“Sunset Boulevard”

Highly Recommended **** Many of you are not old enough to remember the Billy Wilder classic, “Sunset Boulevard”  (1950) starring Gloria Swanson and William Holden. Many of you may be saying, “who?”. These were major stars and this was probably one of the greatest films of its time. The story is about Norma Desmond, a silent film star who has seen her roles and the industry pass her by, but she does not believe it. Enter a young writer, Joe who she hires to help her write the script that will bring her glory back. This is the basic story and the musical version with a book by Don Black and Christopher Hampton and music by Andrew Lloyd Weber adds a new dimension to the story. But as we watch this powerful musical “drama” we realize that it is not a fable at all. It is in fact a story about what took place in the old “Hollywood” with its “systems” where actors, in particular female actors were treated with special attention until they aged and became “over ripe”.

For the most part , “Sunset Boulevard” needs a large venue to be done effectively. Marriott Theatre’s production on a somewhat bare stage and in the round was somewhat effective and now Porchlight with its smaller stage and a far more intimate space (The Ruth Page Center For The Arts) , under the direction of Michael Weber has pulled it off. Part of why this production works is the actors that have been cast in the major roles and the energetic ensemble that Porchlight attracts ( and often finds).

Norma Desmond is played to perfection by  Chicago favorite Hollis Resnik, who nails her character from start to finish. For many years Hollis has graced our stages ( and those in New York and elsewhere) with her talent. When she does her “As If We Never Said Goodbye” one can feel the emotion in the theater. Chilling, but beautiful.”With One Look” and “New Ways To Dream” will also grab your attention, 100%! Her young writer Joe Gillis  is portrayed by  Billy Rude , who brings a special zest to his character. Joe is in financial trouble and when he finds the estate of Norma Desmond she changes his life.

Norma has a staff of one, Max Von Mayerling ( the always reliable Larry Adams) who we learn a great deal about during the storytelling experience of this almost “chamber piece”. When he sings his “New Ways To Dream” and “The Greatest Star of All” you will be tempted to give him a standing ovation. WOW!

The other love story  is about Joe with a young studio employee who desires to rewrite one of his old screenplays,  Betty Schaefer ( a perfect performance by Michelle Lauto ,who constantly shows her wide range on our stages ), but who is engaged to Joe’s old friend, Artie (Joe Giovannetti). It is a story that bears watching. Of course, the story cannot be told without a great studio head for her to stage her comeback for, Cecil B. DeMille ( deftly handled by another favorite, David Girolmo) who proves that there are no small parts in a play.

In order  for this production to work, the ensemble has to have a mix of talents that are able to change costumes (Bill Morey does a great job) and characters. They are wonderful: Shane Roberie, Danny Spagnuolo, Anna Brockman, Marcellus Burt, Justin Cavazos, Laz Estrada, Brian Healy, Alex Jackson, Ronal Keaton , Molly Kral, Mandy Modic, Michelle Owens, Laura Sportiello and Ambria Sylvain. Nice work!

The set (Jeffrey D. Kmiec) is wonderful and I am sure was quite the challenge. A cascading staircase on a small stage and walls that convert from scene to scene are a delight in creativity. The lighting (Maggie Fullilove-Nugent)  and the sound (Robert Hornbostel) along with the projections (Anthony Churchill) worked and the choreography by Shanna Vanderwerker was mind boggling on a stage this small. The musical direction by Aaron Benham (piano/conductor) and his six musicians: Elena Spiegel, Celeste Park, Desiree Miller, Kedgrick Pullums, Marcel Bonfim and Anthony Scandora was perfect. While this is not an easy one to pull off, Weber ( Michael) has pulled it off!

“Sunset Boulevard” will continue thru  December 8th at Porchlight’s home in the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, located at 1016 N. Dearborn ( valet parking is available at $15) with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  3:30 and 8 p.m.

Sundays  2 p.m.

additional performances: Sunday 11/24 at 6 p.m.

Wednesdays 11/6,11/13 and 12/4 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, 10/24 and 11/14 at 1:30 p.m.

Friday, 11/29 at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $39-$66 and can be ordered at 773-777-9884 or online at www.PrchlightMusicTheatre.org

Running Time- 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Sunset Boulevard”.