why didn't Broadway love SUNSET BLVD? | review roundup of the revival starring Nicole Scherzinger

[@Jenjenrev]

on some level the fact that nicole scherzinger looks young seems like kind of the point? she's still beautiful and talented and valuable and hollywood has discarded her anyway. the standards have always been ridiculous and unfair towards women who are treated like theyre ancient and worthless when in reality they're still incredible

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

EXACTLY THIS.

[@Aaron_R]

If she's beautiful, she wouldn't be dating the unemployed writer. It breaks the storyline/plot of Sunset Blvd. A beautiful woman could still attract a high value man and have an army of men orbiting her beauty. Norma Desmond can't date a better man and needs to use money to get what she wants.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

@Aaron_R she's also nuts and never goes outside.

[@TheMaltebella]

​​@@MickeyJoTheatre She is supposed to be OBVIOUSLY older than him. The relationship is supposed to be taboo. Also, we know Norma is unwell because of the story only, not because of Nicole's "acting". P.S. She never goes outside but she has a face full of botox and filler?? She is also supposed to be/come across as out of touch.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

@@TheMaltebella she is obviously older than him 🤷‍♂️

[@Lisa-bm5sf]

Thinking of the disparity between the West End vs Broadway NYTimes review, the reviews don't mention cost, but Broadway tickets are much more expensive than West End shows, so when the scenery and costumes are minimal, it feels like you're not getting as much bang for your buck, even if the performances themselves are incredible.

[@Sthunderrocker]

This.

[@matthewplampton955]

Title feels a bit clickbait given the majority of reviews have been glowing. Broadway NY Times review reads like someone trying to do a clever take down, but coming across as fairly petty and catty. It's clear he was never going to like it and went in wanting to be negative.

[@corinnehall2662]

I agree. The majority of reviews hardly count as New York didnt like the show. 95% of the reviews are ones any show would be grateful for. The lukewarm times reviews is actually more an attempt to critique Webber than actually review what was in front of them.

[@SashaCole-gn5ol]

wildly clickbaity title lol they’re almost all raves 🤣

[@andrewhamilton8158]

the new york times seemed to take issue with the actual material, and seemed to have preconceived notions of hating sunset boulevard, and didn’t go in with an open mind to this production

[@largeposterior08]

7 raves, 8 mixed reviews, 1 pan. Hardly an unqualified success.

[@MissLizaMay]

​@@largeposterior08 because there's less than 20 reviews that count? Please

[@emergingmuses]

These are my favourite videos. I love your deep dives on reviews by other critics and your retorts.

[@musicalmeg19]

"This man is not fun." I laughed so many times during this video, but that was by far my favorite moment. Thankfully THIS man is sooooo fun! Thank you, MickeyJo!

[@JonW9999]

It’s very impressive to make a near hour long video analysing criticism and for it to be this compelling. 👍

[@gcupton]

one of his best videos yet IMO!

[@CarlosDRuiz-ow9jr]

OMG WOW! I just saw Sunset BLVD. on Broadway and I am astonished! Nicole Scherzinger was breathtaking. Tom Francis was great. However, David Thaxton and Grace Hodgett Young were a revelation. A must see.

[@LPM12]

I'm an avid theatergoer here in NY. I'm talking over 120 shows a year.. and when I tell you that Nicole is giving one of the best performances I've seen on stage in the 15 years I've been seeing theater, YOU BETTER BELIEVE ME! I saw the show twice last week, including attending Opening Night and that place was ELECTRIC! 3 standing ovations not including curtain call. I've never experienced that and I've seen every Tony winning performance across all 8 acting categories since 2009. I'd argue Broadway does love this production of Sunset... many reviews were very positive and I'm told the box office did BIG business the Monday after reviews came out. Norma's back again, and sh'e's not going anywhere (at least until early July 2025 lol)

[@MarcusMartn]

I agree I grew up going to broadway and this show is great I’m hearing soooooooo many positive things about this show especially Nicole’s performance

[@janelane92]

Also, why are we taking different views of a show to task? Especially the sole one from a woman's perspective. Negative feedback on a show one might like is OK. I feel like MJ is taking all of this personally (?)

[@jeffreywaldgeir9230]

could not agree more - I see almost everything and this performance was transcending. Just saw Tammy Faye, seeing Audra in a few weeks, looking forward to Redwood and Idina but I cant imagine anyone beating Nicole for the TONY

[@marathonrunner2590]

Considering the cost of a Broadway ticket, audiences want to be able to SEE (on the stage) what their money is buying. Austere black attire, fog machines, and lots of technology (similar to what one sees in a well-stocked college classroom) makes it difficult for audiences to think that they are getting their money's worth.

[@Sthunderrocker]

@@emhu2594 So reviewers need to research before reviewing?

[@DCatastropheWaitress]

I think that Sara criticizing both the American government for not funding training and development in the art and forcing Broadway to rely on European wunkerkinds to push the medium forward. On the flip side she's criticizing the UK for using public funding but only turning out while male genius directors, even as playswrights and casts get more diverse.

[@DCatastropheWaitress]

I mean,Jamie Lloyd has had a production on Broadway every season since 2019 and most of the plays have gotten mixed reviews. I can't blame Sara for looking around and saying "Can we not get ANYONE ELSE?"

[@ragtmt15]

Are you kidding me?? NY IS LOVING THIS

[@cokedudebestmate7099]

Saw this in nbc recently, and thanks to people like you I was so dearly excited to see this reimagining. I feel that this production gave me no room to imagine the circumstances & it's unwarranted brightness gave me a huge headache. The most disappointing & infuriating waste of potential that I have ever seen in a theatre, which sucks because that score - I think - is so so so good.

[@namefaceageirrelevant]

Say what you will about the shows themselves, the NYT reviews always have the best knife twists. I guffawed.

[@hiyahandsome]

I find the ring lights distracting from your awesome gorgeousness. Love your channel, you are so smart & articulate. Cheers~

[@ryebread9299]

Just watched Jamie Lloyd’s Cyrano finally. Can’t wait to listen to this sunset cast album in the next couple days.

[@kakarikiyazoo]

I saw it last night, but with Mandy Gonzalez. While the cast was generally very good (especially Tom Francis) overall I didn't love it. I found it lacking in delivering the story and too focused on gimmickry. Some of those things were done very well, but seemed pointless. It was all disconnected to me. At points it seemed like Reader's Theatre: The Musical.

[@anthonywilliams5423]

Thank you for this typically thoughtful piece, but particularly for “Billy wildly …”

[@minirth.maggie]

This lighting is 🔥! I am so excited to experience this review roundup! This is my favorite Mickey Jo content!! When i tell you i have been hoping you would do one for this! Thank you, Mickey Jo! ❤

[@minirth.maggie]

Thank you the most for continuously pointing out that how Nicole S LOOKED was much more important to these reviewers than how she performed.

[@djfrankwild29]

Saw the show in NYC, absolutely loved it. The NYT critic, Jesse Green, hates anything new. It was a different NYT critic, Matt Wolf, who reviewed the West End production, thus the difference between the two reviews. I thought the production and the entire cast were amazing. Hoping to see it a second time.

[@Almaviva1001]

Hugely informative, thank you. I've avoided all shows with projections since the trauma that was 'The Woman In White'.

[@wonderfaller]

I'm 55 years old, so please forgive me if I'm not your usual audience target, dearest MickeyJo. Am I allowed to say that I concur with much of what the New York Theatre Guide critic has said at the 57:00 mark?. While Nicole has done a tour the force with her character, I do think that Jamie Lloyd is a pretentious person who abuses of the "shock value". Given my age (cultural barrier, if you will), my preference navigates towards a more classical look (set design and wardrobe), so I do resent Lloyd's minimalist staging. Theatre is supposed to boast lavish productions, feathers, glitter, glamorous people that you look up to, but what you get is quite the opposite. Jamie likes to take the BEAUTY out of it, leaving only barebones. Why the sourness, Jamie? Why?. Also, in the vein of Ivo Van Hoe's "West Side Story"... does the (ab)use of too many video screens still constitute theatre, even as a mixed arts experience?. Too many questions, too little answers... Oh, well, not a popular opinion (sorry to the young readers here), but - as an old lady - I wanted to express my POV and my yearning for a more traditional production. Thank YOU, dear MickeyJo, for your thoughtful analysis and for your genuine love for this art form.

[@aviationphan1847]

@@wonderfaller Couldn't agree more, all the screens isn't theatre. If I want to watch a film I'll go to the cinema. This production relied on it too much and it ruined it for me

[@anthonywilliams5423]

“Meta theatrical … “ Explains everything succinctly in six syllables. Brilliant.

[@mariotrance6379]

fantastic Nicole and SB !!!!

[@Chris-pd1zo]

Saw it last night with Many Gonzalez, who did fantastic (In fact all of the actors were fantastic, special call out to David Thaxton who blew me away as Max), but I'm also very mixed about it. I wanted more sections where they used the screen to play up the dichotomy of how Norma imagines herself versus how she actually is. It happened a couple of times, but why not during their New Years Eve dance? Norma imagines it as this extremely cinematic romantic moment, and yet it's really quite lonely with the three of them on stage. Give me more! If you're going to make a directorial choice, commit to it, and especially since Jamie Lloyd keeps this style no matter which production he's doing, I wonder if it is more of a aesthetic than an actually fully thought out directorial choice and he just got lucky adapting Sunset with the content luckily matching the form rather than the content dictating the form. In addition, while the Second Act opening outside section is extremely impressive and Tom Francis sounds AMAZING on it, at that time in the story he is both mentally and physically stuck in Norma's house. And yet the directorial choice is to take him out of the house, quite literally. I was hoping there would be more of a reason why they had to go on the street to do that section. The music and score was ALW to a tee, this was my first time hearing and seeing the show, and while there are a couple of hits for the soloists, you could cut most of the songs in between and no one would notice which is a fault I find in a lot of his shows. The story was pretty good, and while I'll never understand why Betty just runs away at the end, it makes for a dramatic moment. This is a show I think anyone interested in theater should see and analyze even if it's just to think about, but I'm not sure I would recommend it to anyone coming to NYC unless they're a Scherzinger fan or in that theater-fascinated category, but then I think there are better shows to see first making interesting choices like Cabaret. I think Sunset BLVD. is better than Cabaret, but Cabaret did many more interesting things. They're marketing has been fantastic, though, and I expect it to stay around for a while, the buzz for it is crazy.

[@TremblingQualifier]

Good points but the ending to the musical is some of best theatre has to offer

[@robotmary121]

Tbh, after seeing it saturday and not loving it, i felt very validated by the nyt 😅. I left feeling like i missed something because everyone is RAVING about it and it did NOT work for me. I loved the Oklahoma revival so i thought this was going to be my cup of tea, but i thought it was a mess. I felt like Lloyd spent too much time commenting on the story rather than telling it.

[@tracimcmurray3992]

I saw it Saturday as well, and I and the woman next to me, both said that it was fine, but neither of us needed/wanted to see it again.

[@aviationphan1847]

Completely agree, I didn't like it at all. I've seen sunset boulevard with Glenn Close and the UK tour with Ria Jones, this production was by far the worst of them all and actually one of the worst productions of any show I've seen. Just didn't connect with it and felt it was way over hyped.

[@amythomas7054]

"did this man fall once?" killed me. was not expecting this video to make me laugh

[@Jerseyhijinx]

We saw the second preview. I really enjoyed the production. Nicole was incredible and the audience in the room at the time was loving every minute. The act 2 opener blew my mind. Several friends have seen it and so far, word of mouth is good. Hopefully that keeps buzz going.

[@vincarla2184]

Saw it last night on Broadway, loved it! Two standing ovations in the middle after "With One Look and As If We Never Said Goodbye" I think it will sweep the Tonys in 2025. I loved the cast thought they all did a great job.

[@KaiOpaka]

Til everybody found out Nicole's MAGA today. Patti's coming to see the show. Oh boy.

[@garygreen3845]

I find it odd that you think audiences standing "in the middle after" songs is a good thing. Audience behavior in NY has started feeling like parents at their kids' middle and high school musicals!

[@tracimcmurray3992]

I saw this on Saturday, and while I was in awe of everyone's talents, this isn't something I need to see again. I enjoyed it, but I wasn't jumping up after every big song like lots of people around me were.

[@joshuaodaugherty8117]

Saw the show opening week at the St James and got to sit front row center behind the music director. I have seen performances with Glenn Close and Betty Buckley, and although I loved their performances, Nicole offered a deeper emotional connection to this role that stayed with me long after I left the theatre. This production definitely pulled you into it. Nicole was awesome as Norma. Tom Francis made this character his. David Thaxton was the breakthrough performer. He MADE Max in this production. OMG... his ability to look at you in the audience and immediately make you want to pull away... brilliant. And let's not forget the Chimp. He deserves applause as well. LOL.

[@Merina2222]

I feel so relieved that other people felt like me, I loathed this production! I found it totally cold and empty.

[@Merina2222]

@@emhu2594 I don't :)

[@eidanlipper]

I saw it yesterday, I completely agree with the New York Times review and I'll add that the musical arrangement was so weird with the new style of the show. Thank you Mickey :) I love your channel!!!

[@katherinerose5447]

I saw SB last week on Broadway, having seen it 3 times in the West End- LOVED it! My only notes were that the walk feels less free compared to the Strand (with all the cast with him etc!) Also the St James Theatre is as overcrowded, cramped and impossible to move through as the Savoy! But other than that I bloody loved it!! ❤️

[@jlb478]

I saw it during previews and loved it.

[@stuarthogg4298]

Saw it last year (December?) and really loved it. Nicole's performance was incredibly moving.

[@audzob]

A note about the Vulture review: the line about the government funding is a critique of America’s lack of that. That’s why she sounds jealous, she is. And she’s only calling that system misogynistic in the same way literally all our systems are.

[@cooperfitch4256]

I just got home from seeing this production and really enjoyed it! I do agree that some of the fog was a bit much and lead to viewing the whole show thru a haze as I was sat in the balcony. Overall I loved the dance and the direction of this show and the insane vocal chops of the whole cast blew me away! I am also intrigued to see how all the cameras for Dorian Gray are received as the idea of live camera broadcast is also being used in the broadway production of “Tammy Faye” which I saw the night before (they take a page out of the SB book and start act 2 backstage with a live broadcast before Tammy comes up thru a trap door to the stage).

[@johnoh1374]

While I enjoyed this production (London and NY), with this production, you walked away not getting to understand Norma as a flawed human being instead, you are entertained with amazing singing. Whereas with Glenn Close, you get a glimpse of the real Norman. (This is how Jaime Lloyd's production works). I read NYT review and respect Jessee's opinion greatly

[@amycarcaterra8177]

Mandy Gonzalez will be performing Norma every Tuesday Night

[@rebeccag8589]

I loved her in In the Heights so much

[@jonathanrio6587]

I'm seeing it in December in NYC! Can't wait!

[@clevm002]

Saw it twice on the west end, saw the Glenn close version in the west end as well... Loved both productions for different reasons! Also sunset boulevard is my fave film.

[@christophersmith3341]

I think it's fair to mention how Sherzinger looks before mentioning her talent because a big emphasis of the character is her age and how old and outdated she looks/acts. It's, in fact, central to the meaning of the character. And that she noticeably isn't the aged/remote figure of the film and earlier versions is worth remarking on. I also think it's odd to say "If you don't want to see imperfections, sit further back" when these imperfections are visible because of the ginormous closeups played on a stage-filling screen. That's literally asking the impossible. And the point--that this use of cameras emphasizes what is normally hidden to a normal audience--is, again, I think, a valid comment. No one has to agree with the critic's assessment, of course. But that's a different thing.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Interestingly enough I think our perception of Norma Desmond has shifted wildly in the last couple decades - neither Gloria Swanson nor Patti LuPone were far from Nicole's age (or much less glamorous tbh). A more interesting conversation could be had around the way the entertainment industry treats women over 40 in spite of how great they look, and leading with an assessment of her appearance sadly plays into that.

[@christophersmith3341]

@@MickeyJoTheatre I see your point, but I'm not talking about Sherzinger's age, rather her looks. There were women in film in 1950 of Swanson's age who weren't viewed as old and decrepit--Joan Crawford was still a viable star, and both of them harken back to the silent era. Bette Davis, who arrived early in the talkie era, is another example (though admittedly, Davis was a serious actress, not a glamour girl kind of leading lady, as Crawford was). Nor am I at all sure Swanson was considered either old or outdated herself, apart from her appearance in the movie and the impression it made. I'm talking about how Sherzinger looks and how she is presented--which is what I think the reviewers are emphasizing, too. And I do think that look/presentation of previous productions is central to the character. I mean, by conception, Norma is a grotesque. She just is. Not fully embodying that is probably one of the reasons LuPone wasn't asked to transfer (or why Frank Rich gave her the thumbs down which led to that decision). And Sherzinger clearly isn't that. And I'm not criticizing the show for going in that direction (I'm not criticizing the production at all). I'm just saying I think it's fair that the change is the first thing critics have noted in reviewing her performance. Belatedly, thank you for responding to my original comment. I like your channel a lot.

[@jeanseverson6631]

Noted that a man made this comment....

[@christophersmith3341]

@@jeanseverson6631 Ok!

[@dylansmith1833]

I’m beginning to wonder if US Critics just don’t care for London imports.

[@MissLizaMay]

That's the impression Mickey is trying to give, but it's unfair. Most of the critics are loving Sunset.

[@garygreen3845]

That kinda works both ways...

[@andyanderson3628]

I have some difficulties with a stage adaption. The film is about films. A theatre about films is tricky.

[@meggaluardi1883]

Caveat that I have not seen the show: I think there’s something interesting to be examined (that none of these reviews touched on) with how our perception of aging actresses has changed, particularly as the cosmetic procedures available to the wealthy have gotten so good. We are far more accepting of women in their 40s and 50s being glamorous but its because (with money and modern sunscreen) they are able to still look young and “hot” Just something I think has an interesting intersection with this show and peoples reactions to it

[@sprichie5469]

Thank you for a wonderful video! Each year in January I travel out to NY for a reunion with friends and we see one show. Last January it was Merrily and this time I proposed Sunset Blvd. I can say that from the day before yesterday until yesterday (the span of one day), until I received a consensus for us to go to this show, the theater sold many of the available tickets on our date in January and the prices went UP! So I think this is going to be the show of the season to see. I saw the original American production, which was in Los Angeles with Glenn Close in 1993, and I can't wait to see this interpretation. There are so many other shows this time around that I'd like to see, I might have to try to take another trip out to NY. Cheers and thanks again.

[@eileenmoran235]

I saw it last night and was turned off by the lack of sets, but Nicole Scherzinger was FANTASTC. The leads were all so good. I love singers and go to musicals for the quality of the singing. I was not let down. I do agree with the critics about the lack of character development. I didn't even know that Betty was engaged, let alone serious about a partner until the engagement was mentioned. I guess my opinion would be in the mixed club.

[@roburbinati358]

New York Times critics often disagree. They used to have both daily critics and so called "think pieces" on weekends by other critics which contradicted each other. Although I rarely read the NYTimes reviews nowadays, divergent opinions by their critics is not their biggest problem - I find the reviews often idiosyncratic and irrelevent

[@theboringkaren]

As someone who has become jaded by Broadway and unimpressed by 99% of the shows that open here, Sunset broke my brain chemistry in the best way. I knew it would be a polarizing show going in thanks to friends who saw it in London, but I got it and I LOVED it.

[@gothamguru238]

No one reads theatre reviews in The Post. Regardless of what it says it has zero impact on the longevity of the show, awards, or anything really. In fact, most would probably assume that whatever the opposite of The Post says about the show to be truth.

[@avnerkam]

Saw a very early NYC preview - it was breathtaking, and Nicole killed as a singer and comic/dramatic actress. The crowd went gaga. It felt like a true hit, so I am unsure about the mixed critic responses.

[@adsheff]

I think they want to "take it down" because it's British

[@garethcotterell9698]

Well firstly I’ve seen it 3 times in London and it’s BRILLIANT. Secondly the prices in nyc went up after opening. Says it all really .

[@stevej7374]

I was in NYC for my Birthday which happened to fall on 1st preview night (sept 28th) I didn't get tickets for that night as they were a bit expensive but I got to see it on the Monday night (sept 30th). I thought the 4 main leads did a fantastic job for a Monday night performance but Nicole and Tom were very captivating live. With Nicole's two big numbers it was very worthy of standing ovation. What a voice! I also thought she was very humourous at the start in Act 1 with her comic timing. The use of the live video to screen was fantastic and the large screen was like watching a live movie. Overall having no idea of the plot n show ( besides a few numbers I know) I did enjoy this production and was a great night out. Especially for a Monday night of theatre!

[@evyn9978]

What happened since the West End “Sunset”? “Romeo & Juliet.” Some folks may be thinking, “Is that all ya got?”

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

A fair point!

[@evyn9978]

@@emhu2594 Critics. But quite a few people can read.

[@mildrumpus]

I’ve seen it twice in previews and thought it was brilliant. Based on the buzz and the number of people who have already seen it multiple times, I would say more people are loving it than not. The people who don’t seem to like it are the folks who haven’t seen it.

[@minutemanmuster]

"Network" on Broadway used on stage cameras and screens to great effect

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Indeed it did, also at the National Theatre in London.

[@IWillBeHers]

“Sexy Oklahoma” is the only time I’ve personally seen cameras on stage. I didn’t mind it in “Pore Judd is Daid” but I loathed it for the dream ballet.

[@minirth.maggie]

Oh gawd, I hate the dream ballet without cameras, I can only imagine that!

[@mattm8895]

I think the cameras on stage make sense for this show since the show is about the movies. I will say I saw Tammy Fay and it's use of cameras and thought, this is not Sunset.

[@angelagoldman5899]

My husband and I saw Sunset Blvd in previews. The audience LOVED it. I've never seen standing ovations in the middle of the show before, but now I have. We've never seen this musical before, so we have no preconceived notions of how it "should" be. Maybe your first Sunset Blvd will always be your favorite? As an aside, we saw it with Tom Francis' understudy, who was more than capable of playing and singing the role. I have a hard time imagining that Tom Francis could have been any better. Go Jimin Moon!

[@Makeji]

Every person who has seen this loves it, at least that I've seen. Many are saying Nicole will get the Tony over Audra.

[@curiousbarney]

Interesting that Broadway critics didn't really like back to the future either!

[@dukeofrodtown1705]

...and YET, it's doing amazing! I hope the same happens with this revival

[@bwaybaby1979]

Well, the critics were right - the BTTF musical was really mediocre and the songs forgettable (except the ones from the movie).

[@dylansmith1833]

I’m beginning to wonder if US Critics don’t care for London imports.

[@dukeofrodtown1705]

@@dylansmith1833 you definitely are on to something... they didn't care when Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was transferred in 2005 and closed on New Year's Eve of the same year despite Raul Esparza having succeeded Michael Ball as Caractacus. And yet, the original Oliver did so well in New York decades before

[@adsheff]

Back to the Future and Sunset are poles apart - yet both are fantastic and well worth seeing. BTTF is just non stop fun whereas Sunset is theatre at it's absolute hardest hitting!

[@charliehorey9886]

Its a shame that the play cannot be viewed without the shadow of other productions and even the long shadow of the film which sort of lives as a part of American culture, even familiar to those who have not seen it. Perhaps we need less revivals or plays based on extremely iconic movies and more original material .it is very hard for a lot of the public to deal with changes to classics and formats they hold dear. While audiences should be open to new ideas and interpretations, human nature is often resistant to change.

[@charliehorey9886]

I think all the focus on Nicole’s appearance is because what Norma looks like lives so strongly in our national consciousness…..or rather the image of gloria swanson or more likely carol Burnett spoofing the character, even for those who have never seen the film or musical.

[@greggdavidson8937]

I saw the original production with Patti Lupone in London in 1994 after it has been announced that she was leaving the show and would not be taking it to New York as planned. I loved the show. Somewhat similar to what you mention in your review about the video screens, there was a lot of comment about having a real antique car driven on stage for the Paramount scene. I saw Glenn Close in the Los Angeles production and thought her performance overwrought. Rather than Norma descending into madness she was grand ghoulish throughout. While a bona fide Patti fan (I saw her last concert in LA when she announced she would be leaving for London to star in Sunset Blvd) my favorite Norma is a touring production with Petula Clark. She had a more light-hearted approach as Norma before the final descent. She was pixie-like in the "The Lady's Paying" number flitting around stage selecting clothes for Joe reminiscent of her recalling her youth. I would have liked to have seen Diahann Carroll in the role. I hope the new production comes to Los Angeles as it sounds like a new exciting take on the musical.

[@SandyGooen]

I saw Sunset (with THREE alternate principals last night!)and if you CAN see both Mandy and Nicole, do it. Mandy is giving a BROADWAY queen performance. Jimin was SO compelling as Joe. This production is BONKERS and has a lot of cool stuff to say and do. It's not my favorite webber revival this year, Jellicle ball was that girl, but it has so much going for it. The sound design gets a gold star. I have mixed feelings but was pleasantly surprised. I'm gonna be so real with you, I am NOT a fan of about 80% of British musicals and/or british interpretations of American musicals. Even I found an entry point to this, though. so cool.

[@mwmheps]

Love this production! Only saw it once in London as I hadn't initially been interested until I started hearing so much good word of mouth, so was thrilled to have the chance to see it again in New York last week. Managed to get an amazing rush seat in the 4th row orchestra. It really just transforms the piece totally in the most thrilling way, and I love all the lead performances. Was absolutely blown away by the Act 2 opener when I first saw it (unspoilered) and lots of other choices. I find it maybe gets a little bit too abstract for my taste towards the very end, but overall I would happily spend a slot on seeing it again on a future New York trip because it's just so compelling! The point about how the critics tend to react more negatively to things that are hits in London definitely makes me nervous for Operation Mincemeat's Broadway reviews next year...

[@thomasscallan1718]

I must be the only person who likes The Lady's Paying...

[@Midlander83]

Not the only one; I think it’s (very silly) fun (and those strings are working hard in that underscoring!!): but I can see why this particular production cut it - it doesn’t quite fit the mood they’re going for…

[@danielrobinson7350]

Disappointed it’s not in as I really like that song. Always wondered how this production would deal with that song.

[@aviationphan1847]

I think they also cut eternal youth song, not many people have picked up on that?

[@Midlander83]

@@aviationphan1847 it’s a reprise of the same musical theme, but yes - a similar issue I’m guessing; doesn’t strike the right tone (plus Nicole looks incredible so it would make no sense at all 😂)

[@danielrobinson7350]

@@aviationphan1847 they’re pretty much the same song but with different lyrics. Think they’d either cut both or neither.

[@TheHaughs]

This version of Sunset Boulevard is my Roman empire

[@joshuanesbit]

Quick question- if the whole show is sung through how come the album is exactly 2 hours but run time is 2.5 hours? What exactly has been cut from the album? Is there any dialogue?

[@itskatharinequinn]

Because Jesse Green is joyless there I fixed it :)

[@hanonondricek411]

"Did this man _fall once?"_ 😂

[@minirth.maggie]

😂

[@kingarthurslance]

Wondering, not for the first time, if Jesse Green actually likes musicals as an art form.

[@youffraita2402]

Oh, Jesse Greene. HE wouldn't know a great show if it happened in his living room.

[@lpbrog]

It’s crazy that actors are aloud to sweat or have skin now a days 😂😂 thank you for your work Mickey Jo ❤

[@sickvictorianchild]

I saw jimin moon in it and he was fantastic!!

[@ragtmt15]

Are you kidding me?? NY IS LOVING THIS I don’t know you think this, it’s a huge success barley can get a ticket, have seen it twice on Bway so far

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Exactly - but the reviews have been lukewarm.

[@ragtmt15]

@@MickeyJoTheatrehope you can see it again here😊 would be good to hear you’re comparison of both

[@matthewplampton955]

​@MickeyJoTheatre tbf though there were also some very Luke warm reviews in London too. The Guardian one was very brutal. This production is marmite, most love it some hate it.

[@MissLizaMay]

​@MickeyJoTheatre lukewarm? You found one guy that didn't love it, everyone else adored it. I think you're exaggerating

[@jurney3478]

​@@MissLizaMayseriously. He's acting like this is Operation Mincemeat or something. This show is getting a very similar reception critics wise in NY as it did in London. Not every critic loved it in London. And most of the negative thoughts seem to stem more from the material than anything else, except for The Wraps pan.

[@fatheranthony4pope]

Picture of Dorian Gray was far bettee than Sunset

[@AndrewDeWasTaken]

I can't review this because I haven't seen it but, I come from a long life of dance and personally prefer the idea of this version as the actors are the "set".

[@johnboy32064]

Well I saw the matinee this afternoon, Wednesday October 23rd and the audience loved it, as did I. Nicole is really, really good.

[@MissLizaMay]

Sunset blvd is my fave ALW show. I first saw it with Glenn Close in the Broadway revival a few years ago and adored everything. I flew into NYC to see the previews with Nicole and I have to say... she was BETTER. Very different interpretation but I loved every single note, she was sublime. I will make the observation though that this new production assumes the audience knows the story. If you go in never having seen the movie you will be completely lost.

[@JoannaPierceVocalCoachUK]

I absolutely loved it in the west end. We did see Rachel Tucker, i wanted to see her. I loved it. It was so atmospheric and allowed the audience to savour the vocals. One of the best pieces of theatre i have seen

[@davidarmstrongsbroadwaynat7052]

I found both the staging and the central performance to be equal parts bold, cutting-edge, imaginative theater-making, and wanky, crack-pot claptrap - often alternating between them moment to moment.

[@markbaker2826]

MickeyJO been reading the comments below FFS ! They all seem to think because of the cost of a ticket its validated only if the set & costumes are Lavish ?? I had seen Pattie lePone, Elaine Paige & Glenn Close play Norma in the West End & Loved it ! When it was announced this new version by Jamie LLoyd was coming with Nicole as ND i DID think Oh she's too young but i really like her & without those Lavish sets & Costumes ? but after seeing some trailers ( nothing really revealed ) i booked tickets for myself my friend ( not a musical fan ) & her husband & I watched yr & yr mates review & got excited, needless to say we were blown away !!! we totally got it ! the B/W clothes no colour till the red blood at the end, The live videos on stage linking it to the original film, Tom walking The Strand ( is this pre-recorded or Live ?? ) then on que he enters the Theatre , OFFS that was Live ! the similarites between ND & NS career well you're now only a judge on The X-Factor / Masked Singer etc , We LOVED IT !! saw Evita at Regents Park similar experience !! X

[@jlb478]

I went and saw the matinee during previews, and then I watched the act 2 surprise during the evening show. It was interesting to see the prep done by the theater staff before the surprise. Though I think the staff at the Hell's Kitchen production may be getting grumpy with the loitering happening.

[@alexandergraham6912]

Newsflash: Lloyd's real artistic crucible as either "the real thing" or The Emperor's New Clothes lies in "wait"..Beckett, Godot, and The Mount Everest of 20th century theatrical literature. Lots of recent (too-many!) revivals have been critically yawned at, if not outright trashed .And this: how do you strip down the ultimate "stripped down"? ....do you pump fog over a digitally projected dead tree? Do you have Keannu Reeves panhandle as a homeless man on the sidewalk outside the theatre? Do you create anew such staggeringly fresh and deeper performances that it renders any remaining memories of any production or cast since 1953 utterly irrelevant? I could go on...but i wont go on. We will just have to wait to see who or what shows up.....

[@VeronikaHer]

Let them hate it! That way it can come back to London and I get to finally see it. My biggest theatrical regret is missing that show! 🙈🙈🙈

[@caly-the-cat8400]

Saaaame, I was so close to booking it and then got distracted and completely forgot until it was all over already 🥲 and now it haunts me haha

[@MissLizaMay]

They don't hate it. Sunset is actually doing quite well in NYC, I'm not sure what Mickey was thinking when he titled this video

[@VeronikaHer]

​@@caly-the-cat8400I was stubborn and refused to pay the full price and did not get lucky with lthe ottery 😂

[@adsheff]

This version of Sunset Blvd is incredible and really people should see it. Scherzinger is a tour de force. After having seen it in London and being a bit wary because I love big sets etc, I was totally blown away. I'm now going to travel to NY from the UK to see it again because I can't get it out of my head!

[@booksvsmovies]

The Nicole is to young and pretty to play Norma Desmond discourse reminds me a lot of the relatively minor kerfuffle about Jeremy Jordan being to handsome to play Seymour in Little Shop discourse from a few years ago.

[@jimoher2919]

It's certainly a matter of style over substance with this production - enjoyed it a lot - particularly because you didn't know what was going to happen next nor how it was going to get there But missed opportunities for any character depth and the show continually commenting on itself - winking at in a "isn't this different and novel" sort of way does have its limits. Vocally at this it is soaring!

[@Stephenb033]

“Buy worse seats”

[@jlane03]

If I could politely critique your critique, I feel as though you sometimes take mixed/negative reviews of shows you enjoyed far too personally, and then in response, you insult the critic on a more personal level. Obviously you don't have to agree with them, but it feels as though you never "let" someone disagree with you.

[@JoshAragon]

Norma Desmond is suppose to be an aging movie queen- if you cast someone who is a lot younger than you better figure out another reason why she lost her career- because in this casting its no her looks

[@MissLizaMay]

That's what I said prior to seeing this revival. It makes perfect sense in context. See it and you'll get it

[@danielrobinson7350]

A whole 4 years younger than the actress in the film.

[@JoshAragon]

@@danielrobinson7350 yes but in the film the actress looks older

[@Makeji]

Back to the West End - why haven't you reviewed A Face in the Crowd?

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I wasn't invited to review by the Young Vic and as far as I remember was reviewing elsewhere the week it opened 🤷‍♂️

[@Makeji]

@@MickeyJoTheatre Too bad, I was looking forward to your take.

[@crystalmarie2448]

The NYT theatre critics are often just weird tastless people 😂😂 we make fun of them as well. Their recent review of a Legally Blonde production was HORRIBLE, they constantly review things that have non-white casts and dont bother to get any information about the culture, and are like "wellll I, a Middle Aged White Guy don't get this humor, so this musical must be AWFUL" in summary they're probably just mad its not starting Patti Lupone again (love you Patti, no shade to you ma'am)

[@sweeney60]

All I’ve heard is love for the production over here

[@alejandromorales9516]

I just saw it. I saw Betty Buckley on Broadway in its first incarnation and hated it so much ... and here I was transfixed by this production. Loved all four leads and Nicole was a revelation. They way it was not afraid to go for camp just made my gay heart cheer. The Times review was very stingy. Scherzinger's Norma is a Hollywood crackpot who would have been on Twitter extolling anti-vax conspiracy theories and swearing by Apple Cider Vinegar (she has an astrologer on retainer!). Also, maybe it's the way the leads have the same hair ... but I think this needs to be discussed alongside The Substance as a kind of contemporary Hollywood gothic.

[@rogerruthven2195]

Maybe because it is not nearly as good as the first ever production

[@RaymondNYC1]

I think your caption of the video is a bit misleading. Most critics really liked Sunset Blvd - 71.4% according to BroadwayWorld's review roundup. Only a small handful didn't. And although I don't want to sound snobbish, the one negative & few other mixed reviews that dragged down its rating came mostly from less well-known/respected outlets (the NY Times & USA Today being the 2 exceptions). On a personal note: I saw Sunset Blvd in the 90s w. Betty Buckley (she was Glenn Close's immediate successor). And although I found her performance thrilling, overall I though the show dragged despite the lavish production. So I'm now curious to see this new revamp. [P.S. that lighting makes you look fab.!]

[@darrenbertram7289]

I think the lighting makes him look quite butch! Must be the Lloyds effect 😉

[@palomafreitas3312]

Do we know if the two nyt reviews were written by the same critic?

[@Lilitou]

They were not. The NYC review was by Jesse Green and the London review was by Matt Wolf.

[@dracosduckus]

Hi MickeyJoTheatre - are you going to review the Romeo and Juliet play with Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor in it? Or has it already been done?

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I am seeing it later this month and will be reviewing, yes!

[@princervv]

NYT probably likes the UK better