Sunset Boulevard – Courtesy of Indy Ghost Light Photography. Used with permission.
I first saw Sunset Boulevard, the musical, starring Glenn Close. on Broadway in 1995. As a fan of the original black and white 1950 film, seeing it live in a musical treatment was unforgettable. So, I eagerly attended Actors Theatre of Indiana‘s opening night on Friday at the Studio One Theatre. Nevertheless, as I have done throughout my many years of reviewing, I approached this production with mindful objectivity, focusing on its own qualities and avoiding comparisons to the original. I must admit however, I found that this ambitious production, though highly successful on many fronts, fell short on others.
Don Farrell in background and L. – R. Judy Fitzgerald & Luke Weber in Sunset Boulevard – Courtesy of Indy Ghost Light Photography. Used with permission.
Sunset Boulevard, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, known for creating iconic musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, and Cats, follows Norma Desmond, a has-been silent film star residing in a decaying Sunset Boulevard mansion. Norma dreams of making a triumphant return to the screen, and her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis. As Joe becomes entangled in Norma’s world, he finds himself torn between ambition and compassion, culminating in a tragic conclusion. The musical explores themes of fame, obsession, and the dark side of Hollywood glamour.
Splendidly directed by New York-based Michael Blatt (who directed ATI’s sensational 2025 Titanic), the production featured a formidable cast of many of Indy’s most gifted character actors, most of whom I have seen in other local productions and have greatly admired.
The leads, ATI Artistic Director July Fitzgerald (Norma Desmond), Luke Webber (Joe Gillis), ATI co-founder Don Farrell (Max von Mayerling), and Deborah Mae Hill (Betty Schaefer) all turned in nuanced, vocal, and dramatic performances that were thoroughly convincing. Standing out was Eric Olson as Cecil B. DeMille.
Judy Fitzgerald in Sunset Boulevard – Courtesy of Indy Ghost Light Photography. Used with permission. –
Some aspects of the show were disappointing, especially the set, that missed the mark in capturing the glamour of Hollywood that is central to the story. Another issue was the six-piece orchestra, which, due to either the positioning of the band, placement of the musicians, or the sound design, produced a weak and thin sound that failed to convey Lloyd Webber’s bold, grand score.
Guy Clark’s costume design demonstrated accuracy and suitability for the historical period, and Drew Bryson’s wig work effectively reflected the distinctive style of the era. Additionally, Dustin Druckman’s lighting contributed significantly by authentically evoking the noir aesthetic associated with the original film, video depicting silent film clips were effective as were props designed by Casey Clauser.
Sunset Boulevard continues at Actors Theatre of Indiana through May 10. For tickets, visit thecenterpresents.org
