Overview
Synopsis
Both haunting and desperately sad, Sunset Boulevard revolves around the former star of the silent screen era, Norma Desmond. Aging and largely forgotten for years, she lives in her dilapidated mansion in Hollywood with her butler and chauffeur, Max. Lost in her memories, she is stirred into action when struggling screenwriter, Joe Gillis, suddenly enters her home and her life. Joe is down on his luck and struggling to escape debt collectors. Norma offers him a room and board if he agrees to edit her incomprehensible script of Salome, a movie she has written and in which she wants to star as the teenage seductress. Norma is convinced that she is still as beautiful and in demand as ever. This misguided belief is sustained by Max, who writes fake fan letters to her and shields her from the realities of the much changed, modern-day movie business. Buoyed by Joe’s presence in her house, she lavishes him with gifts and soon declares her love for him. Her obsession with the young writer further reveals her increasing mental instability, and she threatens to commit suicide if Joe ever leaves her.
When Norma visits the film set of a new Cecil B. DeMille movie, she becomes convinced that the director wants to produce Salome and begins to imagine her dramatic return to the screen. However when Norma learns of Joe’s secret work and love affair with the young Betty Schaefer, her fragile mental state completely breaks down and she fatally shoots Joe as he tries to leave the mansion. With no grip on reality any longer, Norma grandly sweeps down the stairs to the waiting police, declaring, “And now, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up."
Show Information
Context
Sunset Boulevard is based on the 1950’s film of the same name. Originally premiering at the Adelphi Theatre in 1993 in London’s West End, Sunset Boulevard ran for almost four years, being seen by nearly two million people. The show premiered in America at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles in December 1993, starring Glenn Close as Norma Desmond. The musical became an instant success, transferring to the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway in 1994. At the time, the show had been given the biggest
to read the context for Sunset Boulevard and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
ACT ONE
The lights come up on Hollywood, 1950. Joe Gillis observes his own dead body in a swimming pool as he comments that a homicide has been reported (“Prologue”).
A flashback to six months earlier, struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis has a meeting at Paramount Studios with big executive Sheldrake to talk about his script Bases Loaded. The meeting goes poorly for Joe after his script is eviscerated by Betty Schaefer, Sheldrake’s assistant. To make matters worse, Sheldrake refuses to
to read the plot for Sunset Boulevard and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Alto, Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Not Specified |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
Songs
Act One
Act Two
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A powerful, resonant singing technique used in musical theatre to project high notes with chest voice.
A vocal technique blending chest and head voice to create a strong yet flexible sound for higher pitches.
The creative leader of a theatrical production, responsible for interpreting the script and guiding the cast and crew.
An “I Want Song” is a number, usually placed early in a musical, where a main character expresses their deepest desire or ambition. This song sets the character’s journey in motion and gives the audience a clear emotional stake in the story. It has become one of the most recognizable and enduring conventions of musical theatre structur
A revival is a new production of a play or musical after its original run has ended, often reimagined for a new generation of audiences. Revivals may stay faithful to the original staging or update elements like design, casting, or interpretation. They are a cornerstone of theatre tradition, keeping classic works alive and relevant.
A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing inner thoughts or emotions to the audience. Common in Shakespearean plays.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
An object, character, or element used in a play to represent a deeper meaning or theme beyond its literal definition.
A Tragedy is a form of drama that explores human suffering, conflict, and loss, often leading to a disastrous or fatal conclusion. Traditionally, the main character experiences downfall due to a personal flaw, poor judgment, or forces beyond their control. Tragedy aims to evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to reflection and emotional release.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Fame and Its Fleeting Nature
The
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from Sunset Boulevard and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Quote Analysis
_"With one look I can break your heart / With one look
to read our analysis of select quotes from Sunset Boulevard and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher
Emma Houlahan
Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.