This is from the ultra rare recalled 3 track promo CD from the Australian production of Sunset Boulevard, not the version from Debra's New Ways To Dream CD. Enjoy
now these are the gems that they should be releasing on these ALW "essential" collections. The ultra rare things sitting on shelves somewhere that fans would appreciate. I remember how disappointed I was when they decided not to record this cast (and in hindsight with Hugh Jackman, I bet in hindsight they do too). This version is so much more lush than the one on New Ways to Dream. The way she nails the pinacle line and is able to recover to sing the proper notes that follow is perfection. What a gift. Thanks so much for sharing! would love to hear the other tracks
@vintagesaskia1139 Debra Byrne was considered too young, plus she had a reputation for being unreliable because of her use of drugs. Australians can be very serious about casting decisions. The Australian people wanted the part to be performed by Judi Connelli. Judi is an amazing actor and considered closer in age for the part. She has a very loyal following, especially in the LGBT community. This is not the first time that this has happened. Back in the 70s, they cast a completely unknown actor as Evita. The show flopped badly and couldn't be revived even when they flew Elaine Paige to Australia to fill the role. Elaine hated Melbourne so much she only stayed a week. The show finished when she left. I did see the production and thought it was good but the actor playing Evita didn't have a very strong voice.
@cliffordroberts5783 Ah, okay. Well Debra proved them wrong in the end. I knew that about Evita - but I thought it was Patti who came over to take on the role?! I have the album on vinyl and the actress' voice is absolutely terrible.
I have just seen Patti Lapone being interviewed on the telly. She did come to Australia to do Evita in Sydney. I am not really a fan of Patti I find her voice harsh. However, I saw her in Company in London in 2018 and she was great.
I was already obsessed with the show by the start of the Australian production. I did the same thing I did to get a copy of the US tour promo when the show first started touring. I emailed a man named Tom at the really useful group relentlessly until he sent me copies. LMFAO
Yes, she is Australian and has had a very storied life. She sounds much, much better in a live performance than on recording - there are some singers whose nuance just doesn't come across quite "right" when recorded, or at least in extant recordings, and Debra Byne -- as well as Patti LuPone -- are both such singers. I've been blessed to hear both sing several of their most well-known songs live, and to be fair Patti is my all-time favourite female show singer from the USA and Debra a very close second. She is very, very approachable too; and is great singing cabaret style as well as the big musicals.
