Nicole Scherzinger to star in West End Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy — Page 27

inception wrote: “So, what exactly do fans of this show like about it?  From this recording it just seems like a rehash of the film with lousy songs.”

I honestly think, that to get it, you would’ve actually had to have seen the original Broadway PRODUCTION. The opulence of that production was something that we’ll most likely never see again.

MichelleCraig said: "I honestly think, that to get it, you would’ve actually had to have seen the original Broadway PRODUCTION. The opulence of that production was something that we’ll most likely never see again."

The upcoming production in Australia looks pretty opulent to me based on the preview look at the set model.  Of course anything with a few stairs would look opulent compared to this.

A killer night for Sunset at the Oliviers, Best Revival, Actress, Actor, Director among others. They couldn't have asked for a better time! I know awards don't always mean much (after all, "Back to the Future" won best musical a couple years ago!). But so nice to see this recognition. Truly one of the greatest theatre experiences I've ever had. 

Updated On: 4/14/24 at 04:16 PM

Her performance is truly incredible. I knew her vocals would be great but I was completely unprepared for her acting ability. Absolutely knocked my socks off.

Updated On: 4/14/24 at 08:03 PM

When I go to the theatre, I want to watch the performers in the frigging theatre, not on a screen.  I thought that staging was a piece of sh!t & not at all thrilling.

My time in NY this Fall will be short,  with time to only see 5 shows, and I don't think this will make the cut.  I hope to be back for longer Spring 2025; there's tickets on sale through to next Summer - let's see if it actually lasts.

Edit To clarify, I didn't like the gimmick of the staging, but his voice & presence were fantastic.  I think he would be even better performing on stage.

Updated On: 4/15/24 at 09:44 AM

inception said: "When I go to the theatre, I want to watch the performersin the frigging theatre,not on a screen. I thought that staging was a piece of sh!t & not at all thrilling.

My time in NY this Fallwill be short, with time to only see 5 shows, and I don't think this will make the cut. I hope to be back for longer Spring 2025; there's tickets on sale through to nextSummer - let's see if it actually lasts.

Edit To clarify, I didn't like the gimmick of the staging, but his voice & presence were fantastic. I think hewould be even better performing on stage."

Has there been a production in recent history that put on full display so many THEATER fans' positively indignant lack of imagination? 75% of those who have knives out for this show haven't even seen it. 

If theater is only valid to you with a 30,000lb mansion set, then you should avoid entering a theater at all.

I think what I’d say about the screen is it kind of works for the concept because it’s about films. And there are far less gimmicky uses of the screen throughout than the title song. I have to agree that I think people are distracted here at the technical feat than the story telling - but there is A LOT of good story telling. For example, one of the early questions was whether Nicole looked too young. Well they project her face on a giant screen and compare it to young Norma while she is watching old movies for herself. Suddenly she doesn’t look so young anymore. I think I just ask for people to watch the show. Too many people online who haven’t seen it (and some who have) are distracting the conversation on some of the gimmicks. But the overall production really is excellent story telling. And it manages to hide the flaws of the show and emphasise the strengths. It’s remarkable. 

Updated On: 4/15/24 at 11:15 AM

It's ONE NUMBER staged that way. Pretty much everything else in the show is performed in front of you on the stage, with video usage as an addition. 

While I personally found the video for the title number in the show to be far less of a big of a deal than others (something comparable has been done before other than the live orchestra element),I found the use of video in the rest of the production to be quite effective and in sync with the overall concept and staging.

And for people complaining about people complaining about absence of a mansion, let's not forget all the posted laments of a Sweeney without the whistle.  Some elements of staging become so indelibly associated with a show that it is natural a fair percentage of people will miss them.  Arguing about that seems foolhardy.

Updated On: 4/15/24 at 01:05 PM

I wouldn’t consider those things camp, I call them gimmicks.  It seems this production is mostly earnest.  Glenn Close, especially at the end, now THAT was camp, which I loveddd.  Nicole won’t surpass her for me. 

Is this production perfect? No. Does everything work? No.  Is this one of the most thrilling nights i've had in a theatre in a very long time? Yes.

Jamie Lloyd had a very clear vision for his production of SB. It's unlike anything before it and I doubt we'll see anyting like it again, as far as SB goes. Somehow he is able to create an atmosphere that engulfs the entire audience. Seriously. When Nicole comes forward to sing any of the big numbers, there is a silence that you rarely experience these days.. Everyone captivated by her Norma. And he manages to build on that. The Perfect Year scene is funny, odd and weird. The title song and video footage doesn't do much to advance the plot or tell the story, it's fat roo meta, but it is a hugely impressive feat.Towards the end of the show, there was a total blackout (including exit signs above doors etc) and it became this scary, bloody, horror show. It's shocking. But somehow, it all works together to make somethinig unforgettable.

Yes, purists will complian, the people who hate anything successful crossng the pond to Broadway will find many things to hate about it, but a huge majority of people have loved it. To take a show like SB and to take such big swings with it, even if they don't all land, can only be applauded.