Sunset Boulevard

This ultimately tragic show with its theme of forgotten stardom and descent into madness of the leading player is a powerful and immensely moving story.  To stage it successfully, any society must cast exceptional people as the main characters.   In this case there were several mighty performances, and it was a marvellous production.

Opening against a background of Andrew Lloyd Webber's stirring music it grabbed the audience's attention from the very first. The plot revolves around a screenwriter Joe Gillis, down on his luck who finds himself driving his car, quite by chance into the palatial home of a reclusive faded silent movie star, Norma Desmond.   With a keen eye for the main chance and a desperate need for money he inveigles himself into Norma's life and affections.    Also living at Norma's house and acting as her butler, confidant and protector is the former silent movie producer Max von Mayerling.   He has had a life-long devotion to Norma, and it transpires that he was also her first husband.

This was a fantastic performance.   The dedicated cast thoroughly understood the show and succeeded brilliantly in building the tension and ultimate tragedy of Norma shooting Joe dead and being arrested.   With a well drilled ensemble undertaking various multi roles with some wonderful comic cameo's they managed to display all the light and shade in the unfolding drama.  Well done to the director Mark Allen   He was aided by a magnificent orchestra under the sure command of musical director Mike Gilroy.

There were too many wonderful songs for me to mention them all.   The music was, after all, quite magical but I will highlight the following With One Look, Salome, Greatest Star of All, New Ways to Dream, Sunset Boulevard, As if we Never said Goodbye, Too Much in Love to Care and finally, the reprise of New Ways to Dream.   These among others were spine tingling songs sung by top-drawer singers.

Rachel McMahon as Norma gave a mesmeric and soul stirring performance.    She inhabited rather than acted the character.  A magical voice and superb characteristics.

Will Sadler as Joe complemented Norma perfectly.    He was the epitome of the brash and immoral writer.   He sang and gave a top-class performance.

Peter Whitley gave an outstanding performance as Max had a superb voice and thrilling astonishing range. His acting was equally impressive and his was a mighty performance. Throughout the show he never failed to show the devotion to Norma especially at the end as Norma was then preparing to meet her supposed "admiring public", or rather to be arrested by the police.

Catherine Gregory as Betty Schaeffer, in love with Joe, gave an extraordinarily mature portrayal.   She had a natural poise, grace, and elegance.  She was another with a fine voice.

These players were superbly supported by a whole host of smaller roles.    Joel Ensink as Joe's friend and Betty's lover, Artie Green was very believable.   The team of gentlemen outfitters measuring Joe for his new high-class wardrobe were a highlight.  Gary Holmes as the Cecil B de Mille, having to receive politely, but ultimately reject Norma was the epitome of the gnarled old producer.    He had the requisite stature and world weariness for this important role.

Norma had several costumes which were so realistically Hollywood.   They made her look every inch the star she was. Congratulations to the wardrobe department on the costumes on stage and whoever oversaw Rachel McMahons many quick changes as every time she reappeared there wasn’t a stitch out of place. They should take a well-earned bow.   

Well done to the sound and lighting team who, the sound appeared to struggle with the balance in Act 1 but by Act 2 everything was sorted.

The set throughout was quite minimalistic which worked well with lighting and props to highlight different scenes and locations within the story.

The shooting of Joe in the back by a deranged Norma was extremely well done.    He slumped on the first shot and finally collapsed off stage after the second. 

Congratulations to Ilkley Amateur Operatic Society on a fine show.

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