Review: Sunset Boulevard in Concert, Curve Leicester
The whole country has been affected by stringent government restrictions since the pandemic began in March earlier this year, but none more so than Leicester who have endured nine months under the toughest constraints; the city that houses one of our best producing houses, the Curve.
After several failed attempts to put shows on in varying capacities due to the ever changing government guidance, the venue has fortunately been able to move their award-winning production of Sunset Boulevard online; much to the delight of musical theatre fans everywhere.
Whilst it has been cited to be a concert production, I would lean more towards classing it as a semi-staged production because whilst it is not completely “all-singing, all-dancing”, there are high levels of blocking around the space, complete with full costume and design elements. This, in addition to its admirable innovation and artistry, makes it far more than a concert alone.
The production has taken over the newly configured auditorium at Curve, with Nikolai Foster’s genius direction extending out beyond the edges of the stage and into the empty auditorium – an effective tool in replicating the film set in which it is frequently based. The forced move online has made this usually impossible staging a reality and with the layering of archived footage on top of the filmed action, it transports you to 1940’s Hollywood.
Ben Cracknell’s lighting design not only shows off the performers but also Curve’s stunning auditorium in all of its stripped back glory. There is an impressive lighting truss over the main playing space (complete with revolve), that is lowered and angled at varying points during the performance to exceptional dramatic effect; no more so than during ‘New Ways To Dream’, which draws us in to fading movie star Norma Desmond’s delusions of grandeur.
Boasting the largest orchestra to accompany a musical in the UK this year with 16 members, the musicians lift Andrew Lloyd Webber’s luscious and rousing score off the sheet music and into our homes and hearts. From the opening few bars of music, you know you are in for a treat. An overwhelming sense of joy threatened to burst out of my chest from the overture alone and there were moments throughout the piece when I felt rather overcome with emotion. It may only be a virtual performance but it has power beyond means and whilst there may have been no physical applause, I certainly filled those gaps with my own personal response!
Having had the pleasure of seeing the live Made in Curve production in 2017, the individual performances are as good as I remember. Ria Jones is mesmeric and captivating as Norma Desmond who gives the performance of a lifetime in this iconic role, right from her first entrance gliding down the steps of the dress circle. She commands the stage with her presence and soaring vocals with ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’ being a real showstopper. Her lingering and longing looks at Danny Mac playing Joe Gillis during ‘A Perfect Year’ is just one instance of the wonderful chemistry between the two characters.
Mac is charismatic and super focussed in his portrayal of the penniless screenwriter and his direct addressing of the camera invites us into his world. His rendition of the title number at the top of Act Two is powerful and brings new life to Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s word art.
Betty Schaefer is often quite a twee character with her “nicey-nice” demeanour. Molly Lynch represents this but also allows herself scope to show off the character’s intelligence and is the perfect juxtaposition to Joe’s bitter and manipulative side. Her duet with Mac, ‘Too Much In Love To Care’, is a very special moment as they maintain great connection whilst remaining socially distanced.
Special mention must also be given to Adam Pearce as the strong yet silent Max Von Meyerling. Loyal and dedicated, he also embodies a sadness in the piece, as if he absorbs it from his employer and first wife, Desmond. The ensemble also provide great support throughout and whilst often detached from the direct action, they fill the theatre seats in the space meaning they remain present.
An innovative, inspired, well-produced piece of classic musical theatre for today’s modern age.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
Sunset Boulevard in Concert is available to stream here until 9 January 2021.
