This spring break, some of the students in my theatre program got the opportunity to go to New York City and see some shows on Broadway. Of what we saw, Sunset Boulevard inspired me the most. I mean, we got to see Glenn Close as Norma Desmond--what else could you ask for?
Sunset Boulevard was a beautiful experience. I was most impressed with the use of a minimal, industrial set, the star casting, and the spectacular lighting design.
The show itself is an interesting combination of beautiful themes, but an overuse of those themes within the vocal score. The instrumental score proved phenomenal onstage, especially considering the orchestra’s presence onstage. That element added so much to the show for me--often in professional theatre in modern times, the orchestra has become progressively small, if present at all, in comparison in past decades. The use of a huge, rich orchestra was beautiful. Playing this lovely orchestral score on a minimal, industrial set with such a talented cast had me in awe with a dropped jaw from the beginning.
The opening of the show consisted of a quick curtain rise, the ascension of a dead body, and a grand projection sequence. Relating the use of projections to the lighting design, I was incredibly impressed with the lighting in the show. The follow spots were sharp, the projections were inspiring, the car chase sequence was surreal, the chandelier function in the mansion--etc. Subtle changes of the color added so much to the show and I'm still in awe of that.
I'm in awe of the set design, as well. The orchestra onstage, the use of the scrim, the use of the platformed levels, and the overall structure of the set. The chandeliers of the Palace Theatre itself were even used as set pieces and lighting elements.
Seeing this cast in such a beautiful setting was inspiring. It has inspired me to continue learning about music, dance, and design.
If you are pursuing a degree in theatre and you have the opportunity to see professional theatre--go. I feel rejuvenated and inspired.
