Love List:
Andrew Lloyd Webber
by Sunset Boulevard’s Ashleigh Rubenach
Love List is our Spotify series where we ask Opera House guests, friends and staff to curate a playlist dedicated to an artist, genre or theme of their choice – an ode to something they love.
To celebrate Opera Australia's upcoming season of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard, we asked musical theatre star Ashleigh Rubenach, who plays Betty Schaefer, to pick her favourite songs from across Webber's impressive catalogue.
Sunset Boulevard is the iconic story of a Hollywood legend, Norma Desmond, weaving a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. This season stars the iconic Sarah Brightman, who originated the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera in the West End and on Broadway, with a stellar ensemble featuring Tim Draxl and Ashleigh Rubenach.
Read on for Ashleigh's picks and listen now — don't fight the music of the night.
"No musical theatre anthology is complete without the iconic music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. His work ranges from timeless classics to genre-bending cult hits; there really is an Andrew Lloyd Webber show for everyone!
Sunset Boulevard is my personal favourite of Lloyd Webber’s shows. A lush, sweeping cinematic score with a classic Broadway sound — there is so much to love. Playing Betty Schaefer really is a career highlight, and I’m so excited to be sharing this beautiful show with audiences at the Sydney Opera House from August.
In the meantime, here are a few of my most cherished Andrew Lloyd Webber moments."
▷ Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
I couldn’t kick off my playlist without one of my all time favourites from the OG Christine Sarah Brightman. As a long time Phantom of the Opera-lover it’s so special to perform alongside Sarah every night.
▷ Too Much In Love To Care - Judy Kuhn and Alan Campbell
My favourite song to perform in Sunset Boulevard with Tim! This original version is my favourite, sung by the incredible Judy Kuhn (the voice of Pocahontas - the Disney kid in me is squealing).
▷ Music of the Night - Ramin Karimloo
I can’t go past Ramin’s falsetto. “Silently the senses abandon their defences” is one of the most beautifully-sung phrases of music I’ve ever heard.
▷ Love Changes Everything - Anthony Warlow
I have sung this classic at too many concerts to count and it’s always a crowd pleaser (we love a big ending!). This version from Australia’s-own Anthony Warlow is sensational.
▷ I Don’t Know How To Love Him - Kate Ceberano
Kate Ceberano’s voice is so beautiful and so textured, she makes Mary come alive.
▷ Heaven On Their Minds - Tim Minchin
Tim Minchin is a total genius. I was lucky enough to work with him on Groundhog Day earlier this year - a brilliant composer and a stunning performer. Genius!
▷ Twisted Every Way - Sierra Bogess
The melody that begins at 5:54 (trust me) is called ‘Twisted Every Way’ and it’s one of my most favourite musical moments in the whole musical theatre catalogue.
▷ Buenos Aires - Elena Roger
Try to listen to this song from Evita and not dance or smile!
▷ The Last Man In My Life - Marina Prior
The orchestrations for this power love ballad fromTell Me On A Sunday (and Song & Dance) are so lush and Marina sounds so beautiful.
▷ As If We Never Said Goodbye - Betty Buckley
One of my favourite moments in Sunset Boulevard and this version gives me total chills. Betty Buckley is a wonder.