Saw it 4 times in London and closing night. It was stunning and heart breaking every time. It took a score I never really cared for and turned it into one of my favourite musicals.
Was at the opening preview on the 28th. It was electric with spontaneous ovations and Nicole is fabulous! Love this version of film to stage production. Amazing!
Totally agree, I liked Sunset before but this production elevates it to astronomical heights. It’s almost like it unlocks its power, can’t wait to see it again in Nov 💃 🕺
I heard Nicole's version of with one look and it is so beautiful and powerful. I love the color and shading of her voice. She doesn't just blast it. She really caresses and makes the words something you can feel I give her a 10.
Best show I've ever seen. Saw it in London last year. Again at St James two days ago. There aren't enough superlatives to describe the whole performance but Nicole - well, she is out of this world
I just saw it today and knew basically nothing beyond starlet-past-her--prime and a couple songs and I cannot stop thinking about it. Just arresting from start to finish, aesthetic is unreal, Nicole blew my mind. So grateful this was the show I picked to see in addition to Ragtime on my little microtrip this weekend. (Ragtime was phenomenal too. Josh Henry is a generational talent.)
It goes something like this: “Jamie Lloyd is reimagining ‘Cats’ “ - “Interesting. Tell me more …” “It’s ’Cats’ but instead of cats, the cast is dogs. And there’s no dancing.” - “Wow!!! brilliant!! It’s a masterpiece!!!!!”
Don't forget to add a pinch of "The Emperor's New Clothes" in there! Every clip of Tom Francis singing the title tune leaves anyone with UNCLOGGED EARS wondering what the fuss is about.
For someone whose first Broadway shows I saw in person, were Funny Girl with Barbra Streisand, original Cabaret etc. you know my age and eras I have been through. I was very skeptical about this production when I first saw Mickey Jo Theatre's review from the West End Production. I thought "How could they destroy an old standard?" Then I begin reading more reviews and was begining to know more. What just sold me was watching Mickey Jo's video reacting for the first time to the cast recording. OMG not only is the story more powerful but the cast is AMAZING!! The recording is like watching the whole show as much of it is sung. I have also seen and heard about the special effects. Then I saw another video where Kate filmed three versions of the actual walk outside that Tom Francis does during the show, so intriguing! I would love to see it in person though I think I would be so emotionally drained I couldn't leave the theatre!! I wish I lived closer (I am in Oregon), I would definitely see it. I don't got to NYC often but I am going for the final performance of Suffs in January ( I have already seen it at the Public and two performances on Broadway!) . I can only stay one day because of one of my cats who is special needs or I would stay more days and see Sunset Boulevard! SUFFS last performance is on a Sunday, not a two show day so I can only see one show. I love your videos!
I looooooooove Nicole! It's high time she gets the respect she's due! Curious what program you make your animated graphics on. They're snappy and effective!
Writing this waiting for the f train, just saw it and it was incredible. I’m so glad you recommended it bc I don’t know if I would have seen it. Defintely want to try to see it again, I loveddddd the direction and tech aspect.
I have a question! Am I the only one who is confused by the character/timeline breaks sprinkled through the show? The most obvious is the staging of the Act 2 opening-not the walking tour element, but rather the very opening opening before Tom got to the door. Between all the cheeky jokes from the ensemble, the modern tech elements that pop up here, felt like i was looking at Tom Francis, modern day, not period Joe Gillis
I just bought my ticket, I am flying over from Australia to see it. I hope it's better than the current production playing in Australia with Sarah Brightman.
@@MarkJakowenko This show will blow you away so be prepared it is very different from the show in Australia as I read this version is a total departure from stunning sets and costumes but it is very effective and the presentation is a theatrical joy and Nicole OMGis the perfect Norman enjoy the show you will not regret it not waste your money !
I’m headed to NYC later this month. I’m praying I can land tickets to The Outsiders (former ELA teacher here). I’d love to hear your thoughts on Drag the Musical.
The Outsiders is an exceptional interpretation of the book by S.E. Hinton. The woman was brave and talented at the time writing this teen-oriented story. Frances Coppola was smart in turning her novel into a movie. Now the musical is worth the Tony Awards it won. The cast is extraordinary in my opinion. The production values are beyond terrific.
@@joyt.3982 Don’t miss Sunset Boulevard and be prepared to catch your jaws dropping on the floor believe all the hype and raves about this show and Nicole !
@@joyt.3982 Go watch Sunset Boulevard too you will be blown away this production is nothing like anything you have seen so far and will make your Broadway experience memorable!
I saw it in New York with Mandy performing. I found it good but not worth the hype. There are plenty of plays that I would not hesitate to see again (Hamilton, Wicked, Waitress etc.) but this one was a bit slow and I found myself looking at my watch. There are definitely some amazing ballads that break up the slow parts for sure and the use of cameras was genius. Maybe if I saw the original sunset boulevard I would have a different opinion but as someone brand new to this story I had higher expectations from the reviews.
I was very excited to see my first Broadway musical and bought very expensive tickets for Sunset Blvd. The only thing redeeming about the show is Nicole Scherzinger. Very talented, beautiful voice, very easy on the eyes. There were zero stage props, it was a black or very dark stage the whole time, comparable to the black and dark story that it is to begin with. I walked out and was done with it at intermission. Some people may like it, I certainly didn’t.
While reading the comments I began to understand that Norma in this production is facing a different challenge than the original. I saw some extensive video of the London show and I didnt like what they have done to the show. That said I do wish this production well.
what would you say it is that made this production for you? it’s on my list of possible shows to see when i’m in new york the middle of this month. also!!! cannot wait to see your maybe happy ending video!!
The staging, the innovation, the 1000% commitment to concept from every department for every single second. Just an exquisite production!! And I'm soooo excited for MHE 💜
Nobody is mentioning that these actors are way too young for their roles...at least Norma and Max. Is there a particular reason they've been cast so young? It's not a show I loved the first time it was on Broadway so I'm reticent to spend money on this. Need to see some clips or something.
Clips won't help you. Tom Francis as Joe is utterly dire. But, yes, the show has been aged down and the plot/setting rejiggered. Not about a silent film actress any longer. She's just a has-been film actress now.
@LaRush62 it's a gimmick. The whole production is a gimmick and people are lapping it up. They would get extremely bored if every show was done like this not to mention designers would be out of business.
@@grahamshelmerdine24 Yes, when the show was first workshopped in the UK, critics/audience members were near laughing at it. If I recall correctly, that version did not even have her as a silent film star, but an unspecified "star." But ALW could not keep his controlling mitts off and now the show is a weird hybrid of the original where many things don't make sense without scenery and props. And, sorry, what red-blooded dude would have ANY problem being Nicole Scherzinger's boytoy...for FREE? Thus, the central relationship now makes zero sense and lacks conflict. So - to your point - all they have left are video gimmicks.
@@alexiskobalt7450 yeah really so it won 7 Olivier awards because it was your description then you are living in a delusional world right now it is generating a lot of praise and praise and vibes on Broadway so eat your hearts out !
@@itskatharinequinn Adam Lambert is the reason for this trip. I wanted to see Frecknall's Cabaret and then he was cast and it became I need to see him in it. Also need to see Sunset and Suffs.
You should not go. First watch the original film with Gloria Swanson. Then listen to the American Premiere Recording with Glenn Close (virtually every bit of spoken dialogue is in this version, so it’s like a full recording of the entire show). Then check out some UA-cam videos with Glenn, Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige. The investment for you will be minimal, and it will change your life. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Saw it in London but much preferred Rachel Tucker. Wasn't a big fan tbh but I do wish I hadnt known about the start of Act 2 because I would have enjoyed it so much more if I didnt..Handy tip for those who plan to see it.. if you can get a cheap ticket for the back row downstairs at the St James (I cant recall the US term) but i highly recommend them I saw Spamalot in them. Great view, lots of leg room, comfy seat with nobody behind you and easy access on entry and exit and in interval.
That’s interesting. I saw it with both Rachel and Nicole and thought Nicole just had the edge. What did you prefer about Rachel over Nicole’s performance?
I saw this version the 1st Saturday after it opened at The Savoy London as a fan of Sunset going back to the early 1990s at The Adelphi theatre and not knowing that much about Jamie Lloyd I was expecting at least Norma house which IS such an integral part of the show as its actually a member of the cast as it's on stage so much. To my horror yes horror there was NO set just a black box, I found this version of the show horrific to watch as the version I had seen in the 1990s (around 150 times, with several Normas, including 1st and last night) let the audience see how twisted Norma was but allowed us to experience the rest of the cast in their places for example Joe and Betty chatting on the Paramount lot, or seeing Norma being driven to Paramount. But this was missing. Which turned my all time favourite ALW musical into a SHIT SHOW designed to shock for the sake of it. The only saving grace was both the actors playing Joe and Betty, who were fantastic. There are some shows that yes this sort of stuff works on say RENT which has really no set or Jesus Christ Superstar again very limited set. But with a show like Sunset taking away its lavish set is criminal. If you like then sincerely good for you, I am hoping that Webber beings over from Australia with the version they are currently performing without Sarah Brightman.
@@JC041174 This was a reimagined version of Sunset Boulevard and it was widely publicized that this is a stripped version bereft of stunning sets and costumes so this should have been no surprise to those who were yearning for the old sets and costumes dad you didn’t like it unlike many others but hey to each his own
@@melbamaloney4572 I was fully informed about how basic it was but as a fan of Sunset and have been since the early 90s where I saw it around 100+ times at The Adelphi in London. I had high hopes, but what we got was a kick in the nuts to what has come before. Most ppl I know who went and saw it thought the same sort of thing, 1 Why is Nicole screaming everything and not singing, 2 where’s the set 3, the over use if camera wasn’t needed except for the opening number of act 2. Hopefully the version with Sarah Brightman will come to the UK next year and all will be forgiven (but I can’t see it myself)
I must be living on a different planet. This has to be the worst production of Sunset I've seen and I've seen 5 professional productions. I just don't get it.
Yes, you must be. I’ve seen dozens of productions over the years in London and Manchester (UK), including the original versions of Sunset with several leading ladies, and the new one completely blew my mind. Perhaps you don’t have a strong enough artistic imagination to fully appreciate how incredible it is. I really feel sorry you didn’t enjoy it.
Millennials have ruined everything. Now standing ovations are doled out like Halloween candy. Just so some vocal fry moron can post on social media, “OMG, it got like 11 standing ovations! I am literally still trying to process it.”
Saw it 4 times in London and closing night. It was stunning and heart breaking every time. It took a score I never really cared for and turned it into one of my favourite musicals.
Was at the opening preview on the 28th. It was electric with spontaneous ovations and Nicole is fabulous! Love this version of film to stage production. Amazing!
Totally agree, I liked Sunset before but this production elevates it to astronomical heights. It’s almost like it unlocks its power, can’t wait to see it again in Nov 💃 🕺
I heard Nicole's version of with one look and it is so beautiful and powerful. I love the color and shading of her voice. She doesn't just blast it. She really caresses and makes the words something you can feel I give her a 10.
This show was amazing - I think it changed my brain chemistry and I can't stop thinking about it.
Saw Sunset Boulevard tonight. Nicole's performance is the best female in a musical I have ever seen. Incredible performance.
Best show I've ever seen. Saw it in London last year. Again at St James two days ago. There aren't enough superlatives to describe the whole performance but Nicole - well, she is out of this world
Saw it in London and have come to Broadway to see it again. I'm so excited!!
I just saw it today and knew basically nothing beyond starlet-past-her--prime and a couple songs and I cannot stop thinking about it. Just arresting from start to finish, aesthetic is unreal, Nicole blew my mind. So grateful this was the show I picked to see in addition to Ragtime on my little microtrip this weekend. (Ragtime was phenomenal too. Josh Henry is a generational talent.)
Saw the first preview. I have still not processed. It was just that good.
I just saw Sunset. 🤯 I loved it! Brilliant production!
Not to mention the gorgeous,excitingly dramatic,Andrew Lloyd Weber score🎶♥️❗️
I saw it Thrusday and I am obsessed, can’t get it out of my head
It goes something like this:
“Jamie Lloyd is reimagining ‘Cats’ “
- “Interesting. Tell me more …”
“It’s ’Cats’ but instead of cats, the cast is dogs. And there’s no dancing.”
- “Wow!!! brilliant!! It’s a masterpiece!!!!!”
Don't forget to add a pinch of "The Emperor's New Clothes" in there! Every clip of Tom Francis singing the title tune leaves anyone with UNCLOGGED EARS wondering what the fuss is about.
I saw it with Glenn Close on Broadway. Amazing!
She's incredible.
I can’t wait to see this in just over a month!!!
I just saw Sunset. LOVED it! Sydney Jones was in for Grace Hodgett Young. Will return to see if I can catch Grace.
This just prove that there are a LOT of great scores, that just need the presentation that the time asks
Love this. And love that we're often kinder to revivals.
Saw this 3 times in London. I’m booked for broadway over Xmas ❤❤
i saw it on 18 October, on my BDAY
For someone whose first Broadway shows I saw in person, were Funny Girl with Barbra Streisand, original Cabaret etc. you know my age and eras I have been through. I was very skeptical about this production when I first saw Mickey Jo Theatre's review from the West End Production. I thought "How could they destroy an old standard?" Then I begin reading more reviews and was begining to know more. What just sold me was watching Mickey Jo's video reacting for the first time to the cast recording. OMG not only is the story more powerful but the cast is AMAZING!! The recording is like watching the whole show as much of it is sung. I have also seen and heard about the special effects. Then I saw another video where Kate filmed three versions of the actual walk outside that Tom Francis does during the show, so intriguing! I would love to see it in person though I think I would be so emotionally drained I couldn't leave the theatre!! I wish I lived closer (I am in Oregon), I would definitely see it. I don't got to NYC often but I am going for the final performance of Suffs in January ( I have already seen it at the Public and two performances on Broadway!) . I can only stay one day because of one of my cats who is special needs or I would stay more days and see Sunset Boulevard! SUFFS last performance is on a Sunday, not a two show day so I can only see one show. I love your videos!
Saw this masterpiece in London. It’s just incredible !
I looooooooove Nicole! It's high time she gets the respect she's due! Curious what program you make your animated graphics on. They're snappy and effective!
Writing this waiting for the f train, just saw it and it was incredible. I’m so glad you recommended it bc I don’t know if I would have seen it. Defintely want to try to see it again, I loveddddd the direction and tech aspect.
@@elizabethmcbride1711 YESSSSS this makes me so happy!!!!
Well, I did end up going and loved it overall and thought she was amazing. I actually have an open mind, too :)
I ordered filet mignon medium rare and the waiter brought me a dry meatball.
I have a question! Am I the only one who is confused by the character/timeline breaks sprinkled through the show?
The most obvious is the staging of the Act 2 opening-not the walking tour element, but rather the very opening opening before Tom got to the door. Between all the cheeky jokes from the ensemble, the modern tech elements that pop up here, felt like i was looking at Tom Francis, modern day, not period Joe Gillis
I am SO excited to see this. Have tix in November. Counting the days.
I just bought my ticket, I am flying over from Australia to see it. I hope it's better than the current production playing in Australia with Sarah Brightman.
I've already made the flight and I know you'll be impressed. ❤
@@MarkJakowenko This show will blow you away so be prepared it is very different from the show in Australia as I read this version is a total departure from stunning sets and costumes but it is very effective and the presentation is a theatrical joy and Nicole OMGis the perfect Norman enjoy the show you will not regret it not waste your money !
I’m headed to NYC later this month. I’m praying I can land tickets to The Outsiders (former ELA teacher here). I’d love to hear your thoughts on Drag the Musical.
The Outsiders is an exceptional interpretation of the book by S.E. Hinton. The woman was brave and talented at the time writing this teen-oriented story. Frances Coppola was smart in turning her novel into a movie. Now the musical is worth the Tony Awards it won. The cast is extraordinary in my opinion. The production values are beyond terrific.
@@joyt.3982 Don’t miss Sunset Boulevard and be prepared to catch your jaws dropping on the floor believe all the hype and raves about this show and Nicole !
@@joyt.3982 Go watch Sunset Boulevard too you will be blown away this production is nothing like anything you have seen so far and will make your Broadway experience memorable!
I saw it in New York with Mandy performing. I found it good but not worth the hype. There are plenty of plays that I would not hesitate to see again (Hamilton, Wicked, Waitress etc.) but this one was a bit slow and I found myself looking at my watch. There are definitely some amazing ballads that break up the slow parts for sure and the use of cameras was genius. Maybe if I saw the original sunset boulevard I would have a different opinion but as someone brand new to this story I had higher expectations from the reviews.
I was very excited to see my first Broadway musical and bought very expensive tickets for Sunset Blvd. The only thing redeeming about the show is Nicole Scherzinger. Very talented, beautiful voice, very easy on the eyes. There were zero stage props, it was a black or very dark stage the whole time, comparable to the black and dark story that it is to begin with. I walked out and was done with it at intermission. Some people may like it, I certainly didn’t.
It’s amazing ❤
The St. James is a great venue for this show. :)
Agreed! And one of my favorite theaters!
I need to see this! But oh my gosh, the curtain call with all the blood…eek.
It’s “in” the West End not “on”.
While reading the comments I began to understand that Norma in this production is facing a different challenge than the original. I saw some extensive video of the London show and I didnt like what they have done to the show. That said I do wish this production well.
what would you say it is that made this production for you? it’s on my list of possible shows to see when i’m in new york the middle of this month. also!!! cannot wait to see your maybe happy ending video!!
The staging, the innovation, the 1000% commitment to concept from every department for every single second. Just an exquisite production!! And I'm soooo excited for MHE 💜
The whole twerking, leg-spreading, man-eating, vampirish version of Norma was a bit OTT
Nobody is mentioning that these actors are way too young for their roles...at least Norma and Max. Is there a particular reason they've been cast so young? It's not a show I loved the first time it was on Broadway so I'm reticent to spend money on this. Need to see some clips or something.
Clips won't help you. Tom Francis as Joe is utterly dire. But, yes, the show has been aged down and the plot/setting rejiggered. Not about a silent film actress any longer. She's just a has-been film actress now.
@LaRush62 it's a gimmick. The whole production is a gimmick and people are lapping it up. They would get extremely bored if every show was done like this not to mention designers would be out of business.
@@grahamshelmerdine24 Yes, when the show was first workshopped in the UK, critics/audience members were near laughing at it. If I recall correctly, that version did not even have her as a silent film star, but an unspecified "star." But ALW could not keep his controlling mitts off and now the show is a weird hybrid of the original where many things don't make sense without scenery and props. And, sorry, what red-blooded dude would have ANY problem being Nicole Scherzinger's boytoy...for FREE? Thus, the central relationship now makes zero sense and lacks conflict. So - to your point - all they have left are video gimmicks.
@@grahamshelmerdine24 perhaps in your parallel universe the show has a positive buzz in Broadway and raves are a plenty
@@alexiskobalt7450 yeah really so it won 7 Olivier awards because it was your description then you are living in a delusional world right now it is generating a lot of praise and praise and vibes on Broadway so eat your hearts out !
Literally felt conflicted about having ANY B roll in this vid cause I don't want folks knowing annnnnything
Bless you as I wanna be blind. Does it help to sit closer or farther back?
@@smallpebbleuncovered I had horrendous seats in london and LOVED it. I'd sit further back for this one. But truly you can't go wrong.
I know too much already courtesy of other vloggers, but would you see this as part of a two show day with Cabaret or Little Shop?
Little shop for sure--gotta have balance! That said, I hear great things about Auli'i and Adam Lambert in Cabaret
@@itskatharinequinn Adam Lambert is the reason for this trip. I wanted to see Frecknall's Cabaret and then he was cast and it became I need to see him in it. Also need to see Sunset and Suffs.
Cabaret & Little shop are proven classic theatre. This SUNSET has yet to be judged for its minimalism.
I honestly don’t even know the plot of this story. Should I look into this more before I go to the show?
You should not go. First watch the original film with Gloria Swanson. Then listen to the American Premiere Recording with Glenn Close (virtually every bit of spoken dialogue is in this version, so it’s like a full recording of the entire show). Then check out some UA-cam videos with Glenn, Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige. The investment for you will be minimal, and it will change your life. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Saw it in London but much preferred Rachel Tucker. Wasn't a big fan tbh but I do wish I hadnt known about the start of Act 2 because I would have enjoyed it so much more if I didnt..Handy tip for those who plan to see it.. if you can get a cheap ticket for the back row downstairs at the St James (I cant recall the US term) but i highly recommend them I saw Spamalot in them. Great view, lots of leg room, comfy seat with nobody behind you and easy access on entry and exit and in interval.
I so wish I could've seen Rachel Tucker!!
That’s interesting. I saw it with both Rachel and Nicole and thought Nicole just had the edge. What did you prefer about Rachel over Nicole’s performance?
Did they reworked the ending. Why is Norma so bloody? Did she stab Joe instead of shooting him. Can't wait to hear the cast recording love tom
I think the 'blood' is a lousy gimmick. She came out the stage door after a performance with the blood still on - way to phony.
IN The West End. Never "on" 🙂
oop--thank you!
Agree, know nothing going in
This!
I saw this version the 1st Saturday after it opened at The Savoy London as a fan of Sunset going back to the early 1990s at The Adelphi theatre and not knowing that much about Jamie Lloyd I was expecting at least Norma house which IS such an integral part of the show as its actually a member of the cast as it's on stage so much.
To my horror yes horror there was NO set just a black box, I found this version of the show horrific to watch as the version I had seen in the 1990s (around 150 times, with several Normas, including 1st and last night) let the audience see how twisted Norma was but allowed us to experience the rest of the cast in their places for example Joe and Betty chatting on the Paramount lot, or seeing Norma being driven to Paramount. But this was missing. Which turned my all time favourite ALW musical into a SHIT SHOW designed to shock for the sake of it.
The only saving grace was both the actors playing Joe and Betty, who were fantastic. There are some shows that yes this sort of stuff works on say RENT which has really no set or Jesus Christ Superstar again very limited set. But with a show like Sunset taking away its lavish set is criminal.
If you like then sincerely good for you, I am hoping that Webber beings over from Australia with the version they are currently performing without Sarah Brightman.
@@JC041174 This was a reimagined version of Sunset Boulevard and it was widely publicized that this is a stripped version bereft of stunning sets and costumes so this should have been no surprise to those who were yearning for the old sets and costumes dad you didn’t like it unlike many others but hey to each his own
@@melbamaloney4572 I was fully informed about how basic it was but as a fan of Sunset and have been since the early 90s where I saw it around 100+ times at The Adelphi in London. I had high hopes, but what we got was a kick in the nuts to what has come before. Most ppl I know who went and saw it thought the same sort of thing, 1 Why is Nicole screaming everything and not singing, 2 where’s the set 3, the over use if camera wasn’t needed except for the opening number of act 2. Hopefully the version with Sarah Brightman will come to the UK next year and all will be forgiven (but I can’t see it myself)
It sucks
Aaaaw....Bless...
i do not get nicole scherzinger at all; she cant sing the part; i dont get her an actress; i call bs
I must be living on a different planet. This has to be the worst production of Sunset I've seen and I've seen 5 professional productions. I just don't get it.
Yes, you must be. I’ve seen dozens of productions over the years in London and Manchester (UK), including the original versions of Sunset with several leading ladies, and the new one completely blew my mind. Perhaps you don’t have a strong enough artistic imagination to fully appreciate how incredible it is. I really feel sorry you didn’t enjoy it.
@@jonsa270 artistic imagination is exactly what Jamie Lloyd lacks
@@grahamshelmerdine24 😂😂Well your comment says everything there is to say about you…ever though of doing stand-up? You’re hilarious!
It is an idiotic idea. Just doing everything “the opposite” so morons who want to look smart will claim it’s brilliant.
It’s a brilliant idea. Doing everything new so plebs won’t who are dim don’t understand it, and then claim it’s an idiotic idea.
It was crazy great 👍 3 standing o’s before curtain and Sir Andrew in my row and Jamie hanging out at tech booth total 🟰 fire 🔥 such a blast 💥 092824
Millennials have ruined everything. Now standing ovations are doled out like Halloween candy. Just so some vocal fry moron can post on social media, “OMG, it got like 11 standing ovations! I am literally still trying to process it.”
Oh Please - ALW is all about make money on his laurels and creating NOTHING NEW. LOST HIS TOUCH.