Nicole Scherzinger to star in West End Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy- Page 19

[Broadway Flash]

Posted: 11/23/23 at 3:43pm

Does anybody have any knowledge of when this is transferring? It would be fabulous if it was this spring. It would make sense to come in this spring since it’s closing in jan in london. Majestic??

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 11/23/23 at 4:30pm

Dolly80 said: "This is transferring in March"

If that's true (and I really hope it is) they must be making an announcement very soon.

[chernjam]

Posted: 11/23/23 at 9:19pm

I'm eagerly hoping for a Broadway transfer and cast recording.  I'd be surprised if that happens that early (this Spring)  There's already a number of revivals this year for competition (Merrily, Spamalot, Tommy, and The Wiz I think).  The Olivier awards are in March so maybe they want to see how it does with those awards and continue to build momentum.  Maybe even have another limited run in London next year before a 24-25 season transfer? 

Is the majestic even going to be done in terms of renovations? 

[binau]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 2:53am

If this does open in March it's quite an interesting race between Merrily, Cabaret and Sunset for some of the major awaredsl. I think I would divvy up the awards as follows (recognising Cabaret opinion based on original London incarnation):

1. Best Revival & Director - Sunset

2. Best Actress - Sunset

3. Best Actor & Supporting Actor - Merrily 

Sorry Cabaret. 

[Seb28]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 5:20am

binau said: "Sorry Cabaret."

Maybe the director of Cabaret can throw in some Rick Astley and Kanye West jokes, some twerking, maybe add a few funny posters of Liza Minelli and John Kander and laugh at them, take the piss out of the story and lyrics, and give the characters a few Iphones in the scenes, while singing about 1929 Berlin and the invasion of Nazi's, then she can compete for best director too?

 

Updated On: 11/24/23 at 05:20 AM

[blasvader]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 6:30am

Cabaret absolutely trumps Sunset in delivering both spectacle and emotion under Frecknall's direction. And her production accomodates different interpretations by different actors, even if I have a  preference for the original cast taken together as a whole. She knows when to go big and when to go small and her choices all fit in a broader vision  unlike Lloyd's, which muddles everything it wants to say about the art form at the center of the piece. It's fun, but as the one of the best London critics put it, it's hologram than heart. 

That being said, Nicole should get the cast albun Grammy absolutely. Her voice is marvellous. 

[OhHiii]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 7:00am

blasvader said: "Cabaret absolutely trumps Sunset in delivering both spectacle and emotion under Frecknall's direction. And her production accomodates different interpretations by different actors, even if I have a preference for the original cast taken together as a whole. She knows when to go big and when to go small and her choices all fit in a broader vision unlike Lloyd's, which muddles everything it wants to say about the art form at the center of the piece. It's fun, but as the one of the best London critics put it, it's hologram than heart.

That being said, Nicole should get the cast albun Grammy absolutely. Her voice is marvellous."

Nicole will 100% take the Tony for this if it transfers. And yes, you’re correct, she’ll get a Grammy for the cast album.

Also hilarious that you’re using a single London critic when the overwhelming majority of the reviews were 5 stars across the board. It’s ok if a production isn’t your cup of tea, but let’s operate in reality here, yeah?  

[blasvader]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 7:16am

OhHiii said: "blasvader said: "Cabaret absolutely trumps Sunset in delivering both spectacle and emotion under Frecknall's direction. And her production accomodates different interpretations by different actors, even if I have a preference for the original cast taken together as a whole. She knows when to go big and when to go small and her choices all fit in a broader vision unlike Lloyd's, which muddles everything it wants to say about the art form at the center of the piece. It's fun, but as the one of the best London critics put it, it's hologram than heart.

That being said, Nicole should get the cast albun Grammy absolutely. Her voice is marvellous."

Nicole will 100% take the Tony for this if it transfers. And yes, you’re correct, she’ll get a Grammy for the cast album.

Also hilarious that you’re using a single London critic when the overwhelming majority of the reviews were 5 stars across the board. It’s ok if a production isn’t your cup of tea, but let’s operate in reality here, yeah? "

I quoted that critic because I consider her to be one of the best, exactly as I mentioned. I wanted to echo her thoughts, nothing else, since she put it better than me. Did I say that it didn't get other reviews? So unncessarily hostile about something I didn't even say. Can also direct you to other very good ones with similar criticisms since you are clearly keeping count.  

[OhHiii]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 8:34am

The people who don’t like this production really do *actively* hate it, huh? I hope you all can find peace with this this holiday season. 

[lopside]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 9:29am

OhHiii said: "The people who don’t like this production really do *actively* hate it, huh? I hope you all can find peace with this this holiday season."

The person you picked a fight with just stated an opinion but you took it personally and attacked them, rather than address any of their criticisms. Not the first time you've done that in this thread. Are you part of the production?

[binau]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 10:08am

I don’t think there is much point to address because it just comes down to personal opinions and experiences. Someone dismissed Nicole’s vocal acting as weak - I couldn’t disagree more strongly. I think it’s among the best I’ve ever heard, and I think seeing Rachel Tucker in the same role confirmed this to me. Similarly, some of the gimmicks of the production don’t seem to work for some. They do for me. So what else is there to say? Regardless, the way I feel about this production emotionally probably is best represented by ‘something’s coming’ (going to avoid a cheap joke about these being actually good lyrics). There is magic happening at the Savoy that I think will be unleashed to the world with a NYC transfer, cast recording etc. and I can’t wait for that to happen. 
 

Perhaps biggest concern right now is the hype train is getting too strong that it may lead to disappointment (whereas, I went in expecting junk so it’s easier to be impressed). 

[Seb28]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 11:11am

binau said: "Perhaps biggest concern right now is the hype train is getting too strong that it may lead to disappointment (whereas, I went in expecting junk so it’s easier to be impressed)."

Hypes are always short-lived. In a few weeks there will be something new. People nowadays seem desperate to jump from one hype to the next. Without any critical thinking. So I wouldn't worry too much about the strength of this particular hype.

I feel that once the novelty of the long, unnecessary note, the fun gimmick of the filming, wears off, there is not much left.

For the people who do truly love the material and score beyond the hype, there are some much better versions of "With one look" out there, sung better, with a great dynamic orchestra, tempo changes, versions that feel much more alive and thrilling. But I'm sure everyone who loves the score already knows that.

Updated On: 11/24/23 at 11:11 AM

[JasonC3]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 11:29am

"magic unleashed to the world" might sound to some like the hype train is indeed getting a bit too strong

[binau]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 12:29pm

The only person I can think of who might sing "With One Look" better than Nicole is potentially Betty Buckley (at least, in comparison to Glenn Close, Patti Lupone and Elaine Paige). But going back to these recordings I find them so fast - I love the slow self-indulgent tempos of this production. It has the effect of wringing as much emotion as possible. And I love the long 'unnecessary' (but necessary) way in "Never said goodbye" they hold I've come HOMEEEEEEEEEEEE at last. When you've got it, flaunt it. 

[Broadway Flash]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 3:14pm

I actually really dislike holding it out for that long. I don’t see a reason for it, and the number seems to drag. I prefer Glenn close doing it which had movement to the number and a build. This version is far too slow. But holding out notes seems to be a trend. Someone in London sang I dreamed a dream and also held out a note for a really long time. Ew

[akhoya87]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 5:58pm

Just got out of tonight's performance.  Going in, I was very skeptical of this production -- I generally do not like Jamie Lloyd's direction.  Could not stand his Seagull and did not really think the direction worked in A Doll's House, either.  (Jessica Chastain, however, was stellar.)

On the whole, I think Nicole Scherzinger elevates the production so much that you can look past some of the questionable directorial choices.  While I like making fun of Lloyd's minimalism as much as the next person, I think it actually worked for some scenes (certainly toward the end).  The fact that the rest of the company had mostly blank facial expressions (perhaps as a contrast to Nicole's exaggerated looks?) was not a choice that worked for me.  At the end of Act I, the camera work felt a bit one-trick, but I thought it was more effectively used in Act II (particularly the scene with Betty and Joe, which I won't spoil).  The horror-like elements of the production worked.  The random twerking in the middle of Act I and turning Norma Desmond into Kim Kardashian later on did not.

But my goodness.  Whatever skepticism I had about Nicole Scherzinger (more curiosity, if anything) went right out the window after With One Look.  I had chills listening to her With One Look and As If We Never Said Goodbye.  (I've only seen the Kennedy Center production live, so I don't have Glenn Close, Patti Lupone, or others as comparators.)  Sure, Nicole Scherzinger can belt with the best of them -- but I think she effectively captured the fragility of Norma, in a way that SJB did not.  (To be fair, Nicole's also had much more time with the role...)

All told, I think I liked the production -- and think I have a better understanding of Jamie Lloyd's vision.  That's not to say I like his directorial approach:  I still like a full set and don't like having to mentally fill in the gaps left by his minimalism.  But I kind of get it now.

And Nicole Scherzinger -- what a revelation.

Also, random bit of trivia, but Jane Krakowski and Phoebe Waller-Bridge were both at tonight's show.  

Updated On: 11/24/23 at 05:58 PM

[Seb28]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 6:35pm

binau said: "The only person I can think of who might sing "With One Look" better than Nicole is potentially Betty Buckley (at least, in comparison to Glenn Close, Patti Lupone and Elaine Paige). "

I think these are the definitive versions of "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye". 

 

[binau]

Posted: 11/24/23 at 6:42pm

I agree akhoya87 that the strength of Nicole’s performance is not the belting. It is of course a part of it - but so many Normas including Rachel Tucker can belt right now. It’s the fragility of being able to sing vulnerability with a very controlled vibrato on soft notes that is highly unusual - something in my opinion only people like Bernadette Peters or Betty Buckley can do well. Combine this with some of the money notes and it’s just so satisfying. 

[chernjam]

Posted: 11/25/23 at 1:16am

Seb28 said: "binau said: "The only person I can think of who might sing "With One Look" better than Nicole is potentially Betty Buckley (at least, in comparison to Glenn Close, Patti Lupone and Elaine Paige)."

I think these are the definitive versions of "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye".

 

 

"

Its indeed a shame that Debra Byrne and Hugh Jackman never were able to record a cast recording.  And thinking back to the 90's when every time there was a new Norma that there was usually a new single with at least a few songs from the show how thrilling to hear these new Normas and their interpretations (have Faith Brown, Linda Balgord, Petula Clark, Betty Buckley, Helen Schneider...)
All that being said, just hearing somewhat crappy bootlegs of Nicole and Rachel, there's a new vibrancy to their interpretations that is amazing.  With One Look without the modulation in the original key/ending sounding so effortless is just spectacular.  

[lopside]

Posted: 11/28/23 at 8:04am

Interesting comments from Lloyd Webber

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-Broadway-is-Now-Almost-a-Vanity-Project-20231128

“A statistic I got last week for London is that for every pound that it generates in the theatre, it generates £1.40 in the local economy,”

“Theatre is, in my view, in the UK, an incredibly exciting and good investment."

“Broadway is now almost a vanity project and the only shows that can survive on Broadway are shows like The Lion King or Hamilton, which are so huge that they can more than break even.

“To put a musical on Broadway now would cost roughly $20 million.”

Lloyd Webber continued: “I passionately ask for two things: that theatre is supported by government a little more than perhaps it is at the moment, and I passionately ask you, if you are thinking of investing, to think of Britain first and think of our theatre.”

[OhHiii]

Posted: 12/1/23 at 12:54pm

Rave review from Peter Marks. Really feels like when this comes, American Theatre Wing can just go ahead and engrave the Tony for Nicole.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater/2023/11/30/sunset-boulevard-scherzinger-jamie-lloyd/

[chernjam]

Posted: 12/1/23 at 2:53pm

OhHiii said: "Rave review from Peter Marks. Really feels like when this comes, American Theatre Wing can just go ahead and engrave the Tony for Nicole.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater/2023/11/30/sunset-boulevard-scherzinger-jamie-lloyd/"

Wow - between this and the NY Times review, ALW's Sunset Blvd has never gotten reviews like this.  Even in 1994 the most you could say was they were "mixed."   

[cam5y]

Posted: 12/2/23 at 4:05am

lopside said: "It's sold well, but there's no guarantee it will continue to do so. I feel like the hype hasn't reached the broader public in quite the same way, otherwise it would have sold out for the remainder of its run. Plus, there seem to have been shows that were lined up beforehand anyways and shifting the setup to another venue might be too expensive and not worth it.

Also, seem to remember Chastain mentioning further life for Doll's House, and there's nowhere else for that to go but the West End. Wouldn't be surprised if Llloyd is already committed to doing that in London just post Sunset."

I wouldn’t read too much into that - people are pretty skint here in the UK, and most non-Rachel performances only have £295 and £195 tickets available, that’s insane for the WE. (The exceptions are the performances around Xmas when many people leave London). The show has huge buzz.

I really enjoyed it and thought Nicole’s performance was great. Fab voice (not classically beautiful, I wouldn’t put it up with Audra or anything) but worked really well in the role. I thought her acting was a bit OTT, even for the part. Am seeing Rachel on Monday so will be interested in the comparison.

The walking that fabulous Tom does once he gets on the street is about the length of an NYC block (street not avenue). Not sure the best way of doing that at the St James.

[binau]

Posted: 12/2/23 at 4:55am

For west end standards the show is as hyped and is selling as well as you could expect. It also has all been after the performances started and reviews came that it really took off. There wouldn’t be many if any hotter tickets atm. 

Updated On: 12/2/23 at 04:55 AM

[BETTY22]

Posted: 12/2/23 at 6:28pm

Bob from the Shubert organization was at the show in London today.