GUYS & DOLLS, SPIDER WOMAN & Block in SUNSET BLVD at the Kennedy Center- Page 9
GUYS & DOLLS, SPIDER WOMAN & Block in SUNSET BLVD at the Kennedy Center
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#200
Posted: 2/3/23 at 4:50pm
Nice piece...this line stood out: "Block seizes each melodic moment like a Green Beret charging a key hill."
Uh oh. Sounds....a bit much.
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#201
Posted: 2/3/23 at 5:12pm
Really great review for SJB, which is great after so many posters trying to bring her down in the last few pages. I wish I could see her in this role.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#202
Posted: 2/3/23 at 5:39pm
Trying to bring her down? Oh please.
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#203
Posted: 2/3/23 at 6:10pm
Listener said: "Nice piece...this line stood out: "Block seizes each melodic moment like a Green Beret charging a key hill."
Uh oh. Sounds....a bit much."
I mean, the very next line unambiguously compliments Block and her singing, so I don't think this is meant as a negative. Not to mention, I think it's perfectly appropriate for Norma to be "a bit much".
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#204
Posted: 2/3/23 at 6:24pm
The Kennedy Center sent an email about no fees for Sunset Boulevard tickets for 24 hours. And if anyone is a MyTix member, the Wednesday matinee will be available Monday.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/30/22
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#205
Posted: 2/3/23 at 7:23pm
From an interview with the director on Playbill: “When Block brought the idea of starring in Sunset to the Kennedy Center’s Vice President Jeffrey Finn…”
So she basically cast herself. Oh, dear.
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#206
Posted: 2/3/23 at 8:25pm
She cast herself pretty spectacularly.
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#207
Posted: 2/3/23 at 11:10pm
I saw the show Wednesday and when I saw front row center for the low 100s on StubHub for tonight I jumped.
I went into the show blind outside of knowing a few songs, and nothing of the story. I was really amazed. My first viewing I did spend a lot of time being like “wtf this is plot is messed up” and there were some technical issues as mentioned. I was row C Balcony so faces were faint, but I walked away very impressed.
Tonight, getting to watch the performances up close was like night and day, and even with just one show between the two I saw lots of improvements, and some very effective but slight blocking/cues.
They were filming tonight. 4 serious looking cameras.
Truly, I found SJB to be nothing short of spectacular. I don’t have a measuring stick for this role, but as performances go (and I try to see every musical every season), it was really something to behold.
If you can see it, GO! StubHub Had lots of cheap choices if you’re local.
-Jeff Bowen's worst onstage line flub.
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#208
Posted: 2/3/23 at 11:38pm
suicidalmickeymouse said: "I saw the show Wednesday and when I saw front row center for the low 100s on StubHub for tonight I jumped.
I went into the show blind outside of knowing a few songs, and nothing of the story. I was really amazed. My first viewing I did spend a lot of time being like “wtf this is plot is messed up” and there were some technical issues as mentioned. I was row C Balcony so faces were faint, but I walked away very impressed.
Tonight, getting to watch the performances up close was like night and day, and even with just one show between the two I saw lots of improvements, and some very effective but slight blocking/cues.
They were filming tonight. 4 serious looking cameras.
Truly, I found SJB to be nothing short of spectacular. I don’t have a measuring stick for this role, but as performances go (and I try to see every musical every season), it was really something to behold.
If you can see it, GO! StubHub Had lots of cheap choices if you’re local."
Thanks for this review.
The score is glorious and with a full orchestra and some power-voices, I had to believe that this would be something special. When this first announced, I was booking trips on amtrack to get down t DC for the day for tomorrow.... But alas a friends wedding made this impossible for me. Hope others will enjoy!
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/05
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#209
Posted: 2/4/23 at 3:09am
The only ALW score I adore. And, I had watch the original in a film class, the story is brilliant. Watch the original. It's fantastic.
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#210
Posted: 2/4/23 at 3:56am
Nicticorax said: "Listener said: "Nice piece...this line stood out: "Block seizes each melodic moment like a Green Beret charging a key hill."
Uh oh. Sounds....a bit much."
I mean, the very next line unambiguously compliments Block and her singing, so I don't think this is meant as a negative. Not to mention, I think it's perfectly appropriate for Norma to be "a bit much"."
Well, it's all about degrees of "much". SJB, who I do enjoy, has a lot of force in her voice. I think what makes or breaks a Norma - aside from ability to sing the score well - is the vulnerability and seductive aspects of the character.
I mean, I haven't seen her performance, but I'm hoping she finds the balance between all those aspects and doesn't just sing the two big songs "hard" for lack of a better term. The idea of a soldier on a mission? I think that captures how Block does certain songs, and in the past it has worked. We'll have to see how SJB handles this one, basically.
And "much" can also equal campy. Some people like their Norma's campy and OTT (Hi Glenn's Tony Award!) and I don't really lean in that direction.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#211
Posted: 2/4/23 at 5:45am
Great point about degrees Listener.
I concur that some people have strong preferences for the degree of "much" they want from Norma Desmond. I've seen some very capable performers/performances that were just out of sync with those expectations.
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#212
Posted: 2/4/23 at 10:25am
Please don’t crucify me for asking, but does anyone know of any of the cast has been signing after? I wouldn’t try but I really want Auliʻi Cravalho to sign my Moana pop. Just wanna gage beforehand if it’s worth my time waiting.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/18/11
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#214
Posted: 2/4/23 at 6:28pm
CATSNYrevival said: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp-lnCIjk0U"
Derek comes across as very young. I think Joe should read closer to 40 than 30. He’s supposed to have been beaten up by the business and at the end of his rope. Derek looks so fresh and as if all he would have to do is flash a smile, and people would throw money and opportunity his way.
Chorus Member Joined: 7/27/10
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#216
Posted: 2/4/23 at 6:35pm
This was fantastic. Stephanie has found SO much to mine, acting and vocals, the role feels fresh. Her descent into madness is a slow burn, and it humanizes her. I actually think she might replace Buckley as my favorite Norma. I can’t believe I just said that. Rest of the cast is a dream. And Cravalho is going to be one to watch. Her voice is so effortless and she pulls off a sassier, wiser Betty.
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#217
Posted: 2/4/23 at 6:44pm
pmensky said: "Derek comes across as very young. I think Joe should read closer to 40 than 30. He’s supposed to have been beaten up by the business and at the end of his rope."
Was Claybourne Elder too busy?
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#218
Posted: 2/4/23 at 6:59pm
pmensky said: "Derek comes across as very young. I think Joe should read closer to 40 than 30. He’s supposed to have been beaten up by the business and at the end of his rope. Derek looks so fresh and as if all he would have to do is flash a smile, and people would throw money and opportunity his way."
William Holden was 32 and Gloria Swanson was 51.
Derek Klena is 31 and Stephanie J. Block is 50.
If Joe started in the business at 19 or even 22, a decade later he could absolutely be beaten up and spit out and cynical by the entertainment business. Whether Klena is a skilled enough actor to illustrate that is another story. What works about the film is that Billy Wilder didn't treat it as Norma's story –– it was Joe's story through the eyes of Norma. The stage musical makes it more about Norma, when the more interesting thing is two powerhouse performers.
There needs to be a meaningful gap between Joe and Norma. There's nothing unusual about a 40-year-old man dating a 50-year-old woman.
Broadway Star Joined: 7/18/11
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#219
Posted: 2/4/23 at 7:03pm
ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "pmensky said: "Derek comes across as very young. I think Joe should read closer to 40 than 30. He’s supposed to have been beaten up by the business and at the end of his rope. Derek looks so fresh and as if all he would have to do is flash a smile, and people would throw money and opportunity his way."
William Holden was 32 and Gloria Swanson was 51.
Derek Klena is 31 and Stephanie J. Block is 50.
If Joe started in the business at 19 or even 22, a decade later he could absolutely be beaten up and spit out and cynical by the entertainment business. Whether Klena is a skilled enough actor to illustrate that is another story. What works about the film is that Billy Wilder didn't treat it as Norma's story –– it was Joe's story through the eyes of Norma. The stage musical makes it more about Norma, when the more interesting thing is two powerhouse performers.
There needs to be a meaningful gap between Joe and Norma. There's nothing unusual about a 40-year-old man dating a 50-year-old woman."
I said he READS young. I know how old he is. He still looks 24.
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#220
Posted: 2/4/23 at 8:17pm
I agree Derek reads younger than he is. Maybe it’s the aforementioned piece.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/05
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#221
Posted: 2/4/23 at 10:05pm
I disagree, I think he looks his age. Block however looks fantastic for 50. Would never have guessed.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/20/18
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#222
Posted: 2/4/23 at 11:40pm
Anyway, how's Auli'I Cravalho in this? I actually don't know her work outside of MOANA and social media posts, where she's a real belter and a spitfire/fun personality.
Updated On: 2/4/23 at 11:40 PM
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#223
Posted: 2/5/23 at 11:17am
pmensky said: "CATSNYrevival said: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp-lnCIjk0U"
Derek comes across as very young. I think Joe should read closer to 40 than 30. He’s supposed to have been beaten up by the business and at the end of his rope. Derek looks so fresh and as if all he would have to do is flash a smile, and people would throw money and opportunity his way."
I agree that he looks too young/inexperienced. Also, his vocals feels rushed, as though he's running his lines in his head and trying to get them all out quickly without screwing them up. And there's something about his pronunciation of the word "boulevard" that's like nails on a chalkboard to me. As much as I would've LOVED another chance to see this show, I'm glad I didn't invest in a trip to DC for this.
"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene"
- Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
SUNSET BOULEVARD at the Kennedy Center#224
Posted: 2/5/23 at 11:18am
CATSNYrevival said: "pmensky said: "Derek comes across as very young. I think Joe should read closer to 40 than 30. He’s supposed to have been beaten up by the business and at the end of his rope."
Was Claybourne Elder too busy?"
Yes! Claybourne Elder would have been PERFECTION.
"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene"
- Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage
Videos
