It’s been almost twenty years since Sunset Boulevard played in Australia, and soon, a stunning new production of this Tony Award-winning masterpiece will play in Sydney. This lavish production, with music from Andrew Lloyd Webber, will take you back to the glamourous Golden Age of Hollywood. Look forward to spectacular sets, magnificent costumes and thrilling tunes. This revival will play at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in May 2024, followed by a season at the Sydney Opera House in August. Sign up for the Sydney waitlist here.
Sunset Boulevard
This musical is based on the 1950 Billy Wilder film of the same name. It’s all about legendary silent movie star, Norma Desmond, who is tortured by her longing to return to the big screen, when the “talkies” gain prominence and she’s discarded by Hollywood. She meets struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, sparking a passionate and volatile relationship that leads to unforeseen events.
The musical version of Sunset Boulevard had its world premiere in London in 1993. It then premiered in Los Angeles that same year, with Glenn Close in the leading role. It opened on Broadway in 1994, and won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book.
The Australian production will feature Sarah Brightman as Norma. This will be her first theatrical role in over three decades. Sarah Brightman is a legendary musical theatre performer and international recording star. She was the original artist in the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, both in the West End and on Broadway.
“I am so delighted to be returning to Australia after many years, and to be marking my return to the stage in a musical after so long, it is only fitting for it to be with such an exquisite production as Sunset Boulevard,” said Brightman. “I have always admired Andrew’s work on this musical and I very much look forward to exploring the incredible score and also the iconic character of Norma Desmond.”
This new production will be directed by Paul Warwick Griffin, with Set and Costume Design by Morgan Large. Choreography will be by Ashley Wallen, with Musical Supervision by Kristen Blodgette. Sunset Boulevard features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with Book and Lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton.