Old Hollywood continues to captivate us, and few shows evoke the magic like Sunset Blvd. It transports audiences back to a forgotten time filled with silent films, sweeping glamour, and gilded opulence. In Women’s Theatre Collective’s (WTC) latest production, co-directors Alison Gilbreath and Jenny Connors capture the desperation of faded stardom, creating the desired atmosphere of melancholy and obsessive ambition.
Based on the classic 1950 film, the musical follows aging silent film star Norma Desmond (Chris Cay Stewart), who has been discarded by the industry that made her. She spends her days dreaming of a return to the silver screen while writing a screenplay. When struggling writer Joe Gillis (Jared Sing) stumbles onto her property, Norma views his arrival as destiny. He can help turn her screenplay into the vehicle that will carry her to a comeback. Soon, Joe finds himself trapped between Norma’s demands, her protective butler Max Von Mayerling (Skip Porter), financial constraints, and the attentions of another young writer, Betty Schaefer (KC Patterson).
The performances of the cast elevate this production with seasoned voices and enthusiasm. Stewart understands that Norma is proud, manipulative, and inherently lonely. She allows a bit of vulnerability to peek out between narcissistic episodes and conveys Norma’s tragic existence convincingly. Sing’s Joe Gillis serves the character with cynicism, charm, and defeat. As the story darkens, we sympathize with his situation and root for him to pull free from the temptations of Hollywood. Patterson is a bright spot in the gloom. Her Schaefer is fresh and warm, respresentative of hope and a bright future. However, Skip Porter as Max von Mayerling emerges as the show’s greatest asset. His unwavering devotion to Norma is eerie, and he lingers like a ghost affixed to his earthly home. His sacrifices might go unnoticed, but his voice doesn’t, and he delivers “The Greatest Star of All” powerfully.
This production embraces the story’s delicious darkness. The faded glamour and dangerous obsession remind audiences why Sunset Blvd. continues to endure. Sunset Blvd. plays at WTC through May 24th. Tickets may be found online at womenstheatrecollective.org.
Photo credit: Chris Cay Stewart as Norma Desmond by Jillian Antonia
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