Sunset Boulevard: Musical Information & Synopsis
Synopsis
Sunset Boulevard delves into the faded glamour of old Hollywood. The story centers on Norma Desmond, a silent film star living in seclusion in her decaying mansion on Sunset Boulevard. When struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis crosses paths with her, he’s drawn into her world of faded dreams and obsession. Norma’s delusions and Joe’s desperation for success lead them down a twisted path. Sunset Boulevard explores themes of love, ambition, and the price of fame.
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Musical Information
Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1991)
Cast: Large (45+ Roles)
Genre: Drama
Setting: 1940s, 1950s / USA (California)
Creative Team
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics/Book: Don Black, Christopher Hampton
Based On: Sunset Boulevard➝ (1950 film)
Awards
Tony Award: Best Musical (1995)
Cast Albums
American Premiere Recording (1994)➝
Original Canadian Cast (1995)➝
Licensing
Sunset Boulevard is available to license privately and through Concord Theatricals.
UK Licensing
USA/Canada Licensing
Resources
Audition Songs: Theatre Trip
Sheet Music: Amazon➝
Tags
1990s, Aging, Based on a Movie, British, Broken 4th Wall, Dramatic, Narrator, Non-Linear, Sung-Through, Tony Award, Tragedy, Two-Word
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