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Julie Wilson in her musical theatre heydey

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 12/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This fabulous CD from Sepia is a marvellous tribute to Julie Wilson, that legendary diva of cabaret who appeared onstage in many musicals (primarily in London) in her early career. Most notably she played Lois/Bianca in the West End premiere of KISS ME KATE before replacing Mary Martin as Ensign Nellie Forbush in the London run of SOUTH PACIFIC. This disc includes the following:



GUYS AND DOLLS - A rare 1953 studio cast album which features Julie Wilson in the role of Miss Adelaide, with Barbara Leigh as Sarah Brown, David Hughes as Skye Masterson and Johnny Brandon as Nathan Detroit. Wilson never played Adelaide on the professional stage, though this recording will make you ask why! She would have been perfect for the role, judging by her vocal performance here. Barbara Leigh makes for a lovely Sarah.



KISS ME KATE - The original 1951 London cast album, with Julie Wilson as Lois Lane/Bianca. Patricia Morison reprises her Broadway role as Lilli Vanessi/Katharine, with Bill Johnson as Fred. Legendary British comedian Sid James played one of the two gansters who sing "Brush Up Your Shakespeare". Patricia Morison sounds almost the same as on the OBC, and Julie Wilson simply sparkles as soubrette Lois.



BET YOUR LIFE - A fairly-obscure London musical which played for 361 performances in 1952. Julie Wilson co-stars with Brian Reece, Arthur Askey and a very young Sally Ann Howes. Not much of note here except Wilson's "I Want a Great Big Hunk of Male" and Sally Ann Howes' lovely "What Care I".



There are also 2 bonus tracks of Julie Wilson dueting with Jerry Wayne on "Over and Over Again" and "Guess We'll Have to Talk About the Weather"."