Sunset Boulevard Cast Recording — Page 2

The show was obviously way overproduced. And they stuck too close to the movie. There was no need to begin with Joe at the bottom of the swimming pool or to have the car chase which I thought looked ridiculous anyway. The whole thing needed to be rethought in theatrical terms. I still think it could be wonderful, but they would need a creative director not wedded to the movie and a star who can sing as well as LuPone.

"... giving the role to a novice..."

Referring to Glenn Close? A NOVICE? She was no novice considering performing on a theatre stage. Not even when a stage musical is considered! She had already performed in the musicals BARNUM and REX.

It's too bad that they never recorded the show with Elaine Paige. After Patti she must have been one of the best Normas when it comes to singing (no offence to Betty or other Normas but they're no match to Elaine when singing is concerned). She did record 3 songs from the show though, "With One Look", "As If We Never Said Goodbye" of course, and "The Perfect Year". The songs are included on her cd ENCORE! Her version of "WOL" is wonderful, close to the original slow(-ish) tempo, but unfortunately it is sung in the re-written key - the arrangement made to suit Glenn Close's voice.

The LuPone/Anderson recording is the ONLY way to go. I hated the Close/Campbell recording, and thought it was the show I didnt like, then a LuPone obsessed friend handed me the OLC and I was instantly a fan.

---

That's what I've understood as well. It was the American investors who wanted Glenn Close to lead the cast on Broadway because she had gotten such rave reviews for her performance and was a 'bigger name' than Patti. Patti had gotten some not-so-good notices in the papers in the USA for her performance in London and the investors saw them and wanted to play it safe. So ALW kind of had to fire Patti.

Well I guess it was easier for him to say "No Sarah, no Phantom" with a BRITISH producer Cameron M on his side and with EVITA, CATS, LES MIS on their resent resume. But with SUNSET he didn't have CM to produce the show no matter who starred the show, so I suppose he kind of had to do what the investors wanted.

Catholic Church OWNS the sidewalk?? Never heard of that.