Hugh and Sunset Blvd.

O man. You have to SEE Hugh sing to appreciate him. He has crazy charisma and good looks, however his voice is very lacking and is not pleasing to the ear IMO.

I like it...to me there is an edgy tone to it that comes from someone who maybe struggled to get to the top. Others have sung it beautifully, but the edge isn't there....

I guess we'll just have to see him portray Joe Gillis and hear him sing the song ( and other songs) on film.

Paging Andrew Lloyd Webber and Paramount Pictures!

I thought Alan Campbell did an amazing job on the US cast recording.

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I actually like everything about the American Cast Recording, except of course for Judy Kuhn. I still don't get her. Does anyone?

O no, she's on that too! She's everywhere!

This was taken from a television program, not an interview, with a full orchestra, shown on Australian TV in 1997.

So, I guess we're hearing a young Hugh who at that time has only appeared on two musical theatre shows. If you listen to the RNT OKLAHOMA! ( 1998/1999) which was developed and rehearsed at the West End, you will note the change in his voice - fuller and richer. And if you ever heard his duet with Debra Byrne of Sondheim's No is Alone/Children Will Listen - there is such a beautiful quality to his singing.

I guess over the years, Hugh has developed his vocal abilities much further (e.g. Once Before I Go, All the Lives of Me, I'd Rather While I'm in Live, Tenterfield Saddler, etc.. from THE BOY FROM OZ)...If the film project ever materializes, I am looking forward to Hugh playing the role of Joe Gillis - he is just about the right age now ( more wordly-looking and more developed voice).

Re Michael Ball, who first sang the song on record and who was recently featured in the concert version last year - yes, he does sing the best version of the song ever! Unfortunately, he is not a film actor and probably has only a little chance of being considered for the role. Unless ALWebber takes the risk and does another "Gerald Butler"

Updated On: 1/17/05 at 09:29 PM

Thanks for posting the link, very interesting.

I love Hugh Jackman, but I think the role of Joe Gillis in Webber's SUNSET BOULEVARD is a bit of a waste, and he is certainly overqualified for it.

Barnaby, regarding Judy Kuhn, she has an amazing voice, and she's a good actress. But she's one of the most uncoordinated performers I've ever seen on a stage -- it's not just that she can't dance (and believe me, she can't -- her "dancing" in that Laura Nyro musical at the Vineyard a couple of seasons ago was incredibly embarrassing), she can barely stand up convincingly on a stage.

She'd be a sensational Sunny von Bulow if someone decided to do a musical version of "Reversal of Fortune" -- she could play the heck out of a coma, and it would surely solve her movement problems.

To be fair, though, I can't imagine anyone singing the title song from RAGS as well as she does. The girl has definitely got pipes. Stage presence? Not so much.

Kangaroo,

What I meant by doing a "Gerald Butler" is taking a relative unknown and casting him in one of the most sought after roles from musical theatre for the screen adaptation

I am not necessarily a fan of GB. Sorry, if I was misunderstood.

I think the most likely scenario, if the film project materializes, is the casting of Hugh, which would be an excellent choice. Remember the rumour that ALW has already signed him up ( and Anthony Hopkins) for the lead?

Jo

Updated On: 1/18/05 at 04:27 AM

Ummm...I really am excited about Hugh taking on this role in the movie version but I have to say I'm not impressed at all with this clip. It is a bit painful to listen to at certain points.

I like Alan Campbells interpretation the best of any of performances on the Cast Recordings. MIchael Ball's performance in Cork was the best I've heard (much "edgier" than his early recorded version).

But I think Hugh will be fantastic if the rumors turn out to be true.

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Thanks Jo, for explaining it. I hope that they do pull a "Gerard Butler", but if not... then I would want Hugh Jackman to play Joe Gillis. There have been rumors flying around for a while about Hugh and Sunset, so I guess we'll see in the future.

I hope that they aren't going to take random people from movies who can't sing and stick them in.
This just occured to me: do you guys think that because it is a Disney production, they are going to stick in all those wannaba singers from the Disney channel? Because if they do, I am going to be really pissed. None of them can sing, and I don't think it's fair that they would be allowed to have the honor of singing with Hugh Jackman... not the same level, but that Raven girl got to sing with JULIE ANDREWS!

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I am going to be a spoiler here. I know Hugh does Xmen and a film with Meg Ryan and Van Helsing. But the only ones that turned a profit is X Men. He has yet to carry a picture on his own. If I am incorrect please let me know. Shouldn't he try to carry a film before that total responsiblity becomes his burden. He is not a movie star yet. Some day maybe. Please correct me if I am wrong.