SARAH BRIGHTMAN To Star in Australian SUNSET BLVD.- Page 15

[SweetLips22]

Posted: 8/29/24 at 7:08pm

Have been told that the last 3 mins are the best where she goes bat-s-it crazy.

I think she'll open to be at the Opera House and have then another 'accident' and disappear.

Her brother controls everything.She'll usually come in, do a sound check and say 'not tonight'.

Sylvie could be out the door after a matinee and have to turn around and do the evening..

She is not popular.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 8/29/24 at 11:21pm

Ok. I’ll clarify it was the worst professional performance I’ve ever seen. It was a train wreck from start to finish. Going by that video it’s still just as bad! 

[123musicalfan]

Posted: 8/30/24 at 12:56am

SweetLips22 said: "Have been told that the last 3 mins are the best where she goes bat-s-it crazy.

I think she'll open to be at the Opera House and have then another 'accident' and disappear.

Her brother controls everything.She'll usually come in, do a sound check and say 'not tonight'.

Sylvie could be out the door after a matinee and have to turn around and do the evening..

She is not popular."

 

Fascinating. I've seen her brother in some of the official rehearsal videos that were on social media. Didn't realize the extent of his control. 

I remember reading she went to the theatre even when she was not performing. 

Is she very unpopular? She seems to get along well with Tim. During curtain calls some of the Ensemble seem to react happily to her, while others look a bit bemused! 

It might have been the rehearsal period, which she later addressed in an interview and spoke about her nerves at having to perform in front of people 'at tables'. 

[Ensemble1716440075]

Posted: 8/30/24 at 8:13am

SweetLips22 said: "Have been told that the last 3 mins are the best where she goes bat-s-it crazy.

I think she'll open to be at the Opera House and have then another 'accident' and disappear.

Her brother controls everything.She'll usually come in, do a sound check and say 'not tonight'.

Sylvie could be out the door after a matinee and have to turn around and do the evening..

She is not popular."

I agree, this is interesting. Tim certainly seems genuine in his videos with her. He wants to keep his job, I'm sure, but it doesn't seem like it's all for show.

The diva stuff, though not surprising (I've long suspected she had something of this going on), seems a bit much even for her. Seems like it would be much better for her to bow out gracefully than to pull antics.

[sbflyfan]

Posted: 8/30/24 at 9:15am

I hadn't been aware of her brother being so involved and controlling until this year. She's had complete creative control over her career since 1993. The German producer she almost exclusively works with (and dated for a long time) has enabled her as well, and she's been stuck in the same loop with him since the late 90s when they had their big classical crossover successes together. (Very telling when her "Dreamchaser" album from 2013 was an interesting direction creatively, and that was with a different team of producers).

She seems nice enough, but apparently is one tough cookie behind the scenes when it comes to every detail of her song selections, orchestrations, recording sessions, costumes, concert tours, CD/DVD artwork, etc. 

Her Bravo Profiles special (narrated by Tony Roberts!) reveals some of this if you view it through that lens. Choreographer Arlene Phillips (who gave Sarah her start in Hot Gossip) discusses that it's difficult to direct her, because she thinks her way is the best way.  There's also a scene where she gets frustrated with the people helping her rehearse a technical effect for one of her concert tours.

Being thrust back into an ensemble piece, where she doesn't necessarily have the creative control she's used to, must have been a very jarring thing for her to come to terms with after being in such control for so long.  I have no doubt she was anxious about performing in a rehearsal room with 30+ people. I suspect insecurity and anxiety might have a had a lot to do with her absences. 

She's never been personally active on social media, and the process of rehearsing a show and being a "Leading Lady" again, in the traditional theatrical sense, is most likely different than she's used to at this point in her career. Probably why there's a noticeable absence of her in any behind-the-scenes posts or "Instagram Takeovers" on the cast members' personal accounts.  Nothing we can fault her for, since that's her own decision.

Regardless, I hope she's found her footing and has a successful run in Sydney!

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 8/30/24 at 11:55am

…I have to ask, why even post that video? They should have filmed and a released a spot when the cover was on for almost the entire stop. Not a single note of that clip was enjoyable. I’m surprised ALW/RUG would even want that out. 

[Ensemble1716440075]

Posted: 8/30/24 at 2:08pm

Because Sarah is still being billed as the star attraction.

[123musicalfan]

Posted: 8/30/24 at 3:29pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "…I have to ask, why even post that video? They should have filmed and a released a spot when the cover was on for almost the entire stop. Not a single note of that clip was enjoyable. I’m surprised ALW/RUG would even want that out."

Because she is still billed as the star attraction. Silvie Paladino ie amazing, but apart from one trailer where there was a snippet of her, she hasn't been 'advertised' at all. 

Not sure how relevant this is but the video has received over 5000 'likes' on instagram (so far) which is lot compared to the video of Tim singing Sunset Boulevard a few weeks ago at around 900. Even the (only) photo with Silvie that has been put up has about 500 likes.

It's probably the most popular 'post' they have the entire run. I doubt it means much when it comes to selling tickets, but I guess it shows that there is a Sarah Brightman fanbase that is not locate in Australia that is actively following this. If they were smart they might even release a longer video or maybe a single if such things exist now. 

Also, Sarah wasn't out the whole run even though it seems like she was. She was out for 3 weeks and then again for 2 and a half weeks (the latter hasn't been spoken about much). It is not good at all and very unfair on those who booked specifically to see her, but she very much performed continuously when she was on. I'd say about 60% of it was Sarah and 40% Silvie, but it would be interesting to know exactly how much. 

 

[joevitus]

Posted: 8/30/24 at 3:47pm

Or, you know, Sarah Brightman created 5,000 fake accounts. 

[Ensemble1716440075]

Posted: 8/30/24 at 3:52pm

She does have a pretty devoted fanbase in Asia and Mexico or South America, I think? I haven't followed her closely in years, but it was something like that. I know it's outside of Europe and the US where she seems to really be popular.

[sr4mjc]

Posted: 9/1/24 at 7:05pm

I have a friend over there now seeing it, sent me this 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_SH5y8Pjc2/?igsh=MXBsMHhuOXd4aXJsMQ==

[Ensemble1716440075]

Posted: 9/2/24 at 8:27am

sr4mjc said: "I have a friend over there now seeing it, sent me this

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_SH5y8Pjc2/?igsh=MXBsMHhuOXd4aXJsMQ=="

Yeah? This is an official release anyone can see.

[inception]

Posted: 9/2/24 at 7:25pm

Some speculation on Reddit that the financial failure of Sunset Blvd may have been part of the reason for the sudden resignation of Opera Australia's newest Artistic Director after only 18 months on the job - though nothing regarding that is in the linked article.

https://limelight-arts.com.au/news/jo-davies-to-leave-opera-australia-over-differences-of-opinion/

[sbflyfan]

Posted: 9/5/24 at 12:08am

Oh boy.....

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sarah-Brightman-To-Bring-SUNSET-BOULEVARD-To-Singapore-In-Asia-Premiere-20240904

[SweetLips22]

Posted: 9/5/24 at 1:47am

sbflyfan said: "Oh boy.....

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sarah-Brightman-To-Bring-SUNSET-BOULEVARD-To-Singapore-In-Asia-Premiere-20240904"

Well she IS popular in Asia so maybe this is to try and put lost monies back into the Australian Opera Company coffers.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 9/5/24 at 1:57am

Nothing more than a money grab to make up for the staggering loss this made in Melbourne. 

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 3/1/25 at 4:14pm

With the Asian leg starting on the 27th - does anyone know who the Norma understudy/cover will be?

The cast list on their website doesn’t say. I would only assume Samantha Morley or someone TBA because everyone else looks about thirty years old. 

Updated On: 3/1/25 at 04:14 PM

[BETTY22]

Posted: 3/1/25 at 4:50pm

She is going to sound amazing.....

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 8/8/25 at 7:45am

Sarah Brightman has announced that she will not finish the tour in Tapei: 

“I’m heartbroken to share that I have contracted COVID-19 and will be unable to continue performing as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard in Taipei.

It’s devastating not to be able to finish this week’s performances. I’ve absolutely loved every moment on stage here and have been deeply moved by the warmth and enthusiasm of the Taipei audiences and fans.

Thank you so much for your understanding and support. I hope to return and see you all again very soon.

With love, Sarah x”

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 8/8/25 at 8:15am

Saving the best excuse for last. I’m sure she’s heartbroken, just heartbroken!

[123musicalfan]

Posted: 8/12/25 at 2:49pm

BorisTomashevsky said: "Saving the best excuse for last. I’m sure she’s heartbroken, just heartbroken!"

It's sad that this had to end this way. 

I've been following the production like a hawk, almost daily through social media when it is on and in fairness to Sarah Brightman, she seemed to enjoy playing Norma Desmond once the show went to Sydney, she did all her scheduled performances bar one at the end, and then did every single show for three weeks in Singapore, and did the first 2 cities in China without a problem for a month (and I believe from the second city onwards also did two additional matinees a week, surprising given her Phantom history), and it was when she was in the 3rd stop (Shanghai or Wuhan) that she missed a few shows after falling ill, with Samantha Morley (then the understudy) taking over. From then onwards (for the final stop in Shenzhen) Morley was given most of the matinees and the penultimate performance as well. 

I've heard audio of when Sarah returned after taking 2 to 3 days off to recover in China, and she sounded very congested/raspy so it was definitely valid.

In Taiwan, she did 2 shows on the 2nd of August (Saturday), and 2 more on Sunday. As Monday was off, she was back on Tuesday. Wednesday was when a notice was put that she would not be able to perform, and on Thursday was when the announcement above went out. 

I've seen footage of the curtain call in Taiwan over the last few shows she did, and she received an amazing reception and looked very moved/excited (as did Tim). I spoke to some theatre fans who saw her over the weekend and they were all full of praise and said the show and Sarah had been received well. All this considered (whatever might have gone on in Melbourne), I feel she is genuinely ill this time and cannot perform. It seems unusual that she would not just continue with the remaining 5 days after sticking with it for so long, and ending with a bang, for any other reason by making an 'excuse'. 

That said, I feel that this won't be the end of the production and of Norma for her. She seems to be loving the part of Norma, from the press conferences and interviews she has done over the last few months. She doesn't have a lot to do during the year other than her Christmas tour and some solo concerts, and I can see her doing Sunset Boulevard in the various countries she usually does her tours for the next few years. I chatted with someone that worked backstage in China, and they said she starts preparing for the role on show days from noon, singing the whole score, dancing and running up and down the stairs multiple times as part of her 'workout'. They said she was very dedicated and very into the role. Who knows, but it's hard to believe that she wouldn't want to end the Taiwan run. 

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 8/12/25 at 3:11pm

^Based on what I saw on social media as well, you’ve given a great account of Sarah’s journey with the show, musicalfan.

I agree that it probably will continue to other cities (again based on what I saw on some insta stories), but I think they’ll keep Samantha in the role, and try to cash in on Tim’s great reviews and his access with fans. 

I’d predict a run in any places such as the Philippines, Seoul (and other South Korean cities), Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, and maybe even a return to Melb/Sydney. I’d throw South Africa and New Zealand in there as wildcards. They’ll need to recast as some actors have things coming up, but they seem to have a well-oiled machine and if they can make the money work (should be easy without an expensive star salary to pay) they could get another 9 months or year out of their efforts so far. 

[123musicalfan]

Posted: 8/14/25 at 11:10am

BorisTomashevsky said: "^Based on what I saw on social media as well, you’ve given a great account of Sarah’s journey with the show, musicalfan.

I agree that it probably will continue to other cities (again based on what I saw on some insta stories), but I think they’ll keep Samantha in the role, and try to cash in on Tim’s great reviews and his access with fans.

I’d predict a run in any places such as the Philippines, Seoul (and other South Korean cities), Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, and maybe even a return to Melb/Sydney. I’d throw South Africa and New Zealand in there as wildcards. They’ll need to recast as some actors have things coming up, but they seem to have a well-oiled machine and if they can make the money work (should be easy without an expensive star salary to pay) they could get another 9 months or year out of their efforts so far."

Tim's interactions with the fans (and the rest of the cast as well) was indeed lovely to see. If this does continue, the producers would be wise to hang on to him! Likewise Samantha, who was very gracious on Instagram after stepping into the role full time that final week.

I still feel that Sarah will continue with the role if the show does continue. Apart from her yearly Christmas tour, she does concerts in various countries the rest of the year, comprising of mostly the same songs/greatest hits that she has been doing for the last 15 years! Sunset Boulevard would be perfect for her to fill in the rest of the time. She will get to go to the same countries (for example, this time, she even did concerts in Taiwan the week before Sunset), and remain in the public eye. A contact in Taiwan who had tickets for Wednesday said that when it was announced that Sarah wouldn't be performing (before the news about COVID), that there were huge queues to get refunds/exchange, and she said that was when people realized how much the show was dependent on Sarah. 

I agree with you on the countries that it could possibly go to. If Sarah returns, then the Asian countries (and Japan too) are a given, and New Zealand and South Africa are also very likely. Maybe even parts of Europe/Dubai? Interestingly, I feel that if it does go back to Australia that Sarah might not return for that section? I can see her going to the Sydney Opera House, but maybe she would be happy to let Samantha (or someone else) take over for the rest of the country! Sarah could do some of her concerts and make a return when it goes someone where she'll be better received. 

I feel she will be quite happy to do the role over the next few years, going from continent to continent at a time. It's even possible that she might replace her Christmas tour in America one year with this for a longer run. 

I am biased of course, as a fan of Sarah (and in the role), and I love her version of Norma from the video/audio, that I have seen/heard, so I would love for the production to go on and for her to continue.