SUNSET BOULEVARD Runs Through 6/14 at Blackfriars Theatre

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's smash hit Broadway musical based on the classic Billy Wilder film comes to Blackfriars this May! Sunset Blvd. follows departed star of the silent screen era and tortured soul, Norma Desmond. Her glamour and fame have faded all but in her mind and she longs for her grand return to the silver screen. When she accidentally crosses paths with Joe Gillis, a struggling Hollywood screen-writer, their subsequent passionate and volatile relationship leads to a startling conclusion.

The original Broadway musical, directed by Trevor Nunn with music by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and a book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, won 7 Tony Awards in 1995 including Best Musical. The 1950 film, directed by Billy Wilder and starring William Holden and Gloria Swanson, was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 3.

"What a challenge and great fun to be re-imagining such a large show for an intimate space," says Blackfriars Artistic Director and the musical's director, John Haldoupis. "Essentially, it's a very small story with a sweeping theatrical arch. I have put together a dynamic cast and am delighted to collaborate with Broadway performer, Nicolette Hart, on the musical staging. This is going to be epic!"

The cast stars Jason Mincer as Joe Gillis and Dawn M. Sargent as Norma Desmond. The cast also features local favorite Ken Harrington as Max von Mayerling, Robyn Fazio Lasser as Betty Schaefer, William Ruiz as Artie Green, and Nicholas D. Rogers as Cecil B. DeMille. The ensemble includes Thomas Beach, Michael Ciaccia, Lauren DePuy, Sarah Goodman, Cindy Hill, Jaimi Miller, Abby Adair Reinhard, Madeline Wall and Mathew Wegman. Musical direction by Andy Pratt.

Sunset Blvd. makes its Rochester theatre debut at Blackfriars Theatre (795 East Main Street, Rochester 14605) beginning May 16 and running through June 14. Performances are Thursday's, May 22 and 29 and June 5 and 12 at 7:30 pm; Friday's, May 16, 23, and 30 and June 6 and 13 at 8:00 pm; Saturday's, May 17 and 31 and June 7 and 14 at 8:00 pm, and Sunday's, May 18 and June 1 and 8 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $31.50-$39.50 and available in person at Blackfriars Theatre, online at www.blackfriars.org, or by calling 585-454-1260. If available, tickets can be purchased at the door beginning one-hour prior to performance. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m., and Saturday's, noon to 4:00 p.m. MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted at no additional charge.

Blackfriars Theatre, a professional, not-for-profit theatre located on Rochester, NY's "Theatre Row is located at 795 East Main Street. Parking is available on site. Handicapped seating is available. For more information regarding Blackfriars Theatre, please visit their website at www.blackfriars.org.