It’s been almost thirty years since Sunset Boulevard played in Australia. And now, this Tony Award-winning masterpiece has returned to Melbourne. This lavish production, with music from Andrew Lloyd Webber, will take you straight to Hollywood. Look forward to spectacular sets, magnificent costumes and thrilling tunes. See it for yourself at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre.
Sunset Boulevard
This musical is based on the 1950 Billy Wilder film of the same name. It’s all about legendary silent movie star, Norma Desmond, who is tortured by her longing to return to the big screen, when the “talkies” gain prominence and she’s discarded by Hollywood. She meets struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, sparking a volatile relationship that leads to unforeseen events.
The musical version of Sunset Boulevard had its world premiere in London in 1993. It then premiered in Los Angeles that same year, with Glenn Close in the leading role. It opened on Broadway in 1994, and won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book. It recently took the West End by storm, winning seven Olivier Awards earlier this year.
The Australian production
See musical theatre royalty, Sarah Brightman, in the lead role as Norma. As you watch her take the stage, it’s hard not to think about the parallels between her own life and Norma’s. This is Brightman’s first theatrical role in over three decades. She was the original artist in the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, both in the West End and on Broadway. She has since gone on to become a legendary musical theatre performer and international recording star. And so, to see her return to the stage after decades is a special experience. Like Norma, she is once again ready for the spotlight, and it’s only fitting that she’s back for another Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.
It’s a joy to watch her dramatically descend the grand staircase and swan around the stage. Brightman’s rendition of the songs is quite operatic, which is different to previous Normas, like Patti LuPone and Glenn Close. It’s a choice that some might not agree with. But, paired with the 16 piece orchestra, it does make for a sumptuous experience.
Meanwhile, the role of struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, which was last played by Hugh Jackman in 1996, is now played by Tim Draxl. He does a fine job, and his scenes in Norma’s house feels almost claustrophobic as he grapples with the delusional faded actress and the mysterious butler, played by Robert Grubb. Draxl particularly shines in his scenes with the energetic and hardworking Betty Schaefer, played wonderfully by Ashleigh Rubenach.
The main set piece of Norma’s grand house is spectacularly large and gloomy, and there are some interesting technical moments that help bring the story to life, like the use of projections.
If you’re a fan of the film or the musical, this show is definitely worth checking out.