Nicole Scherzinger Dazzles in Career-Defining Sunset Boulevard Broadway Performance
A Standing Ovation-Worthy Performance
The Grammy-nominated artist, Nicole Scherzinger, delivers a spine-tingling, career-defining musical performance in the Sunset Boulevard musical that’s so commanding, alluring, and impressive that she’s getting multiple mid-show standing ovations—including one that lasted six minutes on Sunday, Oct. 20, when the show officially debuted at the St. James Theatre in Sunset Boulevard, NYC.
A Long-Awaited Broadway Debut
It’s a momentous occasion that fans of the former Pussycat Dolls lead singer have been eagerly anticipating. After years of honing her skills in the music industry and striving to establish herself as a solo artist in the US, Nicole Scherzinger is finally receiving the recognition she deserves as she makes her much-awaited Broadway debut.
She even dwells on the word “home” in the lyric “I’ve come home at last” from “With One Look,” as if to emphasize that the stage is where she truly belongs.
Award-Winning Potential
But Scherzinger will undoubtedly be getting much more than praise for portraying faded silent film star Norma Desmond, a role previously played by Glenn Close and Patti LuPone, in Sunset Boulevard– styled as Sunset Blvd. in this Sunset Boulevard revival iteration.
Already honored with the Olivier Award following the musical’s run in Sunset Boulevard West End, the X-Factor and Masked Singer judge should be clearing space on her shelf for a Tony Award, with many considering her the top contender for the prestigious accolade.
A Multifaceted Performance
Scherzinger’s powerful voice is in peak condition and she’s brought new depth to the character that audiences haven’t seen before. And that’s not including the fresh, trendy dance moves from choreographer Fabian Aloise, which infuse the performance with a modern, dynamic energy. Scherzinger’s Desmond is magnetic, witty, sensual, sharp, dramatic, scheming, and monstrous — all at once, evoking shades of Gloria Swanson’s iconic portrayal. She charms her way into the hearts of those around her and will have you rooting for her, even when her actions turn ugly and outrageous.
With her dramatic flair and larger-than-life persona, she’d make a perfect addition to the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast, a popular reality TV show known for its high drama and glamorous lifestyle.
The Plot and Cast
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 Sunset Boulevard Hollywood deems her too old for the industry. Desmond, however, starts to feel threatened when she discovers Gillis’ relationship with young writer Betty Schaefer (the talented Grace Hodgett Young). And in her desperation, not even Desmond’s loyal butler Max von Mayerling (theater veteran David Thaxton, better than ever) can prevent what she does next.
While some may think they’ve seen Sunset Boulevard before, Jamie Lloyd’s innovative take in this production breathes new life into the story. Set in 1940s Hollywood, this stripped-down show offers a fresh perspective that resonates with today’s audience, creating a visual feast that captivates your attention.
Innovative Stage Design
Soutra Gilmour’s bare stage has lights all around it and sticks to black and white colors. This makes the red blood on Desmond’s face pop in the final scene.
A slanted dark display behind the stage shows real-time video from cameras on stage, giving audiences fresh views of each act and highlighting new ideas.
Cinematography and Video Design
Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom created the clever video design and camera work.
This method effectively opens doors to fresh takes on the show’s core ideas. For example, the camera fades between close-ups of Scherzinger and Hannah Yun Chamberlain (as Young Norma) when Desmond reflects on her lost youth. The production even includes opening titles and end credits, fitting for a story about Hollywood’s allure.
A Modern Twist
The use of cameras adds a modern, meta element to the show. Act II begins with Francis, who is impressive in his own right, being followed by the camera as he walks through the theater’s backstage area. Here, modern references to the Pussycat Dolls and a Lloyd Webber cutout can be spotted. He then performs the title song while walking down 44th Street, through Times Square’s famous Shubert Alley, and back onto the stage, bringing a contemporary twist to the classic narrative.
Francis maintains his composure throughout this sequence, likely due to his experience performing the same role in London. (He received a standing ovation Sunday night after the song ended — one of four the show received). This steadiness reflects the guarded determination the actor brings to Gillis, who narrates the story after unzipping himself from a body bag center stage.
The Ensemble Cast
Sunset Blvd. features a talented ensemble cast. Olivia Lacie Andrews plays ‘Nancy,’ Brandon Mel Borkowsky is ‘John,’ and Shavey Brown takes on multiple roles, including ‘DeMille.’ Cydney Clark portrays ‘Joanna/Guard,’ while Arnold Contreras doubles as ‘Finance Man/Frank,’ A character who plays a crucial role in the financial aspects of the story. Tyler Davis brings ‘Sheldrake’ to life, and E.J. Hamilton embodies ‘Lisa.’ The cast also includes Sydney Jones as ‘Dorothy,’ Emma Lloyd as ‘Mary/Heather,’ and Pierre Marais as ‘Sammy.’
Mandy Gonzalez and Caroline Bowman share Desmond’s role, with Bowman serving as standby.
The production’s swings include Giuseppe Bausilio (dance captain), Kristina Garvida Doucette (assistant dance captain), Brandon LaVar, Maggie Likcani, Abby Matsusaka, and Rixey Terry.
Lloyd Webber’s Best Wishes
Before opening night, Lloyd Webber sent his best wishes to the Sunset Boulevard Broadway team via Instagram Stories. He praised the cast, orchestra, and everyone involved in the production and wished them luck for the opening.
Sources:
Kris Jenner rumored addition to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast for Season 7 – Starcasm. https://starcasm.net/kris-jenner-rumored-addition-to-the-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-cast-for-season-7/
How to Keep Up With the Latest Celebrity News MassTamilan Tv. https://masstamilan.tv/how-to-keep-up-with-the-latest-celebrity-news/
Header Photo:
Nicole Scherzinger, Hollywood, CA on August 14, 2012 – Photo by Glenn Francis of www.PacificProDigital.com
Photo credit: Toglenn, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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