Scherzinger in SUNSET BLVD. Previews- Page 7

[MrsSallyAdams]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 10:57am

Re: The Lady's Paying being cut.

I was wondering why no one was discussing that scene. All the shock over Joe in his skivvies at curtain when Michael Xavier was stripped to his in that song, and into a tight swimsuit during the title song.

The 2019 production at Chicago's Porchlight production had the tailors aggressively stripping off Joe's clothes. It was the gayest moment in the show. 

[Kad]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 11:03am

Lot666 said: "WldKingdomHM said: "Don’t know why it’s 90 degrees in here (usher said it’s the directors choice)"
Are you being facetious, or is this true? Is the house routinely kept at 90 degrees?"

90 degrees is clearly hyperbole. That would be unsafe for everyone in the theatre, on and offstage.

[Lot666]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 11:04am

inception said: "That's going to be a pain in winter when everyone in the audience comes in with winter coats etc

"

That's what I'm thinking.

[R. GreenFinch]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 11:11am

The main part I think that didn't really work for me was Betty. Pretty much the whole Hollywood cast (including Joe) are directed to essentially keep stony faces and it works once you realize that this show isn't going to be presented like other musicals, but it doesn't quite land for Betty being somewhat of a newcomer to the scene, and it makes it hard to understand how much Joe really does care about Betty (so Too Much in Love lands with a bit of a thud). In general most of the characters feel like they're at a bit of a remove, which does help Norma feel more vibrant (maybe overly so in some instances), but it's an interesting choice when taken with the whole of the show.

For me, this production is really about how all of these characters use and manipulate each other. I think this version of Joe isn't really in love with Betty, she's just a way out of his situation. He wishes he was in love with her because it would make things easier. Their lack of chemistry seemed very purposeful to me. 

But that's just me.

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 11:13am

Lot666 said: "WldKingdomHM said: "Don’t know why it’s 90 degrees in here (usher said it’s the directors choice)"
Are you being facetious, or is this true? Is the house routinely kept at 90 degrees?"

I was so glad it was actually at a comfortable temperature and not freezing like so many theaters! I always bring a sweatshirt but didn’t need it, I was fine in short sleeves.

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 11:24am

R. GreenFinch said: "The main part I think that didn't really work for me was Betty. Pretty much the whole Hollywood cast (including Joe) are directed to essentially keep stony faces and it works once you realize that this show isn't going to be presented like other musicals, but it doesn't quite land for Betty being somewhat of a newcomer to the scene, and it makes it hard to understand how much Joe really does care about Betty (so Too Much in Love lands with a bit of a thud). In general most of the characters feel like they're at a bit of a remove, which does help Norma feel more vibrant (maybe overly so in some instances), but it's an interesting choice when taken with the whole of the show.

For me, this production is really about how all of these characters use and manipulate each other. I think this version of Joe isn't really in love with Betty, she's just a way out of his situation. He wishes he was in love with her because it would make things easier. Their lack of chemistry seemed very purposeful to me.

But that's just me."

I did think that was part of it, but I still think he cares about what happens to her etc and I wish that that subtlety was shown better (especially with Too Much in Love, which was probably the song that worked the least for me).  On the flip side I do think The Lady's Paying would've helped to support more of the conflict of Joe's feelings between Norma, Betty, and the studio (without it we really only see her buying him the one suit for New Year's which we also see him in at the end so as far as an unsuspecting audience would know, he gets...one suit--of course there's an implication he's getting more out of it just because that's how these kinds of relationships work but I could see someone missing that).  It also misses the transition point of when Joe starts to warm up to the idea of being a kept man, since he mentions earlier he still hasn't seen any money for the script.

fwiw I did feel that the theater was warmer than normal but it didn't feel uncomfortably warm to me.  I had a sweatshirt on going in and never felt the need to take it off or roll my sleeves up

[morosco]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 11:55am

Are any of the performers allowed to crack a smile during the curtain call or are they all forbidden from doing that? 

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 12:00pm

They were smiles after Nicole takes her bow. I would of handed her a drink also. 

[Mellony]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 3:29pm

R. GreenFinch said: "For me, this production is really about how all of these characters use and manipulate each other. I think this version of Joe isn't really in love with Betty, she's just a way out of his situation."

I totally agree this is Joe's motivation (at least partially) in every production of Sunset. But I also think Betty has genuine feelings for Joe. Otherwise, what does she have to gain by cheating on Artie?

Personally, I don't think Jamie Lloyd's lyric changes helped Betty and Joe's dynamic. The first scene where they're writing together used to take where they've already begun writing and had begun to develop a rapport and some chemistry, and we get to see that throughout the scene. With the lyric changes, the scene now seems to take place at the very start of the writing process, when they're still not very close, so we basically miss a whole scene of them enjoying working together.

Also, because of how competent and no-nonsense this Betty seems, I never really got why she puts up with Joe's constant defeatist attitude and condescension. In the original, it seems like she's struggling with imposter syndrome and also doesn't think she'll be taken seriously as a scriptwriter on her own, especially as a woman. I didn't get that sense in this version, with how modern she's played. It seems like, once Joe gave her the story, she would've just taken it and written it herself. Why drag along his dead weight?

 

 

Updated On: 10/3/24 at 03:29 PM

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 4:13pm

Mellony said: "R. GreenFinch said: "For me, this production is really about how all of these characters use and manipulate each other. I think this version of Joe isn't really in love with Betty, she's just a way out of his situation."

I totally agree this is Joe's motivation (at least partially)in every production of Sunset. But I also think Betty has genuine feelings for Joe. Otherwise, what does she have to gain by cheating on Artie?

Personally, I don't think Jamie Lloyd's lyric changes helped Betty and Joe's dynamic. The first scene where they're writing together used to take place in the middle of the writing process, when they had already developed a rapport and some chemistry, and we get to see that throughout the scene. With the lyric changes, the scene now seems to take place at the very start of the writing process, when they're still not very close, so we basically miss a whole scene of them enjoying working together.

Also, because of how competent and no-nonsense this Betty seems, I never really got why she puts up with Joe's constant defeatist attitude and condescension. In the original, it seems like she's struggling with imposter syndrome and also doesn't think she'll be taken seriously as a scriptwriter on her own, especially as a woman. I didn't get that sense in this version, with how modern she'splayed. It seems like, once Joe gave her the story, she would've justtaken it and written it herself. Why drag along his dead weight?"

This makes a lot of sense to me.  I didn't realize the writing scene had changed in context but I think it would've helped establish the kind of relationship that Betty and Joe have a bit more if it hadn't.  I guess the other thing that struck me about this Joe is that he basically spends the whole show so jaded and pissy so it's hard to understand why someone like Betty would ever fall for him, and every time she talks about how great of a writer he is and how much talent he has it just rings false because we never see any indication of it whatsoever.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 5:20pm

chrishuyen said: "Mellony said: "R. GreenFinch said: "For me, this production is really about how all of these characters use and manipulate each other. I think this version of Joe isn't really in love with Betty, she's just a way out of his situation."

I totally agree this is Joe's motivation (at least partially)in every production of Sunset. But I also think Betty has genuine feelings for Joe. Otherwise, what does she have to gain by cheating on Artie?"

I always felt that one of the weakest parts of the musical adaptation of Sunset Boulevard was the Rodgers and Hammerstein-ing of Joe and Betty. I love Nancy Olson in the film because she has a nice mixture of naivety and steeliness. I will always maintain that Sunset Boulevard is about terrible people being terrible and getting what they deserve...including Betty who cheats on her fiancé with his friend. It's cynical and funny and scary...but most definitely not a tragedy. Everybody's a sh*t and it's fun to watch it all unfold in a horrible fashion. 

[theatretenor2]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 5:27pm

Does the stage left audience around the middle of Row J miss anything? Those prices seem very reasonable right now and I'm tempted to grab them for an upcoming business trip.

[Mellony]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 5:42pm

Here are the two lyrics to compare, under the spoiler. Original in bold and Jamie Lloyd in italics.

My issue isn't making Betty more steely or cynical. It's that she's coldly professional. For her to cheat on Artie, she has to want Joe on some level, even a superficial one. Jamie Lloyd's Betty doesn't want Joe at all--if anything, she seems like a mother constantly chiding her angsty teenage son.

Just compare the lyrics. In the first set, they're bouncing ideas back and forth. Joe is getting his spark for writing back and actually getting excited. They're playfully flirting using the story they're writing.

In the Jamie Lloyd version, Joe is begrudgingly going along while Betty tries to give him another pep talk in order to get him to do anything. He's whining about how jaded he is, like he has been the entire show. There's no evolution, no indication why they enjoy working together. Betty's "Working with someone can turn you into a fan" and "This is fun" lines come completely out of the blue because they've mostly been sniping at each other.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

[JOE] How about: they don't know each other. He works the night shift and she takes classes all day. Here's the thing: they both share the same room. Sleep in the same bed. It works out cheaper that way.

[BETTY] I've a feeling you're just kidding. But to me it sounds believable. Makes a better opening than that car chase scene. Girl finds boy, borrowing her toothbrush, or oversleeping, or at her sewing machine.

[JOE, spoken] You know, it's not bad, there are some real possibilities

[BETTY, seeing the cigarette case] Who's Norma?

[JOE, spoken] Who's who?

[BETTY, spoken] Sorry, I don't usually read private cigarette cases.

[JOE, spoken] Norma's a friend of mine: middle-aged lady, very foolish, very generous.

[BETTY, spoken] I'll say: this is solid gold. "Mad about the boy"?

[JOE, spoken] So how's Artie?

[BETTY, spoken] Stuck in Tennessee. It rains all the time - they're weeks behind. No one knows when they'll be back

[JOE, spoken] Good.

[BETTY, spoken] What's good about it? I'm missing him something fierce.

[JOE, spoken] No, I mean this idea we had. It's really pretty good. Back to work

[BETTY] What if he's a teacher?

[JOE] Where does that get us? Don't see what good it would do

[BETTY] No, it's great. If they do the same job…

[JOE] So much in common! They fall in love, wouldn't you?

[BETTY] Yes, but if he's just a teacher, then we lose those scenes in the factory.

[JOE] Not if he's a champion for the working man. Girl likes boy, she respects his talent.

[BETTY] Working with someone can turn you into a fan.

[JOE] This is fun. Writing with a partner.

[BETTY] Yes, and it could be...

[JOE] A helluva movie.

[BETTY] Can we really do this?

[BOTH] I know that we can.

 

Joe : Trouble is, they will never buy it. Unhappy endings won’t pay to keep up your pool.

Betty: You sound like you really hate yourself. When did you become so cynical? Why are you so frightened of reality? Grow up, Joe. Please respect your talent. That’s why I asked you to come and share it with me.

Joe (spoken): All right, we’ve come this far. Might as well bite the bullet. So, how’s Artie?

Betty: Stuck in Tennessee. It rains all the time. They’re weeks behind, nobody knows when they’ll get back.

Joe: Good

Betty: What’s good about it? I’m missing him something fierce.

Joe: No, I mean it’s good we decided to go for broke. Back to work.

Betty: So, we let the kid die?

Joe: Sounds kinda brutal. They’ll hate it in Idaho.

Betty: Don’t agree. We’re writing for grownups

Joe: Endangered species, wiped out a long time ago.

Betty: Audiences are much smarter. Smarter than we give them credit for. Let’s agree we’re going to do the best we can.

Joe: Yes, you’re right, no more second guessing.

Betty: Working with someone can turn you into a fan.

Joe: This is fun, writing with a partner.

Betty: Yes, and it could be…

Joe: a helluva movie.

Betty: Can we really do this?

Both: I know that we can.

 

 

Updated On: 10/3/24 at 05:42 PM

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 5:45pm

I don't know if this is old news, but I just looked at tickets for a few different dates, and apparently the balcony is closed for the Tuesday shows with Mandy.

[inception]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 6:19pm

TodayTix has a sale through their app right now for $20 off orders over $99.  The Sunset dates available through that sale are mostly Tuesday performances. 

FANtomFollies said: "I don't know if this is old news, but I just looked at tickets for a few different dates, and apparently the balcony is closed for the Tuesday shows with Mandy."

 

[TBFL]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 7:16pm

This is what Grace Hodgett-Young had to say about her character, Betty Schaefer, in this production of Sunset Blvd:

For me, especially because of the work we've done on her in this version of the show, it's how strong she is. No shade to the original production, but I think she was very much so written to fall in love with Joe. I feel like in our version, she has her own life and she is using Joe to her advantage to get her work seen. And she happens to fall in love with him after that. But she is driven. She knows what she wants. She's there to get her money. She's there to get her work seen by important people.

She's so strong and I think that's what I love the most about her. In a lot of shows written in that time, the female characters are there to be the love interest But she has a backbone and she stands up for herself. She fights against him and I think she tries not to fall in love with him, which I enjoy as well.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Grace-Hodgett-Young-Is-Ready-for-Her-Close-Up-20240924

Updated On: 10/3/24 at 07:16 PM

[Scarlet Leigh]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 8:53pm

Saw the show last night, will comment on the show itself later but wanted to just say that the choice to not turn the lights on until after the "credits" needs to go. Very big safety hazard. I was seated above the entrance/exit in the mezz and the rush of people tripping and falling over one another in the darkness as one poor usher tried to illuminate the stairs with a little flash light looked like an accident waiting to happen.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 9:25pm

Scarlet Leigh said: "Saw the show last night, will comment on the show itself later but wanted to just say that the choice to not turn the lights on until after the "credits" needs to go. Very big safety hazard. I was seated above the entrance/exit in the mezz and the rush of people tripping and falling over one another in the darkness as one poor usher tried to illuminate the stairs with a little flash light looked like an accident waiting to happen."


 

Maybe they should wait until the show’s over to leave then? 

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 9:33pm

JSquared2 said: "Scarlet Leigh said: "Saw the show last night, will comment on the show itself later but wanted to just say that the choice to not turn the lights on until after the "credits" needs to go. Very big safety hazard. I was seated above the entrance/exit in the mezz and the rush of people tripping and falling over one another in the darkness as one poor usher tried to illuminate the stairs with a little flash light looked like an accident waiting to happen."





Maybe they should wait until the show’sover to leave then?"

Agree with the poster above. 
 

we don’t need to sit and watch Jamie’s name again pop up during the show. After the curtain call I wanted to leave after being exhausted 

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 9:42pm

I seem to remember the lights being on for that portion? Could've been half lighting but certainly enough to see by and make your way out with no flashlights (and I specifically stayed behind to scout for abandoned playbills and I don't think I had trouble looking around while that was happening)

[DAME]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 9:43pm

WldKingdomHM said: "JSquared2 said: "Scarlet Leigh said: "Saw the show last night, will comment on the show itself later but wanted to just say that the choice to not turn the lights on until after the "credits" needs to go. Very big safety hazard. I was seated above the entrance/exit in the mezz and the rush of people tripping and falling over one another in the darkness as one poor usher tried to illuminate the stairs with a little flash light looked like an accident waiting to happen."





Maybe they should wait until the show’sover to leave then?"

Agree with the poster above.


we don’t need to sit and watch Jamie’s name again pop up during the show. After the curtain call I wanted to leave after being exhausted"

Why don’t you sit your ass down and stop yourself from ruining it for anyone else.  I enjoyed the credits.  And sat there mesmerized as the orchestra played the exit music .  As most people did when I saw this  at the Savoy .  Be bitchy all you want on your own time.

[Scarlet Leigh]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 9:54pm

chrishuyen said: "I seem to rememberthe lights being on for that portion? Could've been half lighting but certainlyenough to see by and make your way out with no flashlights (and I specifically stayed behind to scout for abandoned playbills and I don't think I had trouble looking around while that was happening)"

I stayed and watched (and scouted bills) but from my vantage point just seeing the crush of people leaving through that stairwell, all I could think was one person trips in the dark and it's gonna be a domino effect. And for sure the lights were not on at all until after the title screen because. I couldn't see around my feet to start collecting my belongings and I looked up to the light above me was fully off.

As for if people should stay or go in that moment, I can understand the instant reaction to get up and go. The curtain call is over. That is the traditional signal of "time to leave." The credits are a design choice, but they shouldn't be a design choice that could potentially lead to a safety hazard. And even movie theatres will turn the lights on as the credits roll unless there is an after credit.

[Famebroadway2]

Posted: 10/4/24 at 12:15am

Tonight the act 2 opener lined up with Hells Kitchen either letting out or at intermission and Joe got stuck and stopped singing at one point.  
Seemed like a cluster F from what we were watching.  tbh that part was kind of messy.  Hope they work it out.  

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 10/4/24 at 12:48am

theatretenor2 said: "Does the stage left audience around the middle of Row J miss anything? Those prices seem very reasonable right now and I'm tempted to grab them for an upcoming business trip."

I sat in J8 and had a perfect full view, didn’t miss a thing.

[Scarlet Leigh]

Posted: 10/4/24 at 1:07am

Here is a video of someone that filmed it from outside posted on TikTok. They state in the description that Hell's Kitchen got out late. I mean it was bound to happen eventually. The other shows in the area can't/don't have to work around the walks timing.