Sunset Boulevard Revival Broadway Thread- Page 21

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/18/17 at 11:35am

Steve C. said: "Hi QA et all,

Quick side question, there is a pro-Muslim rally on 2/19 from W 48th to W 53rd. Is the entrance to the Palace on 47th or 48th ? I can't remember. I don't know how large turn out will be so I guess I'll find out, (my foot is in a cast), walking and or parking should be interesting. Thanks all!

"

Steve - the main entrance is basically in front of the TXTS booth/Duffy square... Hadn't heard about a rally but I would think you should have no problems getting into the theatre.  The city isn't going to let the TXTS booth get blocked on a 60 degree Sunday in February.  Enjoy the show

[Floridagal2]

Posted: 2/18/17 at 4:53pm

Is there a set understudy schedule for this show? We would really like to see Glenn close. Thanks!

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 2/18/17 at 6:20pm

Glenn is scheduled to do every performance each week (which is why they are doing a 7 performance week instead of the normal . So any absences she has would be the result of illness or another unforeseen circumstance, thus can't be predicted.

[Steve C.]

Posted: 2/18/17 at 8:18pm

Hi Kids and Thanks,

I understand the cause, but will I really have a lot of trouble getting into the matinee on Sunday? Any advice would help, (my foot is in a cast), Anyone have any info on B'way shows nearby?

Trying to get through to the Palace...

Thx all, 

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/18/17 at 11:51pm

Interesting article/review on Sunset /Hillary Clinton's visit:  http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/02/18/when-hillary-clinton-met-norma-desmond-review-of-sunset-boulevard-on-broadway.html

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 2/20/17 at 12:24am

chernjam said: "Interesting article/review on Sunset /Hillary Clinton's visit:  http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/02/18/when-hillary-clinton-met-norma-desmond-review-of-sunset-boulevard-on-broadway.html

Makes me love both Hillary and Glenn even more...I adore them both.

 

[Valentina3]

Posted: 2/20/17 at 4:25pm

Apologies if this has been mentioned already, but are they any good discount codes valid through May? I'm in NY the first weekend and this board has me convinced that this is an unmissable performance.

Also looking for seating recommendations - sounds like front mezz is the best place for this production.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 2/20/17 at 4:28pm

I think the orchestra is better than the mezzanine, but they are both good though. No discounts, it's selling very well, so I doubt it will have discounts. I say get full priced tickets(like I did myself), you won't regret it.

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 2/21/17 at 1:25am

For some dates they have full priced, if not premium, 5th or 6th row orchestra center seats. I'd say grab these to get your money's worth.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 2/21/17 at 3:01am

Dancingthrulife2 said: "For some dates they have full priced, if not premium, 5th or 6th row orchestra center seats. I'd say grab these to get your money's worth.

 

"

I agree

[Valentina3]

Posted: 2/21/17 at 1:07pm

Hmm, okay. I'm convinced that sitting close would be worth it. Just need to take a second job so I can pay for them tickets now.

I was listening to the OBC recording today, and the haunting tones in the music really remind me of The Visit. I wonder if Chita Rivera was ever approached to play Norma. She'd have been so good.

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/21/17 at 1:11pm

Way back in early 1995/Spring 1995 there was rumors galore of the women being approached to take over for Close when she left in July 1995.  I'm pretty sure Chita's name was among those listed (as was Rita Moreno who had done a 2 week stint in London)

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/21/17 at 11:58pm

Just found a new interview with Michael Xavier:  http://www.newnownext.com/michael-xavier-sunset-boulevard/02/2017/ 

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 12:17am

I've seen both Sunset and The Visit and they are nothing alike. Apples and oranges, and Chita is all wrong for Sunset. Sorry! I truly don't think anyone would be better than Glenn, but if I had to find a replacement, I'd say maybe Meryl Streep or Barbra Streisand (both actresses were allegedly contacting ALW to play this role back in the day)

[Lot666]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 7:43am

chernjam said: "Just found a new interview with Michael Xavier:  http://www.newnownext.com/michael-xavier-sunset-boulevard/02/2017/"

"Miss Great Plains"! 

 

[Valentina3]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 2:44pm

muscle23ftl said: "I've seen both Sunset and The Visit and they are nothing alike. Apples and oranges, and Chita is all wrong for Sunset. Sorry! I truly don't think anyone would be better than Glenn, but if I had to find a replacement, I'd say maybe Meryl Streep or Barbra Streisand (both actresses were allegedly contacting ALW to play this role back in the day)"

I didn't say they were alike in story or even characters. Both score have that haunted feeling. The Visit is more ethereal in quality, Sunset more regal. I still think Chita would have been amazing in the role. Those eyes.. As for Meryl and Barbra - apparently they were in mind when Sunset was to be made into a movie which never panned out. Both of them (especially Barbra) could still be a fantastic choice should the movie see the light of day.


What are your thoughts on Michael Xavier? I have only seen this performance of him singing Sunset and his take on the role is not the angry cat's approach which Alan Campbell had. And I am obsessed (since I only recently discovered this album) with Alan's take.

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 2:58pm

Valentina -

Going in to see Sunset on Feb 4, I was apprehensive about Michael Xavier as there seemed to be a lot of people trash talking him on boards post the London run of this production.  But honestly, having seen Sunset 10 times now (Alan Campbell 7 of those times), he's by far the best Joe I've seen.  He reminds me a bit of Kevin Anderson's portrayal.  

Campbell and Close in the Original production played their respective roles very differently.  Campbell was much more angry/aggressive.  Close was almost Royal.  This production is much more human and moving.  Close is hanging on by a thread throughout - a hurt, fragile creature who's desperate for love - from the audience and from a companion.  Joe is hanging by a thread too - financially bankrupt and discouraged and turned off by Hollywood.  The effect is overwhelming

[Princeton2]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 2:59pm

personally I thought michael xavier was hammy and cheesy (he even did jazz hands) and almost like he was in a different show

[Valentina3]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 3:11pm

That's good to hear, chernjam . Princeton2's review is more in line with Ben Brantley who call Xavier a "light-weight".

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 4:24pm

I do recall reading, I think it was in Theater Week back in 1993 the supposed list of actresses that were being "considered "for various productions of Sunset Boulevard, and it was fascinating. Chita was indeed on the list, and I'm sure she would have been compelling.  I'm not sure if it was ever announced, but apparently it was heavily rumored that Cher would open the Toronto production, the story was that she had accepted the offer but had to back out when she was diagnosed with CFS.

[Steve C.]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 4:36pm

Well, under the category of "opinions are like..." I have to disagree with a few posters.

First, I think Michael Xavier put's his own stamp on Joe Gillis. I found his hard boiled cynicism a little more evident. He sounded great vocally; he's definitely a victim of the re-staging, especially "The Lady's Paying" and "This Time Next Year". He's not John Barrowman or Alan Campbell but he does sing the role very, very well. I also don't remember the second act opening "Sunset Boulevard" featuring Joe Gillis and his collection of abs. (whoosh!) MX does look nice.

Actually I was more disappointed with the orchestra buried onstage, the sound and orchestrations were not even. We were 4th row orchestra.

Yet again, Close does the crazy, "we had faces bit" a little too much. I still think her acting is why people like her, but for me Betty Buckley is still "my" true Norma Desmond. BB sings, acts, and wonderfully plays ND's strengths as well as fragility and tragic demise. Max's role which was much deeper in the original is reduced to his featured song. Siobhan Dillon is fine, both acting and singing as Betty Schaefer.

If this does continue without Close, they would really need a great quartet to keep this going. Alice Ripley still might seem too young for Norma, I don't think BB would do it indefinitely...the casting prod/dir would have their hands full re-casting.

Still, though very VERY costly, I'm glad we got to see it. Now, just like ALW, we've seen all 4 of his shows running at the same time.  

[Lot666]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 5:51pm

I'm trying to avoid establishing an opinion of Mr. Xavier as Joe until I actually get to see his performance two weeks from now, but watching the brief clips that have been posted on the internet, there seems to be something a bit "off" about the way he sings/pronounces the phrase "Sunset Boulevard". I can't put my finger on exactly what about it feels odd to me, but I believe it has to do with which syllables he places emphasis on. Specifically regarding the title song, Alan Campbell offered the most effective delivery to my ears.

Also, I don't believe that this production will be extended when Ms. Close leaves. I think The Palace is too large a venue to fill consistently for a longer run.

Updated On: 2/22/17 at 05:51 PM

[Valentina3]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 6:13pm

With the right star, no theater is too large to fill. I mean, wouldn't you pay to see the likes of, say, Bette Midler (I know, it's just an example)?

 

They might have to cut the orchestra to a more manageable/affordable size. Don't know if that's against the union rules, or if there's any precedent for that.

 

[10086sunset]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 7:41pm

Valentina3 said: "With the right star, no theater is too large to fill. I mean, wouldn't you pay to see the likes of, say, Bette Midler (I know, it's just an example)?"

 

Couldn't agree more Valentina....

Imagine if Liza was going into the show at the Palace? 

[chernjam]

Posted: 2/22/17 at 8:30pm

Valentina3 said: "With the right star, no theater is too large to fill. I mean, wouldn't you pay to see the likes of, say, Bette Midler (I know, it's just an example)?

 They might have to cut the orchestra to a more manageable/affordable size. Don't know if that's against the union rules, or if there's any precedent for that.

 "

While Sunset remains one of my all time favorites - and I love this production - I sincerely doubt this turns into an Open Run engagement.  If it became a sold out - hamilton-esque kind of ticket demand - I would say maybe... but as much as it's done really well so far, the reality is tickets are still readily available.  Plus they really billed this as GLENN CLOSE in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard.  Kind of set it up as a star vehicle.