Sunset Boulevard (Original Canadian Cast Recording)

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Music reviews of Sunset Boulevard (Original Canadian Cast Recording)

Music Review: Great HIghlight CD feauturing REX SMITH
Rating: 4 Stars

Joe Gillis is played by the wonderfully talented Rex Smith (of Scarlett Pimpernel and Grease). His voice is Jazzy, rough, growling, and gutsy. He gives variety, levels, and depth to the character. The first song "Let's Have Lunch" sounds much more Jazzy and and livlier than on any of the other CD's. It just sounds more intriguing. Diahann Carroll definitely has stage presence but not the voice to hold the show. As Norma, she is very mysterious, tranquil, with much pain in her voice, as sung in "Surrender", her opening song. She eases into "With One Look" with her raspy voice. It starts off vocally weak, but she gets stronger and better as the song progresses. Her intensity shines well into the song, and she belts the last note, although I think it's lower than the other renditions.

Max, played well by Walter Charles has a tremendous Baritone when he belts "Youth which cannot FAAAAAAAADE!" All Max's are great on each CD. "Every Movies A Circus" is just as lively as "Let's Have Lunch." Christopher Shyer is vocally strong as Joe's friend, Artie. Anita Louise Combe (of Saturday Night Fever) is enduring as Betty. Her voice sounds young but much more mature than Meredith Braun in the London Cast (But I do LOVE Meredith.) She sounds a little more head strong, and more like the "studio smart ass" that she's refered to as being. She sounds ahead of the game. "Girl Meets Boy" is witty and smart. "New Ways To Dream" is filled with passion and pain. Triumph always come to Miss Carholl as the songs progress. But I think a lot of the delaying is the Musical Director's fault.

"The Lady's Paying" is great on all 3 CD's. I do love the way Diahanne goes crazy when she says, "Shut up! I'm rich, not some Platinum blonde b1t@#!" It's hilarious and DIVA! "The Perfect Year" is played a little fast for my liking. Elaine Paige's is the difinitive version (as heard on "Encore") When Miss Caroll gets to "It's New Years Eve..." she takes the key down a half step or so and it's not as effective. The Chilling ACT I finale where Max says "Madame found the razor in your room, and she cut her wrists" always gives me goose bumps. When Joe goes to see the distraught Norma, only Patti LuPone can find all the different levels when she says "I'll do it again! I'll do it again!" Diahanne is more sympathetic and in pain, which works for her portrayal.

"Sunset Boulevard" is fiercely sung by the amazing Smith. He belts and growls his way through it like a greedy gambler would. "As If We Never Said Goodbye" is a little fast, and once again I think the keys are lower than the other verisons to suit Miss Caroll's husky, sultry voice. "Eternal Youth Is Worth A Little Suffering" is snazzy and vibrant.

"Too Much In Love To Care" is one of my favorite's on this CD. I can hear more character struggle in Joe's voice not to love Betty. But he just can't resist her. He clearly belts "I haven't got a PRAAAAAYER!" There is definitely more sincere questioning from the confused Betty. She is in quite a predicament after all, she IS in love with her fiance's best friend!! There needs to be some struggle and confusion from both character's and that is potrayed beautifully by the both of them.

The "Finale" is quite good, too. Betty's plee "Say something Joe!" is said like I've never heard before. Joe is clearly trying to make Betty hate him so she doesn't get caught up in the mess he's in. These were clear character choices that worked. And the last monologue of Norma's is a little weak, not as sensational as Patti LuPone's. But the last few bars are strong and intense.

Like I said before, this Cd has some great Highlights, especially Rex Smith and Anita Louise Combe. For any SUNSET fan I strongly recommend this CD, you will not be dissapointed.

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