia
where he was transported on a trumped up charge by the corrupt Judge
Turpin. Returned to London by the man who saved him, Anthony Hope, he
sets about locating his wife and daughter, who were taken from him as
part of the Judge's plan.

He meets Mrs Lovett, the owner of a pie shop near Fleet Street, who
tells him what became of his wife and daughter, and that the daughter
(Johanna) is Judge Turpin's ward. Todd works hard to establish himself
as a Barber, ridding himself and the world of anyone who gets in his
way. Various events transpire to foil Todd on his quest for revenge,
and the culmination of the show is a remarkable and very tragic sequence
of events which will not be revealed here!

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 (196.; George Furth after Kaufman &
Hart)

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 (196.; James Lapine)

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 (196.)

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 (196.; James Lapine)

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 (1990) songs for film

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 (1991; John Weidman) off-Broadway
Opened December 16. 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.

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 (1994; James Lapine)

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

7.3.1.2 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 1966. 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)

7.3.2 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 16.02 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).

7.3.3 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 (196.; revue), RCA CD
A STEPHEN SONDHEIM EVENING (196.; concert), RCA, 2 LPs;
program available for performance as YOU'RE GONNA LOVE
TOMORROW
SONDHEIM (196.; newly recorded anthology), Book-of-the-Month
records, 2 CDs
A COLLECTOR'S SONDHEIM (196.; 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

7.3.4 Newsletters/Journals

7.3.4.1 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

7.3.4.2 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 1-6.0-56.-1020

7.3.4.2 The Biography

"Sondheim: A Life" by Meryle Secrest. Published by Knopf. ISBN
0-679-44817-9

8. OTHER MUSICALS

8.1. JEKYLL AND HYDE [RC]

The concept of the show "Jekyll and Hyde" was begun at USC in 196. by
Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden. In the late 6.'s, Leslie Bricusse was
recruited to write the lyrics and the book. A concept album of "Romantic
Highlights" was recorded in 196., with Linda Eder and Colm Wilkinson
singing all the songs.

In 1990, the show had its first staging at the Alley Theatre in
Houston, Texas, with Chuck Wagner in the lead and Linda Eder as
Lucy the prostitute. Gregory Boyd, artistic director of the
Alley, directed the production.

In 1992, there was a workshop in New York, with Terrence Mann as
Jekyll/Hyde and a revised book. However there were disagreements between
the creative staff and the producers and a planned Broadway run was
scrapped.

In 1994, the creative team re-gained control. The show was revised
again, closer to the original version. Several new songs were added.
Another concept album was recorded, with Anthony Warlow in the title
roles and Linda Eder still singing Lucy.

In January 1995, the show was re-staged, originally very similar
in form to the new recording. Gregory Boyd again directed. Robert
Cuccioli played the lead, and Linda Eder and Christiane Noll played
the female leads. Many changes were made during the Houston run.

The show was then staged in Seattle. After a short break, a national
tour began in the fall, with the same director and leads as the Houston
and Seattle runs. The tour lasted until spring of 1996. Many large and
small changes were made to the staging, songs and lyrics during the
tour.

After the tour, Gregory Boyd resigned as director, and Robin Phillips
took over to prepare the show for a Broadway run. The show was revised
and recast, but Robert Cuccioli, Linda Eder and Christiane Noll were
retained in the leads. On March 21, 1997, Jekyll and Hyde began Broadway
previews at the Plymouth Theatre and opened April 26.

"Jekyll and Hyde" has had a strong internet presence since 1994, with
several cast members and creative personnel in online contact with the
show's fans, dubbed "Jekkies" by the media.

A production in Melbourne, Australia is planned to open in October 1997,
and other productions are being planned in Germany, Scandinavia and
Belgium.

8.1.1 About the Creative Team & Cast

[See also Linda Eder Bio)

Robert Cuccioli has played the leads in "Jekyll and Hyde" since January
1995, and will be heard on the OCR, recorded in May 1997. Prior to that,
he was in the New York company of Les Mis (Javert) on Broadway. Off-
Broadway roles -- "And the World Goes Round"(he is on the OCR), "The
Rothschilds", and "Gigi". He starred in the New York premiere of the
Yeston/Kopit "Phantom", and toured as Lancelot in "Camelot" opposite
Richard Harris.

Frank Wildhorn (Composer) is from Queens, NY, and was a jock rather than
a musician while growing up. He started working on the musical "Jekyll
and Hyde" at USC in 196. and has since composed pop songs, other
musicals, and theater and ballet music. Wildhorn is the creative
director of Atlantic Records new division, Atlantic Theatre.

Musicals -- "Jekyll and Hyde" with Leslie Bricusse (2 concept albums in
release, now on Broadway, OCR recorded May 1997), "Svengali" with
Gregory Boyd (regional stagings, concept album recorded but not
released), "The Scarlet Pimpernel" with Nan Knighton (concept album out,
planned Broadway opening fall of 1997). Wildhorn also wrote some songs
for the Broadway version of "Victor/Victoria", as well as occasional
music for a regional production of "Cyrano de Bergerac".

Pop music -- Whitney Houston's recording of Wildhorn's "Where do Broken
Hearts Go?" was a number one hit. Other Wildhorn songs have been
recorded by major pop stars (Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers, Sammy Davis,
Jr., Liza Minelli).

In the works is a project called "The Civil War, Part 1", concept and
songs by Wildhorn, Gregory Boyd, and Jack Murphy. The show will consist
of songs and period readings. Facets of the project include: an album of
musical highlights sung by country, pop, theater and opera singers; a
double CD with songs and readings; a televised presentation; a staged
musical play, starting with a tour and possibly going to Broadway; a
concert tour of the music by some of the recording artists; and an HBO
cable special on the project.

There is a fan club for the musical. Membership includes a membership
kit, a quarterly newsletter and occasional extras. $15.00 for US
residents, $16.50 for Canada, and $22.50 for other countries. A portion
of the proceeds from membership fees will be donated to Broadway
Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The club's e-mail address is JH...@aol.com.

Jekyll & Hyde: The Fan Club
PO Box 116962
Carrollton, Tx 75011-6962

8.2 CARRIE [AK]

[Most of the following information comes from Ken Mandelbaum's
book "Not Since Carrie: 40 Years of Broadway Musical Flops"
St. Martin's Press, ISBN 0-312-06426.4. An entertaining read, and
highly recommended.]

Yes, there indeed was a musical based on Stephen King's 1974 novel.
A workshop of the musical was done in 196., with book by Lawrence D.
Cohen (who also wrote the screenplay of Brian DePalma's movie),
music by Michael Gore (FAME, TERMS OF ENDEARMENT), and lyrics by
Dean Pitchford (FAME, FOOTLOOSE). The Broadway production was
financed by Friedrich Kurz, a West German producer famous up to
that point for producing German productions of ALW hits, and co-
produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company (they had no financial
stake in the show). The Anglo-American cast, headed by Linzi
Hateley as Carrie and Barbara Cook as Mrs. White, had a brief
sold out run at Stratford upon Avon in February 196.. Cook was
nearly decapitated by the set on opening night, and left after the
show finished its Stratford run. When the show began previews on
Broadway on April 26. 196., Mrs. White was played by Betty
Buckley. After two weeks of previews, CARRIE opened May 12, 196. to

horrible reviews (but praise for Hateley and Buckley) and closed on
May 15, 196., four performances later. The production lost $6.million.

Audience reaction was reportedly wildly mixed, ranging from boos to
cheers and wild applause. Those who have heard the show's music have
said that it compares favorably with modern pop/middle-of-the-road
scores, most partcularly, CHESS. Sadly, a cast recording was never
made, as was initially planned. A concert version of the show, to be
recorded, also fell through, although the song "When There's No One"
appears on Betty Buckley's solo album "Children Will Listen". At the end
of 1993, there was renewed talk of a cast recording being made.

WEB PAGES

The "old" website that covered the tour can be reached through
http://www.JekyllHyde.com
OR
http://Reedycreek.stanford.edu/jhtour

8.3. RENT

This musical, based on La Boheme, is one of the major shows of recent
years on Broadway - and is controversial in its portrayal of youth, sex,
and drugs. It is the story of a group of young people who have chosen
to live their own lives. There is Mark, who's a video artists, and
Roger who wants to write one great song before AIDS kills him. Mark and
Roger live in an abandoned building, stealing their electricity from
outside, and holding out against the law and the commercial interests of
Benny, who wants to develop the building. Mark eventually faces the
prospect of giving in to commercialism when a riot which he films
attracts the attention of a TV company. The riot is a direct result of
a protest which Mark's former lover, Maureen, organises.

Roger is tempted by the seductive Mimi, who persuades him to embrace
life - and her - and draw inspiration in that way.

Rent generates heated discussion about the merits of the show itself and
the lifestyle it encourages. It's a show which has its ardent admirers
and detractors, and is therefore difficult to describe without bias.

Rent opened in London on 12th May 1998 starring Anthony Rapp and Adam
Pascal as Mark and Roger, and Wilson Jermaine Heredia as Angel - all
from the Broadway production. Mimi is played by Krysten Cummings.

Rent premiered on 13th February 1996 at the New York Theatre Workshop

http://www.lifecafe.com
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/lofts/5119/
http://lifesupport.your-site.com
http://www.siteforrent.com/index.html
http://dramaturgy.net/RENT/
http://members.aol.com/the3guyz/rent/index.htm
http://members.aol.com/demonwolf1/rent4ever.html
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Studios/4705/index.html

The rules for the ticket lottery can be found here: http://www.quuxuu
m.org/~miles/renttix.html.

Some London Production websites:

1. http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/parade/abh66/angelsarchrmain.html -
London Lifesupport, includes FAQ about the London production, cast info,
reviews etc.

2. http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/covent/537/rent.html - A more
comic look at the production and discussion of the London line and how
to spend the time waiting for tickets.


8.4 CHESS versions/recordings [ELN]

Chess was written by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, the male half of
the popular seventies group ABBA. The lyrics are by Tim Rice.

The "original" CHESS recording is the black & white "London" CHESS.
This is the concept album, recorded when they were touring with the
show in England as a concert to raise money to stage it. They got the
money, songs became top 10 hits, and they put it on as a musical with
Michael Bennett as the director. They ended up with most of the
touring singers as the actors, so they did not record the London Cast
Album even though there were changes to the show. Michael Bennett fell
ill shortly before the show went up, and Trevor Nunn was hired. He
did not like Bennett's work, and when the show moved to Broadway he
took the opportunity to re-work the show in his own style. Likewise,
the politics of the show were updated to reflect the current
situation. The Broadway version, with a new director, new cast, plot
changes, and some songs added and dropped, was recorded as "the
Original Broadway Cast Recording". This recording has the red, white
and blue logo with the figures running. The show didn't do as well as
hoped (closing after running only a few months), so the next few
productions did more plot changes and more song re-arranging. None of
these productions has been officially recorded.

Andrew Lloyd Webber often released albums of the music in order to
gauge the reaction and raise money. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and EVITA
were handled this way. Since Tim Rice had worked with ALW, he knew
the "Original Concept Album" was a Good Thing. Webber was Rice's first
choice of composer, but he turned Rice down.

Current licensed productions of CHESS are based on the Broadway
production. Changing the show to be more like the London Concept
Album is considered a breach of copyright, and the show will be shut
down.

8.5. YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN & SNOOPY

This information has been provided - from the Peanuts FAQ - by Alison
Franck, RATM's acknowledged expert on this particular show!

8.5.1. YAGMCB

Singer/comedienne Kaye Ballard (perhaps best known, these days, for
starring in television's "The Mothers-in-Law" for two years in the late
1960s) included some Peanuts-themed humor in her nightclub acts of the
early 60s, but even though Columbia issued an LP with this material, it
never really caught on. YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN began what was
to become a truly phenomenal Off-Broadway run on March 7, 1967, at New
York City's Theater 80, St. Marks.

The cast had gone into rehearsal not even a month earlier -- February 10
-- without a finished script. The show itself, as finally published,
didn't really "gel" until after it opened. Gary Burghoff -- later to
achieve fame as Radar O'Reilly in both the film and TV versions of
"M.A.S.H." -- starred as Charlie Brown. The rest of the cast included
Bill Hinnant as Snoopy, Reva Rose as Lucy, Bob Balaban (an
actor/director who appeared in "Absence of Malice" and "Close Encounters
of the Third Kind," among others) as Linus, Skip Hinnant as Schroeder,
and Karen Johnson as Patty. The show ran four years and 1,300
performances in New York, fielded nine touring companies in cities such
as Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., London, and San Francisco, and
has become the most performed musical in the history of American
theatre.

The play was published in book form by Random House in 1967, in the
small hardcover format similar to Holt, Rinehart & Winston titles such
as "Snoopy and the Red Baron," "I Never Promised You an Apple Orchard,"
and a few others. Musician and lyricist Clark Gesner, in his foreword,
introduced this as the document resulting from "...ten songs, a few long
scenes, two producers, one small theater, six medium-sized actors, one
each of director, assistant director, writer, musical supervisor,
lighting designer, and scenic designer, and ten years' worth of Charles
Schulz's drawings." Despite Gesner's carefully itemized list, the book
actually cites 13 songs, 12 of which wound up on the 1967 Original Cast
Soundtrack LP (MGM 1E-9 and S1E-9, mono and stereo). The show's 13th
song, "Glee Club Rehearsal," is replaced on the album by "Queen Lucy,"
which is really only a few exchanges of Act 1 dialog between Linus and
Lucy, set to a background theme. Although "Glee Club Rehearsal" remains
part of the show as published and licensed by the Tams-Witmark Music
Library (to which professional and amateur theater groups write when
desiring to produce the play), it has never been issued on a soundtrack
LP. That's a shame, since it remains of one the play's funniest bits, as
the kids squabble amongst themselves -- initially over a pencil -- while
singing a heartfelt rendition of "Home on the Range." Later in 1967, MGM
released what was known as a "Studio Cast" soundtrack (MGM LES-9000):
the same songs professionally arranged and orchestrated by Jay Blackton,
with performances by some "better" (i.e. more famous) stars. Orson Bean,
well recognized as a panelist on game shows such as "I've Got a Secret,"
"Keep Talking," and "To Tell the Truth," took over as Charlie Brown;
Barbara Minkus (one of the repertory players in television's "Love,
American Style") played Lucy. Bill Hinnant reprised his role as Snoopy
and, in an odd bit of novelty casting, Gesner himself played Linus. This
album contains only 10 songs, with their order of performance completely
different from that of the original play. Missing are "The Book Report,"
"The Red Baron," the aforementioned "Queen Lucy," and -- of course --
the "Glee Club Rehearsal." Pickwick Records issued another Studio Cast
LP (PC-3069 and SPC-3069, mono and stereo), with music conducted by
"Bugs" Bower and a cast which included Ron Marshall (known at the time
for his recordings on children's albums) and Connie Zimet (with show
credits in, among others, "Guys & Dolls" and "South Pacific"). The album
cover is rather droll, as it pictures -- rather than any characters or
performers -- the objects of primary importance to Charlie Brown and his
friends: the blanket, the supperdish, the piano, the kite,
the dog house, some baseball equipment, and a lollipop (!).

This recording presents the same 10 songs featured on the MGM Studio
Cast album, and while the performances aren't quite up to the previous
two recordings, the LP is certainly worth seeking in a used record
store. (Many thanks to Ken Lieck, for giving me the opportunity to hear
this rendition.) The production which genuinely made the play a
household name appeared as a Hallmark "Hall of Fame" special on
television. This performance starred Wendell Burton as Charlie Brown;
the rest of the cast included Ruby Perrson, Barry Livingston (Ernie on
TV's "My Three Sons"), Mark Montgomery, Noelle Matlovsky, and Bill
Hinnant once again as Snoopy. The soundtrack was issued by Atlantic
Records (SD-7252) in 1972. Kid Stuff Records released an album of "Songs
from YOUR [sic] A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN," about which the less said,
the better. Suffice it to mention that the vocal talent of the Kid Stuff
Repertory Company was roughly on par with the company's spelling.

Although Tams-Witmark owns the rights to the play itself, a sheet music
folio of vocal selections is available from MPL Communications,
distributed by the Hal Leonard Corporation. This 48-page music book
contains the words and music to the most common 10 songs (as noted above
for MGM's Studio Cast album), along with three pages of black-and-white
photos. The most frustrating aspect of all this, though, is that NOT ONE
of these albums is currently available on CD! The original off-Broadway
cast recording was briefly released on CD, but quickly went out-of-
print. In spite of being "the most performed musical in the history of
American theater," the show can't catch a break with modern technology!

Sadly, Gesner never had another theatrical hit. His sole shot at
Broadway itself -- "The Utter Glory of Morris E. Hall" -- closed after
exactly one performance, in May of 1979.

8.5.2. SNOOPY!

In December 1975 -- not quite a decade after Charlie Brown made his
first stage appearance -- SNOOPY! debuted at San Francisco's Little Fox
Theater (which had housed San Francisco's run of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN,
CHARLIE BROWN). It followed the same song-and-sketch format of its
predecessor, with simple sets and punchlines derived directly from the
comic strip. Larry Grossman wrote the music, Hal Hackady handled the
lyrics, and the book was credited to Warren Lockhart, Arthur Whitelaw
(who also directed), and Michael L. Grace.

There were character changes: Sally (Roxann Pyle) appeared instead of
Patty, and Peppermint Patty (Pamela Myers) replaced Schroeder. Don
Potter starred as Snoopy, with James Gleason as Charlie Brown, Carla
Manning as Lucy, and Jimmy Dodge as Linus. Woodstock also made his
(her?) stage debut, played in mime first by Alfred Mazza, and later by
elfin Cathy Cahn.

After circulating through the United States like its predecessor,
SNOOPY! finally made it to New York six years later. DRG Records
released the Original Cast Soundtrack (DRG S-6103) in 1975, which was
later re-issued on CD (and remains in print today, although it's getting
hard to find). Aside from the orchestral "Overture" and "Woodstock's
Theme," the album contains 13 songs... ..one of which -- "Friend" -- is
no longer part of the play!

Tams-Witmark also controls the rights to SNOOPY! Nowhere in their
68-page script will you find any trace of "Friend," although -- as a
quick listen to the soundtrack reveals -- it's a perfectly delightful
little tune. In point of fact, it originally was the Act 1 finale, a
role now filled by Snoopy's solo on "Daisy Hill." To make matters even
more confusing, Chappell Music Company's 64-page sheet music folio (with
eight pages of black-and-white photos) DOES include this song...while
deleting "Edgar Allan Poe," "The Vigil," "The Great Writer," and "The
Big Bow-Wow." But wait...it gets better!

Polydor Records issued an Original Cast Soundtrack of the London
production (S-820247-1), which opened at Newbury's Watermill Theatre on
August 2, 1983. Teddy Kempner starred as Snoopy, Robert Locke played
Charlie Brown, Zoe Bright played Lucy, Susie Blake played Sally, Nicky
Croydon played Peppermint Patty, Mark Hadfield played Linus, and Anthony
Best played Woodstock. But aside from this new cast, the production was
highlighted by... ..FOUR songs not present in either the American
production or its soundtrack! Peppermint Patty has a solo called "Hurry
Up, Face," and Snoopy solos on "Mother's Day." Lucy, Snoopy, Sally, and
Peppermint Patty join for "Dime a Dozen," and the entire ensemble closes
Act 1 with "When Do the Good Things Start?" As revealed by their
credits, these four songs also come from Larry Grossman and Hal
Hackady...but in what context? Were they written for, but deleted from,
the original American production? Held back specifically for this London
production? Their 1983 copyright suggests they were added for the West
End production, and it also should be noted that the play's overture was
reworked slightly, to incorporate themes from those four songs.

Will we ever know the actual facts? It's hard to believe these
additional songs were considered inferior, since they're every bit as
charming and clever as those which "survived." Consider the lyrics to
"Hurry Up Face," an ode in which Peppermint Patty laments the tomboyish
looks which (she believes) prevent her from finding True Love:

Hurry up, face...make it snappy...come on, come on. Fall into
place...make me happy...come on, come on. How long can I wait, face? I'm
feeling the strain... That you're running late, face...is as
plain...as... ...the nose on my face...can you doubt it? Come on, come
on. Get on my case...how's about it? Come on, come on! Show me your
heart...is in the right place... Come on, come on, come on...hurry up,
face! Won't you please try...try to hurry...how time has flown! Years
flying by...and I worry...I'll be alone! You're falling behind,
face...don't do this to me... My mirror's not blind, face...it can
see...that... ...you're losing the race...by a nose, so...get out the
lead. Hurry up, face...on your toes, go...full speed ahead! Show me your
heart...is in the right place... One of these days, I'll bet... You're
gonna catch up yet... So, on your mark, get set...hurry up, face! (Gimme
a break!)

While most of you are unlikely to hear that or the other three songs in
their recorded glory, the good news is that they do, in fact, survive on
the London soundtrack LP. Robert Burbidge informs me that this London
cast recording has been re-issued on CD in the UK. Its reference is
CDTER 1073, manufactured & marketed by TER Limited. The (c) and (p)
symbols are dated 1993, from Jay Productions. Perhaps, one day, if Mr.
Grossman or Mr. Hackady reads these words, one or both might explain the
reasons behind these two wildly divergent recordings. Until that moment,
it'll simply remain another of the great Peanuts mysteries.

And from Playbill online (which is not always the most reliable source
of information)

The upcoming BROADWAY revival of YAGMCB:

Triumph of Love's Roger Bart has reportedly been offered the role of
Snoopy in the upcoming Broadway revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie
Brown, according to Variety. Bart roles have included the Harlequin in
Triumph and Cousin Kevin in the touring show of The Who's Tommy. "As a
kid, I used to take out paper and trace Snoopy," Bart told Variety, "and
now, just by performing him, I'm sort of tracing him again." A call to
Bart's agent was not returned.

The Michael Mayer-directed show has its Lucy, Schroeder and Patty,
according to an Aug. 31 story in Variety. The trade publication reported
that Ilana Levine (The Last Night of Ballyhoo) had signed on to play the
crabby Lucy van Pelt, Kristin Chenoweth (Steel Pier) had contracted to
be Patty, and Stanley Wayne Mathis (The Lion King) is on board to play
the piano-playing Schroeder. Show spokesman Jim Byk said (Sept. 18),
however, that negotiations with the above players had not been
finalized. Also, Anthony Rapp is reportedly still in line to take on the
title role, and B.D. Wong is considering the role of the blanket-
carrying Linus. The Charlie Brown will begin in Chicago with a national
tour in November (casting notices for the show list Nov. 3), after
rehearsals start there. St. Louis will be the next stop on the tour
(Nov. 24-29, according to Fox), which should reach Broadway in late
spring 1999 (casting notices are mentioning March 1999). Aldo Scrofani
is co-producing. Charlie Brown is based on the Charles M. Schulz comic
strip "Peanuts," which features such characters as luckless Charlie,
Lucy the shrew, blanket-toting Linus and piano-playing Schroeder. Begun
Oct. 2, 1950, the strip now appears in more than 2,600 newspapers
internationally. The musical comprises loosely arranged songs and
vignettes -- a slice of the lives of these elementary-school aged
characters. Song include "Happiness Is," "Book Report" and "My Blanket
and Me."

And as I hear, Patty will be called Sally and will be played by Kristin
Chenoweth

My class/church/drama group is putting on a production of "You're a Good
Man, Charlie Brown," and one of the characters is named Patty. Is this
the same person as Peppermint Patty? And, if not, who is this Patty
person?

No, Patty is not the same as Peppermint Patty. As the only neighborhood
girl when the strip debuted in 1950, Patty had her hands full for a
while. She was Charlie Brown's sole tormentor in the early days, until
Violet (another character you don't see currently) showed up a few
months later. Separately, the two were unremarkable: Patty had many of
the bossy tendencies that Lucy would eventually inherit, while Violet
was initially quite the little Suzy Homemaker (her specialty: mud pies).
But once teamed during the mid-1950s, they became a terrible force to
behold. Poor Charlie Brown rarely stood a chance when both ganged up on
him simultaneously, and their collective cruelty often transcended even
Lucy's verbal abuse. Ultimately, this one-note personification meant
doom for both girls; absent little brothers or psychiatrist's booths,
neither Patty nor Violet would depart the 1960s with any delightful
quirks or positive traits. Banishment to the Home for Retired Characters
quickly followed, although not until after "You're a Good Man, Charlie
Brown" had made its debut ... which is why Patty is included among the
cast members. Along with Shermy and Frieda ("with the naturally curly
hair"), Patty and Violet remain the most "important" early characters
who no longer surface very often. But the two girls aren't completely
gone; both make occasional cameo appearances.

--
"Ten On Equipoise."

The RATM FAQ: http://www.juglans.demon.co.uk/Tim/Tim.htm