Sunset Boulevard NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (1,050)
See it if you're a fan of Glenn Close or Andrew Lloyd Webber, if you want to see a classic Webber show with a symphony orchestra and great performance
Don't see it if you are expecting a lavish set, don't like musicals, are not a fan of historical Hollywood, don't know what is brilliant.
See it if You love the classic Hollywood story with lavish music and staging. Glenn Close is amazing.
Don't see it if You don't like big, loud, musicals with a love-fest with the star.
See it if Intriguing story. Fantastic singing/music. Interesting stage/orchestra. Fun cast with great dancing. Full package. So glad we went!
Don't see it if You want a modern, edgy musical. Not interested in revivals.
See it if you want to see a flawless production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's best musical. Glenn Close is PERFECTION, although the entire production = A+
Don't see it if You don't enjoy/relate to stories about the entertainment industry, even though this is way more than that.
See it if Theater at its best! Close is spellbinding & emotionally powerful!Mesmerizing start to finish. Days later it still resonates strong.
Don't see it if The vocals are not the best on broadway, but Close's acting more than makes up for it! A must see for first timers & fans of the original!
See it if While it is no longer playing...this show is near and dear to my heart. There is majesty to both the recent rival and original companies.
Don't see it if this show can run a little on the long side.
See it if you want to see Glenn Close's masterpiece.
Don't see it if for me everything was worth it. Read more
See it if You enjoy Andrew Lloyd Webber's writing, enjoy Glenn Close's acting, would like to see an intense plot.
Don't see it if You are seeking an upbeat, "party" musical.
Critic Reviews (74)
“Watching Glenn Close completely enthrall and mesmerize an audience with her two dramatic solos is a reminder that musical theatre is at its most thrilling when musical moments are enhanced by incisive acting…Her expertise helps overcome the flawed material…Webber's music effectively imitates the splendor of classic film soundtracks…Black and Hampton's lyrics, however, rarely rise above perfunctory imagery and rhyming…Close is the reason to rush to the Palace these days."
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"Close's singing has deteriorated significantly...In a way, this works to her advantage, making all the more poignant Norma's stab at regaining her youthful glory, but I wished for more...Lonny Price hasn't been able to rein in certain of his star's occasional excesses...The songs are a random series of hits and misses...'Sunset Boulevard' isn't a great musical, but it's a pretty good vehicle, at least if the right star is on hand. Close's performance is sufficiently titanic to justify this limited-run return."
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"Glenn Close makes it look effortless...The songs work together flawlessly, setting up the thesis and then proving it, all the while Close bewitching you as surely as Norma does her cherished 'people in the dark'...Whether 'Sunset Boulevard' is everything a musical is supposed to be is another matter. It plays very well, though in most part because it follows Wilder's prescriptions (and dialogue) closely...Price's attempts at taming this beast are valiant and largely successful."
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"Glenn Close triumphs again in this inventively scaled down and hugely entertaining revival...Ms. Close is still sleek, fearless and riveting...Embracing the role’s campiness, yet being totally realistic, Close gives one of those monumental performances of musical theater history. This is no mere star showcase, as the rest of the cast is of comparable caliber...Besides being a victory for Ms. Close and Mr. Price, this revival is also one for Mr. Lloyd Webber"
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“Glenn Close is better than ever…This revival may be more Encores style concert than the ornately staged original, but it's big in all the right ways…This is Andrew Lloyd Webber's best and richest score. Instead of one much reprised ear-clinger, he's written several show-stoppers…All this is not to say that Close's Norma, though touchingly vulnerable and doesn't make for a story that's overly melodramatic, incredible and old-fashioned."
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"There are two reasons to see 'Sunset Boulevard': Glenn Close and Glenn Close’s costumes...Close plays Norma to the rafters, but at the same time makes her frighteningly real...Xavier is credible but he doesn’t stand a chance next to Close’s outsized Norma...The score is not Lloyd Webber’s best...Close is what makes this 'Sunset Boulevard' tick. Her singing voice may flatten occasionally, very occasionally, on a high note, but her presence, and oh what a presence, never fails to mesmerize."
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"Glenn Close is this generation’s Shirley Jones...She has mastered the art of bringing controlled madness to her method. Of all the big names attached to this production, the most important is Billy Wilder. The 1950 film which he co-wrote and directed is so chock full of bullet-proof source material, it is impossible not to be entertained by any decent adaptation...Mr. Johanson is fabulous as Max, with his deep voice miraculously ranging into falsetto territory."
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"The production cuts back on the gargantuan sets, but in doing so it restores the essence of the story which is that everything should rely on Norma’s face. And what a face! Close easily morphs into whatever the situation calls for...What’s truly remarkable about her work here is she is able to communicate a myriad of emotions without the aid of closeups, her singing, her body language, and the larger than life expressions force us to zoom into her, as if we almost didn’t have a choice."
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