Star-Studded Opening Night of “Sunset Boulevard”
On Sunday night, a vibrant crowd gathered outside the St. James Theater, where a flurry of photographers captured the dazzling arrival of stars on a striking black carpet for the much-anticipated opening night of the revival of the iconic musical “Sunset Boulevard.” Among the attendees was the legendary Betty Buckley, 77, who famously portrayed the role of the once-glamorous silent-film star Norma Desmond in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical during its original runs in London and Broadway in the 1990s. Buckley expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m thrilled to see this.”
This new incarnation of the production features Nicole Scherzinger, 46, a former member of the Pussycat Dolls, stepping into the challenging role of Norma Desmond. The musical poignantly explores Ms. Desmond’s tragic journey into madness as she grapples with the harsh realities of an entertainment industry that often discards its female stars at increasingly younger ages.
Guided by the visionary minimalist director Jamie Lloyd, who previously directed a successful London run of the show last year, this revival presents a bold reinterpretation of the original musical that first graced the West End stage in 1993. The reimagined production promises to engage audiences in fresh and compelling ways.
Among the standout performances was Tom Francis, who plays the role of the young screenwriter Joe Gillis. He received an enthusiastic standing ovation for his captivating rendition of the title number, during which he was followed onto the street by a live feed, creating a dynamic connection with the audience outside.
Also in attendance was Jessica Chastain, who earned a Tony Award nomination last year for her performance in Lloyd’s previous Broadway venture, a revival of “A Doll’s House.” The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and anticipation for what this new production of “Sunset Boulevard” has to offer.