It was more than just a musical. It was a cultural juggernaut. The Hamilton of its time. And the powerhouse production machine behind it would ensure nothing was in its way to make it a hit. And along the way, egos, contracts and lamps would be sacrificed
Amy Powers -- the original lyricist attached to Sunset Boulevard -- was instrumental in shaping Sunset's score. And with co-lyricist Don Black, she put the stamp on the show's iconic ballads. However, after working on the project for over a year with ALW, she opened up the New York Times to discover she was fired. What did she learn from that experience and how did it inform her decades-long career as a successful artist and song writer? Tune in!Contact Broadway Bob at thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
Following its original runs, Sunset has enjoyed a solid, if complicated, road to regional theatre. Joining this episode are two Chicago-based actors, and real-life couple, Heidi Kettenring and David Girolmo, who were in the first regional production of the show at The Marriott Theatre outside of Chicago. They share their memories of this production and thoughts on the show in general, and David shares his experiences starring as Max in various other regional productions of Sunset. Contact Broadway Bob at thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
It was bound to happen. Broadway Bob discusses his decades-long infatuation with Sunset's OG Norma Desmond: Patti LuPone. Contact me at thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
I was honored to join host Blake Ross on her podcast "Burnt" (episode 8) where we discussed the impetus for creating "The Sunset Project" and do a drive by of all the Sunset drama. It was a super fun discussion - check it out! Access the episode here, or check out "Burnt" wherever you find your podcasts. Contact Broadway Bob at thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
BroadwayBob responds to listener letters and voicemails. Apologies for the hot mic - trying a new setup and some kinks are being worked out. Call The Sunset Hotline: (984) 219-8028or email Broadway Bob at thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
We're back with a trip to Melbourne's Regent Theatre where the Australian premiere of Sunset Boulevard is tuning up while its star, Debra Byrne, deals with some very serious inner struggles. Featured clips in this episode include this special on the Aussie premiere: Contact Broadway Bob at thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
We celebrate Broadway Bob's favorite Norma: Helen Schneider. Who's your favorite? Call The Sunset Hotline: (984) 219-8028or email Broadway Bob at thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
“Sunset” gets ready for its no-holds-barred, $10 million first national tour. But could the weight of the production (physically and literally) stand on its own without a name as Norma? Contact Broadway Bob at: thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
The Canadian premiere of Sunset featured the great Diahann Carroll as Norma -- a casting choice that broke barriers and gave this icon a grand return to her stage roots. Contact Broadway Bob at: thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
We take a bit of a detour and venture into the fandom – and friendships – that Sunset has inspired. Contact Broadway Bob at: thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
Faye Dunaway is announced to lead the LA cast, but that ends up costing Andrew more than he bargained for. Contact Broadway Bob at: thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
With the news of her being fired from the Broadway production still fresh, Patti LuPone needs to determine if she should simply quit, or continue to honor her contract -- and get her pool. Contact Broadway Bob at: thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
Following the opening of the London production, the pressure and gossip only intensify. With the competing LA debut just months away, what lengths will RUG and team take to get Patti to quit? Features exclusive press clippings from Patti's scrapbooks. Quick correction: I mention at the end Patti gets the call about her fate on Feb. 16, 1993. It was 1994
Opening night for the show's world premiere fast approaches while the press continues to swirl. Will Patti and cast withstand the pressure? Special thanks to Ali Daylami for exclusive opening night press footage. Contact Broadway Bob at: thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
Things get bloody as Patti LuPone and her team struggle with Really Useful Group to strike a deal. Correction. I said Bernadette won her first Tony in 1994. It was 1984
The show takes shape at the Sydmonton festival, where the elite mingle on the lawns of Lloyd Webber, while Patti LuPone nervously awaits backstage. Contact Broadway Bob at: thebroadwaybob@gmail.com
We kick things off starting with the origins: Billy Wilder and floundering musical adaptations. Correction: I said Joe Gillis was played by William Hurt. It was William Holden
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