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All the benefits of the London version of Sunset Boulevard are as enjoyable in the U.S. premiere version--the luscious melodies, the wonderful atmosphere, the compelling story line (adapted from the 1950 Billy Wilder film), the spectacular staircase. OK, you don't get the staircase on this CD, but you do get the later, more polished show that debuted in Los Angeles in 1994. And despite the oft-repeated themes and occasionally banal lyrics, it remains one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's more satisfying works.
The most obvious difference between the two recordings, of course, is the leading-lady role. Glenn Close doesn't have the big voice of Patti LuPone--and you will miss LuPone in a big number such as "With One Look"--but her portrayal of Norma Desmond is riveting, and LuPone is so distinctive it's almost distracting. In the supporting casts, London's Kevin Anderson is extremely laid back as Joe Gillis, while Meredith Braun is very girlish as the 22-year-old Betty Schaefer; both characterizations are appropriate, but their counterparts Alan Campbell and Judy Kuhn have stronger voices, as does L.A.'s George Hearn. Lastly, the Los Angeles production is a more complete recording, totaling 122 minutes compared to 96 for London. If you're looking to pick up one recording of Sunset Boulevard, this is the one. It's also available in a highlights version. --David Horiuchi, ISBN13: B000001E6V ISBN10: B000001E6V Material Type: audioCD