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 a few months 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: 2/8/25 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.







"

I

[MezzA101]

Posted: 2/4/25 at 1:48pm

Nicole scheduled for "Seth Meyers" tonight.

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 2/4/25 at 2:02pm

MezzA101 said: "Nicole scheduled for "Seth Meyers" tonight."

I wonder if this is another performance or just an interview...

[binau]

Posted: 2/4/25 at 3:32pm

Seb28 I'm not saying I don't trust you but you've had it out for this revival and Nicole's performance from the beginning - can anyone else please confirm that the keys have indeed been transposed since Opening Night? 

 

Updated On: 2/4/25 at 03:32 PM

[JSquared2]

Posted: 2/4/25 at 3:38pm

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.

False info.







"

 

[Sally Durant Plummer]

Posted: 2/4/25 at 4:05pm

I didn't notice any key changes from the recording when I saw it.

[binau]

Posted: 2/4/25 at 4:16pm

What bothers me to no end is that 15 years ago I don't remember journalists or posters spreading alleged misleading information with the goal to damage a show. People would always clutch their pearls sure, but I don't remember the NyTimes ever doing something so scandalous as suggesting Sunset Boulevard's transfer from London was anything like the bomb of Cinderella or Tammy Faye - or a poster just blatantly saying keys have been transposed alleging vocal struggle when they may not have been. 

We have to have higher standards than this. Are people running out of things to say now that they would just prefer to make it up? 

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/4/25 at 4:33pm

I think most people on here can vouch for my fan-dom of the show in general and for this production...  When I saw Nicole in December for the second time, the key change for With One Look was slightly lower - but no less thrilling and probably un-noticed by a vast majority who don't listen to the cast recording on at least a  twice a week basis.  Again I only noticed it because I had listened so much and in fact I wasn't sure if it went up a key or down initially.  

I'll agree with binau though - there are so many who seriously only come on this board to try to talk down a show, malign a performer/performance thinking that somehow they're helping their favorite flavor of the moment do better.  It's pathetic and juvenile.

Nicole has been a phenomenon and even in this awful season with colds, flus, etc floating around that has even hit the cast of Sunset, she has not missed a scheduled appearance once.  If they lower a key here or there to help her maintain this schedule and navigate all this other stuff, I could care less - and by the rapturous applause she received both times I saw her, most in the audience agree

[binau]

Posted: 2/4/25 at 5:15pm

If there was a key change then seb28 I do apologise. 

[Huss417]

Posted: 2/7/25 at 1:21pm

Has anyone heard anything about the show extending or is the date of July 6th the closing date as tickets are only on sale till then?

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 2/7/25 at 2:09pm

Prob all depends if Nicole wins or not. She will prob be so exhausted anyway. 
They need a star replacement to extend if not I see it closing. 
 

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/7/25 at 2:15pm

I noticed that the Late Night interview with Seth Meyers, he said "now playing through July at the St. James Theatre" so it seems they aren't looking to extend/find a new Norma

[CoffeeBreak]

Posted: 2/7/25 at 2:20pm

Would they do some time with this in LA?   Maybe it would do well in the stories' city.

[Huss417]

Posted: 2/7/25 at 11:07pm

chernjam said: "I noticed that the Late Night interview with Seth Meyers, he said "now playing through July at the St. James Theatre" so it seems they aren't looking to extend/find a new Norma"

I would purchase tickets now for July 6th but don’t want to before knowing if that is going to be the date.

[MasterThespian 2]

Posted: 2/9/25 at 6:22am

Attended last night’s show. If Nicole is tired, she had me (and the rest of the jam packed house) fooled. Wow. What a powerhouse performance. I was blown away by her singing and energy. Also, over the top in a role that demands it. Some here have commented on the audiences. Found it similar last night. Extremely enthusiastic in multiple places, but respectfully quiet during the dramatic moments. 
 

Seb28 said: "I have noticed that since a few months 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.









"

 

[Seb28]

Posted: 2/9/25 at 6:47pm

JSquared2 said: "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.

False info.







"

"

JSquared2 knows very well by now that it was in fact true info. So what's with the "false info" lies and receiving 3 likes on top of it? Who are these people? Is this really how they go through life? When coming across facts they don't like, screaming the word "false!" and putting their heads back in the sand? Strange. Where would we be if facts can't be mentioned anymore?

 

 

[Seb28]

Posted: 2/9/25 at 6:49pm

binau said: "If there was a key change then seb28 I do apologise."

Thank you. Apologies accepted.

[Kad]

Posted: 2/9/25 at 7:10pm

Based on what you’ve said on this board, you don’t even live in the US- are you really keeping track of key changes in a production in a different country using bootlegs? 

[Seb28]

Posted: 2/10/25 at 4:37pm

I live and work in many places. But thank your for your profound and enthusiastic interest in where I have found these facts. If I were you I'd want to get to the bottom of it too.

Imagine "Think of me", "On my own" or "Defying Gravity" being transposed down whenever an actress asks for it. I am glad not all of us are this indifferent, avoid the subject completely or simply start to scream untrue things when being confronted with the truth.

 

 

[JSquared2]

Posted: 2/10/25 at 4:47pm

Seb28 said: "JSquared2 said: "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.

False info.

JSquared2 knows very well by now that it was in fact true info. So what's with the"false info" lies and receiving 3 likes on top of it? Who are these people? Is this really how they go through life? When coming across facts they don't like, screaming the word "false!" and putting their heads back in the sand? Strange. Where would we be if facts can't be mentioned anymore?


Oh dear, you seem a bit unhinged and "untethered" from reality.  One can only wonder about the reasons for your false claims --- but you are free to believe what  you like.  Just know that help is available -- and the first step is admitting that you have a problem. 

[BwayinVan]

Posted: 2/10/25 at 5:07pm

I just got an email and it looks like Mandy Gonzalez is now playing normal Desmond for the whole week I’m in the city (week of April 15). For those who have seen her is it worth keeping the tickets or should I look at seeing something else. I’ve heard from a lot of people on these boards that Nicole is the real reason to see it. 

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 2/10/25 at 5:33pm

BwayinVan said: "I just got an email and it looks like Mandy Gonzalez is now playing normal Desmond for the whole week I’m in the city (week of April 15). For those who have seen her is it worth keeping the tickets or should I look at seeing something else. I’ve heard from a lot of people on these boards that Nicole is the real reason to see it."

I’ve seen both Mandy and Nicole multiple times and Mandy is truly fantastic.