Taking a ride down Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard follows the story of legendary silent movie star Norma Desmond who has been discarded by Hollywood with the advent of talkies.
For Troy Sussman, Sunset Boulevard is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most beautiful scores.
As one of the most prolific artists in the industry, Sussman knows a thing or two about musical theatre. For the past four decades, Sussman has done exactly what he dreamed of doing, starring in everything from Phantom of the Opera to Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Aladdin and The Pirates of Penzance. His most recent role is Sheldrake in Sunset Boulevard.
“I think Evita and this are amazing,” Sussman told The AJN ahead of the production’s Sydney run. “It was a period of time where musically, [Lloyd Webber] hit his straps. To hear that score played by the orchestra every night is thrilling.”
Described as the theatrical event of the year, Sunset Boulevard follows the story of legendary silent movie star Norma Desmond who has been discarded by Hollywood with the advent of talkies.
What’s special about the Australian production is that it is brand new.
“Often in Australia we get productions that are produced on Broadway or the West End and you don’t have much leeway in creating your character work.
“You are often given the parameters to work off and you need to replicate this. You can put a little bit of a spin on it but generally speaking, you’re essentially doing what someone else has done,” Sussman explained.
“But this time, because we’re building it from scratch, we have free rein to really create and delve in, and figure out our characters.”
Sussman said it’s especially fun because of the character he plays.
“Sheldrake is like the CEO who runs the Paramount lot. So I pick the scripts, I pick the people I hire and fire. I love having a role that is fun like that because I really get to just have a good time.”
And Sussman is surrounded by a truly tremendous cast.
Sussman explained that he has crossed paths with “global sensation” Sarah Brightman, who plays Norma many times over their years in the industry and it’s amazing to watch her work.
“She hasn’t worked in theatre for 30 years and there’s a little bit of art imitating art here because Norma Desmond hasn’t been seen in films for 30 years. So to see her processes and really find the comparisons between Norma and herself is really interesting,” he said.
“She has her own ways of working and she brings her own style and her own energy to the role.”
Joining Sussman and Brightman on stage are Tim Draxl as Joe Gillis – a role last played on stage in Australia by Hugh Jackman – Robert Grubb, Ashleigh Rubenach, Jarrod Draper, Paul Hanlon and Silvie Paladino who plays Norma at select performances.
The production is a lavish one with traditionally beautiful sets, evoking the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood.
As Sussman describes, the set includes a full-size staircase in Norma’s house with pictures everywhere. This is contrasted against the bright and colourful set of Paramount.
“The audience is going to come and see a traditional piece of theatre. You’ll be wowed by period costumes, period sets, by the orchestra. It’s not scaled back,” Sussman said.
“The story itself is dark. It’s not a happy story. All the characters have faults, there’s ego and there’s betrayal, there’s self-importance. There’s not one happy character.
“But it’s a chance for audiences to see what life was like and feel how we’ve changed, how we’ve developed.”
Sunset Boulevard is at the Sydney Opera House from August 28. For tickets: sunsetmusical.com.au
comments