Nicole Scherzinger to Make Her Broadway Debut in ‘Sunset Boulevard’
Nicole Scherzinger, best known as the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls and a former judge on “The X Factor,” is set to make her Broadway debut in the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard” at the St. James Theatre. The musical, which begins performances on September 28 and opens on October 20, marks a significant milestone for Scherzinger, who previously won an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in the West End production at London’s Savoy Theatre.
Scherzinger’s journey to Broadway has been a long time coming. Nearly a decade ago, she made her West End debut as Grizabella in Lloyd Webber’s “Cats.” Despite the personal challenges she faced at the time, Scherzinger found solace and healing in her performance. However, her Broadway debut, initially slated for a revival of “Cats” in 2016, did not materialize, as she declined the opportunity due to a lack of alignment with her personal life at the time.
In the West End production of “Sunset Boulevard,” directed by Jamie Lloyd, Scherzinger captivated audiences with a minimalist approach that focused on the raw, emotional core of the story, enhanced by the use of a giant movie screen and intimate close-ups. Scherzinger’s portrayal of Norma Desmond, the delusional former silent film star who clings to her fading fame, was praised for its depth and vulnerability, drawing audiences into Desmond’s world of dreams and delusions.
When first approached by director Jamie Lloyd for the role of Norma, Scherzinger admitted she was surprised by the offer, as she had never considered playing the character. However, upon reading the script and connecting with the character’s journey, she found a profound resonance with the role. Scherzinger’s portrayal is characterized by a sense of fierce determination, as she describes her Norma as a “prowling warrior” who is constantly fighting for her place in the world.
Scherzinger’s connection to the role is deeply personal, as she relates to Norma’s vulnerability and longing for recognition. The musical’s lyrics, particularly the line “We’ll give the world new ways to dream,” struck a chord with her, reflecting her own journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. This powerful connection to the character is evident in her performances of Norma’s iconic arias, “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” where her vocal prowess and emotional depth shine through.
Scherzinger’s Broadway debut comes with the weight of a storied history behind the role of Norma Desmond, which has been portrayed by legendary performers such as Patti LuPone, Glenn Close, Betty Buckley, and Elaine Paige. Each actress brought their unique interpretation to the character, contributing to the legacy of “Sunset Boulevard” as one of musical theatre’s most coveted roles.
Despite her success in the West End, Scherzinger approaches her Broadway debut with a sense of humility and a desire to let her work speak for itself. As she prepares for rehearsals, Scherzinger is focused on making new discoveries and delivering a performance that resonates with Broadway audiences. She acknowledges the challenges of transitioning from London to New York, understanding that the reception may differ across the Atlantic.
Reflecting on her career and the journey that has led her to this moment, Scherzinger expresses a sense of fulfillment in finally achieving her Broadway dream. “Everything has come full circle,” she says. “This is the production, this is the timing, this is the role, this is the musical that I’m supposed to be making my debut on Broadway.”
Nicole Scherzinger’s portrayal of Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard” promises to be a defining moment in her career, as she brings her unique interpretation of the iconic character to one of theatre’s most prestigious stages. As she prepares to take on this next chapter, Scherzinger is ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead on her Broadway journey.
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