Prepare for an opulent spectacle as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard opens at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in May 2024.
Sunset Boulevard tells a compelling story of former glory and unrealized aspirations. Hollywood’s rejection during the “talkies” era leaves legendary silent movie star Norma Desmond longing for a return to the limelight. In a dramatic twist of fate, her encounter with struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis sparks a passionate and tumultuous relationship, leading to an unexpected and tragic outcome.
Headlining this sensational revival as Nora Desmond is the renowned Sarah Brightman, joined by the critically acclaimed Tim Draxl in the role of Joe Gillis. Stage and screen veteran Robert Grubb assumes the character of Max Von Mayerling, while the role of Betty Schaefer is brought to life by emerging leading lady Ashleigh Rubenach. Musical theatre performer Jarrod Draper takes on Artie Green, with established theatre actor Paul Hanlon as Cecil B. DeMille. The role of Norma Desmond, at select performances, will be portrayed by Silvie Paladino.
They’ll be joined by a talented ensemble cast, featuring Regan Barber, Amy Berrisford, Billy Bourchier, Campbell Braithwaite, Benjamin Colley, Grace Driscoll, Madison Green, Peter Ho, Leah Lim, Mary McCorry, Charlotte Page, Morgan Palmer, Caity Plummer, Taylor Scanlan, Tom Sharah, Lisa Sontag, Troy Sussman, Riley Sutton, and Dean Vince.
Director Paul Warwick Griffin says, ‘‘We are thrilled to present this superb cast for this newly reimagined version of the masterpiece that is Sunset Boulevard. The calibre of artists we have assembled is extraordinary and I am very excited to see them bring our vision for this production to life on stage.”
Sunset Boulevard opens on 21 May at the Princess Theatre. Tickets are on sale now.
