Sunset Stars: Unveiling the Talent Behind SUNSET BLVD.

Here’s a comprehensive, well-structured knowledge base article—formatted as a helpful guide for customer service agents—based on the Ticketmaster blog post *“Sunset Stars: Unveiling the Talent Behind SUNSET BLVD.”* Title: **Sunset Stars: Your Guide to the Cast & Creative Team Behind the Tony-Winning Broadway Revival of SUNSET BLVD.** --- ## Introduction This guide equips customer service agents with clear, structured information about the acclaimed Broadway revival of *SUNSET BLVD.*, including its award-winning cast, creative team, and production highlights. Agents will be able to confidently respond to customer inquiries regarding casting, noteworthy achievements, performance context, and ticketing. --- ## 1. Production, Awards & Overview **Broadway Revival Highlights** - The 2024–2025 Broadway revival of *SUNSET BLVD.* – reimagined by esteemed director Jamie Lloyd – received widespread acclaim for its contemporary staging, immersive cinematic elements, and minimalistic design ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/sunset-boulevard-broadway-cast/?utm_source=openai)). **Tony Award Success** - At the 2025 Tony Awards, this revival became the most-nominated of the season and took home three major awards: * Best Revival of a Musical * Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical (Nicole Scherzinger) * Best Lighting Design of a Musical ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/sunset-boulevard-broadway-cast/?utm_source=openai)). --- ## 2. Star-Studded Cast **Norma Desmond – Nicole Scherzinger** - Scherzinger, marking her Broadway debut, reprises her Olivier Award–winning role from the West End revival. Her celebrated performance earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/sunset-boulevard-broadway-cast/?utm_source=openai)). - Her portrayal garnered critical acclaim; audiences famously gave her a six-minute standing ovation on opening night ([people.com](https://people.com/nicole-scherzinger-ends-sunset-blvd-run-as-broadway-show-closes-11774223?utm_source=openai)). **Alternate Norma – Mandy Gonzalez** - At select performances, the role of Norma Desmond was played by Broadway veteran Mandy Gonzalez, known for originating Nina Rosario in *In the Heights* and notable roles in *Wicked*, *Hamilton*, *Aida*, and *The Who’s Tommy* ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/sunset-boulevard-broadway-cast/?utm_source=openai)). **Joe Gillis – Tom Francis** - Francis transitioned from the West End production, where he earned an Olivier Award. He makes his Broadway debut in this revival ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/sunset-boulevard-broadway-cast/?utm_source=openai)). - His character opens the show with a bold emergence from a body bag, setting the dramatic tone for the production ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/tom-francis-interview-sunset-blvd-broadway/?utm_source=openai)). **Betty Schaefer – Grace Hodgett-Young** - Hodgett-Young reprises her Olivier Award–nominated performance from the West End, marking her Broadway debut in this role ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/sunset-boulevard-broadway-cast/?utm_source=openai)). **Max Von Mayerling – David Thaxton** - Thaxton, who also received an Olivier nomination in this role, joins the Broadway cast from the West End production ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/sunset-boulevard-broadway-cast/?utm_source=openai)). --- ## 3. Creative Team & Production Style **Leadership & Creative Roles** - Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber - Book & Lyrics: Don Black and Christopher Hampton - Director: Jamie Lloyd ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/sunset-boulevard-broadway-cast/?utm_source=openai)). **Innovative Production Design** - Director Jamie Lloyd’s vision introduced a minimalist, cinematic aesthetic. Notable features include live video projections and sparse staging that amplify the emotional intensity ([ew.com](https://ew.com/sunset-boulevard-review-nicole-scherzinger-leads-stunning-2024-revival-8731170?utm_source=openai)). - In a bold creative move, Andrew Lloyd Webber agreed to cut the upbeat number “The Lady’s Paying” to enhance narrative focus, instead composing darker, immersive music for the second act ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/05/12/entertainment/andrew-lloyd-webber-cut-this-big-song-from-sunset-boulevard-quite-radical/?utm_source=openai)). --- ## 4. Timeline & Closing **Opening & Closing Dates** - Previews began September 28, 2024; the official Broadway opening occurred October 20, 2024 ([harpersbazaar.com](https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a65463194/nicole-scherzinger-closing-night-sunset-blvd-broadway-message-reaction/?utm_source=openai)). - The production closed on July 20, 2025, after completing 20 previews and 312 regular performances ([people.com](https://people.com/nicole-scherzinger-ends-sunset-blvd-run-as-broadway-show-closes-11774223?utm_source=openai)). **Legacy & Reception** - Nicole Scherzinger described the role as transformative, praising its emotional depth and impact on her career ([people.com](https://people.com/nicole-scherzinger-ends-sunset-blvd-run-as-broadway-show-closes-11774223?utm_source=openai)). --- ## Conclusion This guide provides a succinct yet comprehensive resource for customer service agents addressing inquiries about the 2024–2025 Broadway revival of *SUNSET BLVD.*. It outlines award-winning performances, key cast and creative team members, innovative production elements, and important dates—all structured to support accurate, informed, and efficient customer support. --- Agents can rely on this as a quick reference to confidently assist patrons interested in show history, casting, awards, or performance context.