GLENN CLOSE STARS AS NORMA DESMOND
IN SEMI-STAGED PRODUCTION OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S
S U N S E T B O U L E V A R D
Andrew Lloyd Webber's stunning musical adaptation of Billy Wilder's classic 1950 film captures the haunting world of the Golden Age of Hollywood. With book and lyrics by the Oscar-winning partnership of Don Black (Born Free, Diamonds are Forever) and Christopher Hampton (Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Atonement), with Glenn Close reprising her Tony-Award winning role as Norma Desmond.
ENO's Sunset Boulevard, staged at the London Coliseum, is a compelling story of romance and obsession, based on Billy Wilder's classic film, with celebrated book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton.
When impoverished screenwriter Joe Gillis stumbles into the reclusive world of faded silent-screen goddess Norma Desmond, she sees the opportunity to make a comeback and rise to her former glory. He by turn is seduced by the actress and her luxurious lifestyle. But the entanglement between the pair is to have dramatic and tragic consequences.
The character or Norma Desmond recalls on the twilight years of real-life silent film stars, for exaple the famous "Queen of the Movies" and Mary Pickford. Another inspiration was the tragic fates of Mae Murray, who ended up being blacklisted from working with the still major film-making company, MGM, and Clara Bow, who suffered from mental disorder and towards the end of her life is said to have "preferred death to public life." The drama of their lives and of the Golden Age of Hollywood promise an exciting spectacle!
With the lush melodies of this much-loved score (including Sunset Boulevard, With One Look and The Perfect Year) performed by ENO's acclaimed orchestra, this semi-staged production promises to be a spectacular evening.
Lonny Price (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) returns to the London Coliseum to direct the strictly limited run of 43 performances.
SUNSET BOULEVARD TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY 29th SEPTEMBER!
