Julie Andrews: Once Upon a Time - CD

An international star for six decades, millions adored Julie Andrews as Maria in The Sound of Music or as Mary Poppins, but Julie was already performing from an early age a long time before all that. In 1948 the twelve year old Julie starred in Starlight Roof, a West End show, singing The Polonaise from Mignon, an aria that showcased to great effect her range and exceptional vocal ability. Julie's rendition of Polonaise, possibly her first commercial recording, is the opening track on this CD which also contains her follow up recordings - Je Veux Vivre; Come To The Fair; Je Vous Dirai Je Mama and The Wren. As well as appearing in various pantomimes, Julie was soon established on BBC Radio with a regular spot on the show Educating Archie. The cast of Archie recorded Jack And The Beanstalk which featured Julie performing a delightful solo titled When We Grow Up. Julie then originated the role of Polly Browne in the New York production of The Boy Friend to great acclaim. The day after the show opened Julie's name was moved above the title of the show - at nineteen Julie had become a Broadway star! High Tor, a television musical with Bing Crosby followed, but it was the role of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady that made Julie a household name. The show opened in New York in March 1956 to ecstatic reviews and was ultimately considered the Broadway smash hit of the 1950s. Julie reprised her role when the show transferred to London. In 1957 Julie, in collaboration with Gilbert & Sullivan veteran Martyn Green, recorded a unique selection of nursery rhymes with music and percussion by Moondog, the non-conforming and talented composer, poet & musician, entitled "Tell It Again - Songs Of Sense & Nonsense". The eclectic mix of traditional children's songs and riddles expressed a sense of naivety and innocence reflective of the period, and is heard on this CD in full. The collection here showcases the recordings made in the early years of Julie Andrews' career, the music and performances that would shape the career of a truly remarkable talent and a much loved lady.