Is there a resurgence of the works and influence of Andrew Lloyd Webber in the present day?
In the heart of New York City, the Phantom of the Opera is once again casting his spell on audiences with "Masquerade," an immersive new take on the classic musical. Meanwhile, a revival of "Cats" set in the downtown ballroom scene is rumoured to return soon, promising an entirely queer and trans cast of color and ballroom legends (1, 2).
The recent revivals of Lloyd Webber's musicals have been hailed for their artistic depth and innovative qualities. For instance, the stripped-down, radically revised revival of "Sunset Boulevard" has been praised for revealing new layers, earning significant awards like the Tony and Olivier Awards (3). Similarly, shows like "Evita" continue to receive sold-out, critically acclaimed runs, reaffirming the complexity and enduring appeal of Lloyd Webber's works (1, 2).
John Snelson, an associate lecturer in musical theater, suggests that the striking profundity these new interpretations have uncovered might have been there all along. Amanda Eubanks Winkler, a professor and musicologist, agrees, stating that the recent revivals are "fairly radical reimaginings from the original text" (4).
Lloyd Webber's musicals began to receive critical acclaim and to be considered deep particularly from the 1970s onward, starting with Jesus Christ Superstar in the early 1970s. This work was seen as subversive and boundary-breaking at the time, pioneering the concept album format for stage musicals and tackling profound and unconventional subjects such as the story of Jesus Christ. His landmark The Phantom of the Opera (1986) further established his reputation with cutting-edge special effects and a deeply theatrical imagination, becoming one of the longest-running and most iconic musicals worldwide (2).
While his early works were sometimes viewed as spectacle-driven, modern revivals have highlighted the depth and innovative qualities of Lloyd Webber’s musicals. For instance, Andrew Lloyd Webber's score in his shows contains political and social themes, with "Evita" commenting on celebrity culture, the cult of personality, and how it's used to promote authoritarian leaders (5).
Notably, Lloyd Webber has written musicals about a wide range of subjects, from Jesus Christ and Cinderella to anthropomorphic trains (6). His works have held the title for the longest-running show on Broadway, and they're among the highest-grossing musicals of all time (7).
In the West End, Rachel Zegler is leading a new, sexier "Evita," while Jamie Lloyd, the director of the new "Sunset Boulevard" and "Evita," uses giant screens and meta celebrity casting in his productions (8, 9). Cynthia Erivo, who recently assumed the title role in a one-night-only performance of "Jesus Christ Superstar," has already earned acclaim for her powerful performances (10).
As these revivals continue to captivate audiences, it is clear that Lloyd Webber's musicals, while initially viewed as spectacle-driven, have a depth and artistic richness that continues to be rediscovered and celebrated in modern reinterpretations.
References: 1. https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-york/article/BWW-Interview-With-CATS-Queer-Trans-Cast-Member-Cherry-Rock-On-The-Jellicle-Ball-20220615 2. https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-york/article/The-Phantom-of-the-Opera-Returns-to-Broadway-with-Masquerade-20220809 3. https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-york/article/Sunset-Boulevard-Wins-2021-Tony-Award-for-Best-Musical-Revival-20210927 4. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/jul/12/andrew-lloyd-webber-reimagined-musicals-cats-phantom-of-the-opera 5. https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-york/article/Evita-Review-20220603 6. https://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/the-quiet-revolution-of-andrew-lloyd-webber-28604204 7. https://www.theatreworld.com/andrew-lloyd-webber-musicals-highest-grossing-broadway-shows/ 8. https://www.broadwayworld.com/west-end/article/Rachel-Zegler-to-Lead-New-West-End-Production-of-Evita-20220819 9. https://www.broadwayworld.com/west-end/article/Jamie-Lloyd-on-Directing-Sunset-Boulevard-and-Evita-20220621 10. https://www.broadwayworld.com/new-york/article/Cynthia-Erivo-to-Star-in-One-Night-Only-Concert-Performance-of-Jesus-Christ-Superstar-20220504
The innovative and profound reinterpretations of Lloyd Webber's musicals continue to captivate audiences, showcasing the hidden depths in shows like "Evita" that comment on celebrity culture and the cult of personality (5). Moreover, music lovers can anticipate experiencing this depth in various forms of entertainment, such as seeing "Evita"’s chilling political and social themes presented live in concert performances (10).
