It’s been 20 years since Glenn Close took Broadway by storm as Norma Desmond, a fading star from the silent screen era trying to make a comeback to Paramount. I have waited 20 years for a comeback, and it’s finally here on Broadway again for a limited engagement at the Palace Theatre in Times Square New York.
“Sunset Boulevard” is a musical based on an award winning 1950 film of the same title. Gloria Swanson played the main character in the film. Although Patti LuPone was the original cast as Norma Desmond in the London premiere, it is Glenn Close spellbinding closeups that made the musical so electrifying.
The live orchestra takes part of the space on stage, with every change of scene is either a chandelier dropping down from the ceiling or just a mere change of furniture. A semi-transparent screen projecting black and white old Hollywood footage at times separates the orchestra from the casts sets the tone of the whole musical. I particularly like a scene with men holding two spot lights chasing each other on stage creating an illusion of a car chase scene. Despite the limited space, audience never got bored as they are enthralled by the talents of entire casts in the show.
As Glenn Close makes her grand appearance, stepping out from metal staircase masquerading the grandeur of a mansion’s staircase, the crowd roar with approval and appreciation. Such a demanding role demands a commanding presence and Ms Close has it all, after all she has been in show business long before her “Fatal Attraction” days. She sings superbly, dance gracefully, and maneuver effortlessly. The memorable, “With One Look” has everyone at awe with her versatility as both an actress and a performer.
Michael Xavier plays Joe Gillis, the struggling screenwriter who got involved with Norma Desmond. Tall, and good-looking with a manly voice to match singing “Sunset Boulevard” in his trunks, few men from the audience whistle with approval. As the casts bow at the end of the show, I wish I could rewind and play the show once more to see if I missed anything the first time.
So Norma Desmond, give me a closeup once more as if we never said goodbye.
