Catch a Performance of Sunset Boulevard in New York
Sunset Boulevard brings Andrew Lloyd Webber’s captivating score and the twisted allure of 1950s Hollywood to the Broadway stage in a striking new production. This critically acclaimed revival stars Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond, a former silent film star desperate for a return to the silver screen. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the production blends haunting music, powerful performances, and stark visuals to explore the perilous depths of ambition, fame, and obsession. This fresh take on a beloved classic promises a Broadway experience like no other, blending suspense, drama, and glamour into a thrilling stage production.
Story Overview
The musical Sunset Boulevard follows Norma Desmond, a faded and reclusive silent film star who lives in a crumbling mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Desmond yearns for a return to the big screen, convinced she remains beloved by her fans. Her chance appears in the form of Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter whom she hires to rewrite a script she believes will be her grand comeback.
As Joe becomes ensnared in Norma’s delusions, their relationship grows increasingly complicated. Norma’s longing for fame transforms into obsession, leading her to overlook the grim reality that Hollywood has moved on without her. Trapped by her manipulations and the allure of wealth, Joe’s attempt to escape Norma’s world results in tragic consequences.
The musical exposes the darker side of fame, exploring the consequences of ambition, desire, and unfulfilled dreams. Featuring iconic songs such as “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” the story blends nostalgia with cynicism as it critiques Hollywood’s fleeting obsession with youth and beauty.
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Cast and Creatives
The revival of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway features a powerhouse cast and a creative team that brings new life to the classic production.
Cast:
- Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond: Known for her dynamic stage presence and powerful voice, Scherzinger embodies the complex role of the fading starlet.
- Tom Francis as Joe Gillis: A struggling screenwriter whose life intertwines with Desmond’s ambitions.
- Grace Hodgett-Young as Betty Schaefer: A young script editor and Joe’s love interest.
- David Thaxton as Max Von Mayerling: Desmond’s devoted butler with a mysterious connection to her past.
Supporting roles are filled by an impressive ensemble, including Olivia Lacie Andrews (Nancy), Brandon Mel Borkowsky (John), and Shavey Brown (Finance Man/Stan/DeMille), all of whom help bring this moody and complex narrative to life.
Creative Team:
- Music by the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber, known for his hit musicals like Phantom of the Opera and Cats. His score for Sunset Boulevard is both haunting and evocative, with standout songs like “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye.”
- Lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, expertly balancing the story’s drama and dark humor.
- Direction by Jamie Lloyd, who brings a fresh and minimalist vision to the production, crafting a show that is both sleek and emotionally intense.
- Choreography by Fabian Aloise, who masterfully weaves movement into the narrative, creating fluid transitions between scenes.
- Set and Costume Design by Soutra Gilmour, who creates stunning visuals that evoke the glamour and decay of old Hollywood.
- Lighting Design by Jack Knowles, whose lighting enhances the mood and adds depth to the emotional beats of the story.
- Sound Design by Adam Fisher, crafting an immersive aural landscape that highlights the grandeur of the production.
- Video Design and Cinematography by Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom, using video projections to create a vivid and haunting depiction of Norma’s delusions of grandeur.
This Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard is a must-see for its bold vision, outstanding performances, and richly crafted production, making it one of the season’s most anticipated shows.
Venue Details
Venue: St. James Theatre
Address: 246 West 44th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), New York, NY, USA, 10036
The St. James Theatre, a historic Broadway venue, has been a cornerstone of New York City’s theatrical scene since its opening in 1927. Originally named The Erlanger, it was later renamed after the Astor family took ownership in 1930. This iconic theatre, now part of the Jujamcyn Theaters group, offers a rich blend of historic charm and modern amenities, including concession stands, merchandise booths, and an in-house bar. The St. James Theatre’s legacy and central location make it the perfect setting for experiencing the grandeur of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway.
Music Highlights from Sunset Boulevard
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard is packed with iconic music, bringing the world of old Hollywood to life. Below is a breakdown of all the songs, each contributing to the dramatic tension and emotional highs of the production:
Act One
- Prologue (Joe): Joe Gillis introduces us to his life and struggles in Hollywood, setting the scene for the drama to unfold.
- Let’s Have Lunch (Joe, Artie, Sheldrake, Betty, & Ensemble): A lively group number that captures the business and fast-paced nature of Hollywood life.
- Surrender (Norma): Norma’s first emotional reflection, filled with yearning for her return to stardom.
- With One Look (Norma): Norma’s anthem of nostalgia and determination, emphasizing her belief that her eyes alone can tell a story, even in silence.
- Salome (Norma, Joe): A crucial number where Norma plans her grand return with a script based on the biblical story of Salome.
- The Greatest Star of All (Max): Max’s heartfelt tribute to Norma, proclaiming her as the greatest star of all time.
- Every Movie’s a Circus (Joe, Artie, Betty & Ensemble): A satirical look at the movie industry, capturing its chaotic and often farcical nature.
- Girl Meets Boy (Joe, Betty): The beginnings of a potential romance between Joe and Betty.
- New Ways to Dream (Norma): Norma reflects on her dreams of a Hollywood comeback, infused with hope and desperation.
- The Lady’s Paying (Norma, Manfred, Joe & Ensemble): A lavish number symbolizing Norma’s extravagant lifestyle and her hold over Joe.
- The Perfect Year (Norma, Joe): A sentimental duet where Norma expresses her longing for a return to her glory days.
- This Time Next Year (Artie, Betty, Joe, Cecil B. DeMille & Ensemble): The ensemble dreams of where they’ll be in a year, filled with optimism and ambition.
Act Two
- Sunset Boulevard (Joe): Joe’s jaded reflection on Hollywood, a city filled with broken dreams and false promises.
- The Perfect Year (Reprise) (Norma): Norma clings to the past as she reprises this heartfelt number.
- As If We Never Said Goodbye (Norma): Norma’s triumphant return to the studio, filled with emotion as she prepares to reclaim her place in Hollywood.
- Surrender (Reprise) (Betty, Joe): A reprise of the earlier number, capturing Betty and Joe’s complex emotions.
- Girl Meets Boy (Reprise) (Joe, Betty): The relationship between Joe and Betty deepens, even as Joe feels torn between two worlds.
- A Little Suffering (Norma & Ensemble): Norma’s dramatic descent begins as her dreams unravel.
- Too Much in Love to Care (Betty, Joe): Joe and Betty grapple with their feelings for each other, realizing their love may be doomed.
- New Ways to Dream (Reprise) (Max): Max’s reprise reflects his undying belief in Norma’s stardom, even as the world moves on without her.
- Sunset Boulevard (Reprise) (Joe, Betty): The song reprises, symbolizing the inevitability of Joe’s fate and the cyclical nature of Hollywood’s brutal machine.
- The Greatest Star of All (Reprise) (Norma, Max): Norma’s ultimate descent into madness, believing she’s still the star of the show, even as reality slips away.
- Surrender (Reprise) (Norma): The final reprise, underscoring Norma’s tragic fall from grace.
This evocative score transports the audience to the dazzling yet treacherous world of movie-making, where ambitions collide with reality. Fans of The Phantom of the Opera and Cats will surely recognize Andrew Lloyd Webber’s signature musical depth.
Reviews
The combination of timeless music and modern performances has earned rave reviews, with publications such as Time Out calling it one of the best shows of the year. The critics particularly praise Nicole Scherzinger’s portrayal of Norma Desmond, emphasizing the power and emotional depth she brings to the role.
Awards & Recognitions
The 2024 Olivier Awards recognized Sunset Boulevard with numerous prestigious nominations and wins, solidifying its impact as a revival masterpiece. These include:
- Best Musical Revival, acknowledging the creative team’s revitalization of the classic.
- Best Actress in a Musical– Nicole Scherzinger for her intense portrayal of Norma Desmond.
- Best Actor in a Musical– Tom Francis for his compelling role as Joe Gillis.
- Additional wins include Best Sound Design, Outstanding Musical Contribution, and Best Lighting Design, highlighting the technical brilliance of the production.
These awards highlight the production’s brilliance in various aspects, from acting to technical execution, making it a standout in the Broadway season.
Run Length and Schedule
Sunset Boulevard at the St. James Theatre runs for approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, including one intermission. Previews begin on September 28, 2024, with the official opening night set for October 20, 2024.
Performances are recommended for audiences aged 12 and up, with children under 5 not admitted.
To fully experience the atmosphere and the intricate performances, evening shows are a prime choice for theatergoers.
Please note that formal attire is encouraged, in line with the Broadway tradition.
Food and Beverage Options
Guests at the St. James Theatre can enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase at the in-house bar. For a more comprehensive dining experience, the theater’s location offers easy access to a wide range of nearby restaurants and cafes, perfect for grabbing a meal before or after the show. The neighborhood includes several options, whether you’re looking for a casual bite or an upscale dining experience, all within walking distance of the theater.
