Princess Theatre, Melbourne (studio)
03 June 2024 (released)
03 June 2024
And now, Mr DeMille, I’m ready for my close up”. And with that unforgettable quote, Sunset Boulevard, the musical is upon us. The world-renowned musical is currently playing at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne until 11th August 2024, then heading to Sydney Opera House on 24th August.
Based on Billy Wilder’s 1950 film noir movie, Sunset Boulevard, the musical is just as captivating as its silver screen counterpart. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music drives the narrative with impressive ballads including, “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” “Surrender,” “New Ways to Dream” and blissful waltz “The Perfect Year,” “The Lady’s Paying” and “Eternal Youth Is Worth a Little Suffering”.
Directed by Paul Warwick Griffin, the talented cast brings the characters to life in classic Hollywood. Sarah Brightman’s portrayal of Norma Desmond is a colossal task, yet Brightman draws the audience into Desmond’s world. Norma Desmond, once a highly celebrated star of the “talkies” has faded away and lives in her mansion with her butler Max (Robert Grubb). Max protects Norma from the world that has forsaken her, maintaining her illusion of still being cherished in Hollywood. Desmond has composed a verbose screenplay and has delusions that DeMille, her former director with will direct it for her.
After a chance meeting with Joe Gillis (Tim Draxl), a struggling Hollywood screenwriter, Norma’s world is revived. Gillis is exceptional in his role as Joe and helps us delve deeper into Desmond’s mind. The encounter is both compassionate and perilous and ultimately leads to a catastrophic ending. Brightman and Draxl
Choreography by Ashley Wallen, is exceptional and the set and costumes by Morgan Large are some of the best I have seen. So much so that at the end of the night I stood looking at the set in awe. The ensemble were incredible and helped the story move along flawlessly. Sunset Boulevard, continues to captivate the audience with its timeless tale of faded dreams and unattainable ambitions. Through thought-provoking dialogue, stellar performance couple with power ballads, the story continues to leave a lasting impression on theatre goers around the world.
