If this sounds like a show you need to see, grab tickets at the link below: prf.hn/click/camref:1100lzG8P/destination:www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunset-boulevard/savoy-theatre/ P.S Make sure to skip through the video using the chapters in the description if you just want to hear the review itself, there's lots of context on this one!
Nope. BIG NOPE. I enjoyed the film, I enjoyed the original production, this is a massive mess/mistake and stupid. If I want to watch characters on a screen, I have the film. And at least the actors are not blocked. I have the same issue with crap seats at concerts, where to see anything, your're forced to watch huge screens. If i want to do that, i can stay home and watch the blu ray of the concerts/artist.
Mickey, I'm becoming a true fan. Yes, you're extremely knowledgeable and informed; but, you're not merely a know-it-all, critic, who coldly and callously doles out his opinions with superiority and glibness. Your reviews are filled with reverence. And that very reverence which motivates your ovations also motivates your criticisms. You clearly WANT to love the shows you see! And you do, you convey such genuine joy! -There's not a hint of cynicism, even when you really object to something. - Please don't EVER lose that! - Five stars to you, my friend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seen it with both Nicole and Rachel now - endless standing ovations. Both were extraordinary and brought different things to the role - Nicole is more vulnerable, Rachel plays it more sinister. It's an incredible show, probably the best bit of theatre I've ever seen. Can't wait to go again. My only annoyance was the theatre selling popcorn - and having to hear people chug it down while Nicole is signing and bearing her soul on stage.
I've seen it 3 times, two with Nicole and I just saw Rachel's debut this week. I honestly can't get enough of it! I saw the first preview and I will never forget the shock in the audience at the top of the second act during Sunset Blvd. It was one of my most memorable moments in a theatre. The first preview had 3 standing ovations! Rachel's Norma was equally as impressive as Nicole's, but I won't say much more as I don't want to spoil it!
I saw 9 shows on my recent trip to London and this by far was the best. I'm a big fan of the original lavish production, but this dark gritty reinterpretation was out of this word. The orchestrations alone are worth the ticket price, but this manic and narcissistic performance by Nicole as Norma left me speechless (in a good way). The entire production felt very modern in this online/social media world we live in. The harsh reality of Hollywood couldn't be better depicted. The supporting roles for Joe and Max also a standout. Treat yourself and see this production
I travelled to London from Australia recently to see a heap of shows. I was absolutely blown away by this production. The entire cast give so much in every performance. Great video as always @mickeyJoTheatre Nicole was absolutely sensational.
Artie’s face on the big screen as his fiancé and best friend come together in an act of betrayal was a highlight for me. I’m sure a single tear fell from his eye or maybe I just imagined it. ❤ also I would like to applaud the ensemble as the quality of their singing was extraordinary, haven’t heard choral singing that good since Sweeney on Broadway.
So thrilled to know that the original ending of One Look has been restored!! I've never claimed that descending mod with Glenn's version. If it's good enough for Barbra (who actually sang/recorded it first) and Patti then it's good enough for me.
Your review was definitely worth the wait and the show sounds completely extraordinary. When the announcement about Nicole Scherzinger was made, I was absolutely convinced she would be amazing. It was an opportunity for her to really show what she can do and there was no way she wouldn’t really go for it-heart and soul. I completely agree that Jamie Lloyd needs to work with a completely new production, it would allow his amazing insight and imagination to go even further without the constraints of existing material. All in all, a wonderful review and I sincerely hope all those who were so dismissive of any kind of retelling, will be open to getting their minds blown.
Spot on review! I agree with everything you said. I was completely blown away by this production. The performances of Nicole as Norma and David Thaxton as Max were standouts. I went to see it a second time this week and enjoyed it even more.
I love all the motifs that have been coming through Jamie’s work recently… The un-micing when a character has nothing more to say/dies… Also captivated by the notion of leaving of the realm of the theatre e.g. Joe at the start of Act 2, Jessica Chastain’s Nora at the end of A Doll’s House. Every direction feels so rich with meaning and intention.
Fabulous review, I just got back from London and seeing the show, it was a transformative experience. It’s fitting you had so many notes, I came out with my mind crazy with thoughts, too many to list here, but I’ll say, I know the original show and don’t think I ever realized how much the show is about damaged people, finding each other. You’d think it would be obvious, but there was something so clear here about the relentless machine of Hollywood beating on these people for ever and you see them gravitating towards each other, leaning on each other, almost like Hollywood was a drug addiction and these people are the consequences of all that abuse. There was a brilliant moment at the end of act 1, when Joe comes back and he resigns to this relationship, and he reaches out and holds Norma’s hand. Similar to the leads in the latest Sweeney on Broadway, in the last moment when they hold each other’s hand. It’s like, I know you’re crazy, and I’m crazy, but we’re each other’s crazy. There was this great love and vulnerability in that moment, it deeply moved me. I will also say, I think like the best revivals (ie, the last Oklahoma) I felt like Jamie Lloyd was able to dig in so deep and pull out these incredible themes and nuances that were always there but maybe hidden by production. I think Sunset Blvd was a valid candidate for the exploration, and this production definitely elevated the material by fully considerations everything that was already there. And I know you note Jamie Lloyd doesn’t touch the scores in the musicals he produces, but Lloyd Webber’s score has never been better than here - LOUD, punchy, sharp, dangerous- it almost felt like raw emotions that could almost overwhelm everything around it. It unleashed the score I think, it felt like Lloyd Webber almost at his rawest - and that’s just in the playing of it. I always felt the show was accomplished, but a bit cold and detached, I’m never really been able to connect to it completely. Here - it was an emotionally overwhelming experience.
OK, it just transferred over to the US and opened in preview Saturday night. I have not seen it yet. I've only heard the first 40 minutes and let me tell you Nicole tears it up. What a voice. I can't wait to see the show this week I work on it so I will be able to see it several times audiences went ballistic after with one look and rightly so.
Jessica Chastain is a Juilliard trained actress who had success on Broadway years before finding success on film!! I saw her in “Salome” in 2006 opposite Al Pacino and she was amazing.
I’ve been a fan of Nicole’s for longer than she’s been a big star, she’s so incredibly talented. So I’m thrilled the world is finally seeing what she can do. Hope it comes stateside so I can finally encounter her in person.
Rejoice it is going to Broadway next year , nice so I catch watch it again without traveling to London . Saw this show twice at the Savoy and I can assure everyone that it is so beguiling and epic in presentation that you will clamor to see it again and again .Truly Nicole’s Norma is so expressive and raw and her version is her very own , rich vocals and the way is he acted it out was mind blowing and mesmerizing .
I went to see it for Tom Francis and was blown away by Nicole. I’m excited to see what she does in Death Becomes Her the musical coming in April! Great video, you have a wonderful way of being informative and captivating when sharing your thoughts on different productions. 💜
There is no official casting on that show am not sure whether Nicole will appear in DBH if ghetto is a conflicting schedule when SB hits Broadway next year .Nicole will definitely choose SB over DBH .
I was waiting to see your reaction to the opening of act 2. I had my jaw on the floor for that part, i spent ages trying to work out the logistics to make that work and make sure he has the orchestra and his voice is captured with a little background noise as possible. Just incredible. Most amazing thing I've seen
The way I saw a Tiktok of the moment you talked about and thought it was a bit of filming for a TV slot or promo. They do that EVERY NIGHT ?!? Madness !!!!!!! I love it 😂😍
Betty Buckley also got standing ovations for those two songs at the minscoff theater. Saw it once then took others two more times and she didn't have the vocal lowered
No one close to Buckley. Glenn Close played it like a clown show. Brightman is doing it in Australia now and it’s purely stunt casting, she’s awful as well.
There was a limited run of this musical recently at the Kennedy Center with Stephanie J. Block playing Norma and I really wanted to go!! Hope I can someday see this musical!
There's a fantastic documentary on TH-cam that is all about the making of that production. It's such a great making-of film and it's touching to see famous people before they were famous. It's fun to see Hugh Jackman before he was a big name, and it just has such a nice overall feel to it. I recommend watching it.
I saw this production, this was after he was Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. They were both amazing productions.. now we have Sarah Brightman coming out to play Norma... I'm sure this will be a very vanilla production..
@@gavindean6708 if Caroline OConnor wasnt coming to Adelaide to be the Old Lady in State Theatre/SOSAs joint prod of Candide she would have been brilliant as Norma
@@PS-DLMA 100 percent.. I’m going to Sydney to see Nancy Hayes in A Little Night Music.. at the Hayes theatre. Can’t wait.. Saw spelling bee there a month ago.. and Miss Saigon at the opera house.. both amazing productions.. Don’t tell me I have to come to Adelaide now as well!!!
Saw it on Monday with the exceptional Rachel Tucker and a companion who had absolutely no clue what was happening having never seen or heard it before - there’s minimal and then there’s no context at all. I had to explain it to him at the interval. He was especially confused during the scene where they switch between “old” and “young” Norma, as the “young” Norma actor looks v like Nicole but not at all like Rachel! Broke the immersion for me too. Otherwise an excellent show, the tech feats so impressive - no lag between sound and vision at all. Tom Francis deserves all the plaudits, so much stage time, climbing a million stairs while singing beautifully - an excellent performance. Lovely to see John Barrowman in the audience too, my first Joe (very meta given the themes of the show).
I took me a while to get into this. Some aspects I adored but I kept having Glenn Closes performance and Anthony Powells costume designs in my head but it’s fair to say this is such a different experience that it’s in its own lane. It’s such a fabulous performance and show
@@PS-DLMA Yes, and plenty of Brits could have played the role in the West End version. They'll all get their chance when Sarah and Nicole have completed their runs.
It was during the choruses I was reminded "oh yeah it's Andrew Lloyd Webber", gave me Cats and Joseph the Amazing Technicolor vibes - just saw it with Scherzinger on Broadway, WOW! Amazing!
I’m back after having seen it on Broadway twice and already have tix for the third! I’ve never seen anything like this production. There are several shows I’ve seen more than once, but every moment isn’t seared into my mind like this one is. And I cannot stop thinking about it. I’d basically be repeating everything you said, but this production is everything everyone said it is and more (especially Nicole!). And it is going to stay with me for a very, very long time.
When you started talking about the cameras I thought about a production of Hamlet I've seen where they used cameras, and also had him do his famous monologue while walking around the theatre and going out to the street. Interesting how they did something so similar in this production!
Thanks for the review! What in intelligent decision to revamp this show entirely. I'm middle-aged and saw this show during the original Glenn Close run in LA. While the show was "supposed" to feel 1940s, it had a distinct 1990s aura that would come off as really dated today. And we never really believed that there was sexual energy between Joe and Norma...until NOW!
Seeing it next week and I'm very excited! Usually I don't really enjoy these kind of stripped down, "modern" productions but I'll try to be open minded!
Nicole's training was in theatre so all of this tracks!!! I am looking forward to her getting "her flowers" on this side of the pond following the transfer to Broadway :)
I saw “A Doll’s House” last year and think Lloyd with this material is quite intriguing so I hope it comes stateside (with Aaron Tveit or Jeremy Jordan as Joe)
Just saw this finally, truly insane production - the Sunset Boulevard scene had me like 😱😱😱 hadn’t wanted to see it until started seeing the raves but really glad I went, truly an amazing theatre experience! Though I’m not a big fan of the Savoy balcony, it’s a bit scary trying to get past people with that rake
I can somehow see Nicole Scherzinger in the role of Norma Desmond, but here in Australia, I've just learnt a few days ago that Sarah Brightman will be reviving the role of Norma Desmond! I don't quite know how to feel about that - I hope she surprises me, that's all I can say for now.
@@iseley To be fair, I think Sarah Brightman is a surprising choice because of her voice type. Norma is a mezzo belter, whereas Brightman is a soprano. Brightman could belt to some extent back in the eighties, but I wonder if she is able to sing this role in the traditional style - or will she sing it in a more operatic style?
@@iseleyI mean, ALW is literally having to reorchestrate the show to suit her range, so I think it’s a reasonable position. As a fellow Aussie, I’d personally be much more interested in seeing this adaptation. We already had our big glitzy staging, with Debra Byrne and Hugh Jackman before he was famous.
Sarah Brightman is the one person I'd love to see play Norma. I saw her play the original Christine and she was mesmerising, and enjoyed her career since...I think you are in for a treat.
@@MickeyJoTheatre - I would imagine Derek Klena would be playing Joe, if it transfers to Broadway. He portrayed the character at the Kennedy Center.
I get your point about the chorus not necessarily being necessary & you just wanted to get on with the his/her scenes but, you have to remember, it was originally written that way to enable scene changes (eg. from house to Paramount) & for the actor playing Norma to change into a different costume.
I really enjoyed this review! Being a silly American, I'll probably never get to see this production. From what you describe, it really sounds like this particular production invites comparision. I'm totally digging the black and white asthetic-- Wilder could have easily shot the film in color but intentionally did it in black and white. I know that's probably out of your wheelhouse, but the conversation between the original film and this production could be ripe for interesting interpretation. Thank you for discussing the monkey. My critical theory addeled brain is obsessed with the monkey. Truly enjoy your work!
Do you think this adaptation would work for an audience member who hasn’t seen /listened to Sunset before? A lot of the rave reviews seem to have centred on how different this is - and I’m definitely excited to see it for that reason! - but do you think it’ll still work for an audience member who, without set and props, can’t ‘fill in the blanks’ as far as the story goes?
I took my Mum to opening night who had not seen any version of SB. I had been to the 1993 West End production so new the story. My mother said she was lost because of the lack of visual cues and had to watch the film to understand the story (ITVX) Others may have got it mind....
I saw it yesterday having never seen or listened to Sunset Boulevard previously and I thought it was absolutely incredible. I didn’t struggle to follow the plot, and if you’ve seen this review you already know a lot more than I did 😊 Highly recommend!
Thank you both! I’ve seen it twice (the Kathryn Evans revival directed by Craig Revel Horwood and the Glenn Close concert at the Coliseum) - but am taking a friend with no knowledge of the show. So this is useful feedback!
I'm waiting to see if/when someone captures the "behind-the-scenes" moment happening each night at the start of the second act. Like a theater fan who has seen it and knows the timing, and one night just waits for the action to begin from the stage door and films it (naturally from a distance, and without interrupting anything). If I lived there, I sure would love to see Tom Francis do that walk on multiple occasions. 😅
I don't know that much of the show(apart from see this review) but I'm going to see the show in Sydney with Sarah Brightman. It's probably going to be expensive bc it's ALW & then also a big cast member from overseas. Can't wait though.
The use of onstage live camera feeds reminds me very much of Headlong's _1984._ It was very effective there, I wouldn't be surprised if it was very effective here. Interestingly, in the 1922 _Salome_ the title role was played by Alla Nazimova, who was 44 at the time. I wonder if that was partly inspiration for Norma Desmond being certain that she could play 16. And to be fair, Nazimova did pull it off.
Excellent review! I saw it last week with Rachel Tucker, exceptional! I want to see Nicole top but I realised she is filming masked singer USA. Wonder when she is back 😪
As always, I enjoyed your review very much. However, I had been really looking forward to a video from you on the new Stephen Sondheim musical Here We Are? - Is that forthcoming, or didn't you get to see it?
When I saw one of the first weeks shows she held home so long like hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooome … aaaaat laaaaaaaaaaaaaast but home was extra long was amazing also the eye contact she makes I was front row at times felt she sang just to me ❤
Sunset Boulevard is one of my favorite movies of all time, Im genuinely glad that the musical seems to be great, so im excited (though im not really into Andrew Lloyd Webber's music very much)
With regard to the on-stage cameras and video screen, I saw a similar concept used back in 2019 for the stage production of All About Eve starring Gillian Anderson. It was used extensively throughout the play, and was both intriguing and slightly distracting.
Grewt review. Side note about the opening scene with Joe coming out of a body bag chatting to the audience. This was the original start of the movie, William Holden was in a morgue and he comes out of the drawer at the morgue and atanda up and starts telling the audience directly to the camera the story and the set up. They cut this scene out before releasing it, because in test screenings it got laughed at, and was way too over the top for a film - guess it works on stage!
Saw it on Friday. The date of 1949 is projected onto the lighting rig at the star. Front few rows of the stalls wouldn't see that. The lighting design is truly breathtaking. For instance at the end with Joe's death even the emergency exit lights are turned off to make the theatre completely dark. Genius. We lost the video feed during Sunset Boulevard once outside the theatre but the audio was fine. Shame. The theatrical smoke effect almost ruined Nicole's performance of Never Said Goodbye. She had a coughing fit and dropped a few lines. Fortunately recovered and still did that crazy long held note sung through. I stood up then! Still think Cabaret holds the best show title but this comes damn close.
Love your reviews...but would you say that Céline Dion was wasted on pop music? Or Whitney Houston? I - as someone that has studied classical voice at uni, later went into MT and now does mainly pop/rock (and thus has experienced all the weird classist things that are being thrown around about all the styles) can only say: this is not the compliment you think it is.
Mickey Jo, thank you for this vivid and thorough review of this production. Makes it very clear this is not for me. I do not understand the current trend to wrench shows that only make sense in the time and place they are set. I will correct you on one thing: the original screenplay is by Billy Wilder AND Charles Bracket.
![[Part 1] ทารกน้อยถูกทิ้ง👶 หญิงชราเก็บขวดขายเลี้ยงดูเขาจนโต #โลกการละคร](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nPTDvFCExks/mqdefault.jpg)
If this sounds like a show you need to see, grab tickets at the link below:
prf.hn/click/camref:1100lzG8P/destination:www.atgtickets.com/shows/sunset-boulevard/savoy-theatre/
P.S Make sure to skip through the video using the chapters in the description if you just want to hear the review itself, there's lots of context on this one!
How did Norma (Nicole/Rachel) kill Joe in this production of Sunset
Nope. BIG NOPE. I enjoyed the film, I enjoyed the original production, this is a massive mess/mistake and stupid. If I want to watch characters on a screen, I have the film. And at least the actors are not blocked. I have the same issue with crap seats at concerts, where to see anything, your're forced to watch huge screens. If i want to do that, i can stay home and watch the blu ray of the concerts/artist.
Mickey, I'm becoming a true fan. Yes, you're extremely knowledgeable and informed; but, you're not merely a know-it-all, critic, who coldly and callously doles out his opinions with superiority and glibness. Your reviews are filled with reverence. And that very reverence which motivates your ovations also motivates your criticisms. You clearly WANT to love the shows you see! And you do, you convey such genuine joy! -There's not a hint of cynicism, even when you really object to something. - Please don't EVER lose that! - Five stars to you, my friend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seen it with both Nicole and Rachel now - endless standing ovations. Both were extraordinary and brought different things to the role - Nicole is more vulnerable, Rachel plays it more sinister. It's an incredible show, probably the best bit of theatre I've ever seen. Can't wait to go again. My only annoyance was the theatre selling popcorn - and having to hear people chug it down while Nicole is signing and bearing her soul on stage.
Flew all the way from New York to see Nicole on Thanksgiving day. I cried throughout 🥹🥹🥹 She slayed!!! thank you for your thoughtful review!!!!
I've seen it 3 times, two with Nicole and I just saw Rachel's debut this week. I honestly can't get enough of it! I saw the first preview and I will never forget the shock in the audience at the top of the second act during Sunset Blvd. It was one of my most memorable moments in a theatre. The first preview had 3 standing ovations! Rachel's Norma was equally as impressive as Nicole's, but I won't say much more as I don't want to spoil it!
I saw 9 shows on my recent trip to London and this by far was the best. I'm a big fan of the original lavish production, but this dark gritty reinterpretation was out of this word. The orchestrations alone are worth the ticket price, but this manic and narcissistic performance by Nicole as Norma left me speechless (in a good way). The entire production felt very modern in this online/social media world we live in. The harsh reality of Hollywood couldn't be better depicted. The supporting roles for Joe and Max also a standout. Treat yourself and see this production
I travelled to London from Australia recently to see a heap of shows. I was absolutely blown away by this production. The entire cast give so much in every performance. Great video as always @mickeyJoTheatre Nicole was absolutely sensational.
Artie’s face on the big screen as his fiancé and best friend come together in an act of betrayal was a highlight for me. I’m sure a single tear fell from his eye or maybe I just imagined it. ❤ also I would like to applaud the ensemble as the quality of their singing was extraordinary, haven’t heard choral singing that good since Sweeney on Broadway.
It was real! AmazIng performances all round.
This tear stained Artie image is actually a meme, connecting today's youth's silent storytelling to classic silent film imaging.
In the act 2 opening sequence Nicole also writes 'mad about the boy' on the mirror, a nod to the cigarette case that's cut from the show
So thrilled to know that the original ending of One Look has been restored!! I've never claimed that descending mod with Glenn's version. If it's good enough for Barbra (who actually sang/recorded it first) and Patti then it's good enough for me.
Your review was definitely worth the wait and the show sounds completely extraordinary. When the announcement about Nicole Scherzinger was made, I was absolutely convinced she would be amazing. It was an opportunity for her to really show what she can do and there was no way she wouldn’t really go for it-heart and soul.
I completely agree that Jamie Lloyd needs to work with a completely new production, it would allow his amazing insight and imagination to go even further without the constraints of existing material.
All in all, a wonderful review and I sincerely hope all those who were so dismissive of any kind of retelling, will be open to getting their minds blown.
Spot on review! I agree with everything you said. I was completely blown away by this production. The performances of Nicole as Norma and David Thaxton as Max were standouts. I went to see it a second time this week and enjoyed it even more.
I love all the motifs that have been coming through Jamie’s work recently… The un-micing when a character has nothing more to say/dies… Also captivated by the notion of leaving of the realm of the theatre e.g. Joe at the start of Act 2, Jessica Chastain’s Nora at the end of A Doll’s House. Every direction feels so rich with meaning and intention.
Ahhhh yes, I neglected to mention the un-micing, I so agree about its symbolism!
Whats unmicing?
@@taliakrimsky7157Taking off or disconnecting that performer’s microphone
I wish I could hop on plane and go see this. It sounds fantastic.
Could have happily watched an hour long review & thoroughly enjoyed hearing your thoughts..
Ah thank you!
Well said - agreed.
Her acting in that final scene is amazing -- the blood & that crazed look.
Fabulous review, I just got back from London and seeing the show, it was a transformative experience. It’s fitting you had so many notes, I came out with my mind crazy with thoughts, too many to list here, but I’ll say, I know the original show and don’t think I ever realized how much the show is about damaged people, finding each other. You’d think it would be obvious, but there was something so clear here about the relentless machine of Hollywood beating on these people for ever and you see them gravitating towards each other, leaning on each other, almost like Hollywood was a drug addiction and these people are the consequences of all that abuse. There was a brilliant moment at the end of act 1, when Joe comes back and he resigns to this relationship, and he reaches out and holds Norma’s hand. Similar to the leads in the latest Sweeney on Broadway, in the last moment when they hold each other’s hand. It’s like, I know you’re crazy, and I’m crazy, but we’re each other’s crazy. There was this great love and vulnerability in that moment, it deeply moved me. I will also say, I think like the best revivals (ie, the last Oklahoma) I felt like Jamie Lloyd was able to dig in so deep and pull out these incredible themes and nuances that were always there but maybe hidden by production. I think Sunset Blvd was a valid candidate for the exploration, and this production definitely elevated the material by fully considerations everything that was already there. And I know you note Jamie Lloyd doesn’t touch the scores in the musicals he produces, but Lloyd Webber’s score has never been better than here - LOUD, punchy, sharp, dangerous- it almost felt like raw emotions that could almost overwhelm everything around it. It unleashed the score I think, it felt like Lloyd Webber almost at his rawest - and that’s just in the playing of it. I always felt the show was accomplished, but a bit cold and detached, I’m never really been able to connect to it completely. Here - it was an emotionally overwhelming experience.
I saw this! It was amazing! I'm so happy that it's moving to Broadway!!
Ugh this was one of the coolest productions of anything I have ever seen
OK, it just transferred over to the US and opened in preview Saturday night. I have not seen it yet. I've only heard the first 40 minutes and let me tell you Nicole tears it up. What a voice. I can't wait to see the show this week I work on it so I will be able to see it several times audiences went ballistic after with one look and rightly so.
Absolutely loved it! Saw one of the last previews! Incredible!!! ❤
Jessica Chastain is a Juilliard trained actress who had success on Broadway years before finding success on film!! I saw her in “Salome” in 2006 opposite Al Pacino and she was amazing.
I’ve been waiting for this review!!! Need to see it again. It was simply the best west end show I’ve seen ever. And I’ve seen tons of
I have been deliberatly avoiding other reviews until yours came out! excited to hear all of your thoughts!!
I’ve been a fan of Nicole’s for longer than she’s been a big star, she’s so incredibly talented. So I’m thrilled the world is finally seeing what she can do. Hope it comes stateside so I can finally encounter her in person.
Rejoice it is going to Broadway next year , nice so I catch watch it again without traveling to London . Saw this show twice at the Savoy and I can assure everyone that it is so beguiling and epic in presentation that you will clamor to see it again and again .Truly Nicole’s Norma is so expressive and raw and her version is her very own , rich vocals and the way is he acted it out was mind blowing and mesmerizing .
I went to see it for Tom Francis and was blown away by Nicole. I’m excited to see what she does in Death Becomes Her the musical coming in April! Great video, you have a wonderful way of being informative and captivating when sharing your thoughts on different productions. 💜
Has she been cast opposite Megan Hilty?
@@paultoseland9524it’ll be Jennifer Simard. I wonder if Nicole is the one that gives the potion?
There is no official casting on that show am not sure whether Nicole will appear in DBH if ghetto is a conflicting schedule when SB hits Broadway next year .Nicole will definitely choose SB over DBH .
Oh wow I didnt know that ill keep an eye on it
Anyone who has seen that video to Nicole Scherzinger singing Don't Cry For Me Argentina knew this was going to be sensational
I was waiting to see your reaction to the opening of act 2. I had my jaw on the floor for that part, i spent ages trying to work out the logistics to make that work and make sure he has the orchestra and his voice is captured with a little background noise as possible. Just incredible. Most amazing thing I've seen
The way I saw a Tiktok of the moment you talked about and thought it was a bit of filming for a TV slot or promo. They do that EVERY NIGHT ?!? Madness !!!!!!! I love it 😂😍
LINK PLEASE!!!!!!
Betty Buckley also got standing ovations for those two songs at the minscoff theater. Saw it once then took others two more times and she didn't have the vocal lowered
She was amazing!
I saw her in the West End production. She had such a vibrant energy!
No one close to Buckley. Glenn Close played it like a clown show. Brightman is doing it in Australia now and it’s purely stunt casting, she’s awful as well.
Very fun that because you didn't make it to press night we ended up going on the same night! I completely agree with everything you said too!
This edition of Sunset BLV is absolutely wonderful.
This is quite an interesting review. I remember Sunset Boulevard in Toronto with Diahann Carrol and I never thought it could be reimagined this way!
Nicole's performance is absolutely phenomenal.
There was a limited run of this musical recently at the Kennedy Center with Stephanie J. Block playing Norma and I really wanted to go!! Hope I can someday see this musical!
Love the long review
Fun fact - Hugh Jackman was Australia's original Joe.
There's a fantastic documentary on TH-cam that is all about the making of that production. It's such a great making-of film and it's touching to see famous people before they were famous. It's fun to see Hugh Jackman before he was a big name, and it just has such a nice overall feel to it. I recommend watching it.
@@christophercobb249 i have :) its just amazing it was only his second professional role
I saw this production, this was after he was Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. They were both amazing productions.. now we have Sarah Brightman coming out to play Norma... I'm sure this will be a very vanilla production..
@@gavindean6708 if Caroline OConnor wasnt coming to Adelaide to be the Old Lady in State Theatre/SOSAs joint prod of Candide she would have been brilliant as Norma
@@PS-DLMA 100 percent.. I’m going to Sydney to see Nancy Hayes in A Little Night Music.. at the Hayes theatre. Can’t wait.. Saw spelling bee there a month ago.. and Miss Saigon at the opera house.. both amazing productions.. Don’t tell me I have to come to Adelaide now as well!!!
Saw it on Monday with the exceptional Rachel Tucker and a companion who had absolutely no clue what was happening having never seen or heard it before - there’s minimal and then there’s no context at all. I had to explain it to him at the interval. He was especially confused during the scene where they switch between “old” and “young” Norma, as the “young” Norma actor looks v like Nicole but not at all like Rachel! Broke the immersion for me too. Otherwise an excellent show, the tech feats so impressive - no lag between sound and vision at all. Tom Francis deserves all the plaudits, so much stage time, climbing a million stairs while singing beautifully - an excellent performance. Lovely to see John Barrowman in the audience too, my first Joe (very meta given the themes of the show).
I’m excited for this review. I hope they bring it over to nyc. I would love to see a new version
Just saw Merrily today. You were right...WONDERFUL!!!
SO glad you got to see it and enjoyed! I'm hearing lots of exciting plans for this revival...
I took me a while to get into this. Some aspects I adored but I kept having Glenn Closes performance and Anthony Powells costume designs in my head but it’s fair to say this is such a different experience that it’s in its own lane. It’s such a fabulous performance and show
Would love to see this! Any thoughts about Sarah Brightman in a new Australian Production? Thank you for this great review, hopefully I can get there.
Plenty of Aussies could have taken on the role....
@@PS-DLMA Yes, and plenty of Brits could have played the role in the West End version. They'll all get their chance when Sarah and Nicole have completed their runs.
@@iseley doubt it will extend down under
Nor will it extend in the West End - the theatre is blocked for Plaza Suite. Might come back at some later point, though, like Cyrano.
Agree ❤ such a powerful show just saw it
It was during the choruses I was reminded "oh yeah it's Andrew Lloyd Webber", gave me Cats and Joseph the Amazing Technicolor vibes - just saw it with Scherzinger on Broadway, WOW! Amazing!
She is totally flawless
I’m back after having seen it on Broadway twice and already have tix for the third!
I’ve never seen anything like this production. There are several shows I’ve seen more than once, but every moment isn’t seared into my mind like this one is. And I cannot stop thinking about it.
I’d basically be repeating everything you said, but this production is everything everyone said it is and more (especially Nicole!). And it is going to stay with me for a very, very long time.
Dare we compare Patti to Carrie Hope Fletcher....in regards to ALW treatment
When you started talking about the cameras I thought about a production of Hamlet I've seen where they used cameras, and also had him do his famous monologue while walking around the theatre and going out to the street. Interesting how they did something so similar in this production!
They used cameras in the tour of Bat Out Of Hell Musical moving round on stage with it and it projected on a screen so it made me think of that .
Thanks for the review. Would love to hear what you thought of Here We Are. I went back to see it again
Nicole is brilliant!! All the accolades are truly deserved 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Would you recommend this for a group of highschoolers? I teach theatre and we were considering it for our trip to NYC.
Thanks for the review! What in intelligent decision to revamp this show entirely. I'm middle-aged and saw this show during the original Glenn Close run in LA. While the show was "supposed" to feel 1940s, it had a distinct 1990s aura that would come off as really dated today. And we never really believed that there was sexual energy between Joe and Norma...until NOW!
I really hope this tours! If so, would love to know when the casting process starts to audition!
Seeing it next week and I'm very excited! Usually I don't really enjoy these kind of stripped down, "modern" productions but I'll try to be open minded!
Nicole's training was in theatre so all of this tracks!!! I am looking forward to her getting "her flowers" on this side of the pond following the transfer to Broadway :)
I saw “A Doll’s House” last year and think Lloyd with this material is quite intriguing so I hope it comes stateside (with Aaron Tveit or Jeremy Jordan as Joe)
I'm getting from what you say Olivier Award vibes.
Maybe she's changed her delivery since you saw it because it's the "home" note that she holds, not "last".
Just saw this finally, truly insane production - the Sunset Boulevard scene had me like 😱😱😱 hadn’t wanted to see it until started seeing the raves but really glad I went, truly an amazing theatre experience! Though I’m not a big fan of the Savoy balcony, it’s a bit scary trying to get past people with that rake
I can somehow see Nicole Scherzinger in the role of Norma Desmond, but here in Australia, I've just learnt a few days ago that Sarah Brightman will be reviving the role of Norma Desmond! I don't quite know how to feel about that - I hope she surprises me, that's all I can say for now.
I don't know why you'd be surprised if Sarah Brightman's performance is successful. She makes a lot more sense in the role than Nicole Scherzinger.
@@iseley
To be fair, I think Sarah Brightman is a surprising choice because of her voice type. Norma is a mezzo belter, whereas Brightman is a soprano. Brightman could belt to some extent back in the eighties, but I wonder if she is able to sing this role in the traditional style - or will she sing it in a more operatic style?
@@iseleyI mean, ALW is literally having to reorchestrate the show to suit her range, so I think it’s a reasonable position. As a fellow Aussie, I’d personally be much more interested in seeing this adaptation. We already had our big glitzy staging, with Debra Byrne and Hugh Jackman before he was famous.
@@scswp6945ALW is reorchestrating for this production to suit her voice
Sarah Brightman is the one person I'd love to see play Norma. I saw her play the original Christine and she was mesmerising, and enjoyed her career since...I think you are in for a treat.
Currently, you are the only theater critic I trust
Sounds like an incredible production. Any speculation on a Broadway transfer?
There's lots of buzz already about it heading stateside - if I was a betting man my money would be on the Hudson after Merrily.
@@MickeyJoTheatre - I would imagine Derek Klena would be playing Joe, if it transfers to Broadway. He portrayed the character at the Kennedy Center.
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FIR THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!🎉🎉
I get your point about the chorus not necessarily being necessary & you just wanted to get on with the his/her scenes but, you have to remember, it was originally written that way to enable scene changes (eg. from house to Paramount) & for the actor playing Norma to change into a different costume.
She was SO good, I bawled multiple times
I really enjoyed this review! Being a silly American, I'll probably never get to see this production. From what you describe, it really sounds like this particular production invites comparision. I'm totally digging the black and white asthetic-- Wilder could have easily shot the film in color but intentionally did it in black and white. I know that's probably out of your wheelhouse, but the conversation between the original film and this production could be ripe for interesting interpretation.
Thank you for discussing the monkey. My critical theory addeled brain is obsessed with the monkey.
Truly enjoy your work!
It’s very likely to be screened in cinemas at some point.
There are rumors that this revival is going to transfer to Broadway.
She's now in her mid-40s -- she should have done more of this stuff over the last 25yrs. Phenomenol.
Never late than never
Listening to this review, I know I would love it even if overall I hated it simply because it would be a fun NEW way to see Sunset
Do you think this adaptation would work for an audience member who hasn’t seen /listened to Sunset before? A lot of the rave reviews seem to have centred on how different this is - and I’m definitely excited to see it for that reason! - but do you think it’ll still work for an audience member who, without set and props, can’t ‘fill in the blanks’ as far as the story goes?
I took my Mum to opening night who had not seen any version of SB. I had been to the 1993 West End production so new the story. My mother said she was lost because of the lack of visual cues and had to watch the film to understand the story (ITVX) Others may have got it mind....
I saw it yesterday having never seen or listened to Sunset Boulevard previously and I thought it was absolutely incredible. I didn’t struggle to follow the plot, and if you’ve seen this review you already know a lot more than I did 😊 Highly recommend!
Thank you both! I’ve seen it twice (the Kathryn Evans revival directed by Craig Revel Horwood and the Glenn Close concert at the Coliseum) - but am taking a friend with no knowledge of the show. So this is useful feedback!
I hope it travels to the US!
I'm waiting to see if/when someone captures the "behind-the-scenes" moment happening each night at the start of the second act. Like a theater fan who has seen it and knows the timing, and one night just waits for the action to begin from the stage door and films it (naturally from a distance, and without interrupting anything). If I lived there, I sure would love to see Tom Francis do that walk on multiple occasions. 😅
There are a few clips on x of it happening live outside the theatre
I don't know that much of the show(apart from see this review) but I'm going to see the show in Sydney with Sarah Brightman. It's probably going to be expensive bc it's ALW & then also a big cast member from overseas. Can't wait though.
The use of onstage live camera feeds reminds me very much of Headlong's _1984._ It was very effective there, I wouldn't be surprised if it was very effective here.
Interestingly, in the 1922 _Salome_ the title role was played by Alla Nazimova, who was 44 at the time. I wonder if that was partly inspiration for Norma Desmond being certain that she could play 16.
And to be fair, Nazimova did pull it off.
Excellent review! I saw it last week with Rachel Tucker, exceptional!
I want to see Nicole top but I realised she is filming masked singer USA. Wonder when she is back 😪
Nicole was just gone for a few days but she is back till Jan 6 except Mondays that is Rachel Tucker’s day
Amazing thank you
Loved this show. Best of the year?
Is Nicole on every performance except Monday like the day and night ones?
As always, I enjoyed your review very much.
However, I had been really looking forward to a video from you on the new Stephen Sondheim musical Here We Are? - Is that forthcoming, or didn't you get to see it?
I watch the show tonight, can't wait🎉
I think the next time i go to London i will proabbly see Hadstwon.
When I saw one of the first weeks shows she held home so long like hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooome … aaaaat laaaaaaaaaaaaaast but home was extra long was amazing also the eye contact she makes I was front row at times felt she sang just to me ❤
Where would you recommend sitting in the auditorium for the best experience of this show? :)
Stalls
Sunset Boulevard is one of my favorite movies of all time, Im genuinely glad that the musical seems to be great, so im excited (though im not really into Andrew Lloyd Webber's music very much)
Yeeeeees, finally! ❤
Hope it was worth the wait!
Interesting choices about the costumes and cameras.
Thoughts on Sarah Brightman playing Norma for Australian run in 2024 pls?
Wow! Yes please.
With regard to the on-stage cameras and video screen, I saw a similar concept used back in 2019 for the stage production of All About Eve starring Gillian Anderson. It was used extensively throughout the play, and was both intriguing and slightly distracting.
There was two Swedish Productions of Sunset Boulevard.
But i was sadly too young too see any of them.
Patti Lupone and Glenn Close were both in their 40s when they played the role as well
Grewt review. Side note about the opening scene with Joe coming out of a body bag chatting to the audience. This was the original start of the movie, William Holden was in a morgue and he comes out of the drawer at the morgue and atanda up and starts telling the audience directly to the camera the story and the set up. They cut this scene out before releasing it, because in test screenings it got laughed at, and was way too over the top for a film - guess it works on stage!
Why aren't theatres in London dark on Monday like they are on Broadway?
Because Sunday used to be the dark day (religious tradition). Now the theatres that do Sunday shows take either Monday or Tuesday as their dark day.
I think there is a lot in the Libretto which ties it to 1950.
Saw it on Friday.
The date of 1949 is projected onto the lighting rig at the star. Front few rows of the stalls wouldn't see that.
The lighting design is truly breathtaking.
For instance at the end with Joe's death even the emergency exit lights are turned off to make the theatre completely dark. Genius.
We lost the video feed during Sunset Boulevard once outside the theatre but the audio was fine. Shame.
The theatrical smoke effect almost ruined Nicole's performance of Never Said Goodbye. She had a coughing fit and dropped a few lines. Fortunately recovered and still did that crazy long held note sung through. I stood up then!
Still think Cabaret holds the best show title but this comes damn close.
Hope you get to see Sinatra The Musical before it closes! Very keen to hear your thoughts here from the other side of the world.
Love your reviews...but would you say that Céline Dion was wasted on pop music? Or Whitney Houston? I - as someone that has studied classical voice at uni, later went into MT and now does mainly pop/rock (and thus has experienced all the weird classist things that are being thrown around about all the styles) can only say: this is not the compliment you think it is.
I hope Nicole is considered for the long planned film adaptation of the musical.
Mickey Jo, thank you for this vivid and thorough review of this production. Makes it very clear this is not for me. I do not understand the current trend to wrench shows that only make sense in the time and place they are set. I will correct you on one thing: the original screenplay is by Billy Wilder AND Charles Bracket.
I feel you! Going to see it next week with an open mind but kind of afraid I'm not gonna like it! Fingers crossed!
Nicole Scherzinger is spetacular
God i hope, but doubt they'll be a cast recording
Will you be going to Australia to see Sarah Brightman in the new Austalian Production of Sunset Boulevard?
The Production sounds kind of revolutionary.