Sunset Boulevard is Heading to Broadway, Wins Big at Olivier Awards

2024

A reimagined production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical, "Sunset Boulevard," triumphed at this year’s Olivier Awards, Britain’s prestigious theater awards akin to the Tonys in the United States. The musical, starring Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond, a silent film star spiraling into madness, captured seven awards, including Best Musical Revival, Best Actress in a Musical for Scherzinger, and Best Actor in a Musical for Tom Francis, who portrays a screenwriter entranced by Desmond’s allure. Director Jamie Lloyd also earned recognition as Best Director.

The production’s success was widely anticipated after its debut last fall garnered acclaim for its modern approach. Critics lauded Lloyd’s innovative use of cameras to magnify actors’ expressions onto a screen, adding a contemporary edge to the timeless story. Matt Wolf of The New York Times hailed the production’s relevance, stating that Lloyd had revitalized the musical, infusing it with contemporary relevance.

Scherzinger’s portrayal of Norma Desmond received particular acclaim for its compelling and vulnerable depiction. Sarah Hemming of The Financial Times praised Scherzinger's performance, noting her fearlessness in portraying the character's intimidating and fragile sides. Scherzinger’s rendition of Norma Desmond resonated deeply with audiences, securing her the Best Actress award.

“Sunset Boulevard” triumphed over strong contenders for Best Musical Revival, including “Guys & Dolls” and “Hadestown.” The musical’s success underscores its enduring appeal and relevance to modern audiences.

In addition to "Sunset Boulevard," several other productions received accolades at the Olivier Awards. “Operation Mincemeat,” a play about a World War II intelligence mission, won Best New Musical, while “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” a prequel to the popular Netflix series, was named Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play.

In the acting categories, Sarah Snook of "Succession" was honored as Best Actress for her performance in “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” a one-woman show where she portrays all 26 roles. Mark Gatiss took home the Best Actor award for his portrayal of actor and director John Gielgud in “The Motive and the Cue.”

The success of "Sunset Boulevard" at the Olivier Awards sets the stage for its highly anticipated transfer to Broadway’s St. James Theatre. Preview performances are set to begin on September 28, 2024, with the official opening night scheduled for October 20, 2024. Nicole Scherzinger will reprise her role as Norma Desmond, joined by her West End co-stars Tom Francis, David Thaxton, and Grace Hodgett Young.

The accolades received by "Sunset Boulevard" highlight the enduring power of theater to captivate audiences and tell compelling stories that resonate across generations.