Review: Sunset Boulevard Starring Nicole Scherzinger
Why you shouldn’t miss the lead Pussycat Doll’s performance on Broadway later this year
After a successful run in London, Jamie Lloyd’s production of the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical will soon be heading to Broadway.
Based on the Billy Wilder film of the same name, Sunset Boulevard tells the story of a young scriptwriter named Joe Gillis’ encounter and subsequent complex relationship with the washed-up silent film star Norma Desmond. Set in Hollywood in the 1950s, the plot deals with the themes of fame, money, narcissism and artistic integrity.
The musical’s dark tone is worlds away from the bright aesthetics and fun, catchy pop songs of The Pussycat Dolls, the iconic group which Scherzinger headed during the 2000s, and which reunited for a series of shows in recent years. However, the pop singer is no stranger to the theatre stage, having received an Olivier Award nomination for her performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 2015 production of Cats.
It is impossible to ignore the parallels between Nicole Scherzinger and the character of Norma Desmond: both were international stars, adored for their beauty and their performance skills. However, the similarities end there. Desmond’s fame declined as she aged and the musical’s plot follows her struggle to re-enter the world of Hollywood which no longer appreciates her as it once did. Rather ironically, Scherzinger’s performance as Desmond proves her versatility and talent which are sure to keep her in the limelight for years to come. She gives a powerful and convincingly disturbing portrayal of a woman tortured by her fall from grace.
Jamie’s Lloyd’s production uses a minimalist set and colour palette, the performers’ monochrome outfits perhaps a nod to Wilder’s original film noir.
Much of the cast’s performance is delivered facing away from the audience and into a handheld camera, the images from which are projected onto a screen at the rear of the stage. While this is fitting for a plot centred on the film industry, some may not enjoy watching a significant part of the musical on a screen.
During its run at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End, the musical travelled out of the theatre and onto the street (The Strand, pictured above). Londoners were treated to a sample of Tom Francis’ performance as Joe Gillis for free if they knew where and when to turn up. It has not been announced whether the same will occur in New York, but it seems likely.
The show is a gripping and suspenseful psychological drama which slowly builds up to a shocking climax. It is in these final scenes that Scherzinger really demonstrates her singing and acting prowess.
Whether you are a long-time Pussycat Dolls fan, a theatre lover or a crime drama devotee, you will be gripped by this bold new production of a classic musical.
Show dates have yet to be announced, but you can sign up to receive announcements and ticket information here.
It should be noted that the show features flashing lights and certain potential audience members may find scenes which depict violence distressing.
