If you are lucky enough to get a ticket to see Nicole Scherzinger in the Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard, there’s one piece of advice you should follow—wear comfortable shoes! The former Pussycat Dolls frontwoman is delivering a mesmerizing, career-defining performance that has earned her multiple standing ovations mid-show, with one ovation lasting an incredible six minutes during the official opening night on Sunday, October 20, at the St. James Theatre in New York City.
A Long-Awaited Broadway Debut
Nicole Scherzinger, widely recognized for her powerhouse vocals and fierce presence as the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls, has been in the entertainment industry for years. However, despite her undeniable talent, her journey to Broadway stardom has been a long and winding road. After years of dominating the music scene but struggling to fully establish herself as a solo artist in the United States, Scherzinger is now receiving the recognition many fans believe she’s deserved all along.
In this new revival of Sunset Boulevard, Scherzinger’s performance as faded silent film star Norma Desmond has been hailed as nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a role that has allowed her to showcase not only her impressive vocal range but also her depth as an actress. As she takes the stage, Scherzinger transforms into Desmond, commanding the audience’s attention with every line, gesture, and note. Her interpretation of Desmond has been praised as a multi-dimensional portrayal—both tragic and terrifying, sensual and sad, dramatic and desperate.
One of the most poignant moments comes during her rendition of As If We Never Said Goodbye, where Scherzinger lingers on the word “home” in the lyric “I’ve come home at last,” as if to remind the audience—and perhaps herself—that the stage is where she truly belongs. This moment is particularly powerful, resonating not only with fans of the show but with those who have followed Scherzinger’s career over the years. It’s clear that this role has allowed her to finally come into her own, and her performance has left both audiences and critics in awe.
A Strong Contender for a Tony Award
Scherzinger is no stranger to awards and accolades, having already earned an Olivier Award for her performance as Norma Desmond during the musical’s run on London’s West End. Now, with her Broadway debut, there’s growing buzz that she may soon add a Tony Award to her shelf. Many are already calling her the frontrunner for the prestigious award, and it’s easy to see why.
Her portrayal of Norma Desmond is nothing short of transformative. Scherzinger has given the character a new depth, bringing a fresh perspective to a role that has been portrayed by numerous actresses over the years. While previous interpretations of Desmond have leaned heavily into her eccentricities and delusions, Scherzinger’s take on the character is much more nuanced. She balances Desmond’s larger-than-life persona with moments of vulnerability and introspection, allowing the audience to sympathize with her, even as she spirals further into madness.
From her powerful voice to her expressive acting, Scherzinger has proven herself to be a true triple threat in this production. Her ability to capture the complexities of Desmond’s character—her charisma, intelligence, humor, and, ultimately, her desperation—has set her apart from past portrayals. It’s a performance that will likely be remembered as one of the greats in Broadway history, and it’s safe to say that Scherzinger is finally getting the flowers she deserves.
A Bold New Vision for Sunset Boulevard
Directed by Jamie Lloyd, this revival of Sunset Boulevard brings a bold and innovative vision to the classic musical. Originally adapted for the stage from Billy Wilder’s Oscar-winning 1950 film, Sunset Boulevard tells the story of Norma Desmond, a once-famous silent film star who has been cast aside by Hollywood. Desperate to make a comeback, she hires young screenwriter Joe Gillis (played by Tom Francis) to help her write a screenplay that she believes will return her to the silver screen. As their relationship becomes more complicated, Desmond’s delusions grow, leading to a tragic and shocking climax.
While the story remains set in the 1940s, Lloyd’s production feels fresh and modern, thanks in large part to its innovative use of technology. The production’s minimalist set, designed by Soutra Gilmour, features a bare stage surrounded by rows of lights, creating a stark and striking visual contrast. The entire show is performed in black and white, giving it the look and feel of an old Hollywood film. However, this monochromatic palette only serves to make the moments of color—such as the blood that drips down Desmond’s face during the show’s dramatic finale—even more shocking and impactful.
One of the most unique elements of the production is its use of live cameras, which capture footage of the actors on stage and project it onto a large screen that serves as the backdrop. This live footage allows the audience to see the action from new and unexpected angles, adding a cinematic quality to the show. The use of these cameras is particularly effective in scenes where Desmond reflects on her faded youth, as the camera fades between close-ups of Scherzinger and Hannah Yun Chamberlain, who plays Young Norma. It’s a haunting visual that underscores the central theme of the show—the fleeting nature of fame and beauty.
A Metaphor for Modern Fame
In addition to its technical brilliance, Lloyd’s production also adds a meta element to the show that feels particularly relevant in today’s celebrity-obsessed culture. In one standout sequence in Act II, the camera follows Joe Gillis as he walks through the backstage halls of the theater, past references to Scherzinger’s own career, including nods to her time with the Pussycat Dolls and a cardboard cutout of Sunset Boulevard composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. The scene then transitions to Gillis walking down 44th Street, through Times Square’s famous Shubert Alley, before returning to the stage to sing the musical’s title song.
This sequence not only breaks the fourth wall but also serves as a commentary on the nature of fame and the way in which celebrities, much like Norma Desmond, are both celebrated and discarded by the entertainment industry. It’s a clever and thought-provoking addition to the show, and one that resonates with modern audiences.
The Supporting Cast Shines
While Scherzinger is undoubtedly the star of the show, the supporting cast is equally impressive. Tom Francis delivers a standout performance as Joe Gillis, bringing both charm and cynicism to the role of the struggling screenwriter. His journey through the streets of New York during the title song is one of the most memorable moments in the show, and his chemistry with Scherzinger adds depth to their complicated relationship.
Theater veteran David Thaxton is also a highlight as Max von Mayerling, Norma’s devoted butler. His portrayal of Max is both sympathetic and tragic, as he quietly tries to protect Norma from the harsh realities of the world outside her mansion. Grace Hodgett Young shines as Betty Schaefer, the young writer who becomes entangled in Joe’s life, while the ensemble cast brings energy and life to every scene.
A Star-Studded Production Team
Behind the scenes, the production team of Sunset Boulevard has pulled out all the stops to create a truly immersive and visually stunning experience. In addition to Soutra Gilmour’s striking set design, the show features inventive video design and cinematography by Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom. The use of live cameras and projected footage adds a unique layer to the storytelling, allowing the audience to see the action from new perspectives and giving the show a modern, cinematic feel.
The choreography by Fabian Aloise is another standout aspect of the production. While Sunset Boulevard is not a traditional dance-heavy musical, Aloise has cleverly incorporated movement into the show in subtle and effective ways. Scherzinger, who is known for her dancing abilities, brings grace and precision to every moment, adding yet another layer to her already captivating performance.
A Tony-Worthy Performance?
As the show continues its run on Broadway, there is already talk of Nicole Scherzinger being a strong contender for a Tony Award. Her performance as Norma Desmond is nothing short of spectacular, and with her Olivier Award already in hand, it seems likely that she will soon add a Tony to her growing list of accolades.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, the legendary composer behind Sunset Boulevard, shared his excitement for the show’s Broadway debut in a heartfelt video message ahead of opening night. In the video, posted to his Instagram Stories, Webber praised the cast, crew, and orchestra for their hard work, wishing them all the best for the show’s run.
With Scherzinger’s breathtaking performance at the helm, it’s clear that this revival of Sunset Boulevard is not only a tribute to the original film and musical but also a fresh and innovative reimagining of a classic story. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or new to the world of Norma Desmond, this production is a must-see for theater lovers and fans of Scherzinger alike.
Nicole Scherzinger’s performance in Sunset Boulevard has been nothing short of a revelation. With her powerful vocals, nuanced acting, and undeniable stage presence, she has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with on Broadway. As the show continues its run, there’s no doubt that Scherzinger will continue to captivate audiences and earn the accolades she so rightfully deserves.
The Information is Collected from People and Yahoo.
