ALW's " SUNSET BOULEVARD" returns to the West End for 30th Anniversary revival
Andrew Lloyd Webber's "SUNSET BOULEVARD" will be making it's way back to the West End this Fall in a revival to celebrate the show's 30th Anniversary. Recording artist Nicole Scherzinger has been selected by Lloyd Webber to star as faded silent star 'Norma Desmond', while Jamie Lloyd has been chosen to direct the musical which will take the stage at the Savoy Theater. Scherzinger previously worked with Lloyd Webber when she played 'Grizabella' in the revival of CATS.
Lloyd Webber commented, “Nicole is one of the finest singers I have worked with, and I can’t wait to get started on this exciting show with her and the rest of this brilliant team."
Director Lloyd said in a statement, “After our reappraisal of Evita at the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, I’m very excited to rediscover another iconic Lloyd Webber musical—and Sunset Boulevard is one of his most thrilling, complex, and atmospheric scores. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to create a new production of this fascinating piece with the extraordinary Nicole Scherzinger.”
This year marks The Jamie Lloyd Company's 10th anniversary - Sunset Boulevard follows the company's Tony Award nominated production of A Doll's House starring Jessica Chastain and Arian Moayed, running at the Hudson Theatre, Broadway until 10 June; and the forthcoming National Theatre production of Lucy Prebble's The Effect starring Paapa Essiedu and Taylor Russell running in the Lyttleton theatre from 1 August, in association with The Jamie Lloyd Company.
No other casting announcements have been made. The revival is expected to open late September, and run for a 16 week limited engagement, with tickets going on sale in a few weeks. It's expected ALW will have three shows running on the West End at that time: the revised 'Phantom of the Opera', the revival of 'Aspects of Love' and then the revival of 'Sunset Boulevard'. Currently, for the first time in 43 years, there are no ALW musicals on Broadway.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 43 | May 26, 2023 8:17 PM
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That infernal noise you are trying to determine is the gnashing of Glenn Close’s teeth.
by Anonymous | reply 1 | May 20, 2023 1:05 PM
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I think at this point Glenn should play Max.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 2 | May 20, 2023 1:19 PM
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[quote]Recording artist Nicole Scherzinger has been selected by Lloyd Webber to star as faded silent star 'Norma Desmond'
So Sarah fucking Brightman was too fucking FAT for the role?
by Anonymous | reply 3 | May 20, 2023 1:40 PM
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Of course, fans of the musical are already with the spears and daggers out...
They are saying the star, Nicole, is TOO YOUNG for the role, even though she's a year older than when Patti LuPone starred in 1993, and two years younger than when Close starred in 1994. Many say she looks half her age, and comes across too sexy.
They're concerned with director Jamie Lloyd, who's known for his bare minimalist set design and only concentrates on the actors. Will there be only two chairs on stage to represent Norma's lavish mansion ? Will there be a ladder she steps up and down from the represent the grand staircase ? Will Hogeye's spotlight be replaced by a flashlight ?
Of course, with just a sixteen week run, there wouldn't be a huge budget for the production, and a lavish set (like we saw in 1993-97) is out of the question. That's probably why Lloyd was chosen. Still - bare minimum is not what SB was ever about.
Thoughts ?
by Anonymous | reply 4 | May 20, 2023 1:45 PM
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R3 She has gained lots of weight. She should diet a bit. Otherwise it would be great to see her as Norma.
by Anonymous | reply 5 | May 20, 2023 1:46 PM
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This would be great news if ALW had asked Patti to return for a limited run.
by Anonymous | reply 6 | May 20, 2023 1:47 PM
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I agree R5, she'd be fabulous for it otherwise.
by Anonymous | reply 7 | May 20, 2023 1:49 PM
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Maybe Brightman will do the revival on B'way if it ever makes it here. She has a huge following in the USA.
by Anonymous | reply 8 | May 20, 2023 1:54 PM
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[quote]They are saying the star, Nicole, is TOO YOUNG for the role, even though she's a year older than when Patti LuPone starred in 1993, and two years younger than when Close starred in 1994. Many say she looks half her age, and comes across too sexy.
I did check her age and I feel incredibly sad to realise that Don't Cha is 18 years old.
Scherzinger's pop career has detracted from her talent as a singer as did the celebrity dating and reality tv show appearances (MOMMY YOU PROMISED ME!)
But she is an exceptional talent and has come closer to winning an Oscar than Glenn has, via Jai Ho.
by Anonymous | reply 9 | May 20, 2023 2:08 PM
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I don't think she's that familiar stateside.
by Anonymous | reply 10 | May 20, 2023 4:30 PM
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I suppose Andrew will stop writing now that everything in this century has failed. Looking for the revamp of Joseph and his Dreamcoat next.
by Anonymous | reply 11 | May 20, 2023 4:57 PM
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R11 Wasn't his SCHOOL OF ROCK a major hit ?
by Anonymous | reply 12 | May 20, 2023 4:59 PM
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“School of Rock” is unlikely to restore Mr. Lloyd Webber to the throne from which he ruled Broadway four decades ago, when he led the conquering forces of the British poperetta with works like “Evita” and the unkillable “Phantom of the Opera.”
"O.K., so frisky is perhaps not a word you want to see anywhere near Mr. Lloyd Webber’s name, especially if you’re among those who were allergic to the felines who purred T. S. Eliot verses to swoony tunes in “Cats."
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 13 | May 20, 2023 5:14 PM
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Billy Wilder saw the production at the Shubert Theater in Los Angeles with Glenn Close. When asked what he thought of the show, he said, “It was brilliant. They didn’t change a thing.”
by Anonymous | reply 14 | May 20, 2023 5:25 PM
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[quote]“School of Rock” is unlikely to restore Mr. Lloyd Webber to the throne from which he ruled Broadway four decades ago, when he led the conquering forces of the British poperetta with works like “Evita” and the unkillable “Phantom of the Opera.”
However, it was a hit on Broadway in the 21st Century, correct ? Wasn't the statement 'I suppose Andrew will stop writing now that everything in this century has failed' ? Doesn't this prove that not everything he did was a failure this century ?
by Anonymous | reply 15 | May 20, 2023 5:26 PM
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This German production seems to get it right.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 16 | May 20, 2023 5:28 PM
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Aspects of Love is back in the West End, back with Michael Bobby Ball.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 17 | May 20, 2023 5:35 PM
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Back in 1990-93, ALW was so picky on who would star in his musical - he had to have the right actress perform his Norma Desmond. Shirley MacLaine and Angela Lansbury were his two preferred choices. Michele Lee was on his short-list. LuPone and Close ended up getting the roles. He was choosy in making sure not only the actress could sing the role, but look the part of a silent screen star - someone who had the right facial features and expressions on stage.
Since then, it seems like anyone who wants the role can have it. He hasn't been that choosy in a very long time.
by Anonymous | reply 18 | May 20, 2023 5:38 PM
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Will it be better than CATS?
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 19 | May 20, 2023 5:53 PM
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FAYE DUNAWAY, R18. FAYE DUNAWAY!
by Anonymous | reply 20 | May 20, 2023 5:57 PM
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Dunaway sure had the looks of a glamorous silent screen star - yet he said she couldn't sing. I've always wondered if she started with her crazy behavior back then (in her 50s) and he didn't want to come out and say it. So he blamed her singing.
by Anonymous | reply 21 | May 20, 2023 6:01 PM
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R21 Her voice and singing couldn’t be worse than Close’s.
by Anonymous | reply 22 | May 20, 2023 6:44 PM
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Dunaway was 54 he offered her the role in 1994. I have a feeling she started losing her mind back then - maybe it was due to menopause, or treatment for it ? He blamed her singing, but I'm thinking it was her irrational, crazy behavior starting. Maybe she started throwing salads at people back then.
by Anonymous | reply 23 | May 23, 2023 3:07 PM
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Nicole Scherzinger is a hot slut. No 30 year old failed writer would be ashamed to gigolo for her.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 24 | May 23, 2023 4:24 PM
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But can she play the part of Norma Desmond convincingly ? That is the question on everyone's mind.
by Anonymous | reply 25 | May 23, 2023 4:31 PM
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^ no. If she could act, she would have done so in movies by now.
by Anonymous | reply 26 | May 23, 2023 4:32 PM
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[quote]But she is an exceptional talent and has come closer to winning an Oscar than Glenn has, via Jai Ho.
Which she wasn’t listed as a nominee for, you delusional queen.
by Anonymous | reply 27 | May 23, 2023 4:34 PM
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I mean Norma is a beautiful silent movie star, in that respect she fits the bill more than Close, Lupone, Buckley and Page. As mentioned above she’s close in age to the ladies mentioned.
Movie wise it’s going to be another Streisand/Gypsy. I think CZJ could do the part justice on film maybe Michelle Pfeiffer.
by Anonymous | reply 28 | May 23, 2023 4:53 PM
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R26 Assuming she wanted a movie career. Maybe she is satisfied with a stage career - like many actresses ?
by Anonymous | reply 29 | May 23, 2023 5:05 PM
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R28 Glenn’s Sunset and Barbra’s Gypsy won’t happen.
by Anonymous | reply 30 | May 23, 2023 6:04 PM
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R16 You can never go wrong with Pia Douwes in anything. Maybe ALW couldn't get her the job because of, you know...BREXIT.
by Anonymous | reply 31 | May 23, 2023 6:27 PM
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Ohhhh Pia would be sublime!
by Anonymous | reply 32 | May 23, 2023 6:36 PM
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Nicole has been very dramatic on The Masked Singer, as she can cry on demand whenever the singer sings a sad song! She's very talented.
by Anonymous | reply 33 | May 23, 2023 6:38 PM
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Lloyd is gonna have them wearing grey rags and sweatpants. Norma will get a turban made of cotton.
by Anonymous | reply 34 | May 23, 2023 6:45 PM
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[quote] "SUNSET BOULEVARD" will be making it's way
Its, stupid cunt OP. Go to the link and do not type anything until you have read every word.
Because you're a stupid cunt, OP.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 35 | May 23, 2023 6:47 PM
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[quote]I think CZJ could do the part justice on film maybe Michelle Pfeiffer.
Michelle could do it, but I'm still far too young!
by Anonymous | reply 36 | May 23, 2023 7:14 PM
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Joan Collins can do it at 90. All that white flour on her face, false eye lashes and lipstick ? Yup she can.
by Anonymous | reply 37 | May 23, 2023 8:03 PM
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Why not stunt cast and have Brooke Shields do it? She's a passable singer, especially for how Desmond's portrayed in it.
by Anonymous | reply 38 | May 25, 2023 1:50 PM
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[quote] Assuming she wanted a movie career. Maybe she is satisfied with a stage career - like many actresses ?
Nope.
ALW was so annoyed that she pulled out of the Broadway transfer of Cats in favour of another season of the X-Factor (ie cold hard cash) that he refused to let her audition for the movie. Nicole complained publicly about losing the role to JHud long after its release. .
by Anonymous | reply 39 | May 26, 2023 11:30 AM
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Brightman could play the Isotta Fraschini, R5.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 40 | May 26, 2023 12:08 PM
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[quote]Lloyd Webber commented, “Nicole is one of the finest singers I have worked with, and I can’t wait to get started on this exciting show with her and the rest of this brilliant team."
Referring to her as a singer, not an actress is very telling. Yes, I know that's how she got started, of course, and where her fame derives from. But she's been doing musical theatre for a while now. And while Norma is a big role vocally it needs a strong actress. Well, it needs a better book and stronger lyrics, but that's the case with even the best (relatively speaking) Lloyd Webber shows.
by Anonymous | reply 41 | May 26, 2023 12:23 PM
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Pia Zadora would be a Norma for the ages.
by Anonymous | reply 42 | May 26, 2023 5:19 PM
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Brightman caN't act and she has to make weird facial expressions now.
by Anonymous | reply 43 | May 26, 2023 8:17 PM
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