Sunset Boulevard will play to all those wonderful people out there in the dark when the Hollywood Bowl (2301 North Highland Avenue) presents a staged reading of the classic 1950 Billy Wilder movie.
The reading, for which an all-star cast will soon be announced, will be presented on August 6th at 7:30 PM. The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, under the direction of John Mauceri, will perform the movie's Oscar-winning score by Franz Waxman. Peter Hunt has signed on to direct.
The reading will feature David Rambo's adaptation of the original screenplay by Wilder (who directed the movie), Charles Brackett, D.M. Marshman, Jr.; his adaptation was also used for the 2004 Actors' Fund benefit reading of
Sunset Boulevard. Sunset Boulevard centers around Norma Desmond, a reclusive, aging silent movie star intent on making her comeback with a new film based on
Salome--and on holding onto the jaded screenwriter who has come under her influence. The film also won Oscars for art direction and for its screenplay, while star Gloria Swanson was nominated for her performance as Norma; William Holden, Nancy Olson and Erich Von Stroheim co-starred. A musical version--with music by
Andrew Lloyd Webber, and book and lyrics by Don Black and
Christopher Hampton--won the 1995 Tony Award for Best Musical. Originally starring Tony-winner
Glenn Close, it also became a star vehicle for an array of leading ladies.
Call (323) 850-2000 or visit
www.hollywoodbowl.org for ticket information.
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