Sunset Boulevard Revival Broadway Thread — Page 14

I did notice that the ushers at this show have particular attitudes...

boonanas said: "I did notice that the ushers at this show have particular attitudes...



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Sorry you had this experience. My usher in the house right mezz was a lovely lady who couldn't have been sweeter or more welcoming.

Scarywarhol said: "In the old days, people went to shows even though they couldn't check on their children even at intermission, making peace with the fact that the house had probably spontaneously gone up in flames and there was nothing to be done about it.



"well said! LOL

There is one particular bitter usher that has worked the Palace for a while. I do think the management of the theater needs to step in and give them all a attitude adjustment seminar.

I rushed the matinee yesterday. I got there at 8 am there were maybe 6? or so people in front of me. By 9:30 there were like 15 of us in line but by 9:45 the line was pretty long! I got Center Mezz Row H and it was marvelous! I was able to see everything perfectly.

This was the first time I've ever seen any sort of production of Sunset Boulevard, I only knew some songs and vaguely knew the plot, but I thought it was great! Glenn Close is spectacular. I was afraid how her voice would be after reading some messages, but I thought it was very good. Her acting was breathtaking, everything was well thought out and beautiful. The rest of the main cast, as well as the ensemble, were great; I really thought Fred Johanson as Max was a standout.

All in all I thought it was great production. After I came home and watched some videos of the original production and WOW I wish I had seen that set! But, what we lost of the set in this production, we gained through that BEAUTIFUL 40 piece orchestra. It sounded amazing.

Go see it if you can! :)

Updated On: 2/5/17 at 01:52 PM

Does anybody know if I would be able to use a Ticketmaster gift card at the theater for rush tickets?

Updated On: 2/5/17 at 03:06 PM

For those who have seen it, would you recommend 11th row center orchestra or first row mezz off the right aisle? If I'm not mistaken, I believe in the Nederlander, the first row of the mezz overhangs the 11th row of the orchestra. So upstairs or downstairs? The ticket price is the same. Thanks for weighing in.

I was also there last night and I have to say it is a tremendous night of theatre. It's clear that many of the people at the first few previews have a sentimental attachment to the piece and to Glenn-they are rapturous audiences. I am not sure they will continue this way. I am sure Glenn is feeling deeply appreciative. As she stated in her interview with Paul Wontorek she is terrified to return to Broadway with the piece 20 years later. New York crowds are tough.

I cried at Glenn's entrance for purely emotional reasons. I also cried when Hogeye hits her with spotlight as did many in the audience, as did Glenn. The audience erupted. It was a happening, without question.

I felt differently than a previous poster who felt the audience was a bit too interactive prior to "With One Look"-they settled down fairly quickly right after. Glenn was in total command. Her "now go" at the end of song was met with delight from the audience.

What I didn't like was the lone "YASSSSSSSSSSSSSS...you goooo girl" at full volume during a quiet portion of the show. This also happened to Sutter Foster during Sweet Charity as a "yassssssss queeen" and several times during American Psycho. My fellow gays need to dial it down a few notches. It's not Rocky Horror.

To comment on Glenn, she is delivering a new take on her Norma. It's completely familiar but kinder. It's a master class. Everything has aged and she has lived the part. She's actually now significantly older than Norma was in the film and is dealing with similar issues-aging out of mainstream film and television roles, newly single (recently divorced), and reflecting on the third act of her life and career.

It seems the voice starts shaky and warms up nicely through the night. It's always been a precarious instrument but it has power when it needs power (not always in tune) and it delivers the emotion. She is a song stylist and is a prime example of a singing actress. She fully commits. Her vulnerability is unmatched in the field. No one will ever give a performance like this ever again. As someone who has the cast recording burned in his brain, I feel she sounds quite different.

As for Michael Xavier I feel people have been harsh. I feel he is very very good. He is much better than doughy Alan Campbell. I though Lewis Cleale on tour was best Joe and Xavier was up there with him. I think Siobhan is a very nice Betty, which in my mind is quite a thankless part. She sings the role nicely and she has nice chemistry with Michael. Also, its very clear through press that Close loves them and feels safe with them. She wanted them along with her Max in order to take the show to NYC. She states in interviews that she combats her terror of this piece by looking into the eyes of her co-stars and ensemble. Clearly these people are connecting well and it shows. During "As If We Never Said Goodbye" seeing Glenn hold Nancy Anderson's hands and arms and look into her eyes and sing made me cry. It was clear it was a moment for both of them. She then moved on to Hogeye and held onto him. It was deeply moving.

Overall, I liked all the choices and I agree with others have said. Young Norma is used effectively at times and at other times she unforgivingly pulls focus. The times she is used effectively she creates heartbreak, like in Perfect Year. She kills Glenn's moment in "New Ways To Dream."

I give Glenn mad props for the quick changes and the heels. She tripped several times on the stairs, God bless her. Also during the The Ladys Paying the velcro on the back of her red top split and she did her best to recover. She's incredible for 70. She looks amazing. The costumes are delicious.

I do hope this production is preserved via audio and maybe even a theatrical presentation. The orchestra is sumptuous and Glenn does sound different. I'd love it preserved.

I would definitely recommend it. Opportunities like this are rare. Yes, many a casual theatre goer will brush it off as a boring, she can't sing musical but people who understand performance and history need to witness this.

Also, in general The Palace is probably my least favorite theatre on Broadway. You're paying obscene prices to sit in seats that I don't think have been replaced since it was a movie house in the 20s-cramped, even for the average person with no padding. Horrible sight lines and shabby. Desperate for an update.

Your comments reminded me that during intermission last week I was thinking about the raise of the space and thought about how terrifying it is that they're literally going to raise that massive space. My mind was blown. Ha.

bwayphreak, I find that we frequently have similar tastes in shows, so I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts! These reviews are incredibly affirming to read (and wonderfully written, at that!). Getting more and more excited for my ticket in a few weeks.

Bettyboy72 said: "Does anyone know if Row AA Mezz (first row) extreme side house left on the aisle (Glenn's staircase side) is obstructed view?



"

How extreme? I would say any seat around or after 11-15 would be slightly obstructed.

Bettyboy72 said: "Greased Lightning it's seats 17 and 19. I wondered if they'd be obstructed because the rows behind it actually have 4-5 more seats



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You might miss the very bottom portion of the staircase but I don't think it's anything to worry about. The platform those 8 or so stairs lead too and the ones higher up, at least from my view point, were the most important.