Hollywood drama and romance in Sunset Boulevard
The AJN reviews Andrew Lloyd Weber’s hit musical Sunset Boulevard at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre starring Sarah Brightman as ageing silent movie star Norma Desmond.
IT is 28 years since Andrew Lloyd Weber’s lavish musical Sunset Boulevard was first staged in Melbourne and its return with British soprano Sarah Brightman in the lead role as ageing silent movie star Norma Desmond had the Princess Theatre filled with anticipation.
Brightman shot to fame in The Phantom of the Opera in the early 1990s before focussing on a recording career, so there is some irony in her return to star in Sunset Boulevard after a long break.
On opening night, Brightman appeared to take time to settle into her role – at first her operatic voice made it a challenge for the audience to understand the lyrics, but this was not a problem as the 2-hour 40-minute production went on.
This production is by Opera Australia, so there was no surprise to see spectacular sets led by the sweeping stairway of the gothic mansion, as well as clever use of film and video projections to create a look of authenticity.
Sunset Boulevard is set in Hollywood in 1949. Struggling scriptwriter Joe Gillis (Tim Draxl) stumbles into Desmond’s mansion while fleeing loan sharks. He meets the recluse star, attended by her faithful butler Max, played by veteran actor Robert Grubb (who was in the cast of the 1996 production playing Sheldrake).
Desmond is still dreaming of a return to the silent screen despite Hollywood having moved onto movies with sound, and asks Gillis to stay at the mansion and edit her movie script for her comeback.
When the project drags on for months he tries to break free to spend more time with strong-willed budding writer Betty Schaefer, played by Ashleigh Rubenach, fresh from her success in the Groundhog Day musical, who has a fine voice and gives her character plenty of spirit.
The cast includes experienced Jewish actor Troy Sussman playing Sheldrake and other ensemble roles with style and humour.
In some performances Silvie Paladino will replace Brightman in the lead role.
Weber’s trademark music is evident throughout, especially in the pivotal numbers such as With One Look, As If We Never Said Goodbye and The Perfect Year.
While Sunset Boulevard has a pervading dark theme, there are enough contrasting scenes of colour and light, plus some dashes of humor, to keep the audience engrossed.
Sunset Boulevard is at the Princess Theatre until August 11 and opens at the Sydney Opera House on August 28. Bookings: sunsetmusical.com.au
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