In the highly anticipated Broadway revival of the musical “Sunset Boulevard,” Nicole Scherzinger commands the St. James Theatre stage with a performance that is nothing short of captivating. As the faded silent film star Norma Desmond, the former Pussycat Dolls singer dominates the production, delivering a tour de force that has critics raving and audiences on their feet.
Scherzinger Shines in Career-Defining Role At 46 years old, Scherzinger’s portrayal of the aging Norma, a role that the 50-year-old Gloria Swanson famously originated in the 1950 Billy Wilder film, may seem unconventional. However, the singer-actress completely owns the part, bringing a magnetic presence and powerhouse vocals that make her, Norma, impossible to ignore.
Larger-Than-Life Performance Director Jamie Lloyd’s bold, modern interpretation of the classic musical amplifies Norma’s outsized persona, with Scherzinger’s performance mirroring the production’s larger-than-life aesthetic. Aided by striking video design that projects massive close-ups of her face, Scherzinger channels silent film-era theatrics, every gesture and facial expression heightened to dizzying effect.
Acclaimed Olivier Winner. Shines on Broadway Scherzinger’s acclaimed portrayal, which earned her an Olivier Award in London’s West End production, only grows more captivating on the Broadway stage. Her renditions of signature songs like “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye” are showstopping, her voice soaring with a raw emotional power that cuts through the bombast of the musical.
A spectacle worthy of Norma Desmond The production itself matches Scherzinger’s towering performance, with director Lloyd and his creative team crafting a visually stunning reimagining of the classic tale. Soutra Gilmour’s stark, minimalist set provides the perfect canvas for the show’s bold theatricality, while Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom’s video design immerses the audience in Norma’s crumbling world.
A Triumphant Broadway Debut “Sunset Boulevard” marks a long-awaited Broadway debut that has cemented her status as a true triple threat. Her ability to capture Norma’s fragility and ferocity—her beauty and her madness—is a revelation, elevating a role that can often veer into caricature.
Standing Ovations and Accolades A rapturous, six-minute standing ovation met Scherzinger’s opening night performance at the St. James Theatre—a testament to the sheer power of her portrayal. Given the buzz surrounding her performance, it’s highly likely that this Broadway newcomer will make a significant impact during the awards season.
A New Star is Born on Broadway In a season filled with high-profile revivals, “Sunset Boulevard” stands out as a production that truly reinvents a classic. And at the center of it all is Nicole Scherzinger, whose towering, tour-de-force performance solidifies her status as a Broadway superstar in the making. For those lucky enough to witness her Norma Desmond, it’s a theatrical experience that will be impossible to forget.