'Sunset Boulevard' review — Nicole Scherzinger blazes in her Broadway debut
Read our review of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway, a revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black, and Christopher Hampton's musical adapted from Billy Wilder's film.
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. In director Jamie Lloyd's bold and wildly entertaining revival of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway, clouds of haze regularly shroud the stage. The effect makes this take on the 1993 musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black, and Christopher Hampton next-level noir.
As for fire, Nicole Scherzinger brings it in five-alarm fashion. Reprising her Olivier Award-winning role from London and making her Broadway debut in Sunset Boulevard, the former Pussycat Doll blazes as Norma Desmond, a has-been silent film icon who sees hunky young writer Joe Gillis (Tom Francis, outstanding) as her ticket back to the screen. But there’s no Hollywood ending. A body bag early on is a dead giveaway.
Lloyd's staging, per his usual style, is minimal. The 1949 timeline is fluid. Norma’s famous line, “I’m ready for my close-up,” is key to his inspired cinematic vision. Handheld camera operators follow actors on stage, backstage, and outside, beaming huge black-and-white close-ups onto an enormous screen. There are opening and closing credits. It’s a musical. It’s a movie. It’s both. It’s a thrill.
Scherzinger, in bare feet and a black slip, could use a shade more vulnerability as past-her-prime Norma. But she shows off powerhouse pipes in the show's best songs, her crowd-rousing solos “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye.” Scherzinger makes the most of the show’s in-your-face camera concept. She mugs, flashes her expressive eyes, whips her hair, and breaks into a Valley Girl vocal fry. The camera loves her. That’s the point. Lloyd’s ingenious reimagining puts Norma where she’d kill to be — on screen.
Sunset Boulevard summary
Based on the 1950 Billy Wilder movie, Sunset Boulevard revolves around the ill-fated pairing of Norma Desmond, a faded film star futilely chasing a comeback, and Joe Gillis, a down-on-his-luck screenwriter who becomes her collaborator and boy toy. The story explores themes of Hollywood’s ruthlessness, the fragility of fame, and the pitfalls of aging.
Glenn Close originated the role of Norma on Broadway in 1994, winning a Best Actress Tony Award.
What to expect at Sunset Boulevard
Lloyd’s Sunset Boulevard pulls you into a theatrical universe all its own. Because of his no-scenery aesthetic, it’s not always clear where moments are happening. That includes an early big dance number packed with young Hollywood wannabes. If you know the movie, that helps.
The story gets deathly serious, but this production is spiked with humor. The show is at its cheekiest in the Act 2 opening song, “Sunset Boulevard.” A camera follows Francis backstage before moving the action outside where, in one of many sight gags, he encounters his own picture plastered on the theatre. It’s a fitting gimmick for a story about illusion and reality.
Francis makes a big impression even when he’s not projected like a giant. He makes his Broadway debut reprising his role from the London run, as do Scherzinger; Grace Hodgett Young as Betty, who comes between Joe and Norma; and David Thaxton as Max, Norma’s loyal butler.
What audiences are saying about Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard has an audience approval rating of 91% on the review aggregator Show-Score.
- “The stripped-down sets and costumes were effective in making the story timeless. Nicole Scherzinger is magnificent.” - Show-Score user Susan Acker
- “A wonderful production that reinvigorates a strong score. The sheer levels of camp occasionally threaten to unbalance everything …” Show-Score user ArnoldNeild
- “Emotionally empty.” - Show-Score user RickD
- “As phenomenal as London … Nicole is triumphant. A smash. Act 2 is about to blow everyone’s minds.” - X user @BatesyT84
- “Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis sang the shit out of that score … That was nuts in the best possible way.” - People writer Katie Labovitz via X
- “Simply incredible. This reimagined version was much darker than previous renditions, but superb acting and all-around remarkable talent!” Show-Score user Thomas Curcio
Read more audience reviews of Sunset Boulevard on Show-Score.
Who should see Sunset Boulevard
- Fans of Nicole Scherzinger who know only her work as a Pussycat Doll will want to see her Broadway debut.
- Theatregoers who were drawn to Lloyd’s reimagined A Doll’s House with Jessica Chastain will appreciate his daring take on this Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.
- Sunset Boulevard devotees – of the movie and the musical adaptation – will enjoy seeing how the story lends itself to reimagination.
Learn more about Sunset Boulevard
Thirty years after its Broadway debut, the show is back with a leading lady who’s sure to be part of the conversation come awards season.
Photo credit: Sunset Boulevard on Broadway. (Photos by Marc Brenner)
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