Sunset Blvd. the Musical" presented by Tarrant Actors Regional Theatre

SUNSET BLVD
play program

Recently, The Travelling Toe joined in with the Chili Chicks Red Hat Chapter, to see a wonderful production of "Sunset Blvd".  (and yes Dear Readers The Travelling Toe is a happy Red Hatter!)

This musical is based on the film noir movie of the same name that starred Gloria Swanson and William Holden.  The movie was released in 1950.

Sunset Blvd
1950 movie poster

The musical follows the main themes of the movie plot very closely.  The internet describes the movie plot as follows:

An aging silent film queen refuses to accept that her stardom has ended. She hires a young screenwriter to help set up her movie comeback. The screenwriter believes he can manipulate her, but he soon finds out he is wrong. The screenwriters ambivalence about their relationship and her unwillingness to let go leads to a situation of violence, madness, and death.

In this production, Norma Desmond, played by Caroline Rivera and Joe Gillis, played by Anthony Mankins, were absolutely magnificent in their roles. Their voices covered each song perfectly. In the second act, "Joe" seems to acquire weariness that comes from knowing there is no getting out of the situation and his fate is cast.

The music for the play was written by the legendary, Andrew Lloyd Webber, with book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton.

"Sunset Blvd" premiered in England in 1991 and made it's debut on Broadway in 1994.  Marvelous Glenn Close played the role of Norma Desmond.

The Travellling Toe must admit that on a trip to NYC in 1996, made a point to see this dramatic musical.  At that time the lovely Elaine Paige was playing the role of Norma Desmond.  What a wonderful night on Broadway!!  She was super!!

Elaine Page

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Tarrant Actors Regional Theater