Critics and fans alike are on their feet, with Scherzinger receiving multiple mid-show standing ovations, one lasting an astonishing six minutes! If you're one of the lucky ones to snag a ticket at the St. James Theatre in New York City, prepare for a night of unforgettable talent.
- Nicole Scherzinger has taken Broadway by storm
- Her work in 'Sunset Blvd.' is being lauded
- THIS was her big night
A Career-Defining Moment
After years of navigating the music industry, Scherzinger makes a triumphant Broadway debut, proving that the stage is indeed where she belongs.
Her portrayal of the faded silent movie star "Norma Desmond" is nothing short of magnificent, blending charisma, sensuality, and a touch of monstrosity in a way that's both fresh and deeply moving. Scherzinger's voice, powerful and emotive, brings new layers to the character, earning her whispers of a Tony Award nod.
Under the direction of Andrew Lloyd Webber, 'Sunset Blvd.' feels entirely new. The production, set against a minimalist black and white stage, utilizes innovative video design to bring 1940s Hollywood to life through a 21st-century lens.
Nicole Scherzinger, alongside a stellar cast including Tom Francis as "Joe Gillis" and Grace Hodgett Young as "Betty Schaefer", delivers a performance that's both timeless and timely.
The show, adapted from Billy Wilder’s Oscar-winning 1950 film for the stage by book writers and lyricists Don Black and Christopher Hampton, follows "Desmond" as she hires young screenwriter "Joe Gillis" (Tom Francis) to help her plan a comeback to the silver screen after Hollywood deems her too old for the industry.
"Desmond", however, begins to feel threatened when she discovers "Gillis'" relationship with young writer "Betty Schaefer" (the bright Grace Hodgett Young). And in her desperation, not even "Desmond's" steadfast butler "Max von Mayerling" (theater veteran David Thaxton, better than ever) can stop what she does next.
More Than Just a Musical
What sets this revival apart is its bold vision and technical marvel. From the live footage broadcast on stage to the meta-elements that weave through the narrative, 'Sunset Blvd.' is a commentary on fame, youth, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Scherzinger's "Norma Desmond" is a testament to the complexity of human desire, making you root for her despite her flaws.
With tickets now on sale, this is your chance to witness a Broadway spectacle that's as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning.
Set on a bare stage designed by Soutra Gilmour, surrounded by rows of lights, everything is completely in black and white. A tilted black screen anchors the center back wall, where live footage captured by steadicams on stage is broadcast, showing audiences new angles to each performance.
The cameras also give the show a meta element. Act II opens with the lens following Francis, spectacular in his own right, as he meanders through the backstage halls of the theater where current-day references to the Pussycat Dolls and a cardboard cutout of Lloyd Webber are littered about.
He then sings the musical's title song while he walks down 44th Street, through Times Square's famed Shubert Alley, and back onto the stage.
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Nicole Scherzinger in 'Sunset Blvd.' is a career-defining performance that's not to be missed. Whether you're a fan of the former Pussycat Doll, a Broadway aficionado, or someone who loves a good story well told, this show promises an unforgettable experience.
