Unmasked

By: Andrew Lloyd Webber

Narrated by: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Derek Perkins

Length: 16 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's Summary

"You have the luck of Croesus on stilts (as my Auntie Vi would have said) if you've had the sort of career, ups and downs, warts and all that I have in that wondrous little corner of show business called musical theatre."

One of the most successful and distinguished artists of our time, Andrew Lloyd Webber has reigned over the musical theatre world for nearly five decades. The winner of numerous awards, including multiple Tonys and an Oscar, Lloyd Webber has enchanted millions worldwide with his music and numerous hit shows, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, The Phantom of the Opera - Broadway's longest running show - and most recently, School of Rock. In Unmasked, written in his own inimitable, quirky voice, the revered, award-winning composer takes stock of his achievements, the twists of fate and circumstance which brought him both success and disappointment, and the passions that inspire and sustain him.

The son of a music professor and a piano teacher, Lloyd Webber reveals his artistic influences, from his idols Rodgers and Hammerstein and the perfection of South Pacific's "Some Enchanted Evening", to the pop and rock music of the 1960s and Puccini's Tosca, to P. G. Wodehouse and T. S. Eliot. Lloyd Webber recalls his bohemian London youth, reminiscing about the happiest place of his childhood, his homemade Harrington Pavilion - a make-believe world of musical theatre.

A record of several exciting and turbulent decades of British and American musical theatre, Unmasked is ultimately a chronicle of artistic creation. Lloyd Webber looks back at the development of some of his most famous works and illuminates his collaborations with luminaries such as Tim Rice, Cameron Mackintosh, and Trevor Nunn. Taking us behind the scenes of his productions, Lloyd Webber reveals fascinating details about each show, including the creative and logistical challenges and artistic political battles that ensued.

Lloyd Webber shares his recollections of writing songs for a school production that would become his first hit, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; finding the coterie of performers for his classic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar; developing his first megahit, Evita, which would win seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical; staking his reputation and fortune on the groundbreaking Cats; and making history with The Phantom of the Opera.

Reflecting a life that included many passions (from architecture to Turkish Swimming Cats) and featuring commentary written by numerous celebrities - Elaine Paige, Sarah Brightman, David Frost, Judi Dench, Richard Branson, Mandy Patinkin, Patti LuPone, Plácido Domingo, Barbra Streisand, Michael Crawford, and more - Unmasked reveals the true face of the extraordinary man beneath the storied legend.

©2018 Andrew Lloyd Webber (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic Reviews

  "Derek Perkins skillfully handles the majority of the audiobook, giving it a cheeky and well-modulated narration.... Music and theater fans will enjoy this ultimate companion volume to Lloyd Webber works." (AudioFile)  

Stunning!

I loved listening to this book! If you love musical theatre, you will, without a doubt, adore this memoir. It is superb. I hope he will write a follow up!!!!

P.s. I’m still curious about Cats with Judi Dench. Everyone now knows Elaine Paige’s involvement and the classic song “Memory.” But why is there so little about the show when Dench was still part of it. And the song he wrote as sung by Petula Clark - I wonder if the song will ever see the light of day.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

An autobiography worth the time

As a mature American male most autobiographies come across to me as either wishful history or sexual fantasies; this one is different. I believe ALW presents his history honestly and provides the reader (listener) with unique insights into the world of musical composition and theater. A very enjoyable book, well read by Mr Perkins.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good listen- Incomplete

If you could sum up Unmasked in three words, what would they be?

Humorous, informative, cliff hanger

What did you like best about this story?

I never realized what a great sense of humor Andrew Lloyd Weber possesses! He is actually very funny, and that made the story move quickly.

Which character – as performed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Derek Perkins – was your favorite?

The author himself.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The death of Lloyd Weber's father was very sad.

Any additional comments?

This book ends at "The Phantom of the Opera" so clearly there will be another volume. I am very much looking forward to part 2!

Wonderful dry British humor!

I am really enjoying this book! I sometimes laugh out loud! Great to hear stories of Andrew Lloyd Weber and his work with Tim Rice as well as bits about their lives and loves. Lots of history of the roots and machinations, trials and travails of their productions. Plus it’s like tracking back through my own history and my relationship with their music! It’s inspiring and I think of many people who would love it as I’m listening to it. I highly recommend it . Lloyd Weber’s voice is pleasant as the reader of the memoir as well!

Excellent if you are an ALw fan

Superficial but good enough. it fails as being a true autobiography; the author is leaving out talking about certain periods of his life
Good narrator. He even sounds like the author.
I bet there would be a sequel years from now. Because just when it was getting interesting, the book ends. There's more to be told.

fascinating look at how musicals are created

Would you listen to Unmasked again? Why?

i would not listen to it again, but i will buy the next volume when it comes out

Excellent listen. Very worthwhile

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, absolutely I would! Its a fantastic story, and hearing the stories behind these musicals is truly wonderful. The way Cats came together, the foundations of Starlight, and how Superstar became so popular!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Its an autobiography. The author.

What about Andrew Lloyd Webber and Derek Perkins ’s performance did you like?

The language was wonderful, and Derek delivered such a great telling of this story, it really felt like it was ALW talking.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Mostly my reactions were of wonder and amazement at how all these things happened. I learned a whole lot, and really enjoyed it. No crying, but a little laughter at times.

Any additional comments?

A very worthwhile read / listen. I really enjoyed it, and hearing how these shows came together was a wonderful experience.

I wanted to hear more . . .

and was sorry to have it end with Phantom. Loved the narrator, who almost sounded like the author himself. At times his work was described in too much detail, nevertheless most interesting to learn what goes into these productions, especially from the financial angle. Hopefully there will be more for him to share with us in the future. .