Sunset Boulevard: From Movie to Musical
by By Perry, George C.
Category: Music , General

Famous for such Broadway hits as Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, and Phantom of the Opera, Andrew Lloyd Webber has now transformed the classic Hollywood film Sunset Boulevard into a stunning theatrical experience. From the movie's portrayal of obsession in Hollywood and its atmosphere of romance, decadence, and cynicism, Lloyd Webber has created a haunting score and one of the greatest musicals of all time. This lavishly illustrated, definitive account traces the origins of the film and tells the fascinating story of the making of Lloyd Webber's latest masterpiece.Directed by Billy Wilder, the film Sunset Boulevard first appeared in 1950 with Oscar-nominee Gloria Swanson in the most memorable role of her career. As Norma Desmond, the great star of the silent screen, she attempted to use a failed young screenwriter, played by William Holden, as the means to make her return to the movies. Among the hundreds of films set in Los Angeles that used the silver screen as a mirror for Hollywood culture, Sunset Boulevard is recognized as one of the finest and has had an extraordinary influence on Hollywood cinema and film noir.As an introduction to Wilder's film, author George Perry looks at the famous street, Sunset Boulevard, and the history of silent movies. He describes the creation of the film and its significance in the chronology of American cinema and includes a recent interview with the director, archival photographs, and film memorabilia.For the remarkable musical staging of Sunset Boulevard, Andrew Lloyd Webber amassed a wealth of artistic talent - from director Trevor Nunn, stage designer John Napier, and costume designer Anthony Powell, to a magnificent cast headed by Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson. Through interviews with all the principals, George Perry sheds light on the show's complex production machinery and pays tribute to the creativity of the many people who have contributed to its extraordinary success. The book includes a scene-by-scene synopsis of the film, the complete libretto of the musical, and specially commissioned color photographs of the stage production.Sunset Boulevard: From Movie to Musical is the definitive account of a memorable Hollywood film classic and a superb record of a great stage musical.