Starlight Express (song)

Starlight Express is the 'showstopper' number from the musical with the same name. In the show, it is performed by Rusty, the show's protagonist. Prior to the song, he has been told, by old steam engine Poppa, of a magical locomotive, named the Starlight Express, who will aid him in need.

The song has been rewritten in many languages, but has always kept the same title, exept from when the production opened in Mexico, when it changed, along with the title of the show to Expreso Astral.

Music and Lyrics

The music was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, in the key of E flat major, later changing to E major at the end of the song. The lyrics were written by Richard Stilgoe.

Revision

The song has undergone a lot of revision since the show premiered in London. The first draft started with the line

;;;;;;"When your goodnights have been said and you are lying in bed"

However, the verses were rewritten when the show opened on Broadway, in Germany, Japan and Australia. To fit the new tune, new words were written, starting with:

;;;;;;"When the night is darkest, open up your mind"

A new middle eight was added as well.

When the show was revised in London, the both draft were fused together, with the verses from London and the middle eight from later productions. This draft has become the most popular/well used.

The old London tune has been revived for the revised Bochum production.

Thematic Value

The tune to the chorus is used throughout the show, for instance, when Rusty first hears of the Starlight Express; during the 'Starlight Sequence'; and when Rusty triumphs over his challengers (see main article). It is probably meant to show a point where there is a strong development in Rusty's character.

tarlight Express Introduction

The Starlight Express Introduction was performed on Broadway and in London by Poppa and Belle. In later revisions it is performed only by Poppa and is shortened significantly. The number uses the first verse and chorus tunes from the London Production. It is used for the moment when rusty first hears of the Starlight Express.

Recordings

All versions of the song can be found on the following recordings;
* Starlight Express: Original London Cast Recording - Performed by Ray Shell - (1984)
* Starlight Express: Broadway Highlights Recording - Performed by El DeBarge - (1987)
* Starlight Express: Australian Cast Recording - Performed by Bobby Collins - (1987)
* Starlight Express: Official German Cast Recording - Performed by Steven Michael Skeels - (1988)
* Starlight Epxress: Live German Recording - Performed by Bernie Blanks - (1989)
* Starlight Express: Official German Cast Recording - Performed by Colin Munro - (1991)
* The New Starlight Express - Performed by Greg Ellis - (1993)
* Expreso Astral: Mexican Cast Recording - Performed by Ricardo Santo - (1997) - This recording was made but never released.
* Starlight Express: New Songs - Performed by Jamie Golding - (2003)

tarlight Express Introduction

* Starlight Express: Original London Cast Recording - Performed by Lon Satton and P.P. Arnold - (1984)

References

[http://www.starlightexpress.de Starlight Express]