Sunset Boulevard Revival Broadway Thread — Page 27

$55, pfffffffffffffffffffffffft.

If they charge hundreds to see musicals with a small orchestra of 5-10 musicians, plays with small casts, musicals a capella...I think $55 for a 40 piece orchestra is a bargain and that score! That cast!? A steal.

chernjam said: "Lot666 said: "CT2NYC said: "The word that I've always used to describe the original production design is "cinematic." Since the musical is based on the movie, I always assumed it was John Napier's intention to bring the moviegoing experience to the stage, and, in that respect, I think it was an incredible success. The set changes flowed beautifully, and I have yet to see anything that matches it in this regard. It was perfection."

I've always thought it sounded like a very ambitious concept that was executed beautifully, and I can't imagine that it would have "detracted" (as some have posited) from my experience. Not having seen the original production is one of my biggest regrets.
"

CT2NYC - "Cinematic" - is probably the best description of it. It really was something spectacular that was groundbreaking and innovative at the time (made crashing chandeliers and helicopters on stage seem like nothing). It's probably why they figured it would return a huge profit.

But the difference was that the chandelier (Phantom) and Helicopter (Saigon) both were elements that added an amazing theatrical flair to the story. The mansion was spectacular in its own right.

When I went to see the Second US Tour (the paired down, much maligned - unfairly in my mind - version) I was surprised how much of the story, the music and the performances really hit me differently than the original. It just felt much more moving and human to me - rather than a "movie".

Now seeing Glenn reprising her role in this new production, I appreciate that even more. It really is a fascinating story, with some interesting characters and one of ALW's most beautiful scores. That stands out more... And seeing actors being able to create different theatrical moments (ie - Car chase scene) - well isn't that what theatre is supposed to do?

I was one of the early doubters about a revival sans the original Napier sets, as well as about Close starring again. I am happy to eat both of those sets of words.



"

I get that, chernjam, and that's why, for me, the original production was at its best with Betty Buckley. After Glenn Close, some thought that she was too subdued as Norma. I believe she added much-needed pathos to the role, which nicely balanced the spectacle. In the current revival, Glenn Close plays her closer to Betty Buckley than to her original incarnation. Also, in my opinion, no other Norma comes close to Betty Buckley in regard to vocal talent. Her voice is in a league of its own.

Updated On: 3/7/17 at 04:36 PM

I paid $135 for this show in mid mezzanine. It was well worth every penny, because of the quality of the actors, musicians, set design, wardrobe, makeup and everything else involved.

If you think $55 is too much to see this show, let someone else have that opportunity who probably will be grateful for it.

muscle23ftl said: "CT2NYC said: "chernjam said: "Lot666 said: "CT2NYC said: "The word that I've always used to describe the original production design is "cinematic." Since the musical is based on the movie, I always assumed it was John Napier's intention to bring the moviegoing experience to the stage, and, in that respect, I think it was aincredible success. The set changes flowed beautifully, and I have yet to see anything that matches it in this regard. It was perfection."

I've always thought it sounded like a very ambitious concept that was executed beautifully, and I can't imagine that it would have "detracted" (as some have posited) from my experience. Not having seen the original production is one of my biggest regrets.
"

CT2NYC - "Cinematic" - is probably the best description of it. It really was something spectacular that was groundbreaking and innovative at the time (made crashing chandeliers and helicopters on stage seem like nothing). It's probably why they figured it would return a huge profit.

But the difference was that the chandelier (Phantom) and Helicopter (Saigon) both were elements that added an amazing theatrical flair to the story. The mansion was spectacular in its own right.

When I went to see the Second US Tour (the paired down, much maligned - unfairly in my mind - version) I was surprised how much of the story, the music and the performances really hit me differently than the original. It just felt much more moving and human to me - rather than a "movie".

Now seeing Glenn reprising her role in this new production, I appreciate that even more. It really is a fascinating story, with some interesting characters and one of ALW's most beautiful scores. That stands out more... And seeing actors being able to create different theatrical moments (ie - Car chase scene) - well isn't that what theatre is supposed to do?

I was one of the early doubters about a revival sans the original Napier sets, as well as about Close starring again. I am happy to eat both of those sets of words.



"

I get that, chernjam, and that's why, for me, the original production was at its best with Betty Buckley. After Glenn Close, I think some thought that she was too subdued as Norma. I believe she added much-needed pathos to the role, which nicely balanced the spectacle. In the current revival, Glenn Close plays her closer to Betty Buckley than to her original incarnation. Also, in my opinion, no other Norma comes close to Betty Buckley in regard to vocal talent. Her voice is in a league of its own.



"

I totally disagree, I saw Betty on Broadway as Norma and her vibratto made me want to leave the theatre...also I dislike the color of her voice. The same goes for Elaine Paige. I think Patti's voice is better than anyone else's, but unfortunately I know her personality and it turns me off, plus she didn't act this role well. Glenn is my favorite by far. This show also needs a screen siren, an actress that can sing, as Andrew Lloyd Webber stated recently. Also Glenn is the biggest star of them all! :)



"

Let's agree to disagree, muscle23ftl. I, for one, couldn't get enough of Betty Buckley's voice. So much so, in fact, that I saw her 4 times! Don't get me wrong, I love Glenn Close. Hell, I even loved the show with Elaine Paige, my least favorite Norma. I suppose it's all a matter of preference.

Updated On: 3/7/17 at 05:03 PM

I watched a few Betty vids on you tube, from Sunset Blvd. Corny as this sounds, when I hear her sing powerful songs like With One Look and yes, Memories, I'm so glad I am alive and able to hear such a gift as hers.

I agree about Glenn Close inhabiting the role. She is the one reason I loved the show so much. Her grace and stage presence were extraordinary. If only she had the voice of Betty! Oh well, you can't have everything!

Don't worry chernjam...I still love you :)

Princeton2 said: "For me Norma is a role that requires more than just being an amazing musical theatre actress. There's a gravitas that Glenn brings, a truth and presence that no other actress manages. Every other musical theatre actress I've always been aware it's someone playing a role, Glenn inhabits it like no one.

Elaine Paige is the only musical theatre actress who has come close, she also for me was closest to the movie version of Norma"

Couldn't agree more with both of these points.

I have to agree with muscle on Buckley's vibrato. I watched her performance one time and couldn't bring myself to go back.

I plan on seeing the show a couple more times this month, seeing as there are fantastic deals out there for less than $100. I Also loved the video they posted in honor of Women's Day: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10155063792712974&id=98216162973

Well, he created the score, so his opinions means a little something :) But I don't deny what you say though.

Now I see how they're compensating for the $55 lotto...

I went to see Sunset on Feb 4 - row Q - aisle seat. Paid $169. Same seat - price has now increased to $189. Really sucks - because last Wednesday when I looked some of the $299 orchestra seats were down to $169. This week, when I had off and wanted to go and see it again - there was limited seats in the orchestra and prices were jacked up.

This is one of those negatives of the internet age. Tix/prices were a bit more consistent before they could easily change the prices on an hourly/daily basis.

chernjam said: "Now I see how they're compensating for the $55 lotto...

I went to see Sunset on Feb 4 - row Q - aisle seat. Paid $169. Same seat - price has now increased to $189. Really sucks - because last Wednesday when I looked some of the $299 orchestra seats were down to $169. This week, when I had off and wanted to go and see it again - there was limited seats in the orchestra and prices were jacked up.

This is one of those negatives of the internet age. Tix/prices were a bit more consistent before they could easily change the prices on an hourly/daily basis.

Not sure if you know this already, but there's a discount code available for Ticketmaster that has seats in the rear and side orchestra for $109, seats in the side front mezzanine for $99, and seats in the rear mezzanine for $69. Put in the code THM to unlock. I used it for the show on 2/5, and picked seat ZZ115, a single seat in the last row next to the control board. It has no seat on either side of it, and no seat directly in front of it.

Updated On: 3/9/17 at 05:57 PM