Sunset Boulevard Revival Broadway Thread — Page 5

Sadly Greased they're going with a semi-staged production of stairscases and I believe some screen stuff/ props/etc. Nowhere near the spectacular original set designs. Which is a shame. I believe I read when Sunset closed they were storing one of the sets somewhere. I don't know how feasible it would be to utilize even just the Mansion - but one of the most magical moments of the original broadway production was after the Car chase - seeing the mansion slowly descend into place, the music hushed a bit and Glenn Close made her first majestic entrance with the gold and black turban/outfit.

brian1973 said: "There is a set of sorts. An elaborate series of platforms containing the orchestra and of course the staircase, but it's essentially a concert- so absolutely not worth paying big bucks for.

Glenn was sensational in it in London, and Siobhan Dillon lovely as Betty, but Michael Xavier- eek. Him emerging from the 'pool' at the top of act 2 still gives me nightmares.

I think his speedo got more attention than his actual performance, which I did not see. However, I have seen him in Love Story and Pajama Game and he did not blow me away so Glenn must feel comfortable to bring him over from London. Though he does have legions of fans I do not particularly see it. Not that he is bad, for me he is just all right, nothing special.

Updated On: 1/9/17 at 12:28 AM

Looking at how few seats seem to be sold for this, I can't help but thinking again they were foolish not to surround Glenn with some better known American actors. I understand she is the 'draw' but I think it would have helped having some more recognizable Broadway names in the company.

I was thinking Patrick Wilson would have made a good Joe with some name recognition, but perhaps they went down the road of exploring names and none were available. But even having someone like a Brian Stoke Mitchell or a Michael Cerveris as Max would have been 'something' to stimulate some additional interest.

I think the problem is that a lot of the older ticket buying patrons (who are also traditionally the biggest group of advance ticket buyers) living locally likely saw Glenn do the role the first time around and aren't jumping at the chance to pay two hundred bucks to see her do it again. And for those too young to have seen her last time, she's no longer a big enough name to peak their interest. In a way its now kind of a meta- Sunset Boulevard. Glenn hasn't ever stopped working, but last time she did the role she was at her peak of fame -- now she is kind of a faded movie star herself playing a faded movie star.

I think she sold out in London because there was an excitement about seeing her play the role in a place she hadn't played it.

Updated On: 1/9/17 at 01:39 AM

Even if you're not a fan of Close, this product in is worth seeing for Siobhan Dillon's sensational performance as Betty - she gives an understated and sublime performance. Sure to be a huge star.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Full-Cast-Announced-for-Glenn-Close-Led-SUNSET-BOULEVARD-on-Broadway-20170109

Finally!! Curious as to who will be Close's understudy/stand-by as I didn't really see any possible choices in the ensemble?

Nice to see Nancy Anderson back on Broadway.

I will see this show if and only if Nancy Anderson goes on.

We saw this in London. It was terrific.

It sold out because it was terrific -- not because it was new, or old, but because the performances were excellent, the staging clever and fresh, the orchestra stellar, and the prices fair, for the product.

As to the prices being asked on Broadway --- it's a different world than it was (and different from London where the TKTS booth closes an hour and one half before curtain.....). It seems so often now that going to Broadway is like shopping for a car. Lots of different prices, from lots of different places. (But the Corvette and Hamilton don't get discounted).

But let's not forget the old joke about the man on the street corner selling pencils for $50 each. A guy comes up and says "I bet you don't sell many at that price." And the pencil guy says ''I don't have to."

Just sayin....

AngusN said: "I disagree, Queen Alice, I would much rather pay good money to watch an exceptional performance by an exciting, new, up and coming star, than to see a celebrity - with half of the talent - give a sub par performance."

And good money is full price?

I've got my tickets too...I can't wait...I wish I were attracted to the guy playing Joe at least just a bit though...haha.