Trip Report: Sunset Boulevard in Australia

[Flight0017]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 10:52am

Hi everyone! I just got back from a great trip to Melbourne, Australia where I saw my favourite musical Sunset Boulevard a few times. I thought I'd try to write a trip report, in case anyone is interested.

The show was staged by the Production Company, and was what I would call a semi-staged concert version. There were a few set pieces (like a staircase) and quite a few props. The orchestra was on stage during the entire performance, as were most of
the cast members. All cast members wore body mics, so they could move around freely. Various images were projected onto a screen behind the orchestra, like a pool, the Paramount gates, Norma's mansion etc.

Norma Desmond was played by Judi Connelli. Her voice is powerful and extremely rich, and she has a very good stage presence. Her performance actually changed a bit during the week, from more comedic to a bit more serious. I preferred her last performances to her first ones. Joe Gillis was played by David Campbell, whom I knew virtually nothing of before I went to see the show. His Joe was very good, down-to-earth, and a more realistic Joe than others I have seen in the role. Oh, and a great singer too! Max von Mayerling was played by Roger Howell, who did a wonderful job. But in my opinion the star of the show was in fact Chelsea Plumley who played Betty Schaeffer. She turned what is basically a thankless role to play into a three-dimensional character that evolved throughout the show. In fact, there were little touches added to the relationship between Joe and Betty that made it more believable than in the original production.

Especially nice touches to this production was the humorous car chase scene (wonderfully choreographed - done with around 12 actors each with their own miniature car!) and the final scene where pages from Norma's Salome script blows onto the stage during a storm. 'The Lady's Paying' and 'Eternal Youth Is Worth A Little Suffering' were staged almost as in the original.

The rather short rehearsal period was visible from time to time, as a few cues were missed, and some lines were flubbed. But it was nothing big, only something that fans would notice.

After the final performance, I was invited to the cast party along with a couple of fellow Sunset Boulevard fans. Thanks to
the wonderful Jeanne Pratt, chairman of the Production Company for inviting us! We met all the leads, and they were just wonderful. David Campbell was a laidback, cool guy. Chelsea Plumley was just the cutest and most charming person ever. Roger
Howell was wonderful and really funny. Judi Connelli was incredibly sweet, but understandably a bit tired after the performance. I had my picture taken with the stars, and they also autographed my programme. We also spoke with some of the other cast members, and they were all great people. One of them had even noticed us sitting in the front row for more than one performance!

All in all, this was a wonderful experience. Oh, and a special thanks to Max and Tim for making my visit to Melbourne even better and sharing the experience with me.

I have uploaded some photos in the Fan Photos section. Just follow the link. Don't pay too much attention to my eyes, who seem to be popping out of my head. Too much excitement will do that to you

http://www.broadwayworld.com/photo2.cfm?id=Flight0017

Updated On: 8/23/05 at 10:52 AM

[Garland Grrrl]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 11:03am

judy is fabulous. did a great version of FIFTY PERCENT a few years ago at the cabaret convention in new york.

[circusfreak]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 11:06am

I saw it twice also, first night I was extremely sick so it was all a bit of a haze to me. I then saw it on the last night and was blown away. Judi Connelli was simply superb on her last night, her "As If We Never Said Goodbye" had me in tears. And I completely agree with you about Chelsea as Betty! she was absolutely FANTASTIC. Best I've seen in the role.

All in all I loved the production, just wished it had run longer so I could of seen it again hehe.

And how on earth did you manage to sneak into the after party :p you lucky thing!
Updated On: 8/23/05 at 11:06 AM

[wildcat]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 11:12am

It's extraordinary that those Production Company shows get on at all with less than two weeks rehearsal and the cast off book. Then, just as everyone is getting comfortable, they close after five performances. Madness.

[circusfreak]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 11:13am

And the thing that amazes me about it is that there productions are always superb! even musicals I'm not a fan of I end up enjoying there productions.

[Flight0017]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 11:19am

circusfreak: Wow, that's so cool that you were there. You're probably going to see Oklahoma! next month then?

I recognized the chairman from the pictures on the Production Company's website, so I walked up to her and introduced myself. She was so impressed that I'd travelled so far to see the show, and I guess she wanted to do something in return. She has a heart of gold, that woman.

[circusfreak]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 11:24am

Hehe yep am going to see Oklahoma.

Jeanie is a wonderful woman, I've spoken to her many a time, best suck up to her next time to get into those parties

[wildcat]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 11:27am

I just wish they'd be more adventurous and select shows that will never receive full scale productions in Australia, like ON THE TOWN or ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. They started off well with SHE LOVES ME but every show since then has`been a traditional Broadway blockbuster.

[lfae]

Posted: 8/23/05 at 11:05pm

I was there on closing night, and really enjoyed it. I've seen 7 - I think? - TPC productions so far and it was my least favourite, but that's NOT to say I didn't like it. David Campbell was amazing as always, but I too was totally won over by Chelsea. What a darling! I'm definitely keeping an eye on what she pops up in next, she really made an impression on me.

Insanely looking forward to Oklahoma as well :)

[Flight0017]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 6:26am

lfae: Cool, please post your review when you've seen it!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/25/05 at 5:22pm

Any chance these shows will get recorded. I'd love to listen to Judi and David.

[lfae]

Posted: 8/26/05 at 5:05am

Oklahoma, when I've seen it? Sure! I'll go nuts and write an epic

chita33, not legally, but I...ah...PM me, lol