Shitzprobe at Asylum NYC

Shitzprobe! Where a special Broadway Guest Star improvises a musical for their very first time, based on your suggestion! Past guests have starred in:Come From Away, Wicked,Aladdin,Waitress, andCompany.

Nichole Scherzinger shines in Sunset Boulevard Broadway debut

Jamie Lloyd's bold new take on Sunset Boulevard swept the 2024 Olivier Awards, winning seven of its 11 nominations. It won Best Musical Revival and earned Nicole Scherzinger the Best Actress in a Musical award for her portrayal of Norma Desmond. 

Scherzinger's performance stood out, beating strong contenders like Caissie Levy (Next to Normal) and Marisha Wallace (Guys and Dolls). It marked a big return to the West End. Scherzinger was nominated for her role in Cats in 2014. This win proves she is a top talent in musical theatre.

The show’s success wasn't just due to its cast. Director Jamie Lloyd's visionary, minimalist approach breathed new life into the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Lloyd stripped the staging and focused on the characters' emotions. This created a fresh experience that resonated with modern audiences. 

The revival's success includes its upcoming Broadway transfer. It will keep influencing the theatrical world, even those interested in crypto casino gaming. Its Olivier wins for lighting, sound, and music raised the bar for future revivals.

The story behind Sunset Boulevard

The musical adaptation of Sunset Boulevard, inspired by Billy Wilder's 1950 film, features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Christopher Hampton and Don Black. It premiered at the Adelphi Theatre in London on July 12, 1993. It made its U.S. debut at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles later that year, with Glenn Close starring as Norma Desmond. The show opened on Broadway at the Minskoff Theatre in November 1994. It broke records for advance ticket sales.

Since then, Sunset Boulevard has been performed around the world, including tours in Canada, the Netherlands, and Australia. In 2017, Glenn Close returned to Broadway at the Palace Theatre following a successful run in London. Most recently, Jamie Lloyd directed a new version at the Savoy Theatre in London's West End. It features Nicole Scherzinger. The show transferred to Broadway's St. James Theatre in September 2024.

The story of Sunset Boulevard (1950) is about Norma Desmond, a former silent film star. She lives in isolation and is obsessed with returning to the spotlight. The film critiques Hollywood's treatment of ageing stars. Her life intersects with Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter, leading to a tragic and haunting finale. 

Nicole and her plans

Last September, Nicole revealed her hesitation to play Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. In a recent interview, she revealed that she had always pictured Glenn Close and Gloria Swanson as the top-tier Normas. This made her worried about taking on such a legendary character.

However, director Jamie Lloyd urged her to approach the role with fresh eyes. He asked her to focus on the script and music, without comparing them to past portrayals. He also gave her essential tips, just like when a beginner is trying to learn the depth of playing smartly in a crypto gamble platform. Once she embraced this advice, Scherzinger became captivated by Norma's complexities. She realized this role was what she had been yearning for throughout her career.

Nicole also noted the show's strong parallels to Hollywood, where talent can be overshadowed by ageism and stereotypes. Her insights show her passion for the role and highlighted the themes of resilience and identity in the story.