“Sunset Blvd” has set a new standard on Broadway. Director James Lloyd has managed to perfectly fuse Broadway and cinematography — especially black-and-white film — together to make a priceless theater experience. Lloyd’s reimagining of “Sunset Blvd.” is outrageously ingenious, innovative,and startlingly funny. With the book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this “Sunset Blvd.” puts a close-up on Broadway brilliance.
This is a “Sunset Blvd.” for the ages and it accomplishes what lead character Norma Desmond believes in — giving the audience the story, not just through words, but through facial expressions and emotions. This “Sunset Blvd.” takes away the glamor and glitter of the storyline to focus on the world and songs, and the fact that a movie star’s life is one that can easily be shattered.
This version of the classic musical is not just about a forgotten actress of yesteryear trying to revive her career and receive love from “the people out there in the dark”; she also wants to feel attractive to a young writer. This storyline is often performed with a great degree of seriousness, but Lloyd presents it with delightful humor. There is so much love and respect for the art of cinematography, strengthened by camerapeople being on stage throughout the production, doing live close-ups that project castmembers’ highlighted faces, especially their eyes and facial gestures. You experience the joy, disappointment, frustration, and pain they are feeling.
Nicole Scherzinger portrays Norma with care, respect, humor, sensuality, and vulnerability. Her voice gives you chills — her instrument is stupendous and her dancing is flawless. Scherzinger took the audience by storm and cemented their love for her with every song; her voice is gorgeous and she completely put her heart and soul into every number. You will scream, holler, and cheer for Scherzinger and beg for more.
David Thaxton devours the role of Max Von Mayerling, her chauffeur, caregiver, and so much more. His dedication to protecting her and never allowing her to surrender is very touching. Thaxton’s voice is superb, and his delivery of the role is versatile and filled with intense and often funny moments.
Tom Francis is charming as Joe Gillis, the young writer and Norma’s love interest. He plays the role with both flair and fun. The chemistry between him and Scherzinger is captivating — you can feel his disdain for her, but also his pity.
Grace Hodgett Young is moving as she makes her Broadway debut in the role of Betty Schaefer. I appreciated the non-traditional casting choice and she definitely holds her own. Hannah Yun Chamberlain is tremendous in the role of Young Norma. Her dancing is intoxicating to behold.
There is also a large, marvelous group of ensemble actors who make everything pop.
Again, the creativity of Lloyd is admirable. This musical does things you don’t find in other Broadway musicals: It takes live theater and cinematography, and puts them in real time in a way that surprises, excites, and ignites the energy of the audience. This musical will have you looking at your Broadway experience in an entirely different light.
Choreography is by Fabian Aloise and music supervision and direction by Alan Williams. Video design and cinematography are the brainchild of Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom. The musical features scenic and costume design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting design by Jack Knowles, sound design by Adam Fisher, and hair and makeup design by Cheryl Thomas. If you only see one musical this season, this should be it!
For more info, visit www.sunsetblvdbroadway.com.