Sunset Boulevard – Savoy Theatre 2023/24

The pouting might be cringey but I think it’s kind of the point, very much fits the Norma character JL is trying to portray. Norma is obsessed with herself.

All of the Norma’s, right back to Gloria Swanson, have demonstrated weird characteristics or ticks whether they were facial expressions, camp mannerisms or the way they spoke. NS is just doing the same but an up to date version.

I'm sure it was to an extent, but it's written to be that way within the world of the show. Norma is eccentric, camp, and losing her mind, but that's all contained within the show. With Nicole's performance, it very much felt like she was playing directly to the audience for laughs, akin to a panto as I said before. It was so much the case that multiple people around me were laughing at entirely serious points, such as the ending of the show, because Nicole's performance seemed to encourage them to find everything comical and as if it was being played for laughs.

It totally feels like playing up to the audience in the theatre and is not at all in character, and for me it disrespects and cheapens the character of Norma. She may be delusional now but she really was a major star - I can’t believe Nicole’s version ever was.

I also feel that the long note in AIWNSG is also playing up to the audience. When Elaine Paige added it really lifted the song and added a great dramatic moment. I feel in this production that Lloyd is actually taking the piss out of how that long note has become a “show off” moment for the actress playing Norma, which I agree to some extent that is has. But I really do feel Lloyd doesn’t like this show. If he could get away with it he’d replace all the songs with his ridiculous slowed down dialogue.

From pouting to sprouting, this thread has it all.

Exactly, Norma Desmond, an undeniable “star”, has been given all the mannerisms of a talentless nobody. Go figure.

Seeing how there's a handful of seats available per performance left, I suppose they want to end on a high note.  My guess if a recording is coming they're doing it right after the run ends on Jan 6th?  (Kind of like they did with Sunday in the Park with George with Jake Gyllenhal) 

As for NY - while I'm eager to see it, kind of surprised that people want to rush it in this season

Idk if I'm the most über of fans but I love the design of this show so I'll bite. Haven't seen Jamie Lloyd's other work but if he uses his 'tropes' whenever it makes sense for his other productions like they do here, then I can't see why having and using a signature style is bad.

Lining up vertically: Everyone having grievances to air, but having to wait in line for their turn to voice them. ('Let's Have Lunch')

Lining up horizontally: Everyone equally desperate to be heard, so what better formation for the final chorus following the (literally) sequential introduction? Also can't beat that wonderful wall of sound it creates. ('Let's Have Lunch') With such an array of named ensemble characters, a genius way to show who's interacting with who by only having the 2 stood singing while everyone else sits awaiting their moment while inkeeping with the minimalist blocking. ('Every Movie's A Circus') Impressive (and really satisfying) visuals during the domino effect down the line, e.g. flailing Normas ('Finale'), or when the singular line dissolves into an intricate dance sequence and melds back into a perfect line at the next verse. ('Let's Have Lunch')

Norma's bare feet: Vulnerability, and also she's at home. Sure some scenes she's at Paramount, but she also thinks that's home.

Artie's close-ups: How else would they make everyone see that single tear running down his face? Jokes aside, he's the one that brings the undercurrent of unease for Betty so he visually looms at times. His close-ups (in contrast to Max's) don't intimidate at all just like his character. IMO one of the weaker uses of the camera concept but they have the whole rig and feed set up- why not have more use out of it.

Max's close-ups: Looming, behind-the-scenes orchestrator- Thaxton's demeanour is perfect for it, in fact I want him to be even creepier. As there's no set to give a sense of scale for his lurking, the full-screen close-ups work great (e.g. Max going 'Where have you been?') It amuses yes, but also manages to startle since the stage isn't dark enough for Max to materialise from the shadows. 

Apple devices: It's obvious this production isn't overly concerned with being period-appropriate (see: twerking, doing the robot) so once the audience grasps that the show straddles both book and present-era, they'll understand that the athleisure outfits and accessories aren't meant to be making a statement- simply part of the not-anchored-in-time concept.

What do previous credits have to do with anything? If someone is fantastic in a role, as Scherzinger is in this production, previous credits mean nothing.
It's the coming together of a star, a director and the right show, at the right time, that makes this production magic, as evidenced by the majority of people on here. Did you disregard Lea Salonga when she opened in Miss Saigon, because she didn't have 10-15 years of rep. behind her?

Are you really comparing Sheridan in Joseph to Nicole in Sunset Blvd? Sheridan couldn't sing the score, she mugged her way through the show to try and hide that she couldnt sing it, and played it 110% to the back wall of the upper circle. There were no risks involved. You knew what you were going to get. Scherzinger has come out in an iconic role and totally made it her own, There were risks in her doing it and it could have been just laughed off the stage. Instead it's the biggest hit of the year.

This production obviously wasn't for you, you hated it before you even saw it. Let people enjoy it without the incessant need to repeat your dislike for the production, over and over.

Finished last night at 22:07 and I had to dash to get the 22:30 from Waterloo - so missed the curtain calls!  Fortunately I was on the end of a row.

PS.What’s the young Norma standing on stage for 10 minutes before it starts all about?

It always comes down to this on this board. The people who love a show try to shout down those who don’t. There is no discussion because people “must be left to enjoy it” (whatever that means!).