Sunset Boulevard • Andrew Lloyd Webber Musicals (2025)

Billy Wilder’s film Sunset Boulevard premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York City

Billy Wilder’s film Sunset Boulevard, starring William Holden as Joe Gillis and Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on 10 August 1950. The film received an excellent critical response;. It continued to be ranked amongst the greatest films of all time and is considered one of the most iconic film noirs ever made.

1950

1950

Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard was nominated for 11 Academy Awards

At the 23rd Annual Academy Awards on 29 March 1951, Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard was nominated for 11 awards and won 'Best Story and Screenplay', 'Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Black-and-White)', and 'Best Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture'.

1951

1951

Andrew saw Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard for the first time at a screening arranged by Hal Prince

Andrew saw Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard for the first time at a screening arranged by Hal Prince in 1976. Later that year, Andrew and Hal, who owned the theatrical rights to the film, discussed the possibility of a musical version of Sunset Boulevard. Andrew wrote “an idea for the moment when Norma Desmond returned to Paramount Studios” but did not return to the project until the early 1990s.

1976

1976

Andrew first approached Amy Powers to write the lyrics for Sunset Boulevard

Andrew first approached Amy Powers, a New York lawyer with no prior lyric-writing experience, to write the lyrics for Sunset Boulevard. Don Black was later brought in to collaborate with Powers on the lyrics for an early version of Sunset Boulevard, which was performed at the 17th Sydmonton Festival on 31 August 1991.

1991

1991

The original workshop of Sunset Boulevard was performed at the 17th Sydmonton Festival

The original workshop of Sunset Boulevard at the 17th Sydmonton Festival was just 30 minutes long and starred Ria Jones as Norma and Michael Ball as Joe, as well as Frances Ruffelle as Betty and Kevin Colson as Max. Ria Jones returned to the role as understudy to Glenn Close in the 2016 West End revival, and led a new production that opened at the Leicester Curve Theatre on 16 September 2017 before embarking on a UK tour.

1991

1991

A revised version of Sunset Boulevard was performed at the 18th Sydmonton Festival

After Amy Powers left the project, Andrew decided to bring in a veteran theatre artist, Christopher Hampton, to collaborate with Don Black on the lyrics and book for Sunset Boulevard. A revised version of the show was performed at the 18th Sydmonton Festival on 5 September 1992, which starred Patti LuPone as Norma and Kevin Anderson as Joe, as well as Luann Aronson as Betty and Charles West as Max.

1992

1992

John Napier was hired to design the set and Anthony Powell was hired to design the costumes

John Napier was hired to design the stunning sets for Sunset Boulevard, namely Norma Desmond’s rising mansion, where the majority of the musical would take place, and Anthony Powell to design the costumes.

1992

1992

It was announced that Glenn Close would open the American premiere production of Sunset Boulevard in LA

In May 1993, the London cast of Sunset Boulevard assembled for the first time. Not long afterwards, an announcement was made that Glenn Close would open the American premiere production in Los Angeles six months after the London opening.

1993

1993

The opening of the London production of Sunset Boulevard was originally planned for 29 June

The opening of the London production of Sunset Boulevard was originally planned for 29 June 1993 at the Adelphi Theatre. Before onstage rehearsals began, it was discovered that cellular telephones created signals that could unwantedly move the scenery onstage. In order to resolve this issue, the official opening was delayed by two weeks.

1993

1993

The original West End production of Sunset Boulevard opened at the Adelphi Theatre in London

The original West End production, directed by Trevor Nunn, opened at the Adelphi Theatre in London on 12 July 1993. The cast included Patti LuPone and and Kevin Anderson reprising their Sydmonton roles.

1993

1993

Spotify Entry

With One Look - Sunset Boulevard Original London Cast Album (1993)

1993

1993

Numerous changes were made to Sunset Boulevard before it opened in Los Angeles

At the 70th annual Tony Awards on 12 June 2016, the Broadway production of School of Rock was nominated for four awards, including 'Best Musical', 'Best Book of a Musical', 'Best Original Score', and 'Best Actor in a Musical'. The production was also nominated for 5 Drama Desk Awards on 5 June 2016.

1993

1993

Sunset Boulevard premiered in the US at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles, California

Sunset Boulevard premiered in the US at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles, California on 9 December 1993. It starred screen legend Glenn Close as Norma. Following her iconic on-stage turn as the silent movie star, Close became synonymous with the role. This production opened to favourable reviews and Glenn Close received unanimous praise.

1993

1993

Glenn Close would star in the Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard

After months of speculation, it was finally announced that Glenn Close would star in the Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard. It was then decided that the London production would close for a few weeks when Patti LuPone’s London contract ended in order to incorporate changes that had been made to the show in LA.

1994

1994

Betty Buckley reopened the London production of Sunset Boulevard alongside John Barrowman

Betty Buckley, who had won a Tony Award for her performance as Grizabella in CATS, reopened the London production as Norma Desmond with John Barrowman as Joe Gillis.

1994

1994

Oscar winner Faye Dunaway was announced to replace Glenn Close in the LA production of Sunset Boulevard

On May 5 1994, it was revealed that Oscar winner Faye Dunaway, who had never before appeared in a musical, would replace Glenn Close in the LA production of Sunset Boulevard after Close was to leave the production on 26 June. However, during Dunaway’s rehearsals, it was announced that this production at the Shubert Theatre would close after 232 performances on Glenn's last night.

1994

1994

The original Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard opened at the Minskoff Theatre

The original Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard opened at the Minskoff Theatre on 17 November 1994 with Glenn Close, Alan Campbell and George Hearn, reprising their roles from the Los Angeles production as Norma, Joe and Max von Mayerling. Billy Wilder, who attended the Broadway premiere, was brought onstage by Glenn Close for the curtain call.

1994

1994

Youtube Link

As If We Never Said Goodbye from Andrew's 50th Celebration at the Royal Albert Hall (1998)

1994

1994

Betty Buckley suffered from appendicitis and withdrew from Sunset Boulevard for 8 weeks

Soon after Glenn Close opened the Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard, Betty Buckley suffered a severe case of appendicitis and withdrew from the London production for 8 weeks to recuperate. Elaine Paige, who had played the leads in two of Andrew's shows already, Evita and CATS, was asked to take over as Norma Desmond in London.

1994

1994

Betty Buckley starred in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway

When Betty Buckley returned to the London production of Sunset Boulevard, it was announced that she would replace Glenn Close on Broadway and Elaine Paige would replace Betty again in London in May 1995. It had been 7 years since the musical powerhouse was last on Broadway and Betty's fans were very excited for her arrival. Her first preview and her opening night were legendary experiences; Betty even admitted after the first preview that “I’m so grateful, I can’t tell you... It was the most incredible night I’ve ever experienced in the theatre... I’ve never, ever been bathed in so much love.”

1995

1995

The original Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard won 7 Tony Awards

On 4 June 1995, the Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard was nominated for an outstanding 11 Tony Awards at the 49th annual ceremony. The show won seven, including 'Best Musical', 'Best Original Score', 'Best Book of a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical', 'Best Scenic Design', and 'Best Lighting Design'. This production also won the Drama Desk Award for 'Outstanding Actress in a Musical' in the same year.

1995

1995

Sunset Boulevard opened in Toronto, Canada with Diahann Carroll in the lead

A Canadian production of Sunset Boulevard opened in Toronto with Diahann Carroll in the lead on 15 October 1995, followed by a German production with Helen Schneider as Norma, which opened in Frankfurt on 8 December 1995.

1995

1995

Elaine Paige made her Broadway debut with Sunset Boulevard

On 12 September 1996, Elaine Paige made her Broadway debut with Sunset Boulevard, and Petula Clark took over the role of Norma Desmond in the London Production. Rita Moreno then played the role of Norma when Petula Clark took a vacation.

1996

1996

The original Australian production of Sunset Boulevard opened at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne

The original Australian production of Sunset Boulevard opened at Melbourne's newly restored Regent Theatre on 26 October 1996. The cast included Debra Byrne as Norma and Hugh Jackman, in one of his earliest roles, as Joe. This production ran for just under a year, closing on 14 June 1997.

1996

1996

After 977 performances, the original Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard closed

After 977 performances, the original Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard closed on 22 March 1997.

1997

1997

After 1529 performances, the original West End production of Sunset Boulevard closed

After 1529 performances, the original West End production of Sunset Boulevard closed on 5 April 1997.

1997

1997

Glenn Close made her West End debut as Norma in a 5-week run at the London Coliseum

Glenn Close made her West End debut as Norma in a 5-week run at the London Coliseum on 4 April 2016, which was presented by the English National Opera. For her performance, Glenn won the 2016 Evening Standard Theatre Award for 'Best Musical Performance'.

2016

2016

The English National Opera production of Sunset Boulevard transferred to the Palace Theatre, New York

The English National Opera production of Sunset Boulevard transferred to the Palace Theatre, New York on 2 February 2017 for the first revival on Broadway; the principal cast from the London production all reprised their roles.

2017

2017

Andrew's Symphonic Suites album, featuring orchestral arrangements of suites from Phantom, Evita, and Sunset Boulevard was released

On 29 October 2021, Andrew released the Symphonic Suites album, featuring orchestral arrangements of suites from The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, and Sunset Boulevard. It was recorded at the newly refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London and showcases the cinematic quality of his compositions and emphasizes their orchestral elements.

2021

2021

Youtube Link

Sunset Boulevard from Symphonic Suites (2021)

2021

2021

Jamie Lloyd’s new, reimagined production of Sunset Boulevard opened at the Savoy Theatre in London

Jamie Lloyd’s new, reimagined production of Sunset Boulevard, starring Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond, opened at the Savoy Theatre in London’s West End on 21 September 2023. This modern retake of the show was directed by Jamie Lloyd, with lighting design by Jack Knowles and set design by Soutra Gilmour.

2023

2023

The London revival of Sunset Boulevard won seven Olivier Awards

The London revival of Sunset Boulevard was nominated for 11 Olivier Awards and won 7 on 14 April 2024, including 'Best Musical Revival', 'Best Actor in a Musical', 'Best Actress in a Musical', 'Best Director', 'Best Lighting Design', 'Best Sound Design', and 'Outstanding Musical Contribution'. This production also won two Evening Standard Theatre Awards in 2023 and seven WhatsOnStage Awards in 2024.

2024

2024

Sunset Boulevard by Tom Francis - YouTube

Sunset Boulevard by Tom Francis - Walk Around from Oliviers (2024)

2024

2024

Sunset Boulevard returned to Australia after 20 years

On 29 May 2024, Sunset Boulevard returned to Australia after nearly 20 years and opened at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne. This production stars the legendary Sarah Brightman in the lead role as Norma Desmond alongside Tim Draxl as Joe Gillis.

2024

2024

Jamie Lloyd’s reimagined production of Sunset Boulevard will open on Broadway

Following the success in London, Jamie Lloyd’s reimagined production of Sunset Boulevard, starring Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond and Tom Francis as Joe Gillis, began previews on Broadway on 28 September 2024. This new production will officially open at the St. James Theatre on 20 October 2024.

2024

2024