Congratulations to 2-Year Conservatory in Musical Theatre alum Pierre Marais, who is set to be part of the ensemble cast in the upcoming Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard! The iconic production will open on October 20, 2024, at the St. James Theatre in New York City. Marais, known for his roles in shows such as Aladdin, Dancing Queen, West Side Story, Rock of Ages, and As Apple Pie, will play the role of Sammy in this highly anticipated revival directed by Jamie Lloyd.
NYFA Alum Pierre Marais Joins ‘Sunset Boulevard’ Revival on Broadway
The latest revival of Sunset Boulevard stars Nicole Scherzinger (formerly of The Pussycat Dolls) as Norma Desmond, with Tom Francis as Joe Gillis, Grace Hodgett-Young as Betty Schaeffer, and David Thaxton as Max Von Mayerling. The musical, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, revisits the story of a jaded movie star (Desmond) and her complex relationship with a struggling screenwriter (Gillis). The production, which is also a stripped-down, minimalist version of the traditional show, promises to give audiences a fresh take on a classic.
“I *am* big. It’s the *pictures* that got small.” – Norma Desmond, Sunset Boulevard
The History of the Iconic ‘Sunset Boulevard’ Story
The inspiration for the title ‘Sunset Boulevard’ is the California street by the same name. Going through Pacific Coast Highway to Figueroa Street in Downtown Los Angeles, and passing through the legendary Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip, the street symbolizes the allure and glamour of Hollywood. This reflects the story of the classic film and subsequent stage production.
Known for its compelling portrayal of Hollywood’s bygone era and its critique of the film industry, audiences first were exposed to the story of Sunset Boulevard in the 1950 film directed by Billy Wilder. The classic American film noir starred Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond and William Holden as Joe Gillis. Swanson’s own filmography was used to inspire the character of Desmond, with many photographs of her own Hollywood career in the background throughout the film.
The film received eleven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won three, including Best Writing, Story, and Screenplay. The film is often cited as one of the greatest films in American cinema and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the U.S. Library of Congress in 1989. Decades after hitting the silver screen, the production premiered in London’s West End at the Adelphi Theatre on July 12, 1993. Patti LuPone (Evita, Oliver!, Anything Goes, and Company) starred as Norma Desmond.
In 1994, the show first opened on Broadway at the Minskoff Theatre. NYFA Guest Speaker Glenn Close, known for her versatile roles in Fatal Attraction, The Wife, The Stepford Wives, and 101 Dalmations, starred as Norma Desmond. The production won multiple awards, including the Tony for Best Musical. In 2017, Close reprised the role again at the Palace Theatre in New York.
In 2023, there was another West End revival (also starring Scherzinger and directed by Jamie Lloyd) that won multiple Olivier Awards and received critical acclaim.
Develop Your Inner Performer at NYFA
Located in New York City, a central hub for musical theatre, NYFA’s musical theatre programs offer students extraordinary exposure to the theatre, TV, and film communities. These intensive programs allow students to strengthen their skills in voice, dance, and performance. During long-term programs, students may also have the chance to participate in fully-produced main-stage musicals, new works series, and industry showcases.
Ready to learn more about the musical theatre programs at NYFA? Request more information from our admissions team today!