MAINE STATE MUSIC THEATRE’S production stars Denise Whelan as Norma Desmond and Gregg Goodbrod as struggling screen-writer Joe Gillis.
An MSMT release describes the production as “a grand musical adaptation of the Billy Wilder film with a lush, Tony Award–winning score from Andrew Lloyd Webber and a Tony Award–winning book by Don Black and Christopher Hampton.”
“Sunset Boulevard “weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition,” the release continues. “Silent movie star Norma Desmond longs for a return to the big screen, having been discarded by tinsel town with the advent of ‘talkies.’ Her glamour has faded in all but her mind. When she meets a handsome, younger, struggling Hollywood screen-writer, Joe Gillis, she sees her chance to return to glory. Their subsequent passionate and volatile relationship leads to an unforeseen and dramatic conclusion.”
MSMT’s production stars Denise Whelan as Norma Desmond. Whelan, who played the role at Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, Pa., in March 2012, is making her MSMT debut in “Sunset Boulevard.”
MSMT veteran Gregg Goodbrod takes on the role of struggling screen-writer, Joe Gillis. Goodbrod has performed many memorable roles at MSMT over the past six years including Jesus of Nazareth in “Jesus Christ Superstar” and Ethan in “The Full Monty.”
Other MSMT veterans in the cast include Charis Leos, Chuck Ragsdale, Curt Dale Clark and Brian Michael Hoffman.
David Girolmo returns to MSMT in the role of Max Von Mayerling, Norma Desmond’s loyal butler and chauffeur. Last summer, Girolmo portrayed Oliver Warbucks in MSMT’s “Annie.”
Lauren Blackman plays Betty, a young movie studio employee who becomes another love interest of Joe’s.
Also joining the cast is Broadway veteran Bill Nabel playing the iconic role of famous movie director Cecil B. DeMille. And finally, Theo Lencicki makes his MSMT debut. Lencicki was a member of the touring companies of “Hairspray” and “A Chorus Line.”
MSMT’s production is directed and choreographed by Marc Robin. Robin has directed and choreographed many shows at MSMT including “CATS,” “Annie” and “The Producers.”
Edward Reichert serves as musical director. Reichert has been with MSMT for 21 seasons as music director and also serves on the staff of the University of Southern Maine’s musical theater program.
Costumes are designed by Kurt Alger. Lighting and sound are designed by MSMT veterans Colin Whitely and Nick Cyr.
All shows take place in Pickard Theater, 1 Bath Road.
Performances run through Aug. 4. Ticket prices range from $36 to $59 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 725-8769 or by visiting www.msmt.org.
A pay-what-you-can admission special will be offered on July 20. It cannot be combined with other offers or be used to replace already purchased tickets.
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