New York, NY – In a notable announcement on Thursday, it was revealed that the accomplished 45-year-old artist, Nicole Scherzinger, is poised to make her Broadway debut as Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s renowned Sunset Boulevard musical. The Broadway production, directed by Jamie Lloyd, is set to feature Scherzinger reprising her role alongside her West End co-stars Tom Francis and Grace Hodgett-Young. Olivier Award-winner David Thaxton will also join the cast, bringing a wealth of talent to the iconic stage.
Having previously portrayed Norma in the West End production under Lloyd’s direction, Scherzinger received widespread acclaim. The musical, which commenced its London performances in September under Lloyd’s creative helm, garnered positive reviews, with The New York Times singling out Scherzinger’s performance as “career-defining.”
The final curtain will fall on the West End production at London’s Savoy Theatre this Saturday, marking the end of its successful run.
Sunset Boulevard, a narrative based on Billy Wilder’s 1950 black comedy film noir, intricately weaves the tale of Norma, a silent screen star grappling with her past, residing in her Sunset Boulevard mansion.
Notably, Scherzinger had the opportunity to participate in the Broadway revival of Lloyd Webber’s Cats in 2016, cast as Grizabella. Regrettably, she withdrew at the eleventh hour, paving the way for The X Factor winner Leona Lewis to take on the role. Scherzinger had previously played Grizabella in the London production of the show.
Reflecting on the past, Lloyd Webber expressed his disappointment, stating, “I’m furious because I really believe she’s the most fantastically talented girl, and I went out on a limb to get her for the London Palladium here, and it makes me look like an absolute twot with them all,” during the tumultuous turn of events in 2016.