Songs, Singers Resonate at Lloyd Webber Gala

Depending on whom you ask, Andrew Lloyd Webber is either a genius or an annoyance, an inspired tunesmith or a hack.

Love him or hate him, though, you’ll want to catch tonight’s two-hour KCET-TV broadcast of the British musical-theater composer’s 50th birthday celebration at London’s Royal Albert Hall, for in addition to showcasing his most popular songs, it spotlights an extraordinary collection of singers.

In a battle of the super-divas that includes Kiri Te Kanawa, Elaine Paige and Sarah Brightman, it is Glenn Close, reprising her Norma Desmond from “Sunset Boulevard,” who emerges triumphant. Singing “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” Close uses larger-than-life mannerisms to show how the faded film star has slipped off into her own private silent movie. Occasionally, though, Norma’s grandiosity falters, and a look of frightened doubt steals across her face. It’s heartbreaking.

Paige is fabulous, too, using her pop-inflected classical voice to glorious effect in “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and, of course, “Memory,” which she originated in “Cats.” The always-dynamic Michael Ball delivers “Love Changes Everything,” from “Aspects of Love,” in his trademark velvety warble, and, in a bit of kitsch programming that actually pays off, the pretty-boy harmony group Boyzone lends its smooth sounds to the love song “No Matter What,” from “Whistle Down the Wind.”

“Phantom of the Opera” fans will be interested to see Antonio Banderas attempt its title role, in addition to re-creating his Che from the movie version of “Evita.” While his gravelly pop voice is well-suited to Che’s sardonic commentary, it is a long way from the honeyed bel canto required for the Phantom’s hypnotic songs--and that could pose a problem if he’s tapped to make the “Phantom” movie, as has long been rumored.

When Lloyd Webber himself finally takes the stage, he makes a special point of thanking his original lyricist and collaborator, Tim Rice, who is in the audience--a heartening rapprochement after their long estrangement.

In putting the show on stage, Steven Pimlott made striking use of chorus and dancers’ mass movements; in capturing it for television, David Mallet has a keen instinct for when to pull in tight on faces and when to go wide (or overhead) for the big picture.

* “Andrew Lloyd Webber 50th Birthday Celebration: A Great Performances Special” airs tonight at 8 on KCET. The network has rated it TV-G (suitable for all ages).