It is nice to see magnicent revival production of Sunset Boulevard. It is new concept catered into more divetsified audiences. Cannot compare this with past productions because both are played by good actors.
We 100% agree. It's tough to compare thsi to the prior London and Broadway productions as they all stand on their own. But it is fantastic to see producers trust a director, cast, crew, and creative team with a bold and different take on the material. This didn't have "sure bet" written all over it.
I didn’t know you but I am glued to your review! On point! Sunset is a masterpiece I was lucky to win lotto for the third preview and I was in tears when I saw it. Nicole is a mega star and the entire cast is amazing! Run to see it with this cast!
Oh my gosh! Thank you for that praise. We greatly appreciate it, and we're so glad you enjoyed the show as much as we did. It truly is something special.
Thanks so much for this enthusiastic review. I went to see a preview a few weeks ago and it just blew me away. I have the recently released cast album from London on repeat, I can't get over how beautifully balanced the orchestra and singers are. You can hear so many of the scores terrific details (not to mention the singing!!). Are you guys planning to see Death Becomes Her? I'm a musician in the pit for the Broadway run and would love to hear your thoughts on that. So far it's been hilarious!
Thanks for the compliments! Yes, we've been playing the album on repeat, too, and it's great to hear how full it is and to relive the small but substantial changes to the lyrics and arrangements. So I (the bald one) just launched a theater projection design business, so now I can claim trips to NYC as a business expence. We're hoping to come back sometime in 2025, and Death Becomes Her is certainly on our radar. We've heard nothing but good things!
I don’t think (unless they’ve changed it from London) that it was Nicole behind the curtain at the start - it was Hannah Yun Chamberlain who played the young Norma. She’s such a perfect match facially - I can see why they transferred her to Broadway too! I have to mention the scene ‘New Ways to Dream’ where they are cutting between the two actresses’ faces on the big screen (and the ‘aging’ of Nicole is not makeup - it’s all done with lighting angles so give Jack Knowles the Tony!). The nostalgia and hope in Norma’s face at this point was tragic, and really very moving. Also, the timing of the lighting slowly coming back at the end - just as she sings ‘this was dawn’, focusing solely on her face at first and slowly revealing the rest of the scene (with Joe’s body gone) - gave the feeling she’d been wandering around in that state for some hours, possibly all night - which added to the horror of it all. So, so well done. I’m hoping this show gets the reviews it deserves in NYC. Thanks for the video - it reminded me of some details I’d forgotten from the London run!
You are correct! We were told by a friend who's involved that it was in fact Hannah at the start. But we didn't know about the New Ways to Dream bit. I was convinced that was a rare pre-recorded bit as it really makes Nicole look less than her physically perfect self. Very impressive!
You boys are cute & very much enjoyed this deep dive. I saw it last week & can’t stop thinking about it. It’s otherworldly. It altered my brain chemistry.
Loved your review ! saw it 3 times before with |Pattie LePone, Elaine Paige & Glenn Close in London & Jamie Lloyds version at the Savoy ! like you i was Euphoric !!
Wow! So jealous you got to see it with Patti and Elaine as well. It's so interesting to see this role taken on by the most talented women in the business.
I saw it Wednesday night. Well done review. Incredible production and innovative use of the material. For people who pay attention (like me and you guys) to all the technical aspects of shows it was truly astounding. And Nicole…what a performance! Gonna try to see it again on a work trip at end of this year.
@@jeffthetheaterguy I loved it. The performances were brilliant. And an interesting way to tell the story. Partial ovation for With One Look. Almost full ovation for As If We Never Said Goodbye. I plan to go again and see how it looks from a different section of the theater.
@@yankee04 We saw it from the house right side of the mezz and the house left side of the balcony. It was a very similar experience for each. Honestly, it didn't even feel like we were higher up the 2nd time.
We heard that as well from multiple people. We didn't see them either, though we just caught the tour in Austin last night, and we can see why their vocals and their number would have received a standing ovation. Alex, come back to Broadway soon!
I saw the Friday night preview and immediately bought tickets to see it again. I saw the original 90s production in London and the Broadway revival with Glenn Close a few years ago (who is also extraordinary) but this was next level. Can't wait to experience it all over again!
I loved that I got to see the original US production, the streamlined US tour, and this production. All were wonderful in their own right and had leads that truly made the characters and the material their own. But of all the productions I've seen, this one is certainly the most bold and innovative.
48:28 the person onstage behind the curtain is not Nicole, is the actress that plays young Norma. Nobody understands this moment but Nicole is seated on the back of the stage. She is watching one of her movies (the curtain made of silver chains is the “silver screen”) I love this moment because is a physical representation of how much time Norma spends watching herself
I noticed that on my return visit! Couldn't see from my seat the 1st time that it wasn't Nicole. It was super clear the 2nd time, and then I put 2 and 2 together and realized the woman sitting upstage was Nicole.
How long does the limited run go? We are taking a trip to NYC in January and I'm hoping it's still there and that we can see it. Thanks for the review. Loved it and really really want to see this.
Ok...The West End was a limited run, but when we made this review we tried to find info on when the Broadway production is set to close and we could find nothing. I heard a rumor that Nicole is on a 6 month contract which would take her through about April 2025.
@@jeffthetheaterguyNicole committed to a 9 months period she postponed her wedding to Thom Evans to do Broadway so I think she will need a break to marry Thom next year !
Honestly I do love both. I tend to listen to the US Premiere Cast more because it's the more complete recording and has the changes that have now been frozen into the show. But the London one has Patti LuPone, and I am a Patti fan. I also like the Canadian Cast Recording, but unfortunately it's only a highlights album.
I think it’s hideous. Norma is too young, the script is heavily edited, 2 songs are cut, and she twerks. No set, no costumes, and hand held video cameras. Might be “innovative” but it has nothing to do with the source material. It’s like a parody by high school kids. The title song is sung outside the theatre and she ends up covered in blood. Pretentious crap.
Did you actually see this revival? Nicole is almost same age as Patti Lupone when she originated the role, the edits and the 2 cuts made a lot of sense. The costumes with the amazing light design makes you watch a black and white movie onstage. The camera and screen had so many powerful moments that brought me to tears. The choreography and level of production behind Sunset blvd (the song) is incredible and gets a standing ovation. And the end…. is perfection. Do you really saw it or are you judging the cover of the book?
Sorry to hear you didn't like it, but I can see how it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. My parents love Sunset Blvd, but I told them to skip this production. I know this production's approach won't work for them.
@@guillentio I’ve seen it, and hated it. She might be 46, but they’ve dropped the age of the character to 40, it says 40 in the script now, not 50. She’s stunning to look at. Max is far too young to have been her director. I thought it was a total load of crap. Actors facing the audience, everyone dancing around, Norma snorts Coke, they’ve cut some of the era references but kept others. It bears no resemblance to the film it’s based on. I love Sunset Boulevard, and the silent era, neither are represented by this.
@@evyn9978 the age of the role has been changed to 40, nothing to do with Nicole. It makes no sense. When is it set? The lyrics still say she was a silent star, but that would set it much earlier,n yet it’s in modern dress and the dancing is modern. Max isn’t old enough to have been her director.
It is nice to see magnicent revival production of Sunset Boulevard. It is new concept catered into more divetsified audiences. Cannot compare this with past productions because both are played by good actors.
We 100% agree. It's tough to compare thsi to the prior London and Broadway productions as they all stand on their own. But it is fantastic to see producers trust a director, cast, crew, and creative team with a bold and different take on the material. This didn't have "sure bet" written all over it.
I didn’t know you but I am glued to your review! On point! Sunset is a masterpiece I was lucky to win lotto for the third preview and I was in tears when I saw it. Nicole is a mega star and the entire cast is amazing! Run to see it with this cast!
Oh my gosh! Thank you for that praise. We greatly appreciate it, and we're so glad you enjoyed the show as much as we did. It truly is something special.
Wow, lucky!
Thanks so much for this enthusiastic review. I went to see a preview a few weeks ago and it just blew me away. I have the recently released cast album from London on repeat, I can't get over how beautifully balanced the orchestra and singers are. You can hear so many of the scores terrific details (not to mention the singing!!). Are you guys planning to see Death Becomes Her? I'm a musician in the pit for the Broadway run and would love to hear your thoughts on that. So far it's been hilarious!
Thanks for the compliments! Yes, we've been playing the album on repeat, too, and it's great to hear how full it is and to relive the small but substantial changes to the lyrics and arrangements. So I (the bald one) just launched a theater projection design business, so now I can claim trips to NYC as a business expence. We're hoping to come back sometime in 2025, and Death Becomes Her is certainly on our radar. We've heard nothing but good things!
She is the most talented Angel on the Planet
And, some might say, the greatest star of all.
I don’t think (unless they’ve changed it from London) that it was Nicole behind the curtain at the start - it was Hannah Yun Chamberlain who played the young Norma. She’s such a perfect match facially - I can see why they transferred her to Broadway too! I have to mention the scene ‘New Ways to Dream’ where they are cutting between the two actresses’ faces on the big screen (and the ‘aging’ of Nicole is not makeup - it’s all done with lighting angles so give Jack Knowles the Tony!). The nostalgia and hope in Norma’s face at this point was tragic, and really very moving. Also, the timing of the lighting slowly coming back at the end - just as she sings ‘this was dawn’, focusing solely on her face at first and slowly revealing the rest of the scene (with Joe’s body gone) - gave the feeling she’d been wandering around in that state for some hours, possibly all night - which added to the horror of it all. So, so well done. I’m hoping this show gets the reviews it deserves in NYC. Thanks for the video - it reminded me of some details I’d forgotten from the London run!
😊
You are correct! We were told by a friend who's involved that it was in fact Hannah at the start. But we didn't know about the New Ways to Dream bit. I was convinced that was a rare pre-recorded bit as it really makes Nicole look less than her physically perfect self. Very impressive!
Thank you so much for sharing... hope to catch it soon... love from Singapore ❤
Glad you liked the review. And Singapore!?! How cool!
You boys are cute & very much enjoyed this deep dive. I saw it last week & can’t stop thinking about it. It’s otherworldly. It altered my brain chemistry.
I can't stop thinking of it either. There's something (many things) special and magical about this production.
Loved your review ! saw it 3 times before with |Pattie LePone, Elaine Paige & Glenn Close in London & Jamie Lloyds version at the Savoy ! like you i was Euphoric !!
Wow! So jealous you got to see it with Patti and Elaine as well. It's so interesting to see this role taken on by the most talented women in the business.
I saw it Wednesday night. Well done review. Incredible production and innovative use of the material. For people who pay attention (like me and you guys) to all the technical aspects of shows it was truly astounding. And Nicole…what a performance! Gonna try to see it again on a work trip at end of this year.
Thank you! And we're hoping we get to see it again before Nicole leaves in July.
Thanks very much for the review. Tix for November. Counting the days.
Nice! When in November? Has your show date already passed? Come back and comment again after you see it.
@@jeffthetheaterguy I loved it. The performances were brilliant. And an interesting way to tell the story. Partial ovation for With One Look. Almost full ovation for As If We Never Said Goodbye. I plan to go again and see how it looks from a different section of the theater.
@@yankee04 We saw it from the house right side of the mezz and the house left side of the balcony. It was a very similar experience for each. Honestly, it didn't even feel like we were higher up the 2nd time.
@@jeffthetheaterguy Interesting. I was Orchestra right (aisle with center). Will be left Mezz next time.
I heard there was a midshow ovation for Alex Newell in Shucked. Didn’t see it.
We heard that as well from multiple people. We didn't see them either, though we just caught the tour in Austin last night, and we can see why their vocals and their number would have received a standing ovation. Alex, come back to Broadway soon!
I saw the Friday night preview and immediately bought tickets to see it again. I saw the original 90s production in London and the Broadway revival with Glenn Close a few years ago (who is also extraordinary) but this was next level. Can't wait to experience it all over again!
I’ve seen all 3 productions,and this new London revival is the best of the lot…..The first time I’ve truly understood this show for what it is.
I loved that I got to see the original US production, the streamlined US tour, and this production. All were wonderful in their own right and had leads that truly made the characters and the material their own. But of all the productions I've seen, this one is certainly the most bold and innovative.
48:28 the person onstage behind the curtain is not Nicole, is the actress that plays young Norma. Nobody understands this moment but Nicole is seated on the back of the stage. She is watching one of her movies (the curtain made of silver chains is the “silver screen”) I love this moment because is a physical representation of how much time Norma spends watching herself
I noticed that on my return visit! Couldn't see from my seat the 1st time that it wasn't Nicole. It was super clear the 2nd time, and then I put 2 and 2 together and realized the woman sitting upstage was Nicole.
How long does the limited run go? We are taking a trip to NYC in January and I'm hoping it's still there and that we can see it. Thanks for the review. Loved it and really really want to see this.
Ok...The West End was a limited run, but when we made this review we tried to find info on when the Broadway production is set to close and we could find nothing. I heard a rumor that Nicole is on a 6 month contract which would take her through about April 2025.
@@jeffthetheaterguyNicole committed to a 9 months period she postponed her wedding to Thom Evans to do Broadway so I think she will need a break to marry Thom next year !
I’m seeing it 12th of this month can’t wait was there any technical difficulties since it’s still in previews
I saw it last Saturday. It was terrific, and there were no technical difficulties that I noticed. Enjoy.
None whatsoever at both performances we saw. Yes, we went back, and there were some minor changes. We'll drop a video regarding that performance soon.
We were there Saturday as well! It was slightly different and we will be dropping a video regarding that performance too.
From Chicago…….tickets for Oct 31st.
You are going to love it!
The album to listen to is the original London production. Patty LuPone dialogue and singing are incredible. Hey why not listen to both.
Honestly I do love both. I tend to listen to the US Premiere Cast more because it's the more complete recording and has the changes that have now been frozen into the show. But the London one has Patti LuPone, and I am a Patti fan. I also like the Canadian Cast Recording, but unfortunately it's only a highlights album.
I think it’s hideous. Norma is too young, the script is heavily edited, 2 songs are cut, and she twerks. No set, no costumes, and hand held video cameras. Might be “innovative” but it has nothing to do with the source material. It’s like a parody by high school kids. The title song is sung outside the theatre and she ends up covered in blood. Pretentious crap.
Did you actually see this revival? Nicole is almost same age as Patti Lupone when she originated the role, the edits and the 2 cuts made a lot of sense. The costumes with the amazing light design makes you watch a black and white movie onstage. The camera and screen had so many powerful moments that brought me to tears. The choreography and level of production behind Sunset blvd (the song) is incredible and gets a standing ovation. And the end…. is perfection. Do you really saw it or are you judging the cover of the book?
Sorry to hear you didn't like it, but I can see how it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. My parents love Sunset Blvd, but I told them to skip this production. I know this production's approach won't work for them.
Nicole is 46. Gloria Swanson was 50 when she originated the role in the movie.
@@guillentio I’ve seen it, and hated it. She might be 46, but they’ve dropped the age of the character to 40, it says 40 in the script now, not 50. She’s stunning to look at. Max is far too young to have been her director. I thought it was a total load of crap. Actors facing the audience, everyone dancing around, Norma snorts Coke, they’ve cut some of the era references but kept others. It bears no resemblance to the film it’s based on. I love Sunset Boulevard, and the silent era, neither are represented by this.
@@evyn9978 the age of the role has been changed to 40, nothing to do with Nicole. It makes no sense. When is it set? The lyrics still say she was a silent star, but that would set it much earlier,n yet it’s in modern dress and the dancing is modern. Max isn’t old enough to have been her director.