Stage 18 Ms. Desmond : Lights, Camera, Action….

Could Sunset Boulevard the Musical, about to return to the Great White Way after almost twenty years ? (could it be true!) It has been reported, Glen Close has been asked to repeat her much loved performance of Norma Desmond. The UK Daily Mail has released, the show’s being considered for a limited run at the English National Opera either next spring or a year later, in 2017. The Oscar-nominated actress has been informally sounded out about starring as Norma Desmond in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of the great Billy Wilder movie Sunset Boulevard.

 

The production would be part of the ENO’s musical theatre season that was launched at the London Coliseum back in March with Emma Thompson and Bryn Terfel performing in Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd. The series of musicals is being produced with the ENO by Michael Linnit and Michael Grade. The English National Opera is staging modern musicals and popular plays in an attempt to secure its financial future. Those works include NT’s War Horse and the RSC’s Matilda – both of which have enjoyed long West End runs, as well as international success. Mr Linnit has commented that they don’t even have the rights at this point! He said that Sunset Boulevard was one of Lloyd Webber’s ‘most important scores’.

Sunset Boulevard opening in London at the Adelphi Theatre July 1993 and Closed April 1997 after 1529 Performances. Starring Patti Lupone – Kevin Anderson – Meredith Braun – Daniel Benzali

Opened on Broadway in December 1994 until March 1997 after 977 Performances and 17 previews. Starring Glen Close – Alan Campbell – George Hearn – Alice Ripley.

Sunset Boulevard weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. Silent movie star Norma Desmond longs for a return to the big screen, having been discarded by tinsel town with the advent of “talkies.” Her glamour has faded in all but her mind. When she meets struggling Hollywood screen-writer Joe Gillis in dramatic circumstances, their subsequent passionate and volatile relationship leads to an unforeseen and tragic conclusion.

See Sunset Memorabilia at TheatreGold