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Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard

28 August – 1 November 2024

In the Joan Sutherland Theatre

Opera Australia

Musical Theatre

Sarah Brightman stars as the immortal Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece.

Nothing short of a triumph.

Limelight

Useful information:

The iconic story of a Hollywood legend

Musical theatre and international recording superstar Sarah Brightman leads a lavish new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece.

Sunset Boulevard weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. Having been discarded by Hollywood with the advent of “talkies”, legendary silent movie star Norma Desmond is tortured by her longing for a return to the big screen. When she meets struggling Hollywood screenwriter Joe Gillis in a dramatic chance encounter, their subsequent passionate and volatile relationship leads to an unforeseen and tragic conclusion.

Norma Desmond is one of musical theatre’s greatest roles and it requires a true legend to fill her shoes. Sarah Brightman is the iconic artist who originated the role of Christine in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera both in the West End and on Broadway. Since then, she has become the world’s best-selling soprano, topping the charts across the world.

This historic theatre event marks her first theatrical role in almost three decades.

This brand-new production features stunning sets and costumes, evoking the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood. The thrillingly atmospheric score features the hits ‘With One Look’, ‘The Perfect Year’, and the anthemic ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’.

Sunset Boulevard is the musical theatre event of the year. Don’t miss this strictly limited season at Sydney Opera House from August.

Presented by Opera Australia & GWB Entertainment by arrangement with The Really Useful Group
 

Music by ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
Books and lyrics by DON BLACK & CHRISTOPHER HAMPTON
Based on the BILLY WILDER film

Tim Draxl is outstandingly charismatic.

Sydney Morning Herald

A night of glamour, exploitation, spectacle and intrigue.

Stage Whispers

Brightman’s portrayal of Norma is a revelation.

Limelight

Artist information

CREATIVES

DIRECTOR Paul Warwick Griffin
SET & COSTUME DESIGNER Morgan Large
CHOREOGRAPHER Ashley Wallen
MUSICAL SUPERVISION BY Kristen Blodgette
LIGHTING DESIGNER Mark Henderson
VIDEO & PROJECTION DESIGNER George Reeve

CAST

NORMA DESMOND Sarah Brightman
JOE GILLIS Tim Draxl
MAX VON MAYERLING Robert Grubb
BETTY SHAEFER Ashleigh Rubenach
ARTIE GREEN Jarrod Draper
CECIL B. DEMILLE Paul Hanlon
NORMA DESMOND ALTERNATE Silvie Paladino

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