Glenn Close-Led SUNSET BOULEVARD Finds Leading Men for London Run

Glenn Close has found her leading men for SUNSET BOULEVARD at the London Coliseum this spring. The Daily Mail reports that Michael Xavier and Fred Johanson will join Close onstage when the production begins April 1.

Xavier, who is currently starring in SHOW BOAT at the Crucible and has appeared in the West End in SOHO CINDERS and LOVE STORY, will play 'Joe Gillis'. Johanson (to appear in the ensemble of ALADDIN this year) will portray 'Max von Mayerling'.

Also in the cast is Siobhan Dillon as script editor 'Betty Schaefer'.

In other news, the Mail writes that Close will slip into some familiar costumes when she gets into character as 'Norma Desmond' -- she will be wearing the same pieces Anthony Powell created for her when starred in SUNSET BOULEVARD on Broadway two decades ago.

Presented by English National Opera (ENO) and the GradeLinnit Company, SUNSET BOULEVARD, directed by Lonny Price, begins on April 1 with press night set for April 4 and a final performance slated for May 7, 2016 at ENO's London Coliseum.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, SUNSET BOULEVARD is produced by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd and is based on the original Paramount film by Billy Wilder. The full ENO orchestra will appear on stage alongside the cast in this semi-staged production.

In her mansion on SUNSET BOULEVARD, faded, silent-screen goddess, Norma Desmond, lives in a fantasy world. Impoverished screen writer, Joe Gillis, on the run from debt collectors, stumbles into her reclusive world. Persuaded to work on Norma's 'masterpiece', a film script that she believes will put her back in front of the cameras, he is seduced by her and her luxurious life-style. Joe becomes entrapped in a claustrophobic world until his love for another woman leads him to try and break free with dramatic consequences.

Photo Credit: Darren Bell