Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita, which began as a concept album in 1976 and had its first stage incarnation in London in 1978, finally came to the U.S. in 1979 with a production that opened in Los Angeles and moved to San Francisco for multi-week engagements before landing on Broadway on September 25 to begin a Tony-winning, 1,568-performance run. The London production had been represented by a one-disc highlights album, but this one became the second full-length treatment, running, like the concept album, 100 minutes. As such, the revisions made for the stage were more apparent, especially because there were more of them than there had been in London, sometimes to Americanize the language. ("The back of beyond" in "Eva and Magaldi" became "the sticks," while "Get stuffed!" in "Goodnight and Thank You" was now "Up yours!") "The Lady's Got Potential" had been deleted, and there was a new song, "The Art of the Possible," which, with its musical-chairs staging, was more effective in the theater than on record. And "Dangerous Jade" had been revised to become "Peron's Latest Flame." Many of the changes built up the role of Evita's critic, Che. As played by Mandy Patinkin, who achieved Broadway stardom in the role, Che now rivaled Evita as a musical presence, the actor's elastic tenor and bravura manner drawing more attention to him. But Patti Lu Pone also became a star here, fearlessly bringing out Evita's strident self-interest without attempting to gain the audience's sympathy. (You couldn't say that about London's Elaine Paige.) Lu Pone was at her best when Evita was at her worst, such as in the songs "A New Argentina" and "Rainbow High." The rest of the cast was unexceptional, though Bob Gunton's Juan Peron inspired curiosity as the only actor to use a Spanish accent. ~ William Ruhlmann Music and words written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice 2 CD Set. Broadway Cast Original cast includes: Patti LuPone, Bob Gunton, Mandy Patinkin.
Label: Decca U.S.
Video: Ann Hampton Callaway Duets with Liz Callaway on New Album, Finding Beauty
by Nicole Rosky
- October 02, 2023
Just last week, cabaret favorite Ann Hampton Callaway released her very first album of all original songs. Finding Beauty: Originals, Volume 1 includes collaborations with Melissa Manchester, Alan Bergman, and Amanda McBroom, and duets with Melissa, Tierney Sutton, Kurt Elling, and of course, her sister Liz Callaway. Listen as the two duet on 'Wherever You Are'.
Olivia Newton-John's 'Totally Hot' Celebrates 45th Anniversary With a Return to Vinyl and CD
by Michael Major
- September 22, 2023
MCA/UMe is set to release both vinyl and CD editions of Dame Olivia Newton-John’s smash-hit, tenth studio album, 1978’s Totally Hot, a record that further reinforced her status as a surefire international superstar. In celebration of Newton-John’s first-ever platinum-certified album’s 45th anniversary, Totally Hot returns to vinyl.
Kevin Davis' ONE IN A MILLION MUSICAL To Be Published By Next Stage Press
by Chloe Rabinowitz
- September 20, 2023
Discover the journey of Kevin Davis' One in a Million Musical as it finds a publisher in Next Stage Press. With its lively and faith-full storyline, this musical has gained acclaim through workshops, showcases, and even a film documentary. Get the inside scoop and learn how this exciting new musical is making waves in the industry.
Guillermo Marigliano Releases New Book TANGO GUITAR METHOD
by Blair Ingenthron
- September 17, 2023
Guillermo Marigliano, the renowned Argentine musician, educator, and composer, has announced the release of his latest masterpiece, the Tango Guitar Method. Published independently and available now, this book is set to revolutionize the way individuals learn to play the enchanting rhythms of Argentinian Tango music.
New Translation of SOPHOCLES - THREE PLAYS Released
by Blair Ingenthron
- September 17, 2023
Discover 'Sophocles - Three Plays', a collection of two tragic and one comedic play by Sophocles, translated and directed by Gary Beck. Immerse yourself in the world of classic theater with Antigone, Electra, and the hilarious 'Searching Satyrs'.
Gail Merrifield Papp Will Discuss Her New Book with George C. Wolfe at Joe's Pub
by Nicole Rosky
- September 12, 2023
More than half a century after the Public Theater opened its doors with Hair, Gail Merrifield Papp will speak for the first time about her vivid and fascinating behind-the scenes memoir, Public/Private: My Life with Joe Papp at The Public Theater. The event will be held on Monday, September 18 at 6pm at Joe’s Pub – the Public Theater venue named for Joseph Papp.
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