The lavish new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece, SUNSET BOULEVARD, featuring musical theatre icon and international superstar Sarah Brightman, makes its Asia Premiere in Singapore.
The show runs from 7 to 23 February 2025, at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands.
As long-time fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, we had high expectations for this musical production and were excited to see Sarah Brightman make her return after more than three decades.
A Glimpse of The Golden Age of Hollywood
Based on the classic Paramount film directed by Billy Wilder, SUNSET BOULEVARD the musical features stunning sets and costumes that gave us nothing short of a cinematic experience. That was perfectly complemented by the lush and dramatic orchestration with elements of classical, jazz, and 20th-century Broadway. From sweeping, orchestral ballads to intense, powerful numbers, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score captures the glamour and melancholy of Hollywood’s golden age. However, this golden age also marks the sunset of leading lady Norma Desmond, a legendary silent movie star, as we witness her faded starlight, her passionate yet one-sided relationship with a struggling young screenwriter Joe Gillis (played by Tim Draxl), and her eventual descent into madness. Beneath the bright and rich music lurks a dark and broody undertone. If you were familiar with the music in The Phantom of the Opera, you may notice similar motifs and transitions in SUNSET BOULEVARD.
Sophisticated Characters and Appropriate Casting
SUNSET BOULEVARD is not a musical with a happy start or end, but it introduces us to some of the most compelling characters and intricate dynamics we have ever seen on stage. Despite all her eccentric charm and old-world elegance, Norma Desmond is a woman who can be viewed as past her prime in many respects. Brightman’s portrayal of Norma resembles Miss Havisham from Great Expectations, bringing to life a delusional, isolated woman trapped in the past who is incredibly stubborn and proud. Needless to say, Brightman is a very seasoned singer and we could see traces of brilliance in her performance. Still, we also could not help but notice the fragility and vulnerability in her voice, which, unexpectedly, made her even more fitting for the role.
Equally, if not more impressive, was the outstanding performance of the cast, including the critically acclaimed Tim Draxl as Joe Gillis, Robert Grubb as Max Von Mayerling, Ashleigh Rubenach as Betty Schaefer, Jarrod Draper as Artie Green, and Paul Hanlon as Cecil B. DeMille.
Draxl’s on-stage chemistry with Rubenach was powerful and authentic, making their duet move regardless of how one feels about their characters. In contrast to the young duo, Grubb’s character exuded a stoic, commanding presence, accentuated by his resonant bass voice.
Our Takeaways
Although Sunset Boulevard has a simple and straightforward plot, it has a distinct literary quality that makes it worth revisiting time and time again. Some parts seemed a bit muffled and hard to understand the first time we heard them, but upon further review, we found the lyrics wickedly witty.
In a world experiencing rapid changes—like advancements in artificial intelligence and digital transformations—the fear of becoming obsolete feels all too real and personal. While we may view the character of Norma Desmond through a satirical lens, she is also a figure who evokes sympathy. Perhaps we have all been in the shoes of Joe Gillis or Betty Schaefer at some point, and it is worth reflecting on how we would handle our own “sunset years.” Just as it takes Sarah Brightman’s remarkable maturity to fully embody Norma Desmond, it also requires a mature audience to truly empathise with her character.
Ready for this spectacular and deeply emotional experience? Tickets and showtimes are available here.
Note that the recommended age for viewing this show is 14 and above and there will be no admission for children aged 3 and below. A parent or guardian must accompany all children below 12.
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