SUNSET BLVD. Reviews - Page 37

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 9:07am

Just popped in to comment that this thread has completely disseminated into a repetitive, endless loop of mental unwellness.  

[Seb28]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 10:15am

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

[Seb28]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 10:44am

QueenAlice said: "Just popped in to comment that this thread has completely disseminated into a repetitive, endless loop of mental unwellness."

Exactly. I wish them strength. By the way, do you have an opinion about details of the show too, or do you rather avoid that too and just post about side issues. I hope you are not too frightened to give your opinion about the show, as many people here on the board were. As you can see there is a wonderful content-related discussion going on too. You are welcome to join.

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 11:39am

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]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 11:50am

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 to the conductor monitor, and controlled remotely.

Updated On: 2/15/25 at 11:50 AM

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 1:02pm

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.

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 2:44pm

Seb28 said: "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 outside anything popculture, but it is happening.



"

I get this point, but Sunset Blvd. has always been a story that the line between personal actress and character intersects.  That was the point of Gloria Swanson starring in the original.  Not to rehash 30 year old drama but - that's why Glen Close nowhere being the singer that Patti LuPone was (or is) was able to outshine her.  The movie, the show needs that intersection in a way that other shows and stories don't.  

That's what makes this so interesting is seeing when you get these moments where it connects and others that doesn't that seems inexplicable.  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 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 6:37pm

I was at today's matinee - if the keys have been changed for Nicole since the first preview (and the few times I saw the show between then and today), it certainly isn't noticeable to my ears.

The show remains in stellar shape with everyone in that cast turning in incredible performances. Nicole is a force of a nature on that stage. I don't think I will ever be able to fully wrap my head around just how she does this performance 7 times a week. The vocal demands combined with the emotional journey and physicality of the role are no easy feat, but she makes it look effortless. 

The title number was done in the snowfall this afternoon which was pretty cool to see. There's something about this particular production that just keeps me wanting to come back, and every time I return find something new.

[Seb28]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 8:11pm

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 Gonzalez wasn'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.

 

Updated On: 2/15/25 at 08:11 PM

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 8:42pm

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.
 

[Bwaygurl2]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 9:04pm

Yes, Chernjam. And that's why Sunset hasn't had the same long running success as other ALW shows; people do care who is playing Norma, whereas they will watch a non-name play the Phantom and feel satisfied. 

Mandy's family, former cast mates, and friends came out on her first Tuesday performance, so she got her triumphant performance like Bowman had on her one performance. 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 2/15/25 at 11:50pm

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

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/16/25 at 12:12am

Robbie2 said: "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"

There were a couple of Mandy performances recently that were closer to the 50% (which to be fair were also days with terrible weather) - otherwise yes the balcony has been closed and they are heavily discounted but they have been closer to 70-80% sold

[binau]

Posted: 2/16/25 at 7:59am

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. 

[kdogg36]

Posted: 2/16/25 at 11:17am

Seb28 said: "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."

Or maybe it's just that some people like a production you don't happen to care for, and it has nothing to do with you somehow possessing superior powers of artistic discernment. Yeah, that sounds a lot more likely, doesn't it?

[Seb28]

Posted: 2/17/25 at 10:26am

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

[Seb28]

Posted: 2/17/25 at 10:35am

kdogg36 said: "Seb28 said: "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."

Or maybe it's just that some people like a production you don't happen to care for, and it has nothing to do with you somehow possessing superior powers of artisticdiscernment. Yeah, that sounds a lot more likely, doesn't it?"

Absolutely not. What you describe happens when proven facts are being denied by certain people who feel and act superior. 

If you want a discussion about "if breaking the 4th wall constantly and making pop culture jokes during serious moments harms the sincerity of a show or not", you are welcome to join the discussion about that.

Updated On: 2/17/25 at 10:35 AM

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 2/17/25 at 11:10am

Lord... You don’t like this production or Nicole’s performance. We get it. 
 
ANYWAY - is anyone going to see Rashidra Scott? Looking forward to it. Frankly I’m not too familiar with her vocal abilities, which is almost exciting me even more. 

Updated On: 2/17/25 at 11:10 AM

[Seb28]

Posted: 2/17/25 at 11:21am

WiCkEDrOcKS said: "Lord... You don’t like this production or Nicole’s performance. We get it.

ANYWAY - is anyone going to see Rashidra Scott? Looking forward to it. Frankly I’m not too familiar with her vocal abilities, which is almost exciting me even more."

Maybe you are not aware of reality, but this thread is for discussing anything related to the show. You don't need to have a complete meltdown and attack users personally anytime you come across a subject that you don't like.

ANYWAY, does anyone know which key Rashidra Scott will sing the songs in?

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 2/17/25 at 11:43am

Seb28 said: "WiCkEDrOcKS said: "Lord... You don’t like this production or Nicole’s performance. We get it.

ANYWAY - is anyone going to see Rashidra Scott? Looking forward to it. Frankly I’m not too familiar with her vocal abilities, which is almost exciting me even more."

Maybe you are not aware of reality, but this thread is for discussing anything related to the show. You don't need to have a complete meltdown and attack users personallyanytime you come across a subject that you don't like.

ANYWAY, does anyone know which key Rashidra Scott will sing the songs in?"

A complete meltdown? Personally attacking people? 😂 

I forgot why I took a break from this message board - thanks for reminding me. Enjoy your day!

Updated On: 2/17/25 at 11:43 AM

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 2/17/25 at 6:48pm

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? 

[Seb28]

Posted: 2/17/25 at 7:01pm

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]

Posted: 2/17/25 at 7:16pm

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 the PRES25 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.)

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 2/17/25 at 7:29pm

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? 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 2/17/25 at 7:36pm

The SUNSET2025 one goes in the" Access Code" box on the page where you choose seats. The SeatGeek coupon code goes in the Promo Code field in your basket when you're getting ready to check out.

Updated On: 2/17/25 at 07:36 PM