SUNSET BLVD. Reviews - Page 35

[Sally Durant Plummer]

Posted: 1/28/25 at 12:41pm

Listener said: "Please do say, Sallu D. In fact, say as much as you can because it didn't seem perfect to me at all.After the initial "oh they're filming as if it's amovie" idea sank in....all I saw were actors interrupted by camera men. The use of the footage was not really impressive. It didn't elevate the storytelling."

Well, different strokes for different folks! I understand why some people hated this, I just happened to love it. But hey, I loved the Gold Glass Menagerie and Von Hove's Crucible, so maybe that says more about my taste.

As for the cameras, I think what was most exciting about the concept wasn't "oh, they're filming it like a movie," which I think would be a lazy and ill-conceived idea not inherently connected to any of the material. What I took away from the moments the camera was utilized - particularly in the second act - was the contrast between the characters playing for the cameras and interacting with other. Watching how the characters switched from directly interacting with each other and instead acting for the camera (and the audience) brought to mind a whole layer of how and when these people are being sincere, to themselves or to each other. When they're trying to convey their emotions to the watching audience? When they're communicating directly with each other? When they are watching someone play for the camera while they're trying to connect with them? There was a dynamism to the concept that had me bouncing back and forth between watching the projected video of stylized emotion and watching the stage picture, and how the characters stalked each other, bouncing between themselves and the cameras. I really found it enthralling and engaging with the material.

 

CopleyScott17 said: "I also just wanted to add a word about the audience. You hear so many horror stories about disrespectful and inconsiderate audiences these days, but last night's crowd was magnificent. The energy was electric (Joe's second-act entrance was THRILLING). You could literally hear a pin drop during the dramatic scenes (even in cold season, in the dead of winter I only heard one lone cough!). The applause was rapturous and respectful throughout. Just like the good old days. Bravo, Broadway!"

I was also impressed by the audience. I think partially because of the incredible sound design, each moment of applause is so organic. There are maybe four moments besides the act break and finale: Norma's entrance" after "With One Look," after "Sunset Boulevard," and after "As If We Never Said Goodbye." I was amazed at how respectful the audience was during the show! Only after "I've come HOOOOOME at last" was there even a hint of mid-song applause, and it died down fairly quickly. Hey, I might have wished everyone waited until Nicole finished the final notes of her two songs before erupting into applause, but Hell, that's a nit-pick. And I was so viscerally blown away by 'With One Look" that I understand their urge.

Updated On: 1/28/25 at 12:41 PM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 1/28/25 at 1:57pm

Nicole: ''As If We Never Said Goodbye'' on Colbert:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9vsvjHWbSQ

Updated On: 1/28/25 at 01:57 PM

[Seb28]

Posted: 1/29/25 at 6:48pm

I have noticed that since last month they have transposed the material for Scherzinger to a lower key than the CD version. Listen to the second half of With One look. It really takes away a lot from the exciting score. She seems tired. Caroline Bowman and Mandy Gonzalez sing them in a higher key.

 

 

 

 

 

Updated On: 1/29/25 at 06:48 PM

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 1/29/25 at 7:54pm

Seb28 said: "I have noticed that since last month they have transposed the material for Scherzinger to a lower key than the CD version. Listen to the second half of With One look. It really takes away a lot from the exciting score. She seems tired. Caroline Bowman and Mandy Gonzalezsing them in a higher key.

In fairness Mandy only sings the score once a week and Caroline only had to do it once.







"

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