Nicole Scherzinger’s Starring Role in Sunset Boulevard
In a theatre where emotions ran high and expectations soared, Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, Sunset Boulevard, emerged as a grand spectacle of unparalleled brilliance. Lloyd’s signature directorial style, characterized by its stark black-and-white intensity, found its perfect match in this adaptation of the classic black-and-white film.
The heart of this production lay in its star, the incomparable Nicole Scherzinger. Her portrayal of the enigmatic Norma Desmond was nothing short of breathtaking, marked by an astounding clarity and unwavering commitment that left audiences spellbound. One could only imagine the power of Scherzinger’s rendition of “With One Look,” setting the tone for an evening that surely transcended the ordinary.
Lloyd’s concept took audiences on a meta-theatrical journey, blurring the lines between cinema and stage. The audience became “those wonderful people out there in the dark,” enraptured by Scherzinger’s enchantment as she performed directly to them. This bold approach was evident from the outset, with Tom Francis’s Joe Gillis emerging from a body bag to narrate his fateful tale of a chance encounter on Sunset Boulevard.
Naturalism took a backseat in this production. Characters stepped out of a straight line to engage the audience directly, combined with Fabian Aloise’s choreography injecting visceral energy and feverish excitement into every scene, promising a captivating experience. The integration of on-stage cameras, huge cinematic images, and stylized stage groupings added layers of depth and complexity to the storytelling.
Jack Knowles’ sultry, shadowy lighting, complemented by video designs and cinematography from Nathan Amzi, Joe Ransom, and Adam Fisher’s sound design, surely wove a dazzling tapestry of action. Larger-than-life images on screen dwarfed the human-scale story, creating a world where emotions were magnified, and eyes widened in awe. In this imaginary world, everything, from the opening credits sequence to the removal of microphones when characters exited, was executed with impeccable logic.
Lloyd Webber’s music, reorchestrated by him and David Cullen, was rejuvenated, its soaring melodies tempered by the biting words of Don Black. The infusion of humor added depth to the score, making it resonate anew.
While not every character benefited equally from this approach, with Joe and Max portrayed in larger-than-life fashion, Scherzinger remained front and center throughout, captivating audiences as Norma Desmond descended into gothic madness. Her unwavering commitment to her dream, no matter the cost, surely transformed Norma into a compelling figure of strength rather than victimhood.
One could only dream of Scherzinger’s voice, a marvel that was seductive and subtle yet powerful enough to reach the heavens. Her rendition of “As If We Never Said Goodbye” surely encapsulated all of Norma’s passion and beauty. In this reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece, Scherzinger’s extraordinary performance took center stage, revealing the dark heart and deep grandeur of Sunset Boulevard like never before.
Nicole Scherzinger’s performance and Jamie Lloyd’s visionary direction have breathed new life into this beloved musical. Yet, the excitement doesn’t end here. Looking ahead to next year, Australian audiences are in for a treat as a brand-new lavish production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard, is set to premiere in Melbourne in May 2024 at the Princess Theatre, followed by a season at the Sydney Opera House in August. This eagerly anticipated revival marks Sunset Boulevard’s first return to Australia in almost two decades, promising to play to sold-out audiences once again. Making her global debut in the role of Norma Desmond is none other than musical theatre and international recording superstar Sarah Brightman, who, after more than three decades, steps back onto the theatrical stage. With her iconic legacy from originating the role of Christine in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, Brightman’s casting ensures that Norma Desmond’s character will be portrayed by a true legend, adding an extra layer of excitement to this upcoming Australian production. So, as we bid farewell to this extraordinary Sunset Boulevard, we can already anticipate the magic that awaits in the land Down Under.
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