News By Readers

Sunset Boulevard Regional Premiere

Norma Desmond, played by Caroline Rivera, longs to return to the big screen and her adoring fans. (Photo by Michael C. Foster)

By Nancy Birkett

Published: Monday, October 1, 2012 8:42 AM CDT

The Greater Lewisville Community Theatre is proud to begin its 30th Anniversary season with the regional premiere of Sunset Boulevard, featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber with book and lyrics by Christopher Hampton and Don Black.

The show runs weekends October 19 – November 4, 2012. Performances occur Fridays and Saturdays at 8 P.M. and Sundays at 3 P.M. A performance has been added on Thursday, October 25, at 8 P.M. due to the popularity of this show.

Sunset Boulevard weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. 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 struggling Hollywood screen writer Joe Gillis in dramatic circumstances, the subsequent passionate and volatile relationship leads to an unforeseen and tragic conclusion. The Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard earned 7 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Score and Book of a Musical.

Chris Robinson directs Sunset Boulevard, with assistant director Eddie Floresca and musical director Charlie Kim. Music will by provided by the largest group of musicians to play for a GLCT musical thus far. Caroline Rivera will bring the role of Norma Desmond to life and Emily Ford is Betty Schaefer. Joe Gillis is played by Michael McCray and Tom DeWester is Max von Mayerling. Michael and Tom are both familiar to GLCT audiences, previously seen in the comedy Room Service, and the musicals Rent and Great American Trailer Park Musical respectively. Rounding out the cast is a stellar group of more than 10 supporting actors.

GLCT is located at 160 W. Main St. in Old Town Lewisville. Tickets are $19 (adults) and $16 (65 +over/18-under). Season tickets are still available at a savings of 30% to 33%. Call for reservations (recommended) – (972) 221-SHOW (7469). Additional information is available at www.GLCT.org.