Alice Ripley to play 'Norma Desmond' in NSMT's "Sunset Blvd"

Alice Ripley, who created the role of Betty Schaeffer in the 1994 Broadway production of 'Sunset Boulevard' will take the lead as Norma Desmond in the North Shore Musical THeater production of the ALW musical. Nicholas Rodriguez ('Tarzan' will play Joe Gillis. The show runs September 24 - October 6 in Beverly, MA .



https://www.playbill.com/article/nicholas-rodriguez-and-more-will-join-alice-ripley-in-north-shore-music-theatres-sunset-boulevard

I wish this wasn't so far away from me!

Lot666 said: "I wish this wasn't so far away from me!"

Where would you be coming in from? It's worth a trip to New England that time of year - absolutely beautiful here, and the weather is usually comfortable.

wiggum2 said: "I got my tickets a new months ago and am excited to see Ripley as Norma but I am worried about the venue and how they are going to do the mansion set."

Be prepared for the majority of the production to focus on the actors, rather than set design. The locations will most likely be "suggested" sets, using props and smaller unit pieces. I imagine there won't be fully-realized sets, due to the fact that this is an in-the-round performance space.

They do have a central elevator lift in the stage which is used to raise certain pieces up and down, though.

Google Image "North Shore Music Theatre" to see numerous photos from some of their past productions. That will give you an idea of what to expect.

Regardless, you're going to be witnessing Alice Ripley as Norma Desmond. A performance/production which will enter musical theatre folklore, simply based on the fact that it's HER playing THAT role. It will be magic.

Enjoy, and let us know your thoughts!

For such a short run, I wouldn't expect anything too crazy.

The only "insider info" I know, is that they cast a body double for Joe.

Having seen many productions here I can tell you they make very good use of the entire theater. ..there are many entry steps and during Miss Saigon and CHess they had people entering and exiting throughout the theater using the steps...I am sure that will be how they have Norma enter..(I don't see them building a staircase or scaffolding ..but they do seem to think of unique ways to use ever bit of the space...you will not be disappointed …..as far as Alice Ripley..it seems so gimmicky for her to do this...she also did Carrie as Mrs. White...she seems to be following Betty Buckley roles...and she isn't half as good ..having seen clips of Carrie (she was awful ...her voice was shot and off key....and hearing her sing As If we never said goodbye,...which she screams and again off key. and overacts ..so expect crazy from the jump.....I don't think she will be a good fit for this...she seem to think you have to sing full force and as loud as possible all the time...the only time I heard her that I liked her was her harmonies with Emily Skinner , ..I hope she is good...but don't see it..

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Photo Flash: Alice Ripley Stars In North Shore Music Theatre’s SUNSET BOULEVARD

She looks great! I’mreally interested the layout of the set/staging.

Performances began Tuesday, anyone see it yet?"

It looks like a staircase and some chandeliers. Nothing like the original Bway production!

Perhaps Mr Rodriguez should never wear anything above the waist as nothing seems to fit.

FANtomFollies said: "Just watched the BWW video preview and Alice Ripley's performance seems....in a word....off. I'm sure someone else will be able to better articulate their feelings but it just seems campy in a bad way."

I see what you may be picking up on. There’s a playful spark more reminiscent of Petula Clark than Gloria Swanson but it is just a short video montage. It’s impossible to judge a full performance based on that.

I find Ms. Ripley's pronunciation of certain words, particularly "dream", to be off-putting.

Mr Rodriguez seems to have a good voice, but they should fire his costume designer.

Mr. Michals is the standout to me.