Sunset Blvd. has made it return to Broadway under the direction of Jamie Lloyd and it is phenomenal. The musical remake of Billy Wilder’s 1950 film noir, is more stripped back and abstract than past productions, notably missing the iconic staircase and extravagant costumes. Despite this, the show doesn’t feel minimalist, its big screen, roving cameras and 27 piece orchestra filling out the whole theater.
The show follows struggling LA writer Joe Gillis as he meets a faded film star Norma Desmond who traps him in a web of lies. The production’s score, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is one of his best, and fills out the gaps of the book, which at times feels a little sparse. Lloyd Webber uses leitmotifs to emphasize the themes of the show and with the incredible lighting and use of color done by Jamie Lloyd, there is a deeper level of meaning added to the show. Sunset Blvd’s set, designed by Soutra Gilmore, is perfectly intentional. The screen, which comes down at a slant, creates an ominous feel to the show, and Jamie Lloyd projects close and harsh angles, creating surrealist images that dissolve with each other. There is a clear surrealist influence on this show, within the images projected on the screen, the set design, and the choreography.
What stands out the most in the show however, is the casting. With a star- studded cast of Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond, Tom Francis as Joe Gillis, Grace Hodgett Jones as Betty Schaefer and David Thaxton as Max Von Mayerling, Sunset Blvd is made the show it is through its casting. Nicole Scherzinger, known for being a former Pussycat Doll, is perfect for the role of Norma Desmond. Her voice has a clarity and a grit to it that Scherzinger uses masterfully to create the dichotomy between Norma Desmond’s power and vulnerability at different parts of the show. Scherzinger is not only powerful in her two solo numbers (“With One Look” in Act One, and “As If We Never Said Goodbye” in Act Two) but she brings Norma’s unique presence with her through the whole show, even when she, quite impressively, stands completely still in the background of the stage. In the three times that I’ve seen the show, Scherzinger has never not gotten a standing ovation. Tom Francis, who plays Joe Gillis, has an incredibly strong voice and narrates the whole show, and the role of Joe Gillis feels incredibly natural to him. The rest of the cast is incredibly talented as well, David Thaxton sings a haunting “The Greatest Star of All” and the ensemble brings an energy to the show, each member stands out at different parts of the show.
The current cast of the show makes the show what it is, and because the cast can’t do the show forever, it must close in July. After a 16 week run in the West End, and almost a year on Broadway, Sunset Blvd has had a very successful run. It has won 7 Olivier Awards for its run on the West End, and has earned seven Tony nominations, making it one of the buzziest shows of the season.
Overall, I think that Sunset Blvd. is a great watch for all audiences. If you need a reintroduction to Broadway shows, Sunset Blvd. is a great show to immerse you in the best that this Broadway season has to offer, and if you are already familiar with Broadway shows, Sunset is a must see.