Boulevard | Info | Recordings

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		WORLD PREMIERE RECORDING This, the first ever recording of Sunset Blvd stars Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson in the original version of Sunset, which played in London during 1993/4. Although the recording lacks energy in places, LuPone dispels criticisms of her acting with an exceptionally powerful vocal performance. Kevin Anderson is reasonable, although perhaps too nonchalant. Recording edited in places for length.

		AMERICAN PREMIERE RECORDING The revised and, indeed, revitalised version of 'Sunset' stars Glenn Close and Alan Campbell. Glenn scores top marks for impact and emotion, even if her vocal ability may be somewhat overshadowed by other Normas. Campbell sings well, maintaining the particularly professional tone of the recording. The entire score is featured, although a highlights version is also available.

		CANADIAN CAST RECORDING A highlights album featuring Diahann Carroll and Rex Smith. Carroll's performance is unique; she is prone to sing-speak in places, but her husky style is compelling. Smith gives a fine performance as Joe Gillis. The recording is particularly worth noting for its atmospheric sound, and Lloyd Webber's orchestrations have never sounded better. Highlights album.

		GERMAN CAST RECORDING Helen Schnieder shines throughout this exceptional recording, displaying emotion and talent. When translating the musical into German, attention was paid to making the show even sharper and the lines wittier. This gives Uwe Kröger enormous scope to give a fine performance as Joe Gillis, and he delivers this with style. Highlights album.

		PETULA CLARK: SONGS FROM SUNSET BOULEVARD Petula delivers three songs from Sunset in her own unique vocal style. If you are expecting impact, you will be disappointed. Nonetheless, Petula's quirky, almost 'pop-style' performance is intriguing and to an extent convincing. 3-track single featuring 'With One Look', 'As If We Never Said Goodbye' and 'The Perfect Year.'

		BETTY BUCKLEY: NEW WAYS TO DREAM Buckley gives what is probably the definitive performance as Norma Desmond in this 4-track recording. She blasts her way through With One Look and As If We Never Said Goodbye with real power. Her 'Surrender' is passionate, and 'New Ways to Dream' intimate. Advanced vocal accomplishment is shown throughout this gem of a recording which, sadly, is not widely available.

		1ST NATIONAL TOUR PROMOTIONAL RECORDING This rare recording features Linda Balgord and Ron Bohmer in the title roles. Balgord sings with an operatic air of competence and demonstrates her ability to hold notes with enormous impact. Ron Bohmer also displays talent. Promotional recording features 'With One Look', 'As If We Never Said Goodbye' and 'Sunset Boulevard'.

		DANIELLA ZIEGLER: HIGHLIGHTS AUS SUNSET BLVD A German language release featuring Daniella Ziegler performing three songs from the show. She takes a more gentle approach than predecessor Helen Schneider, and brings a great deal of tenderness to the language in which the songs are sung. The CD is not widely available, even in Germany.

		DEBRA BYRNE: AS IF WE NEVER SAID GOODBYE A rare promotional recording by Debra Byrne, the first Australian Norma Desmond. It features three tracks from the show. Debra Byrne brings a feisty determination to the songs, singing with vigour and skill. If you own this CD, then look after it carefully; it is one of the most difficult recordings to lay your hands on...

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