Tim Rice : "Madonna is perfect for the film"

Busy making the musical 'Aida' with Elton John, Tim Rice still had time to do an interview. Read what the brilliant lyricist, of hit musicals such as Evita and Chess and songs like 'Can you feel the love tonight',had to say about the upcoming movie "Evita"

1. Do you believe Evita will be able to regenerate public interest in theatre musicals?

Do you mean film musicals? If so, yes. There is already huge public interest in stage musicals.

2. What are the differences between the film version and the stage version?

Not sure as I haven't seen much of the film! But score-wise the return of The Lady's Got Potential from the first album (with new lyrics) and a new song You Must Love Me replacing much of the final Eva/Peron bedroom scene. Plus Eva sings Suitcase not the mistress.

3. Do you think that the entertainment value of Evita on film is significantly different (better or worse) than the value on stage?

Can't say having not seen the film.

4. Why do you believe Madonna is a worthy actress to portray Eva Peron on film?

Fine singer, great image, good actress. Knows how to act via singing.

5. How do you think Evita will do at the box-office?

I think it will be a success but who knows?

6. From what you have seen and heard with regards to the production, do you believe the film will be nominated for an Oscar? If so, in what area(s)?

Impossible to say at this stage (sorry).

7. What will critics think of Evita?

Ditto - it's hard to answer when I haven't seen it.

8. What will be the effect(s) on the major actors/actresses and their respective careers with regards to this film, in your opinion?

If it's a hit, a big boost for Madonna and maybe Jonathan Pryce. Antonio will go on being a major star whether it's a hit or not.

9. What role does the Internet play in the film's promotion and success?

Not a lot but this is an area that will probably matter more in a few years' time as the Net expands.

10. Will the past career choices and reputations of the major actors/actresses affect the success of the film, in your opinion?

Not at all

11. Would Eva Peron have a positive attitude towards this production?

Probably! She loved being a star!

12. How important is this movie to Madonna's music and film careers, in your opinion?

I would say very important. If this fails, she may not have a film career for a while. Record-wise she's peaked but should retain a following whatever happens to the movie.

13. Will Evita become a classic?

No idea!

14. What is the attitude of the cast and crew towards the film?

Ditto! Haven't met anyone other then the 3 stars and only them briefly before the film began.

15. It has been the first time in a long period that you and ALW (Andrew Lloyd Webber) worked on a project together. How was this experience?

Average.

16. Would you be willing to work with ALW again, or was working on the new song with him an exception?

Not likely I'd work with him again.No time.

17. Were you much in the studios when the soundtrack was recorded? Could you describe the atmosphere?

I was there for some of the vocals on day one but she(Madonna) was nervous and the vocals were re-recorded later

18. Is Evita going to have a Broadway revival, and if it will, do you think there is a chance that Madonna will play the part?

No plans. I'm not sure she could sing it on stage every night. Film and stage actresses need different skills. Madonna is perfect for film.

19. Are we in for a real treat?

Hope so but don't know.

20)You said a while ago that you would like to change a couple of lines on 'You Must Love Me'.Have you done that and has the final mix been recorded ?

No changes done since original recording. Don't know if final mix has been done. The film boys don't tell us writers very much

21)You also said that you don't expect it to be nominated for an Oscar. Can you tell me why you think it won't?

Did I say that? I think it probably will be it may not win.

22)Jennifer Bogdanski posted to the list that you and ALW made a book about Eva Peron ....and she wondered if it is still in print or will be reissued,because of the film .

I know of no plans to reissue the book.

23)Who did all the new arrangements for the movie? ALW or someone else?

I think Andrew Lloyd Webber with David Gullen

24)How could you describe the 10-minute trailer? What were your impressions....does Madonna really shine and sing and dance her heart out? How's Banderas looking or Pryce?

A great trailer! All look good.

25)Is there a specific book that you and ALW inspired to make Evita? How did you get all the information....it's very hard to find stuff about Eva Peron and even harder to find pictures.

I heard a radio show which got me into the story. In 1973 it was even harder than now to find info on Eva Peron. It took me about a year to get Andrew Lloyd Webber interested.