BWW TV: Behind-the-Scenes with Valerie Perri, David Burnham and More in L.A.'S SUNSET BOULEVARD

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BWW TV Los Angeles correspondents Michael Sterling and Jerry Evans visit with the cast of Musical Theatre West's (MTW) much anticipated Southern California 20th Anniversary revival of Sunset Boulevard on stage now through July 28, 2013 at the 1,070-seat Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, CA. The production's first performance was July 12, 2013 exactly 20 years to the day after the show's world premiere in London's West End starring Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson at the Adelphi Theatre where it ultimately ran for 1529 performances.

Broadway's Valerie Perri stars as Norma Desmond with David Burnham as Joe Gillis for Musical Theatre West. Perri and Burnham, along with Norman Large (as Max Von Mayerling) and Ashley Fox Linton (as Betty Schaefer), Musical Director David Lamoureux, and MTW Executive Director/Producer Paul Garman are interviewed.

The critically acclaimed MTW revival, based on the 1950 Oscar winning motion picture of the same title, is directed by Larry Raben with staging and choreography by John Todd. Rounding out the Creative Team is Mary Ritenhour serving as Production Manager with Kelly Marie Pate as Stage Manager; Kevin Clowes as Technical Designer; Jean-Yves Tessier as Lighting Designer; Julie Ferrin as Sound Designer; and Kate Poppen as Costume Coordinator.

Featured cast members include David Aldrete (Cecil B. Demille), Marc Ginsburg (Artie), and Jeff Skowron (Sheldrake & Manfred).

Ensemble members include Lucas Coleman, Peyton Crim, Marisa Field, Brad Fitzgerald, Chelsea Franko, Karla Franko, Juan Guillan, Caitlin Humphreys, Will Huse, Tom McMahon, Tiana Okoye, Kirklyn Robinson, Tia Robinson, Trance Thompson, and John Todd.

Sunset Boulevard weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. Silent movie star Norma Desmond longs for a return to the big screen, having been discarded by tinsel town with the advent of "talkies." Her glamour has faded in all but her mind. When she meets struggling Hollywood screen-writer Joe Gillis in dramatic circumstances, their subsequent passionate and volatile relationship leads to an unforeseen and tragic conclusion.

The original Broadway musical, directed by Trevor Nunn with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, won 7 Tony Awards in 1995 including Best Musical. The lush score features such haunting classics as "With One Look," "As if We Never Said Goodbye," "The Greatest Star of All," "The Perfect Year," and the emotionally charged title song "Sunset Boulevard."

Remaining performances for Sunset Boulevard at MTW are Thursday, July 25 and Friday, July 26 at 8:00 pm; Saturday, July 27 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm; and Sunday, July 28 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Tickets for Sunset Boulevard may be purchased online at www.musical.org or by phone at (562) 856-1999, Ext. 4. Prices begin at $20. A $3.00 service charge will be added to each ticket. Group rates are available for 12 or more. Tickets may also be purchased at the Musical Theatre West Box Office located at 4350 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90804. Box Office hours are 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center is located at 6200 East Atherton Street, Long Beach, CA 90815. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Sunset Boulevard is the fourth and final production of Musical Theatre West's record-breaking 60th Anniversary season and made possible through the generous contributions of Associate Producers Universal Care, Richard Neri & Kurt Schulzman; Show Sponsors Larry & Shari Nemirow; and Honorary Producers for Musical Theatre West's 2012-2013 Season: Ken & Dottie Reiner, and the Ackerman Family/ Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation. Now in its 60th record-breaking (2012/2013) anniversary season, MTW is Southern California's premier musical theatre company under the leadership of Executive Director/Producer Paul Garman. www.musical.org