Sunset Boulevard – Savoy Theatre 2023/24

A fascinating question...  From what I can remember, when Sunset closed both in NY and London at the same time (and WDTW Washington DC transfer to NY cancelled) it was massive news with the NY Times doing a pretty thorough, front page story on it.  That gives a sense of what a worldwide mogul ALW/RUG had become.  Anyway, I remember reading that NY closed recouping appx. 85 % of its investment which included the Patti settlement (because her non-performance clause was part of the NY production, not London)  London production costs, I don't recall them giving a percentage about how close to recouping it  Part of the escalating costs there included their incorporating re-designs to the set when they relaunched it with Betty Buckley and "incorporating the revisions made to the Los Angeles production."  It was more than just some paint and alterations, since I think it also had changes to the hydraulics.  At the time, we have to remember, RUG saw Sunset as being the next Phantom that would run for years and years - so all these crazy expenses seemed sensible.  One of the main problems though was the weekly running costs where outrageous at the time, higher than Phantom. Which was what infuriated investors.  The show having been sold out in NY with the largest advance in broadway history of over 37.5 million dollars by opening night (which was only recently broken by Bette Middler/Hello Dolly) with just some fiscal discipline and riding the avalanche of publicity/ Tony wins, etc had no reason not to recoup and turned a profit.  It was RUG trying to prove they could match/surpass Cameron Mackintosh.  

Incredibly wasted opportunity and left a stain on what should've been seen as one of ALW's bona-fide hits being labeled "mixed" in terms of results.

As for ALW personally he didn't lose money.  As the composer, his personal royalties were separate from the production company.  He would have been paid weekly like the actors, and all the creatives as part of the payroll.  I remember one of the articles around that time saying he should've refrained from taking a salary till they recouped.  Which is ridiculous.  But the dual role as composer and producer has not really worked out for him, considering aside from School of Rock (which I'm not sure he was lead producer) he's not had a bona fide hit since

I just know that I asked RUG for a raffle prize when we were supporting Childline at work back then. and were gifted 2 pairs of Sunset tickets. (I think Elaine had just left).

Not to mention that elaborate set inside Norma's mansion.

The production has not long opened when we first arrived in London backpacking. My best friend had seen the film, but I hadn't and this was my first exposure to not only the story, but of a West End musical- we went on to see several other shows on that trip.

I am from Sydney and (at the time) the Victoria Premiere had flown across for opening night to try and secure the transfer right to Melbourne- whenever you mention Australia, apart from the kangaroos) the first thing people think of is either the Sydney Harbour Bridge or the Opera House- unless you have relatives in other states. There has always been, and probably always will be, rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne, in lieu of those landmarks, Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia- but I digress.

I even remember when I arrived back home after that trip, we had a TV show- not too dissimilar to Noel's House Party- who made the trip to London, with the (male) presenter walking down Norma's grand staircase, waving like The Queen and so blown away by the opulence of the set were they that they actually presented the whole show from the theatre, on the stage.

It seems Nicole has her next theatrical gig lined up. Rumour has it she’s going into Death Becomes Her as the Isabella Rossellini role.

Rehearsal photos live. Looking very video heavy and big LED screens. the full Ivo!

From the sight of an LED Wall and the use of cameras in the rehearsal photos, I’m guessing we’ll have some close up imagery similar to Oklahoma

Why do they look they are rehearsing for grease or some high school based musical??

x.com/shauntossell/status/1697552309155189136?s=46&t=OO8qK9Y-564YfIm7kuu5dQ

First photo is the popular girl in high school who ALWAYS gets what she wants
Second photo is the new nerdy girl and the school jock who's secretly in love with her
Third photo is a massive cafeteria dance number where everyone joins in
Fourth photo is the popular girl and school jock are together but they don't actually love each other

I'm getting really worried about this production now.

The last picture of Tom Francis has a guy holding a camera frame in it, with the lights on the outside of it. Presumably they are going to project live footage onto screens. Literally showing her getting ready for her close up.

There’s tons of video in it.

It’s basically Ivo Sunset Boulevard

Hes playing a bit fast and loose with the term 'big star'