Reviewed by: Faith Jessel
"Ready for my close-up" - the immortal phrase that has cemented Sunset Boulevard's place in our cultural DNA. Gloria Swanson's iconic declaration has become synonymous with the relentless quest for fame and the mystique of Hollywood's Golden Age.
Filling every inch of The Joan Sutherland Theatre with rich layers of opulence, angst, and opportunism, this musical is a visual feast. Directed by Paul Warwick Griffin with visionary set and costume designs by Morgan Large, we are transported back to the gilded era of classic cinema with ornate art deco, luxurious fabrics and stunning lighting, making every scene lavish and evocative, like a Cecil B. DeMille movie come to life.
Andrew Lloyd Webber has written a love letter to the timeless power and grandeur of the bygone film studios while masterfully blending jazz, classical, and music hall styles. Oscillating between opulent romanticism and sombre introspection.
The grandeur of a full symphonic orchestra unleashes a score that is melodically breathtaking, perfectly complementing the drama. This distinctly bold Broadway sound is pure magic, while the use of modernist recitative transports the audience to a world of verismo opera, with captivating, old- world intensity. So much so, that the awesome opening Act 2 overture elicited spontaneous applause.
But beneath the glittering façade is the tragic tale of Norma Desmond, a forgotten silent film star. Her story exposes the dark underbelly of Hollywood's myth-making machine, revealing the toxic hold of stardom. Fame is fleeting. Power and ambition can have devastating consequences. Youth and beauty are the only currencies that count.
Within the infinite loop of life imitates art and art imitates life, Sarah Brightman descends the sweeping staircase of her mausoleum. The dichotomies between reality and fiction are blurred. Previous incarnations of Norma Desmond are ones we love to hate: A haughty and brittle diva. Brightman’s is a study of the psychosis of disillusionment. Much softer, more warmer, while evoking authentic fragility and vulnerability. Her distinctive voice and phrasing possess a haunting, ethereal quality, but ultimately this is a less layered portrayal in complexity.
Brightman's moment of triumph arrives with 'As If We Never Said Goodbye,' when the ironic juxtapositions of legend, stardom and the facade of fame are brilliantly spotlighted. The boundaries between character and actress dissolve, revealing a convergence of performance and personal truth. Her fans adored her and this moment.
Tim Draxl is the definitive leading man.The quintessential matinee idol, oozing charm. Draxl never fails to deliver a captivating and passionate stage presence, igniting the show as Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter ensnared in a deadly waltz. He effortlessly owned and elevated every scene and song, transforming what initially seems like a one dimensional man into one of tragic heroism. Draxl strikes duet gold with his leading lady in ‘The Perfect Year’ and, his opening Act 2 number is the showstopper, when Joe unleashes a maelstrom of conflict. This is the moment when Sunset Boulevard's poignant beauty and painful illusions really begin to bite.
Ashleigh Rubenach shines as Betty Schaefer, her scenes with Draxl sparking with energy and chemistry. With her luminous soprano and radiant innocence, Rubenach beautifully embodies the essence of the talented writer who captures and conflicts Joe’s heart. Moreover, she sheds light on the transformative role of women in the old Hollywood studio system.
Robert Grubb exudes gravitas and an authoritative presence, as Norma’s protective butler Max, his rich baritone and humourless demeanour commanding attention. His character grows in sympathy and complexity, revealing a deeply entrenched double-edged sword of loyalty.
Sunset Boulevard sheds light on the steep price of stardom and the ruthless industry that sustains it. Glamour and grit collide in a tragic denouement. Opera Australia finds its greatest heights in surrendering the very illusions it seeks to expose. A heady delight, it is most successful as a homage to the excesses of old Hollywood studio cinematic magic. A must-see for fans of nostalgic noir and the silver screen. Movie music aficionados, don't miss this show for its spectacular score alone.
See https://opera.org.au/