SUNSET BLVD. Reviews — Page 37

binau said: "what is happening to actress Nicole finally getting her moment to shine. Everything that comes after it is in service of this moment for me."

I prefer watching a character only instead of the personal life of the actress. This moment should be only about the storyline of the show. Also, everything that comes after it feels like anti-climax to me. The build up in the song was written for a reason.

I guess it comes down to what we talked about before. Being taken out of each moment is the essence of this version. The people are not interested in the story, lyrics, characters and wish not to be confronted with them. As soon as that tends to happen, breaking of the 4th wall is essential. Call it what you will, the great teardown of sincerity, the new generation theatre or inability to be moved by anything outside popculture, but it is happening.

Updated On: 2/15/25 at 10:15 AM

In an attempt to get this thread back on track, I've asked this question before but no one could give an answer so I'll try again -

In the final moments of the show, the video footage of Nicole looks like the camera is swooping down from somewhere way up in the balcony and lowering down. Does anyone know where the camera is and how this is done without the audience seeing it?

ColorTheHours048 said: "FANtomFollies said: "In the final moments of the show, the video footage of Nicole looks like the camera is swooping down from somewhere way up in the balcony and lowering down. Does anyone know where the camera is and how this is done without the audience seeing it?"

It’s built into the front wall of the overhang, similar tothe conductor monitor, and controlled remotely."

Does that mean you can see it if you are sitting under the overhang? It feels like it starts from a very high vantage point and is lowered down to be about eye level with Nicole.

Seb28 said: "chernjam said: "How else do you explain Caroline Bowman's one performance that was somewhat legendary compared to Mandy's guest appearances that have been respectful but far more reserved. Bowman's fans who've been following and rooting for her success coming out in droves seeing her in this role demonstrate this fourth wall. The audience is part of Norma's belief (film and musical) that her fans are out there waiting for her return"

Interesting point. That would mean Mandy Gonzalezwasn't the best casting choice.

Because all the points mentioned don't count when she's on. There is basically 2 versions of the show playing then. One where you see Nicole and one where you see Norma.

"

Yeah I haven't seen Mandy and I don't mean any disrespect to her. But it seems like for Norma you need someone who has a bit of a following outside of just playing this role (which is why I mentioned Gloria Swanson and Glen Close) Perhaps if Mandy was the standby and only had gone on for one performance her fans from Hamilton and former cast would've come out in force for that. Even in London, it seems Rachel Tucker's popularity and fan base was large enough that she was pulling pretty decent crowds on her Tuesday nights (in fairness, it should be mentioned that the Savoy Theatre only seats 1100 compared to 1700 at the St James, but I digress...) I had originally hoped to go in to see Mandy one Tuesday night, but after seeing Nicole twice, I still want to see her again. There's an "it" factor that the leading lady needs.

chernjam said: "Seb28 said: "chernjam said: "How else do you explain Caroline Bowman's one performance that was somewhat legendary compared to Mandy's guest appearances that have been respectful but far more reserved. Bowman's fans who've been following and rooting for her success coming out in droves seeing her in this role demonstrate this fourth wall. The audience is part of Norma's belief (film and musical) that her fans are out there waiting for her return"

Interesting point. That would mean Mandy Gonzalezwasn't the best casting choice.

Because all the points mentioned don't count when she's on. There is basically 2 versions of the show playing then. One where you see Nicole and one where you see Norma.

"

Yeah I haven't seen Mandy and I don't mean any disrespect to her. But it seems like for Norma you need someone who has a bit of a following outside of just playing this role (which is why I mentioned Gloria Swanson and Glen Close) Perhaps if Mandy was the standby and only had gone on for one performance her fans from Hamilton and former cast would've come out in force for that. Even in London, it seems Rachel Tucker's popularity and fan base was large enough that she was pulling pretty decent crowds on her Tuesday nights (in fairness, it should be mentioned that the Savoy Theatre only seats 1100 compared to 1700 at the St James, but I digress...) I had originally hoped to go in to see Mandy one Tuesday night, but after seeing Nicole twice, I still want to see her again. There's an "it" factor that the leading lady needs.
"

I hear the show is only selling only around 40-50% occupancy on Mandy's Tuesday nights and the balcony is closed

I'm seeing Patti's concert tonight so of course I thought I'd listen to her "With One Look" and "As if we never said goodbye". One other thing I love about Jamie Lloyd's production is that the slow tempos and Nicole's ultra-dynamic timbre give the impression of a dream-like trance which is absent from previous arrangements of these songs.

The whole production kind of feels like take the original, get completely wasted on alcohol and then suddenly everyone looks more attractive, everything sounds better, everything feels cooler - it may not always make sense but the world never does in these states. The abstract visuals and strange conceptualisation is in itself part of the aesthetics for the whole show that isn't written down anywhere on a page, it really is the director's vision on full display.

And that to me kind of reflects the difference in experience between Gypsy right now and Sunset. Gypsy feels more like a show grounded in reality and to be taken more literally, and Audra's vocals are so dense and impressive. But I kind of love this dream-like trance that Nicole and Jamie Lloyd are doing. I just haven't really seen anything like this before in my life. And it's so uniquely theatre - the idea of making a film version of it for example as some have suggested doesn't make any sense to me.

binau said: "get completely wasted on alcohol and then suddenly everyone looks more attractive, everything sounds better, everything feels cooler - it may not always make sense but the world never does in these states."

It could very well be that the ideas of the director are heavily based on/formed by substance intake, but for example in "With one look", while the first 2 verses being as lethargic and trance-like as they are could even somewhat work as an intro, by the time it comes to "no............words.......................................can..........................tell......................", it really needs a change in dynamics and conviction. It really needs it. That is where her passion, adrenaline and persuasiveness needs to come out. That's what the lyrics say. That is the way the song is written.

But then again, the state of the audience is also an important factor. Personally I need more evolved direction. Also, I think there is nothing "cool" about that.

Updated On: 2/17/25 at 10:26 AM

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "So many demands to stay on topic from someone whose last dozen posts have nothing to do with the topic. Where are the mods? Do we need to reach out to Patti Murin or something?

Back to Sunset - any further traction on the rumor of the production going to LA after July?"

That would be interesting. Any ideas of who could play Norma if Scherzinger would decide to stop? If it is really necessary to see the actress as herself instead of the character, as some people on here have said, I am thinking of types as Hannah Waddingham.

MemorableUserName said: "I was considering going back tomorrow night (Francis was out the night I went and I'd still like to see him; I've been eyeing a cheaper Mandy night) but according to Understudies.org David Thaxton is out and Pierre Marais will be on the next two days. No offense to him, but Thaxton was one of my favorite things about it and I'd love to see him again. Will be waiting, I guess.

Also a reminder thePRES25 code on SeatGeek is only good for a few more hours. (The SUNSET2025 one will last longer, but putting them together makes an especially nice discount.)"

How do you use two codes at the same time?