Broadway Review: SUNSET BLVD - Bored & Confused

In this video, I dive into Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard revival, starring Nicole Scherzinger. From the very start, I was confused by the modern staging, black and white costumes, and unusual choreography. But Scherzinger's show-stopping performance of "With One Look" blew me away. As I navigated the bizarre mix of camp, melodrama, and operatic sensibility, I started to see what the director was going for. We’ll discuss how Webber's repetitive musical style, the innovative use of video close-ups, and Scherzinger's incredible vocal prowess created a spectacle. Was I bored or confused? Watch to find out! #SunsetBoulevard #NicoleScherzinger #AndrewLloydWebber #MusicalTheater #BoredAndConfused #TheaterReview

[camerlengograziedio]

Saw the musical opening week. I, too, was never bored. I didn’t see the original musical nor haven’t seen the movie, but I think that this adaptation was very creative. Because it was stripped back, your brain has nowhere to go but to pay attention to what’s happening. It was very dynamic, multifaceted and dark. I’m going again on the last night this July to see if Nicole is able to sustain her amazing performance. She’s the reason I watched it. I wasn’t surprised at what I saw because I’ve know her musical capabilities for so long, but I was very very VERY glad that everyone else got to see it. I sat next to a British couple who traveled to NY just to see her perform again, since they have already seen it when it was at the west end. They were praising Nicole’s performance and loved the enthusiasm of the audience

[cassandra]

I just saw it on Broadway today and I am still so stunned, several hours later. I can’t stop thinking about it.

I was captivated by Nicole anytime she sang. Tom Francis was incredible, too, and David Thaxton as Max was a surprise standout for me.

I can see how it might not be for everyone (I watched it with my mother and while she liked it, she doesn’t really “get” camp).

I felt like I watched art in motion, someone’s passion project come to life. Pure art.

[strobe]

" this is Andrew's melody dialogue that should be spoken...just repeat over and over again" LOL 😝 I"m . Dead! ROFLOL

[michaelgray]

It was brilliant on so many levels. Where to start. So he was confused

[edwardboyd]

Based on your actual review maybe you should add a question mark to your headline? "Bored and Confused?" Because you said you were not and as it is now the headline implies you hated it.

[laurakinnoin]

I saw the show in 2016 with Glenn Close and it was so good. This version has gotten a lot of buzz and it looks like a very different version so I was very curious about it. Thanks for another great review.

[SharonZarrow-teqv]

Why is Nicole covered in blood at the end of Sunset Blvd I live in Phoenix Arizona. Have to wait till it gets here.

[jonathanrio]

I felt it hard to follow exactly what was going on with no costumes, set or props.... I didn't really get the relationship between his friends fiancee and him that she was a writer too and that's how they were getting closer, etc... At the end, I didn't know there were "police" and she was getting arrested, but thinking she was in a movie. I got it clearly when I watched the movie But was confused during the musical. And I'm usually pretty smart. hahahaha

[cdm]

Love your review and it is spot on!! I watched this last night. You are clearly a theater connoisseur and I was relieved that you were also confused in the beginning. I went into this with a fresh mind not knowing what this show was about, so I was even more confused. I have seen a Jamie Lloyd production before and understood his style, but not sure if it worked with this particular show. I’m still thinking about it. Hence, why I’m watching others’ reviews on Youtube. Overall, I thought Nicole and Tom were absolutely amazing. Even if not a fan of Sunset Blvd, THEY are a must-see.

[MC-wcmi]

Thanks, Matthew, I enjoy hearing you break these productions down, discussing themes, highs, lows, bored, confused, etc. Off topic - what's your favorite musical (if you have one) and why? Thanks!

[juliandiaz]

Two mid act standing O's in the Saturday preview I saw last week. Nicole Scherzinger sings that amazingly.

[ChristopherButler-umko]

There is a brilliant series from Canada called Slings and Arrows. Made in 2006 , it's a love letter to theatre. Hysterical and moving. Keep an eye out for the character Darrin Nichols. His stagings will remind you of ..

[kevinwilson]

"Let's have lunch" appears a few times because it's sung through, and that's how to structure a score like this, as they do in Opera.

[davidmarsh]

I saw this in London and I have to say it's one of The best things that I have ever seen and I've seen a lot. It was emotionally draining in a good way. I was teary-eyed the whole way through because it was that good. I was never a big fan of sunset boulevard until now and I cannot wait for the cast recording of this production. I'm also now and Nicole scherzinger Fan. I would have loved to have seen this again but the tickets were so expensive. But I'm so grateful I saw this in London. Andrew loydd Webber is a God of musical theatre. And I will always be a fan of his. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be going to the theatre at all. He introduced me to London theatre and now because of him I see nearly everything I can see that's on in London. So I'm really glad that you enjoyed this production of sunset boulevard. At first I thought you was going to call it and I was ready to turn you off. But you weren't bored. You weren't confused and you enjoyed it. And it doesn't matter what song you're singing from the show as long as you're singing some songs from the show. Thank you for this review and again really glad you enjoyed it.

[MP-lqxx]

sorry...just from the thought of scenery and costumes..lack thereof, combined with same ticket prices🤔

[jayseansantos]

Nicole Scherzinger is the most talented woman. So proud of her getting the recognition she deserves.

[melbamaloney]

❤❤❤ 👏👏👏 yes it is innovative and amazing how Jamie Lloyd made this a masterpiece and his choice of Nicole as Norma is a stroke of genius including the other cast members he truly took this oldie musical and giving it modern vibes watched it twice in London and three times in Broadway and still can’t get enough of it truly blew me away !

[jeffkoons]

I had no emotional connection to this show and found it really gimmicky, even though the gimmicks were often really good. But soon after the second act started I found myself checking my watch and waiting for it to end. I think the performative style and wink wink directorial luges from the director subverted the potential for this to really land emotionally. But lots of it was slick and fun.

[samuelm.]

I do not understand the concept of her being covered in blood and a man wearing only his underwear.

[susanharrison]

If i hadn't seen the movie i would have been lost. I dont feel it did the movie any justice especially the final line we all wait for. That IM READY FOR MY CLOSE UP. But at least mk it mk sense. They didn't even show a prop of the monkey until the outside sean which i thought was the best part of the play .I brought 2 friends who neva caught the movie n they were lost. Also seated was horrible. The theater is musty n if u sit in the back mezzanine good luck. Now the singing was ok nothing blew me out the box. Nicole definitely has beautiful vocals but they did her no justice in this play. N no 1 else blew me away with vocals. On a scale of 1- 10 save yur money n if u are a fan of Nicoles try n see her n a live performance in Vegas...or mayb thats what they were trying to illustrate. N NICOLE WAY TO YOUNG FOR THE FAMOUS NORMA DEZMEN.😢