Sunset Boulevard Revival Broadway Thread

[Flowerlovestage5]

I sawed the matinee today. The show was fabulous. 

The orchestra was sublime and exactly what a Broadway musical should be. Rich and elegant. 

The creative design of the show, from beginning to end, was delightful. Nothing of a huge spectacle, but just enough to give us a fresh, visually inviting show to look at. The choreography and placement of each performer on the stairs and platforms worked beautifully. As I said before, loved the other design elements of the show but I won't give them away.

The  ensemble did great work. 

Michael Xavier did a fine job. Yes, I thought his singing was not as "full" a sound as I would have expected for a musical theatre performer, but he was very good. It's obvious to see how two women could go for him, he's very attractive and I feel, gives off a warm and friendly presence. Someone you would take to easily. There were moments that I felt his intentions were not the clearest.

Fred Johanson, enjoyed him thoroughly. Great character actor. Thought he played the part well and his voice was perfect for the role. I questioned whether we would come across as age appropriate but he did. 

Siobhan Dillon - I think this woman deserves a nomination of SOME sort. I thought she was perfection. Her vocals were lovely and her acting was just as sweet. I felt she gave the character a wonderful spark of energy. Every time she came onto the stage, I really felt she was indelible. She did great work. 

All three UK transfers were a great pairing together and with Close. 

Glenn Close. What can I say? Heartbreaking, strong  willed and sad. I didn't see her original run but good for her, returning to a role 22 years later and from what I'm reading, giving a fresh and new performance. Close is up there with the best of them and she deserved the standing ovations she received. She is the consummate professional. Her performance is thorough, focused, and nuanced. In the moment and alert to everything around her. Genuine performance.  Many wonderful moments that I will remember.

I didn't expect her vocals to be outstanding as I don't feel she is a singer with extensive range and sound quality. I will say, she was haunting and lovely with most of the material while certain sections and notes were rough. Very strained and raw. That is just my opinion. I found those notes to be extremely unpleasant... But who cares? Her acting and devotion made up for it and she made it work. Good for her. Not to mention she looks fantastic and is clearly in great physical shape. 

The tweaks to her costumes were just the right touch. I've only seen pictures of the original production so I was able to spot the changes. 

This production is worth seeing for the first time or if you are revisiting the material. 

SPOLIER: 

Young Norma:

She looked more like Molly Ringwald. I could have done without this element completely. I understand the "concept" of what they were going for behind her psyche/image of former self. That's not to say it didn't work at all .... I just think they overused it. 

The first time she appeared, it worked. I got over it. The second time, during the dance.. I thought that was pushing it. The rest of the show, she wandered around like a zombie. A literal ghost of sorts? Ok. It was very distracting, however brief on a whole. The material is strong and haunting enough, it was uncalled for. Follies has an entirely different approach to this factor in the story line, wrong musical here. My opinion. 

 

Please go see this production! 

 

 

[VotePeron]

[Spoilers]

Saw the matinee today after not being familiar with the show at all. I thought it was ok. Glenn and the orchestra were leagues better than any other aspect of the production, which I found to be shockingly emotionally devoid. 

It baffles me how mediocre the direction was, given the stature of Lonny Price. The dummy of Joe that hangs above the proscenium throughout the entire show was ridiculous and a dumb effect when actually used. The younger shadow of Norma served literally no point and ultimately an unsatisfying device. The car was silly and out of place, and I personally thought the projections were more distracting than enhancing. 

I didn't feel like there was a coherent aesthetic or conceptual approach to the show. Close's performance was played with truth, heart, and soul, but the rest of the supporting actors lacked virtually any depth, and seemed caricatures of themselves. 

If Close, and perhaps the 40 piece orchestra, weren't involved with this revival, it'd probably be gone next month. But I guess for super-fans and Close die hards, it will do. 

[VotePeron]

double post

[n2nbaby]

How is the view from the rush seats? I've never been in the balcony at the Palace before.

[muscle23ftl]

I think the balcony is better than not seeing the show at all. But if you can afford better seats, get them.

[LimelightMike]

Had inquired about this earlier. Is the stage high? I have a seat in Row AA of the orchestra, and I'm worried my view will be obstructed...

[10086sunset]

@Limelight, the stage at the Palace is high. That said, I think you should be fine and not be obstructed...

[singerunlimited]

Trying to figure out this obstruction on the house left side. I have seats on the front row in the balcony on the house left side with a group (A 11-21). What should I expect with regards to the view from these seats?

[Willie4316]

Any updates on the rush line? What's the chance I could grab tickets at 4 or 5pm?

[boonanas]

Willie4316 said: "Any updates on the rush line? What's the chance I could grab tickets at 4 or 5pm?

 

"

Plenty of people have posted updates on the rush lines.  I got my rush tickets for Saturdays matinee 10 minutes before curtain

 

[bryan2]

I  saw this on Saturday night  it was still an amazing night in the theater...(I do admit I do miss the sets) but the cast makes up for the lack of sets...All the leads were fantastic in my opinion /Joe and Betty were the best I have seen and I last night was the 7th time I have seen this show. Having seen Glenn 20 years ago in this and I always said she started off crazy and there was no where to go but crazy..now she slowly decends into hell...(very much like the Betty Buckley performance actually) a great performance ..I actually loved the "young norma" I found it very effective....I am so happy to have seen this again..I was a bit apprehensive due to my love for it...but damn it still gets to me!!...  yes Glenns voice is weak and there were a couple of trips and the Velcro not holding up but this woman was amazing!!

 

[Willie4316]

boonanas said: "Willie4316 said: "Any updates on the rush line? What's the chance I could grab tickets at 4 or 5pm?

"

Plenty of people have posted updates on the rush lines.  I got my rush tickets for Saturdays matinee 10 minutes before curtain
 

"

I know people have updated on the lines. Some posts said they were able to get tickets closer to curtain, and some said there were a fairly long line in the morning before the box office opened. 

[little_sally]

Has anyone tried to get more than 1 rush ticket? Is it 1 or 2 per person?

[Willie4316]

1-2 at most.

[chernjam]

considering how Sunset's 5 preview performances outgrossed the other three ALW shows 8 performances this week (!!!) I would think that whatever discounts were offered will not be extended.  Just a peek at a few perfromances on ticketmaster and a LOT of tickets have gone in just a week or so. Word of mouth is definitely spreading and I would think post-reviews, this will again be a major hot ticket.  So for those of you thinking about it - I'd use those codes while you can.

I spent $169 per ticket (x2) and plan on going back.  Three days later I'm still thinking and have that glorious music played by that amazing orchestra flowing in my head.  BWW interview with Lonny Price (and the rest of the team/cast) really sheds a lot of terrific insights into his approach: http://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay/BWW-TV-Normas-Back-Glenn-Close-Company-Get-Ready-to-Bring-SUNSET-BOULEVARD-Back-to-Broadway-20170125 

[TheSassySam]

I got a ticket for Center Orchestra Row T Seat 110, will there be any obstruction? 

[backwoodsbarbie]

I saw the Saturday night performances and it was my first real experience with the show. I can't help but think this piece must have inspired Ryan Murphy for AHS: Hotel. Lady Gaga's character reminds me so much of Norma and that eerie quality of the house as well. I would love to see Lady gaga play Norma Desmond in about 20 years. 

[chernjam]

backwoods - I could see that casting

[BroadwayConcierge]

backwoodsbarbie said: "I would love to see Lady gaga play Norma Desmond in about 20 years."

Somebody get the contracts for this signed, pronto!

[dwirth]

Chernjam - couldn't agree more that "Eternal Youth" - usually a throwaway - really landed in this version (specifically called that out to those I saw show with....). And Glenn sang "So much to SEE... Not just today but always" in As If...". Not the usual lines, I think. 

Only 1 lyric totally changed vs what I know it to ne... A whole Joe phrase in "Too Much in Love..." (Maybe changed for Cleale/Uriarte tour - the playful staging of this number?) 

[muscle23ftl]

My only issue with this show is Miss Dillon unfortunately. She delivers her lines without the sass and pizzazz that Judy Kuhn used on the recording and in the LA production. Also her voice isn't nearly as raspy or rich as Judy's and she had to struggle a bit to reach the higher notes, which Judy did effortlessly. She also blends right into the ensemble, you can barely pick her apart and Judy had a more distinctive look -maybe I should blame whoever did hair/wigs for the show-. With that said, her role is not big enough to ruin the show and she wasn't bad, she just wasn't that great, yet, I think she was better than Alice Ripley. I had major issues with Ripley's Betty.

[chernjam]

dwirth - that was it - there was a lyric change in Too Much In Love to Care...  I remember thinking that at the time, but wasn't paying close enough attention to remember it.

 

While we're focusing on the little things - was surprised that the extended "bows"/exit music didn't happen.  They played the tremendous instrumental of "As If We Never Said Goodbye" when Glenn returned to the stage, but was waiting for the symphonic suite - particularly with that orchestra.  Does anyone know if that was just because of previews (or perhaps because it was the matinee) or is that what they did in London as well.

[QueenAlice]

I saw many lovely young actresses play Betty in the original production (including Alice Ripley) but it's true that the only truly "great" Betty was Judy Kuhn in Los Angeles. And I think that was mostly because of the quality she had (particularly early in her career) to be shrewd and strong and yet at the same time incredibly vulnerable and open. Trevor Nunn used this  quality to great effect in Les Mis and Chess and again in Sunset. To me it was the only time Betty felt like the 4th star of the show rather than a somewhat thankless supporting role.

[muscle23ftl]

QueenAlice said: "I saw many lovely young actresses play Betty in the original production (including Alice Ripley) but it's true that the only truly "great" Betty was Judy Kuhn in Los Angeles. And I think that was mostly because of the quality she had (particularly early in her career) to be shrewd and strong and yet at the same time incredibly vulnerable and open. Trevor Nunn used this  quality to great effect in Les Mis and Chess and again in Sunset. To me it was the only time Betty felt like the 4th star of the show rather than a somewhat thankless supporting role.

 

"

you are saying exactly how I feel. Judy Kuhn is one tough act to follow.

[QueenAlice]

Kuhn was also for my money the only one to pull off the "Too Much in Love to Care" scene and song. Seeing the revival reminded me of how rather ridiculous the arc for Betty is in the musical : she's expected to be wry and probing and then in one scene do a turnaround singing she is "too much in love to care" - it's more than just about any actress could be expected to pull off and yet Kuhn did superbly. 

[muscle23ftl]

I think Ann Crumb would have been able to do Betty justice too.