Stephen Ward recording
Stephen Ward recording
phantom8019
Featured Actor Joined: 12/6/05
#1Stephen Ward recording
Posted: 4/17/14 at 10:03pm
Just curious if anyone else has listened to the full recording of Stephen Ward. I listened to samples a few months ago and was unimpressed. But then I decided to give the full album a chance, so I purchased it on itunes. I rather like it. It definitely helps to listen to the album from start to finish, as a complete work, and not jump around to different songs.
We all know ALW’s most recent offerings have not been stellar, and while Ward is not a complete return to the “glory days” (shoutout to Norma), it’s definitely a step in the right direction. The show overall is far more sophisticated than Love Never Dies, Woman in White, Whistle Down the Wind, etc. The music is, as always, a little derivative of his other work, mainly Sunset Boulevard, Cats, and Evita, but the songs are successful on their own.
Thematically Stephen Ward is very much a blend between Sunset Boulevard and Evita, with its dark themes, sarcastic tone, and wit. Also, Stephen, who is dead, narrates the story, as Joe does in Sunset Boulevard, and the show’s critique of government and scandal, etc., is reminiscent of Evita. Also, throw in a little Jesus Christ Superstar, with the human sacrifice aspect (one of the songs is actually called “Human Sacrifice”) and the mob mentality.
Sure, the lyrics are not great, but they get the job done. Certainly a step up from the lyrics in Love Never Dies.
Anyway, curious to hear from others who have listened to the recording in its entirety.
#2Stephen Ward recording
Posted: 4/17/14 at 10:21pm
I feel the same way about this as I do about Love Never Dies. I love the score, but the source material is of little interest to me. I definitely agree that Stephen Ward is better than Love Never Dies (in almost every aspect) but I don't agree about it being better than Whistle Down the Wind. Whistle has some truly gorgeous melodies that Love Never Dies and Stephen Ward don't come close to matching.
I love "This Side of the Sky," "You've Never Had it So Good" and "I'm Hopeless When it Comes to You." Overall the show is definitely a step in the right direction for Webber, but the whole idea of a Profumo affair musical has never really interested me. I do tend to enjoy courtroom drama, but for whatever reason this one never did anything for me. Still, it was a bold topic to choose to musicalize and I commend him for ignoring that fact the show basically never had a chance at a commercial life outside of London (or even in London as it turned out.)
phantom8019
Featured Actor Joined: 12/6/05
#2Stephen Ward recording
Posted: 4/17/14 at 10:30pmYeah, I understand, and sorry I was unclear--I don't think Stephen Ward is musically better than Whistle Down the Wind. I just meant overall, as a show, it seems more sophisticated, more refined. Whistle, with its gorgeous melodies, had some real cringe-worthy moments, in my opinion, relating to its overall story and presentation.
#3Stephen Ward recording
Posted: 4/18/14 at 9:13amI have to admit (and I know I'm in the extreme minority here) but Stephen Ward was one of the best new musicals to open in London for many years. An absolutely brilliant show.
#4Stephen Ward recording
Posted: 4/18/14 at 9:45amIt reminded me in many ways, particularly the unlikely subject matter and tone of the lyrics, of CHESS. However, I have come to believe that Benny and Bjorn are better writers of pop operas than the middle-aged incarnation of Lloyd Webber.
#5Stephen Ward recording
Posted: 4/18/14 at 3:01pmI saw it when I was in London for the night in early January. I wanted to see Alexander Hanson again after his great performance in ALNM over here, and I knew absolutely nothing about this very British story. It was craptacular. I'm glad I saw it, there were a few fun songs in the score and it was nice seeing a story I knew nothing about. Definitely give the CD a listen.
