The 1979 Broadway cast recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical *Evita*, subtitled *Premiere American Recording*, stands as a significant artifact in the history of American musical theater.
Released on MCA Records in the same year as the musical's Broadway debut, this album captured the essence of the production for audiences beyond the theater. Its creation was a collaborative effort, with the musical's creators, Webber and Rice themselves, taking on the roles of producers for the recording. This direct involvement likely contributed to the album's authenticity and its ability to convey the musical's intended artistic vision.
The album quickly achieved commercial success, a testament to both the musical's popularity and the quality of the recording. According to *Billboard* magazine, the *Evita: Premiere American Recording* was only the second original cast album ever to be certified Platinum by the RIAA. This achievement placed it in an elite category, following only *Annie* from 1977, highlighting its exceptional sales performance and broad appeal among the American public. The Platinum certification signifies a substantial number of units sold, indicating that the recording resonated deeply with a wide audience, extending the reach of the Broadway production.
Production and Critical Acclaim
The production of the *Evita: Premiere American Recording* was meticulously overseen by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, ensuring that the album faithfully represented their work. Their hands-on approach as producers was a key factor in shaping the sound and feel of the recording. This level of creative control from the original authors is not always a given in cast album productions, making their involvement particularly noteworthy. The resulting album was not just a collection of songs, but a carefully curated audio experience designed to immerse listeners in the world of *Evita*.
Critical reception for the album was also strong. AllMusic, a prominent music database, rated the album with four stars out of a possible five. This positive critical assessment further solidified the recording's standing as a high-quality musical production. Such reviews often influence public perception and contribute to an album's long-term legacy, suggesting that the *Premiere American Recording* was recognized for its artistic merit as well as its commercial success.
A Landmark in Broadway Recordings
The *Evita: Premiere American Recording* holds a notable position within the broader landscape of Broadway cast albums. Its Platinum certification set a high bar for other musical recordings and demonstrated the commercial viability of capturing live theatrical performances for a wider market. The album's success also contributed to the enduring popularity of *Evita* as a musical, allowing its songs and story to reach millions who might not have had the opportunity to see the Broadway production.
Furthermore, the album is often listed among significant cast recordings of its era. It appears alongside other iconic albums from the 1980s, such as *Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street* (1980), *Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album* (1983), and *Cats: Complete Original Broadway Cast Recording* (1984). This placement underscores its importance in the canon of musical theater recordings and its lasting impact on the genre. The *Premiere American Recording* thus serves as a crucial historical document, preserving the original Broadway sound of *Evita* for future generations.
