Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jim Steinman - Whistle Down The Wind (1998 Original London Cast)
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Free Music Notes for Whistle Down The Wind (1998 Original London Cast)
Free Music Review: This Musical Will Be With Us For A Long Time
Hit: 5 Stars
I have had the privilage to see WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND not once but three times. The first time was January of 1996 The National Theatre in Washington DC for what was suppose to be a pre-broadwat tryout. In the cast were Davis Gaines (of Phantom fame) and a newcomer Irene Molloy. But due to a squabble between director Hal Prince and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber the show closed in DC and never made it to NYC. I thouroughly enjoyed the show and was sad that it was not going to Broadway. The summer of 1998 I was lucky enough to see the original cast in the London production, starring (broadway veteran)Marcus Lovett and Lottie Mayor, at the Aldwych Theatre. I enojyed the show so much that while in London in December of 1999 I once again took in the show to equal enjoyment. It is a pity that this show will never see an audience in NYC.This is, I believe, better than any previuos Webber work with the exception of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Webber has taken a classic piece of of British literature (comparable to our TO KILL A MOCKINBIRD) changed its setting from rural England to the southern US. The story is simple, a group of kids find a man in their barn that they think is Jesus. At the same time an escaped concvict is on the run ad nthe town is swarming to try to find this man. When the people of the town find outthat he is hiding in the barn behind where the childre live they set fire to the barn. Then the surprise ending.
Webber has written some of his most exciting music from the uplifting gospel number "The Vaults of Heaven" to the beautifully quiet "If Only." Like him or not, he can create some of the most beautiful melodies in the theatre today. But with the assitance of Jim Steinman (of Rock and Roll fame) we get some heavy hitting rock beats with wonderful Steinman lyrics.
The only drawback to this recording in my opinion is the poor attempt by our British friends to do a southern accent. It is at times laughable but luckily when they are singing its not important. As The Man, Marcus Lovett shows us why he continues to find work in the theatre. His powerful voice is perfect for "Unsettled Scores" and majestic on "The Nature of the Beast." As Swallow Lottie Mayor is engaging. She seems the perfect little bird, quiet but when needed she can spread her wings and fly as she does in "A Kiss is a Terrible Thing to Waste." I can't discuss this recording without mentioning the strong ensemble of children in this show. If you listen to this recording and are not smiling when they sing out "Long Overdue For a Miracle" or "When Children Rule the World" you need to check for a pulse.
This musical will be around a long time. If it does not get a proper US tryout it will become a staple of regional and community theatres around the country as soon as the rights are available. Add this to your collection. I am confident that you will love this recording as I do.
Free Music Review: No Matter What They Tell You, This musical is Brilliant
Hit: 5 Stars
Upon the first day of my arrival in London, I braved jet lag to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest opus. The production is stellar, the technological aspects of the show are astounding. You'll never see anything like it. You'll see a "split-stage." When the emotionally stirring opening number "The Vaults of Heaven," is finished, you will then the entire stage slowly rise, cast and all, to reveal underneath a whole other stage underneath, along with more cast members onstage. The story of "Whistle Down The Wind" is appropriately relocated from england to the deep south. In this story, we meet a young girl who is suffering from a crisis of faith due to the confusion surrounding her mother's untimely death. Fact is she is so confused, that upon the arrival of "The Man" She believes that he truly is Jesus Christ, come back to lead them back to God. The story is truly original and the dialogue is purely genuine, joined by the excellent music by ALW, and aided, in no small part, by Jim Steinman's (MeatLoaf's lyricist) moving lyrics. Many songs that are truly stand-outs Such as the freedom embracing "Tiretracks and Broken Hearts," the tragic desperation of "Nature of the Beast," and the rollicking rock number "Cold." Sadly this show is now closed after a profitable two and a half year run at the Aldwych theater but you need not miss the complete show on this excellent recording, which comes complete with the full libretto, both printed and recorded, on this package. This is definitely a stand-out production to add to Andrew lloyd Webber's resume to go with his other great works. It would definitely, and without hesitation, state that this has to be one one of ALW's greatest works.Free Music Review: A great work by Lloyd Webber
Hit: 5 Stars
I have only have listened to the cd of "Whistle Down the Wind", but even without having seen the production, I think it has become my favorite musical (if I had to pick a single one). The 1961 movie on which it is partially based has also become one of my favorites. Musically, it's a great combination of both the soaring melodies for which Lloyd Webber become known as well the youthful energy of rock music. I've found the emotional honesty of Lloyd Webber's music to be the most appealing thread running through all his works, and the story and thematic content of this musical gave him fertile ground in which to work. I've heard few musicals that "get to the heart" of so many human issues the way this one does. The nature of faith is a daunting subject matter to take on, but I applaud ALW and his collaborators for taking a risk and doing so. I prefer the approach that "Whistle" takes takes to its subject matter as opposed to "Jesus Christ Superstar." Whereas JCS explored the question of whether the person of Jesus was divine or not (though leaning toward the negative answer), "Whistle" explores the need within the human spirit for faith in a divine savior. As a Christian, I believe that the recognition of this need precedes belief in the Jesus of the New Testament. Though I find the story to be affirmative of religious faith, it's a a multi-layered story that allows its audience to take from it whatever they can glean. I highly recommend this musical that is both moving and thought-provoking.Free Music Review: A great work by Lloyd Webber
Hit: 5 Stars
I have only have listened to the cd of "Whistle Down the Wind", but even without having seen the production, I think it has become my favorite musical (if I had to pick a single one). The 1961 movie on which it is partially based has also become one of my favorites. Musically, it's a great combination of both the soaring melodies for which Lloyd Webber become known as well the youthful energy of rock music. I've found the emotional honesty of Lloyd Webber's music to be the most appealing thread running through all his works, and the story and thematic content of this musical gave him fertile ground in which to work. I've heard few musicals that "get to the heart" of so many human issues the way this one does. The nature of faith is a daunting subject matter to take on, but I applaud ALW and his collaborators for taking a risk and doing so. I prefer the approach that "Whistle" takes takes to its subject matter as opposed to "Jesus Christ Superstar." Whereas JCS explored the question of whether the person of Jesus was divine or not (though leaning toward the negative answer), "Whistle" explores the need within the human spirit for faith in a divine savior. As a Christian, I believe that the recognition of this need precedes belief in the Jesus of the New Testament. Though I find the story to be affirmative of religious faith, it's a a multi-layered story that allows its audience to take from it whatever they can glean. I highly recommend this musical that is both moving and thought-provoking.Free Music Review: Sir Lloyd-Webber's best!
Hit: 5 Stars
Having only recently seen the show, I was under the impression that this show wasn't going to be very good because of all the bad reviews it had and the fact that it flopped in the US. So I didn't have the CD until 2 months ago, which was the biggest mistake of my life.....I should have had it when it was first released!!!! The truly moving and uplifting music of this show makes it my favourite of all Lloyd Webber CD releases. I wasn't attracted to the music initially as the Boyzone version of No Matter What, which I heard none stop, completely loses the feeling of the version of the show. The best song on the album is "Cold", although out of all songs, it contrubtes little to the plot, it is great to watch on stage and a lot of fun to hear, the performers seem to be enjoying themseleves in this segment. From the uplifting gospel introduction of "The Vaults of Heaven" and the "shiver down the spine" overture to the heart felt finale, this is one of the best cast recordings I own. Look out also for "When Children Rule The World", a fun pop song and the first version of "Whistle Down The Wind". The CD does a great job of telling the story, so if you don't want anything spoilt before you see the show I suggest the concept album if you just want to become familiar with the songs however this CD encouraged me to see the show and I hope that this will do the same for others as the night I saw it was one of the best in my whole life.