REVIEW | Sunset Boulevard

From the moment the curtains rose on “Sunset Boulevard,” I was completely captivated. The musical brilliantly weaves a tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition, centred around Norma Desmond, a once-revered silent movie star now discarded by the relentless march of Hollywood’s “talkies.” Her desperate yearning for a return to the silver screen leads to a fateful encounter with Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter. As their paths intertwine, their relationship becomes a volatile mix of passion and despair, culminating in a hauntingly tragic conclusion.

Sarah Brightman, in the role of Norma Desmond, delivers a performance that is nothing short of masterful. From the first note she sings, I was drawn into Norma’s world—a world filled with emotional complexity and a profound sense of loss. Brightman’s voice is as captivating as ever, effortlessly carrying the weight of Norma’s intricate character arc. Tim Draxl, portraying Joe Gillis, was equally impressive. His performance reached its zenith in the second act, particularly during the title track “Sunset Boulevard,” where he showcased both his vocal prowess and the deep emotional turmoil of his character.

The vocal performances across the board were exceptional. Every song resonated with clarity and emotion, pulling the audience deeper into the story. The ensemble’s vocal abilities added a rich layer to the production, ensuring that the narrative was conveyed not just through words but through a powerful musical experience.

I was particularly struck by the choreography, which beautifully captured the essence of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Ashley Wallen’s work here is truly a standout, especially in numbers like “The Lady’s Paying,” where the fluidity and synchronization of the dancers created a mesmerizing, dreamlike atmosphere. The choreography in the finale was another high point, leaving a lasting impression with its intensity and precision.

Visually, “Sunset Boulevard” is a feast for the eyes. The set and costume design perfectly encapsulate the glamour and decay of Hollywood’s bygone era. The innovative use of new technology, blended with traditional set elements, created a fascinating visual journey through time. The costumes were not only stunning but also meticulously designed to reflect the period, adding another layer of authenticity to the production.

The lighting design played a crucial role in establishing the mood throughout the show. There were several moments where the lighting choices heightened the drama, emphasizing key scenes in a striking way. Although there were some initial issues with the sound design—specifically, a few lines and lyrics were difficult to hear—these were quickly resolved, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

The orchestration and musical direction were flawless. The orchestra provided a strong, cohesive foundation for the musical, perfectly balancing the dramatic moments on stage with the intricate score. The timing was impeccable, ensuring that the music complemented, rather than overshadowed, the emotional weight of the scenes.

What struck me most about “Sunset Boulevard” was its ability to take the audience on a profound emotional journey. The themes of ambition, obsession, and decline were conveyed with such depth that it was impossible not to be moved. There were several moments throughout the show that elicited strong emotional reactions from the audience, a testament to the power of the performances and the storytelling.

As the show progressed, I noticed how deeply engaged the audience was. There were moments of palpable tension, where the entire theatre fell silent, and then bursts of applause following standout numbers. The standing ovation at the end was a clear reflection of the audience’s appreciation for the exceptional work done by the cast and crew.

While the production was near perfection, there were a couple of areas where I felt improvement could be made. The transition into the bar scene in Act 1 could have been smoother, and the sound levels at the beginning of the show could benefit from a slight adjustment for better clarity. However, these are minor critiques in what was otherwise a truly superb performance.

Reflecting on “Sunset Boulevard,” I find myself deeply moved by its exploration of themes that are as relevant today as they were in Hollywood’s Golden Age. The performances, particularly by Sarah Brightman and Tim Draxl, were breathtaking, offering a powerful blend of emotional depth and vocal excellence. The choreography and set design were not just impressive—they were integral to creating the world of Norma Desmond, a world where past and present collide with stunning effect. The overall production quality was outstanding, fully immersing the audience in this tragic tale of ambition and decline.

This production of “Sunset Boulevard” is more than just a show—it’s an experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls and serves as a reminder of the timeless allure of Hollywood, while also highlighting the often harsh realities faced by those in the industry. I would highly recommend this production to anyone who loves classic Hollywood drama brought to life on stage, to anyone who appreciates a rich, dramatic narrative paired with stunning visuals and exceptional performances. It is a remarkable performance that captures the essence of an era while delivering a fresh, modern twist.