Search - Tim Rice :: Evita (Original London Cast)

Brillant recording

ZenPenguin | Los Angeles | 07/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The thing about ''Evita'' is that it is such a remarkable musical that the different interpretations are each worthy of owning and enjoying, much like listening to different interpretations of Bach or Mozart. The largest negative about this recording is that it's incomplete (which is hardly a negative: ''The worst thing about the London Cast recording is that there isn't more...''). Elaine Paige is stunning, and her performance alone is worth the money. Her vocal range, power, emotion, and expression are awe-inspiring, and the recording seems tailored to complement her performance. The orchestration is light and subtle, most likely to show off the powerful vocals. David Essex as ''Che'' continues to grow on me (my first impression were not all that favorable) and Joss Ackland is superb. The more I listen to this recording, the more it becomes my overall favorite by far.



The Broadway Cast double album is essential if you want the complete musical and to understand the story, and the production is marked by full orchestration and very large cast. The concept album has its pluses and unique characteristics, but in terms of overall performance I feel the London cast does a better job vocally (especially Elaine) and the Broadway cast is a fuller production. I would probably recommend the Broadway album as a first choice, simply to get the full musical and to listen to a very large production of this incredible work. However, for subtlety, grace, and outstanding performances, the London Cast highlight album stands ahead of all the rest."

An "Evita" with both bite and tenderness

Michael J. Mazza | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 07/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Evita," the pop opera with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, has been released on CD in a number of versions. This CD is the London stage cast, with Elaine Paige in the title role and David Essex as Che. The cast does a superb job with this powerful material."Evita" tells the story of Eva Peron, who was First Lady of Argentina during the presidency of her husband, Juan Peron. This is a classic story of ambition, resentment, and political upheaval, and Evita is one of musical theater's most fascinating characters.Paige is an excellent Evita. Her performance is sweet at times, and on some songs her voice has a real bite. I was particularly impressed by her rendition of "Buenos Aires": her Evita sounds both seductive and dangerous. Essex is an excellent foil for Paige; the character's anger and satiric perspective are nicely complemented by Essex's slightly rough voice. The supporting performers also shine. I especially liked Joss Ackland's tender version of "She Is a Diamond."Unfortunately, this disc contains only excerpts from this production, and appears to be missing material that is found on other versions. Nevertheless, the power of this cast makes this "Evita" an essential disc."

Elaine Paige is THE Evita

John R. Bainton | Liverpool, UK | 02/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My mother would always play the cassette tape of this Evita recording on car journeys. We'd sing along...it was one of the very first shows I heard. When the Madonna version was released on CD, I bought it and that became my Evita of choice...I bought this the other day, and haven't stopped listening since. Elaine Paige brings more to the central character than any other actress has since. I fear that people will be subjected to Madonna's insipid and anaemic interpretation of the role in buying the movie version. This version is far superior. The only downside to this recording is that it is a CD of show 'highlights', so you'd be lacking some parts of the show. In that case you may choose the Patti LuPone recording, for it represents the show in its entirety. Although LuPone is an improvement on Madonna's performance, her overwrought shouting does detract from the melodic pathos of some of the songs. Simply put, Elaine Paige is the perfect Eva Peron. She manages to portray Eva's anger, passion and ruthlessness perfectly.The Original Concept Album (with Julie Covington and Colm Wilkinson - who defined Jean Valjean in Les Miserables) is accompanied by a much larger orchestra, something you may wish to consider when deciding a purchase. Also, the movie version does seem to pack more of a punch production-wise.David Essex has the perfect tone for the character of Che, although I feel his rendition of 'Oh What A Circus' lacks a little kick. Joss Ackland is neccessarily louche as 'Peron', sounding positively creepy at times.Basically, if you're looking for the definitive recording of the definitive Evita, this is it. If you're after a little more of a polished production (at the expense of performance), choose the movie version or the LuPone version. For me however, there is only one Evita. Elaine Paige."