June 3, 2025 - Sunset Blvd Review

“Sunset Blvd.” yet again blew me away….third time to see it but this time, I was 7 rows from the stage and it made a world of difference in my perception. I really think that Tom Francis will win the Tony for Best Actor in a Musical (though I’m also heavily rooting for Jeremy Jordan). His portrayal of writer Joe Gillis is spellbinding, and is such a physical and emotional role. He is a force.

Mandy Gonzalez was on tonight as Norma Desmond and her portrayal is beautiful and jaw dropping. She received multiple standing ovations throughout the show and left it ALL on stage. The role of Max the butler (and so much more!) is played by David Thaxton and he’s loving, creepy-ish and protective, all at once.

Can’t wait to see what this revival wins on Sunday….I hope for many for them at the Tonys. Seven nominations include: Best Revival of a Musical, Best Orchestrations (David Cullen & Andrew Lloyd Webber), Best Direction of a Musical (Jamie Lloyd), Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Jack Knowles), Best Sound Design of a Musical (Adam Fisher), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Nicole Scherzinger), and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tom Francis).

And then I had to have pizza  (and maybe a garlic knot).