![]() Broadway magic is alive and thriving, and nowhere is that more evident than in the jaw-dropping revival of Sunset Boulevard at the St. James Theatre. The timeless Andrew Lloyd Webber classic has returned, and this production is a dazzling reimagination of the Hollywood noir story. At the center of it all is Nicole Scherzinger, whose performance as Norma Desmond is nothing short of a tour de force. From the moment the curtain rose, Scherzinger commanded the stage with an intensity that left the audience breathless. Her voice soared effortlessly through Webber’s iconic score, blending heartbreak and power in equal measure. “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye” were absolute showstoppers, earning rapturous applause and spontaneous standing ovations. Scherzinger's nuanced portrayal of Norma — both vulnerable and ferociously determined — will undoubtedly go down as one of Broadway’s most unforgettable performances. But what truly sets this production apart is its revolutionary use of live camera work. Blurring the lines between stage and screen, the creative team incorporated strategically placed cameras throughout the theater to capture key moments in real time. These live feeds were projected onto screens, giving the audience the sense that they were stepping into a vintage Hollywood soundstage. And it didn’t stop there. The cameras weren’t confined to the theater alone; some scenes were filmed outside the venue, bringing the story to life in an unprecedented way. Watching Norma Desmond’s infamous descent unfold both on stage and in cinematic real-time, accompanied by the hauntingly beautiful live orchestra, was nothing short of mesmerizing. The seamless integration of live music, video, and stagecraft transported the audience fully into the glamorous yet tragic world of 1950s Hollywood. The technical brilliance of this production didn’t overshadow its heart, though. Every creative element — from the moody lighting design to the stripped back set — enhanced the emotional gravity of the story. As much as this Sunset Boulevard is a spectacle, it remains a deeply human tale of longing, ambition, and heartbreak. If you're a theater lover or a fan of Sunset Boulevard, this revival is an absolute must-see. Nicole Scherzinger’s performance alone is worth the price of admission, but the innovative use of live camera work and orchestration elevates the experience into something truly groundbreaking. It’s Broadway reimagined for a modern age, and it’s a night at the theater you’ll never forget.
Hurry and grab your tickets before Norma Desmond leaves the stage — this is a production destined for legend! Now playing at the St. James Theater. 246 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036 Get tickets here!
0 Comments
|
Behind the CurtainJoseph CummingsMy blog is all about the design process, set design, and designers I love. Take a look behind the curtain! Categories
All
Archives
February 2025
Recommended Set Design BookBy Clare Floyd DeVries
Alice Through the Proscenium is THE traveler's guide to the strange world of theater set design.
Click on the cover of the book to order yours today! |