The book, titled ”Unmasked”, is now available in bookstores.
Andrew Lloyd Webber introduced and discussed his new memoir, Unmasked, with special guest host Glenn Close (accompanied by her dog), on Monday, March 5, at the Town Hall in advance of the book's March 6 publication.
In the book, Lloyd Webber shares the details of his early personal and professional years, including his early artistic influences. He looks back at the development of some of his most famous works, discussing his collaborations with luminaries such as Tim Rice, Robert Stigwood, Harold Prince, Cameron Mackintosh, and Trevor Nunn. The behind-the-scenes look at his productions also includes details of the creative and logistical challenges and artistic political battles that ensued.
Last year, Lloyd Webber held the distinction of having four of his shows on Broadway simultaneously, with the overlapping runs of Sunset Boulevard, School of Rock, Cats, and The Phantom of the Opera, which remains the longest-running show in Broadway history. His other works include Aspects of Love, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Starlight Express, and Love Never Dies. Throughout his career, he has earned seven Tonys, three Grammys, seven Oliviers, one Golden Globe, and an Oscar.
Three-time Tony Award winner Close won a Tony in 1995 for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in Lloyd Webber's musical adaptation of Sunset Boulevard.