Webber Rice

It may not have been the first rock opera (the Who's Tommy was released in 1969), but Jesus Christ Superstar was a legendary album long before it hit the stage, thanks to Tim Rice's compelling book and lyrics combined with Andrew Lloyd Webber's irresistible music. Telling the story of the last days of Christ from the point of view of Judas (Murray Head), the still-unmatched original cast also stars Deep Purple's Ian Gillan as Jesus and Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene, the role she made into a career (with a cameo on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack). Decades later, such songs as "Superstar," "I Don't Know How to Love Him," "Heaven on Their Minds," and "Everything's Alright" still retain their extraordinary power. --David Horiuchi

No Description AvailableNo Track Information AvailableMedia Type: CDArtist: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTARTitle: ORIGINAL CAST RECORDINGStreet Release Date: 09/24/1996

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat completed the transition from cantata for schoolkids to big-budget glitzfest with Steven Pimlott's 1991 London revival. Here's the 1992 Canadian version of that show, and even if it's not an ideal recording--Janet Metz as the narrator is no match for Laurie Beechman in the original Broadway cast and there's a little too much synthesizer in the orchestrations--this CD is valuable for the performance of former teen pop idol Donny Osmond as the title character. He's in excellent voice, and was so right for the role that he was selected to preserve it for the 2000 video production. And of course the songs are still here, showcasing Rice's witty lyrics and Lloyd Webber's chameleon tendencies--dabbling in country, calypso, French cafés, and a King-like pharaoh--as well as favorites "Any Dream Will Do," "Close Every Door," and "Go, Go, Go Joseph." This production also includes the "Joseph Remix" (also known as the "Joseph Megamix"), a nine-minute medley of themes arranged with a heavy beat that was used for a kind of onstage aerobics routine as the show's postscript. --David Horiuchi

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Evita was finally filmed in 1996, 20 years after its initial incarnation as a studio-bound rock opera. In between, of course, it was one of the most successful and long-running musicals on either side of the Atlantic. Given such a long history, the film might easily have been a stale anticlimax, fatally holed by our overfamiliarity with songs such as the ubiquitous "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina." On the contrary, it was an impressive and immensely satisfying production. The numbers, augmented by a new song for Eva ("You Must Love Me"), sound fresh and the singing is excellent. Coming from Jonathan Pryce (Peron) and Jimmy Nail (Magaldi), this is hardly a surprise. The real revelation is Antonio Banderas as Che, a kind of one-man Greek chorus commenting on Eva's rise and the price she must pay. His warm tenor dispels memories of previous, rougher interpretations from such singers as David Essex and Colm Wilkinson. Ultimately, though, the star is Madonna. She is totally immersed in the role of Eva from start to finish, her singing ranging from girlish delicacy to a hard-edged stridence as the dictator's wife achieves her goals. Rarely has a film so successfully given a stage show such a new lease on life. --Piers Ford

Double CD set in a slimline double jewelbox. 31 tracks total.

Following the successful 1998 video release of Cats comes another Andrew Lloyd Webber blockbuster musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and it's a savvy choice. It hasn't been represented on film before, it's short enough (78 minutes) to present without cuts, and it has the star power of former teen icon Donny Osmond, who played over 1,800 performances across North America. Rather than record a live performance, Cats director David Mallet conceived Joseph as a film, though one that is based strongly on codirector Steven Pimlott's 1991 London revival and relies more on camerawork than venturing beyond its stagelike sets. Lloyd Webber's first project with lyricist Tim Rice was originally written in 1968 as a school cantata; accordingly, this film uses a framing sequence of a school recital, with an audience of clapping, singing kids and members of the faculty playing the roles. The Old Testament tale of Joseph and his coat of many colors gets a splashy, vigorous treatment with an energetic cast, Las Vegas-style glitz, and catchy, eclectic songs, including "Any Dream Will Do," "Close Every Door," the peppy "Go, Go, Go Joseph," and various bits of country, calypso, and Elvis. Osmond is perfect in the title role, with a strong voice and winning persona, while London stage veteran Maria Friedman performs well in the central role of the narrator. Richard Attenborough appears (and sings a little) as Jacob, and Joan Collins makes a brief, nonsinging cameo. Joseph certainly isn't revolutionary musical theater, but if you view it as a kids' show, it's a silly good time (though there are poignant moments too). Parents should note, however, that this production might warrant a little discretion due to one suggestive scene and some risqué costumes. --David Horiuchi

Ted Neeley makes for a wimpy looking Jesus in Norman Jewison's screen adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice "rock opera," which was a smash on stage in the early '70s. Jewison (Other People's Money) adds some good exterior settings in the desert, but Webber and Rice's dialogue-free story (everything is sung, as in a real opera), with its quasi-profundities about the inner demons of principal figures in the life of Christ, is the real hook. Yvonne Elliman sings the show's best-known song, "I Don't Know How to Love Him." --Tom Keogh

This long-awaited adaptation of the Broadway musical, directed by Alan Parker (Fame, The Commitments), features Madonna in her award-winning performance as Eva Peron, the controversial and inspirational First Lady of Argentina, as well as the score from the long-running Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. The story of Peron's rise to power with her husband (Jonathan Pryce) is narrated in song by peasant insurrectionist Che (Antonio Banderas), as Evita's glamour, poise, and ultimate tragedy inspire a nation in the midst of political and social upheaval. The film is a powerful one, visually stunning and epic in its scope, and yet highly emotional in both the well-known songs and the performances. Pryce portrays a deeply flawed man, ruthless and yet devoted to his wife. Banderas is a swashbuckling figure, instilling passion in the heart of Eva Peron. And Madonna gives a strong and commanding performance as a woman who loves her husband and loves her people but must fight the stirring passion inside her. Featuring "You Must Love Me," an Academy Award-winning song written for the film, Evita is vivid and powerful entertainment for people who love musicals for both stage and screen. --Robert Lane

Ted Neeley makes for a wimpy looking Jesus in Norman Jewison's screen adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice "rock opera," which was a smash on stage in the early '70s. Jewison (Other People's Money) adds some good exterior settings in the desert, but Webber and Rice's dialogue-free story (everything is sung, as in a real opera), with its quasi-profundities about the inner demons of principal figures in the life of Christ, is the real hook. Yvonne Elliman sings the show's best-known song, "I Don't Know How to Love Him." --Tom Keogh

Innovative musical based on Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's popular concept album features imaginative settings, marvelous dance numbers and fine performances to depict the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion. Stars Ted Neely, Carl Anderson, Joshua Mostel, and Yvonne Elliman; Norman Jewison directs. 107 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: Spanish, French; audio commentary; interview; photo gallery.

Before Andrew Lloyd Webber took over Broadway with his operatic productions and Tim Rice tossed in his lot with Disney's animated musicals, they were the young turks of musical theater and their rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar was their calling card. Director Gale Edwards's 1999 stage revival, which became the basis for this video production (also available on CD), takes the show out of ancient Jerusalem to an indeterminate mix of modern New York (complete with graffiti-scrawled walls and T-shirt garbed disciples) and timeless Rome. The grandly abstract sets, rainbow lighting, and striking costumes are more theater than cinema, but like the previous made-for-video Lloyd Webber-Rice production Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the enormous soundstages give the director free reign to combine the mediums. The setting folds fascism, intolerance, and revolution into a portrait out of time, robbing the play of its powerful historical grounding but injecting it with energy and insight. As Christ, Glenn Carter (who played the role in the 2000 Broadway revival) flashes his anger and rolls his eyes at Judas (Jerome Pradon) but cannot deny the truths of Judas's fears: "Every word you say today gets twisted 'round some other way." As Christ sees his cult of personality overtake his message and struggles with the fears of his sacrifice, he reaches within for faith and forgiveness, giving the show the spiritual dimension it so often lacks. It's an entertaining, thoughtful, and well-sung production. Edwards avoids the tepidity of Norman Jewison's solemn 1973 film, driving forward with energetic editing and swooping cameras, and guided at all times by the dramatic, exhilarating score. --Sean Axmaker

The perennially popular Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that put a rock spin on the story of Christ's final days on Earth is given a stylish presentation in this moving stage production. Stars Glenn Carter, Jerome Pradon, Renee Castle and Rik Mayall as King Herod; songs include "Heaven on Their Minds," "I Don't Know How to Love Him," and "Superstar." 112 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: French; "making of" documentary; trailer.

Fantastic songs from this stage favorite: Everything's Alright ? Heaven on Their Minds ? Hosanna ? I Don't Know How to Love Him ? I Only Want to Say (Gethsemane) ? King Herod's Song ? Superstar. Includes great photos!

The songbook for this movie musical spectacular features 12 beautiful Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice songs. Includes the Oscar-winning single You Must Love Me and the mega-hit Don't Cry for Me Argentina, plus: Another Suitcase in Another Hall ? I'd Be Surpr

Two Bestselling Novels Together in One Omnibus:YOU NEVER CALLED ME PRINCESSThe Kaitlyn Chronicles #1Kaitlyn Simons has had enough of her father calling her "Chubs." She hates the name, and she's beginning to hate him. To stop the name calling, she decides to go on a crash diet. A very strict and unhealthy diet. A diet that works all too well.After all, it's easy to lose weight when you don't eat, right?Kaitlyn quickly discovers that the rewards of being thin are fantastic. Boys in school take notice. Her popularity soars. Meanwhile, Kaitlyn restricts her diet even more. Unfortunately, Kaitlyn's unhealthy weight loss falls under the radar since her family has other problems. Big problems, life-changing problems.But when Kaitlyn's weight loss reaches a critical phase, as her family rallies around her, Kaitlyn will discover that there's more to life than being popular and thin. But will this revelation come too late?RELATIVELY NORMALThe Kaitlyn Chronicles #2Kaitlyn Simons is not like other girls. She has a secret. A heartbreaking secret. And now it's all she can do to just get through the day, acting and behaving just like a normal girl.It's been a year and a half since Kaitlyn was first hospitalized for a life-threatening eating disorder. And just when she thinks her life is back on track, she's thrown for another loop. A devastating loop. Diagnosed with a heartbreaking medical condition, it's all Kaitlyn can do to keep it together - and keep it together she must. After all, she's about to enter high school and a whole new world of boys and trouble.**Acclaim for the Novels of Elaine Babich**"Heartbreaking and Touching. A powerful story of a teenager's struggle with anorexia, told in a straight forward and powerful way, without talking down to the reader and without being overly sentimental. You Never Called Me Princess is an honest look at what could happen when a young girl decides to lose weight at all costs. Should be mandatory reading for any parent who suspects their child might have an eating disorder. I believe the novel will show the reader that there are answers to their problems, and that they are not alone. Highly recommended. An important novel."-J.R. Rain, author of Moon Dance and The Body Departed"An intriguing debut and an excellent read. Gripping and touching, a story written from the heart. Elaine Babich has fashioned a story that many young girls could relate to. In the end we are left with a poignant glimpse into the beauty of family and the love of life and the wonder that connects us all."-Summer Lee, author of Angel Heart and Kindred Spirits"I loved this book and want to recommend it to teenage girls, especially. The heroine is likable, and one to whom YA readers will relate. High moral values, with exploration into body image and excellent life lessons, with no preachiness. Five stars!"-Eve Paludan, author of Letters from David and Taking Back Tara"Elaine Babich has created such a vivid tale of teenage angst and redemption-one that will stay with me for a long time."-Aiden James, author of The Vampires' Last Lover and Plague of Coins"This is a great story of the trials and tribulations of a young girl struggling through more than just your average teenage troubles. An inspiring tale, Babich has delivered a masterpiece! Two thumbs up!"-Jen Ashton, author of Whole in My Heart and My Teenage Heart

Two Bestselling Novels Together in One Omnibus:YOU NEVER CALLED ME PRINCESSThe Kaitlyn Chronicles #1Kaitlyn Simons has had enough of her father calling her “Chubs.” She hates the name, and she's beginning to hate him. To stop the name calling, she decides to go on a crash diet. A very strict and unhealthy diet. A diet that works all too well.After all, it’s easy to lose weight when you don’t eat, right?Kaitlyn quickly discovers that the rewards of being thin are fantastic. Boys in school take notice. Her popularity soars. Meanwhile, Kaitlyn restricts her diet even more. Unfortunately, Kaitlyn’s unhealthy weight loss falls under the radar since her family has other problems. Big problems, life-changing problems.But when Kaitlyn's weight loss reaches a critical phase, as her family rallies around her, Kaitlyn will discover that there's more to life than being popular and thin. But will this revelation come too late?RELATIVELY NORMALThe Kaitlyn Chronicles #2Kaitlyn Simons is not like other girls. She has a secret. A heartbreaking secret. And now it’s all she can do to just get through the day, acting and behaving just like a normal girl.It’s been a year and a half since Kaitlyn was first hospitalized for a life-threatening eating disorder. And just when she thinks her life is back on track, she’s thrown for another loop. A devastating loop. Diagnosed with a heartbreaking medical condition, it’s all Kaitlyn can do to keep it together — and keep it together she must. After all, she’s about to enter high school and a whole new world of boys and trouble.**Acclaim for the Novels of Elaine Babich**“Heartbreaking and Touching. A powerful story of a teenager’s struggle with anorexia, told in a straight forward and powerful way, without talking down to the reader and without being overly sentimental. You Never Called Me Princess is an honest look at what could happen when a young girl decides to lose weight at all costs. Should be mandatory reading for any parent who suspects their child might have an eating disorder. I believe the novel will show the reader that there are answers to their problems, and that they are not alone. Highly recommended. An important novel.”—J.R. Rain, author of Moon Dance and The Body Departed“An intriguing debut and an excellent read. Gripping and touching, a story written from the heart. Elaine Babich has fashioned a story that many young girls could relate to. In the end we are left with a poignant glimpse into the beauty of family and the love of life and the wonder that connects us all.”—Summer Lee, author of Angel Heart and Kindred Spirits“I loved this book and want to recommend it to teenage girls, especially. The heroine is likable, and one to whom YA readers will relate. High moral values, with exploration into body image and excellent life lessons, with no preachiness. Five stars!”—Eve Paludan, author of Letters from David and Taking Back Tara“Elaine Babich has created such a vivid tale of teenage angst and redemption—one that will stay with me for a long time.”—Aiden James, author of The Vampires’ Last Lover and Plague of Coins"This is a great story of the trials and tribulations of a young girl struggling through more than just your average teenage troubles. An inspiring tale, Babich has delivered a masterpiece! Two thumbs up!"—Jen Ashton, author of Whole in My Heart and My Teenage Heart