Sunset Boulevard Revival Broadway Thread

[Theater_Nerd]

I am not a fan of Glenn Close's singing voice but I am a fan of her acting. That being said, I never truly warmed up to her interpretation of Norma Desmond or her handling of the score. It's a polarizing performance to say the least.

In my opinion Betty Buckley was everything Norma needed to be both musically and dramatically. She was the whole package - - - and boy did she deliver.

I wish it was Buckley returning.

[Whateverjsays]

BroadwayConcierge said: "^Agreed. Granted, I've already purchased my tickets, but I'm most awaiting casting for this production of almost anything else this spring.

Gotta echo Cinders on another board and say I'm rooting for Sierra Boggess as Betty.

 

"

I didn't even think about Sierra because I knew she was attached to Phantom in Paris, but with that postponed it could work! She's not attached to anything else that we know of, ALW loves her, limited engagement so she wouldn't have to commit for a long time and I think it'd finally get her a Tony nomination. If Sierra gets cast I will get tickets to this instead of Anastasia. Fingers crossed they announce it soon

[BroadwayConcierge]

Exactly, Whateverjsays, the ALW love for Boggess gives me hope! I'm with you and really, really hoping they announce casting sooner than later.

[scampsweep]

I very much doubt Sierra Boggess would do this tbh. Betty is a very under-written role and is very much a secondary (though important) character in the show. Having played several leads, I doubt she would do this now. However, never say never....

[Ado Annie D'Ysquith]

Question: do you guys think this would be a good show to attend with my grandmother (who is an enormous fan of Old Hollywood)? I personally want to form my own opinion of Glenn Close here. Lol

[MannPhan24601]

Listening to the score for the first time and I can picture Chris Mann playing Joe.He just finished his run in the restaged Phantom tour......

[BroadwayConcierge]

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-News-Michael-Xavier-Siobhan-Dillon-Fred-Johanson-Will-Reunite-with-Glenn-Close-in-SUNSET-BOULEVARD-on-Broadway-20161114

[emo_geek]

Do y'all think if I see Sunset Blvd at 3 I could make it in time to eat my pie/see Sweeney off broadway?

EDIT: I did the math and it would be a mad dash, especially if I pre-ordered a pie. Just to be safe, I got Wednesday night tickets to Sweeney. 

[Daddy Warbucks]

How well did this show do financially in its most recent London production?

[BroadwayConcierge]

Any word on how this is selling? I'm getting myself into the Sunset score for the very first time, and it's just tremendously good. I can't wait to see Close in this role.

[Scarywarhol]

Daddy Warbucks said: "How well did this show do financially in its most recent London production?

 

"

The minimalist Doyle-ish version before the Close concerts? Flop. 

[muscle23ftl]

The production at the ENO with Glenn Close was a sold out hit in London.

[Mike66]

We saw it in London in April.  It was billed as "semi-staged", but I thought the staging was genius from start to finish -- stand out effects were two guys with headlamps as the cars.

The audience was on its feet for 10 minutes cheering when the curtain came down. 

Just a stunning performance by everyone, the orchestra was lush and rich and the staging clever and appropriate. 

Every seat was taken for the show we saw.  We paid full price.

[chernjam]

Does anyone know if they're planning on bringing the "Younger Norma" into this production too?  Curious since there was a lot of disagreement about that when this production opened in London.  Also... does anyone know if Ria Jones will understudy here?

[muscle23ftl]

I'm very happy seeing Glenn Close as Norman Desmond. No one can do it better.

[qolbinau]

God, things are still looking a little dire for this show. One month to go and look at all these free seats for the second preview (a Friday night, no less). I hope the show can last its scheduled run.

 



 

 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Definitely disheartening to see it isn't selling all that hot. This is one of the shows I'm most excited for this season.

[chernjam]

Two thoughts -

1 - Is it uncommon now that shows dont open with a huge advance pre-sale?  In years past I know that people bought tickets before something opened - but since 9/11 that changed a great deal (I remember reading some article about that at the time... too tired to google hunt for it)

2- The advertisements for this have been piss-poor pathetic.  How do you not even post on Facebook for New Years Eve clips of "The Perfect Year?"  I bought my tickets already and shared it with another "die-hard fan" who had no idea until I shared it that this was coming back

Really strange

[little_sally]

I just think it's too crowded of a year. I'm a Broadway fanatic and even I keep forgetting this is coming.

[MarkBearSF]

LOTS of seats available. I checked a mid-May Sunday and saw lots of orchestra seats - including center adjacent to premium rows. 

Not attending. We enjoyed it last May in London. We're leaving on a QM2 crossing in May and I decided to check out availability for it and Hello Dolly before posting an offer to help with recommendations and info for fellow travellers on the cruise roll call. (Personally, we're seeing nine shows in the six days before boarding. Six Degrees of Separation, Dear Evan Hansen, Glass Menagerie, Pacific Overtures, Hello Dolly, War Paint, Natasha...and the Great Comet, Come From Away, Sweeney Todd)

[FANtomFollies]

i ADORE this show and score, but can't bear to listen to Glenn 'sing' it.

[Willie4316]

Debating whether to scrap up some extra cash to see this as the surprise factor for me. Either this or War Paint

[chernjam]

@FantomFollies - Sunset remains one of my all time favorite Broadway shows (tied with Aspects of Love).  While I rarely listen to the American Premiere Recording with Glenn - I must admit that seeing her live twice (albeit 20 years ago) was quite an amazing performance.  So I don't doubt her acting abilities.  That with a 40 piece orchestra, I couldn't resist.  Sure I wish there was someone else - and that we had the original set design too... but... I didn't win the powerball, so :)

[TheSassySam]

I am sure it has been asked before, but is there any word on a discount code for this show? 

[Bettyboy72]

No discount codes yet. This is the season where the pricing is making people choose or hold off until reviews come out (aside from Dolly, it seems). At $300-$500 a pop for Glenn, War Paint, Dolly the hardc ore fan who wants a good close orchestra seat for their divas is gonna have to make choices. 

[broadwayboy222]

Or you could wait until the Rush/Lottery policies are announced and see all the big shows, and pay 30-50 dollars per show, as opposed to 300. Rush and Lottery is always the best way to see many shows at more than half of what the top ticket prices are. I've sat many times in the front row/orchestra for shows and paid no more than 40.00 for tickets. Just a tidbit of advice/information. As far as Sunset goes, I can't imagine as slow as sales are going, they won't be offering any sort of rush/lottery, as it is quite rare that any Broadway show running currently doesn't offer any sort of rush/lottery. (I think Waitress may be the only exception)