On the cold and wintry afternoon of January 8th, 2025, I got to see a performance of Jamie Lloyd's critically acclaimed Broadway Revival of "Sunset Boulevard." It was performing at the St. James Theatre in New York City. I won the ticket lottery for the performance the day before. With some trepidation, but mostly absolute joy, I asked my mom if she could pay for the discounted ticket to the show. She agreed, as long as I didn't mind the cold weather. To make a not-so-long story short, I was going to the show!
When I was on the city-bound train the day of the show, I got an email notifying me that Nicole Scherzinger wouldn't be playing Norma Desmond at the performance of "Sunset" I was seeing. The role of Norma would be performed by Mandy Gonzalez instead. I don't recall feeling disappointed. I've been a fan of "Sunset Boulevard" long before Nicole Scherzinger was first cast as Norma in the West End production a couple years ago. When it was announced she would be reprising the role in the Broadway Transfer, I was just glad I might have the chance to see the musical on Broadway in general. I was glad I'd finally get to see Mandy Gonzalez in a musical. Fifteen years ago, I saw the Broadway Production of "In the Heights" right after she left the show to play Elphaba in "Wicked." She's amazing in the cast recording of "In the Heights," and I'm glad I got to see her perform such an iconic role after all these years.
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| A selfie I took in front of the St. James Theatre. |
Besides Mandy Gonzalez, the cast that performed on the day I saw "Sunset Boulevard" included Tom Francis (Joe Gillis), Grace Hodgett Young (Betty Schaeffer), David Thaxton (Max Von Mayerling), Diego Andres Rodriguez (Artie), and Tyler Davis (Sheldrake). The ensemble roles were played by Olivia Lacie Andrews, Brandon Mel Borkowsky, Shavey Brown (Voice of DeMille/Others), Hannah Yun Chamberlain (Young Norma/Others), Cydney Clark, Raúl Contreras, E.J. Hamilton, Sydney Jones, Maggie Likcani, Pierre Marais, Shayna McPherson, Jimin Moon, Justice Moore, and Drew Redington. I know it seems strange this production has a "Young Norma" character, but some of those scenes nearly moved me to tears.
"Sunset Boulevard" is about a faded and haunted silent movie star who yearns to return to the big screen with the help of a struggling screenwriter. Seeing this production of "Sunset," I learned that the story can successfully be told on stage without a lavish set surrounding the company. There was little to no campiness in this production. When there was, it was deliberate in a self-deprecating sort of way.
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| Mandy Gonzalez as Norma Desmond (photo by Andy Henderson). |
A vow of mine I made prior to writing this review was not to compare the actresses who've played Norma Desmond over the years. All I know is that Mandy Gonzalez was incredible. She sang "With One Look" and "As If We've Never Said Goodbye" beautifully. Her performance in the final scene was astonishing because it was so great. The last time I saw a production of "Sunset Boulevard" was at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. While the performances in that show were good overall, the ending left me feeling somewhat disappointed (click HERE for that review). That was not the case seeing "Sunset" this time.
The seat I had for this performance of "Sunset Boulevard" was terrific. It was off to the side, but set back from the stage just enough where I could see everything. Plus it's not like my view was obstructed from scenic design of any sort. I think when Soutra Gilmour was designing the scenery, she did so with a less-is-more mentality. As for her technique in designing the costumes, I'm guessing she aimed for a less over-the-top look than Anthony Powell's designs from the original production. Yet that was part of the self-deprecating aspect of this show. It was flawed at times, but the cast and crew had fun with it.
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| POV Playbill Photo I took from my seat at the St. James Theatre. |
As always, I'm thankful to have seen a Broadway Show, and to my parents for making it possible. I didn't expect to see "Sunset Boulevard" anytime soon. Yet not only did the unexpected happen, but the production itself exceeded my expectations. As the first show I've seen in 2025, "Sunset Boulevard" did not disappoint. It was also a great way to spend a cold January day. While there was little sunshine or palm trees in this version of "Sunset," I could nonetheless feel the heat. Speaking of which, click HERE if you'd like to make a donation to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
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