"Sunset Boulevard" on Broadway: Still a Bad Show

Are you ready for your close-up? Sunset Boulevard, the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, has returned to Broadway under the direction of Jamie Lloyd, delivering a stripped-down, haunting reinterpretation of the story that has critics and audiences buzzing. Based on the iconic 1950 Billy Wilder film, this production tells a story of fame, obsession, and Hollywood's darker side. Whether you’re a fan of the show or just curious to see what all the buzz is about, here’s everything you need to know about the musical, its cast, and what critics and audiences are saying.

I first saw Sunset Boulevard with Glenn Close in the starring role in the 1991. I thought she did a great job in the role and the set which dripped with the heavy glamour of old Hollywood was incredible. However, like may Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals, once you look beyond the few great songs you see how badly written the score actually is.

Over thirty years later, this production starring Nicole Scherzinger is not an improvement. Like the original, Nichole gives a solid performance. The opulent set has been replaced by a starkly minimalistic set and video heavy direction of Jamie Lloyd. But neither the star nor the director can mask the fact that it's just not a great musical.

Part of the charm of the original is that the story takes place in a very specific time and place which the film and original production tried to capture. It was an integral part of the story and provided much of the charm. Perhaps because I lived and worked in Hollywood I have a fond, nostalgic sense of that era. When Jamie Lloyd strips it away, the production loses its heart. We are left with a spry and barefoot Norma Desmond who runs around the stage and, at times, acts in ways that are out of character for the time. It's jarring and not in a good way.

It also doesn't help matters that the seats of St. James theatre are incredibly uncomfortable. We had to be re-sat because our seats could literally not accommodate our legs. I left the show thinking that they hype over Jamie Lloyd's direction was way overblown and that I never need to see another production of this show again.

However, if you are a fan of the show, this production may be worth seeing. So I will attempt to make the rest of this review as impartial as possible.

What’s It About?

Sunset Boulevard follows the story of Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star who dreams of making her triumphant return to the big screen. When struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis stumbles into her decaying mansion, he becomes entangled in Norma’s delusions of grandeur. Cue the drama, heartbreak, and one very memorable swimming pool.

The story is a mix of Hollywood noir and operatic tragedy, packed with iconic lines (“I am big. It’s the pictures that got small!”) and sweeping musical numbers. At its heart, it’s a tale of ambition, desperation, and a once-great star clinging to a world that’s moved on without her.

Jamie Lloyd’s Vision

Director Jamie Lloyd, known for his bold, minimalist revivals (A Doll's House, Cyrano de Bergerac), has taken Sunset Boulevard in a daring new direction. The grandeur of old Hollywood has been stripped away in favor of a stark, modern aesthetic. Gone are the lavish sets and ornate visuals; instead, Lloyd leans into Norma’s psychological unraveling with bold staging choices that emphasize isolation and obsession.

Critics have noted how Lloyd’s approach reshapes the show into something more visceral and unsettling, turning Norma Desmond’s mansion into a psychological space as much as a physical one. This interpretation may not be for everyone, but it brings a fresh lens to a musical some have long considered stagnant.

The Cast

This revival features powerhouse performances that are commanding the spotlight:

• Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond—a role that demands drama, vocal chops, and a larger-than-life presence. Under Jamie Lloyd’s vision, Scherzinger delivers a raw, fractured, and utterly magnetic performance that redefines Norma’s tragic brilliance.
• Tom Francis as Joe Gillis, the cynical writer who becomes both a pawn and a companion in Norma’s twisted Hollywood fantasy. Francis brings depth and charisma to Joe’s conflicted character.
• David Thaxton as Max von Mayerling, Norma’s devoted but enigmatic butler. Thaxton’s performance adds layers of loyalty, heartbreak, and mystery to the role.

Supporting roles like Betty Schaefer (Joe’s optimistic writing partner) round out a stellar ensemble that delivers Broadway-level intensity.

Behind the Scenes

The show’s pedigree is undeniable. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, and direction by Jamie Lloyd, Sunset Boulevard has all the hallmarks of a Broadway blockbuster—but this time, it’s framed in a darker, more introspective light.

While Lloyd Webber’s score still draws mixed opinions (some critics feel it doesn’t match his earlier masterpieces like Phantom of the Opera), Jamie Lloyd’s direction compensates by delivering a visually arresting experience that highlights the material’s psychological depths.

What Are Critics Saying?

Critics have been divided but fascinated by Jamie Lloyd’s radical reimagining of Sunset Boulevard:

• The New York Times calls the production “a bold, stark reinterpretation that strips the glamour from Hollywood and exposes its darkest corners. Lloyd’s vision may alienate traditionalists, but it dares to explore Norma Desmond as we’ve never seen her before.”
• Variety praises Nicole Scherzinger’s performance as “unforgettable, a career-defining turn that grounds the production’s most abstract choices.” The review also highlights the “tense, dreamlike atmosphere that makes this revival feel more like a psychological thriller than a typical musical.”
• Time Out New York is more critical, suggesting that “while Jamie Lloyd’s aesthetic is striking, the production sometimes leans too heavily into minimalism, undercutting the melodrama that makes Sunset Boulevard compelling.”

What Do Audiences Think?

Audience reactions have been just as mixed, with some praising the fresh take and others longing for the lavish grandeur of past productions.

One theatergoer described it as “unlike any Sunset Boulevard I’ve seen before—stripped down, raw, and haunting.” Another commented, “It’s a bold vision, but I miss the spectacle. The score and story feel more at home in a grander production.”

For those willing to embrace Jamie Lloyd’s experimental approach, this revival offers a fascinating, modern take on an aging classic.

Should You See It?

If you’re a fan of Sunset Boulevard or appreciate bold, unconventional direction, this revival may be worth checking out. Jamie Lloyd’s stripped-down vision may not appeal to everyone (certainly not me), but it brings new life to a show often criticized for its flaws. While the score might not be Andrew Lloyd Webber’s strongest, the production’s psychological focus and powerhouse performances make for an unforgettable night at the theater.

For theatergoers who prefer their Sunset Boulevard with all the opulence and melodrama of classic Hollywood, this version may feel like a departure. However, if you lean into Lloyd’s daring vision, you’ll find a fresh and unsettling take on Norma Desmond’s tragic tale.

Final Thoughts

Sunset Boulevard isn’t perfect, but under Jamie Lloyd’s direction, it’s undeniably thought-provoking. With Nicole Scherzinger, Tom Francis, and David Thaxton at the helm, this revival boasts powerhouse performances that are impossible to ignore. Whether you love it, critique it, or find yourself somewhere in between, this production is a conversation starter. So grab your tickets, prepare for the drama, and remember—it’s not Norma who’s faded. It’s the world that’s changed.