Sunset Boulevard at the St. James Theatre, Broadway – A Spellbinding Triumph - Review

By Tim Todd

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard has returned to Broadway in a bold, electrifying revival that dazzles from start to finish. With a star-studded cast led by the sensational Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond, this production delivers a breathtaking fusion of cinematic grandeur and raw theatrical intensity.

Scherzinger is nothing short of extraordinary, embodying the faded silent film star with a mesmerizing blend of vulnerability and grandeur. Her haunting performance of “As If We Never Said Goodbye” is a true showstopper, sending chills through the audience with every soaring note. This is a career-defining role for Scherzinger, proving her mettle as both a powerhouse vocalist and a deeply compelling actress.

Opposite her, Tom Francis shines as the disillusioned screenwriter Joe Gillis, capturing the character’s charm, cynicism, and desperation with a gripping performance. His chemistry with Scherzinger crackles, making their scenes together all the more captivating. Grace Hodgett Young delivers a beautifully nuanced portrayal of Betty Schaefer, her voice bringing warmth and hope to the darkly twisted tale. Meanwhile, David Thaxton is superb as Max von Mayerling, his commanding presence and rich baritone adding a layer of depth and mystery to the tragic story.

Director Jamie Lloyd has reimagined Sunset Boulevard with a cinematic flair that feels both modern and timeless. The stark yet evocative set, combined with moody lighting and stunning projections, immerses the audience in the fractured world of 1950s Hollywood. Every moment is meticulously crafted, from the shadowy noir aesthetics to the heart-stopping final scene that leaves the audience in stunned silence.

Lloyd Webber’s soaring score is as powerful as ever, with the orchestra delivering each note with passion and precision. The fusion of live music and striking visuals creates an experience that is both intimate and spectacular, reinforcing the musical’s status as a true masterpiece.

This Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard is nothing short of a triumph—a theatrical event that lingers in the mind long after the final curtain falls. With a career-defining performance from Scherzinger, a stellar supporting cast, and visionary direction, this is an unmissable production that breathes thrilling new life into a beloved classic.

★★★★★