“Sunset Boulevard” will drop a revival cast album on Oct. 25. The album, a release from the Other Songs label, was recorded live at West End’s Savoy Theatre. The company is led by Nicole Scherzinger, who is set to reprise her Olivier Award-winning turn in the upcoming Broadway mounting. The previously announced Jamie Lloyd-helmed revival will begin previews on Sept. 28 and open on Oct. 20 at the St. James Theatre.
Digital and physical editions of the album are available for preorder here.
The title track from the musical, which features Tom Francis singing the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics of Don Black and Christopher Harmon, has already been released. Francis will also appear in the Broadway production, reprising his performance as Joe Gillis.
“This single sees Tom Francis give a mesmerizing, dramatic performance, showcasing his dynamic vocal talent and the complexity of the character of Joe Gillis,” Lloyd Webber said in a statement. “It is part of an album which, I think, is one of the best we have ever created. It perfectly captures one of the finest and most exciting reinventions of ‘Sunset Boulevard’ ever produced.”
Additionally, a new music video, directed by Lloyd, has been released to accompany the title-track drop.
Joining Scherzinger and Francis in principal roles are Grace Hodgett-Young as Betty Schaefer and David Thaxton as Max Von Mayerling, both of whom appeared in the London production, and will be heard on the album.
“I was extremely humbled by the amazing enthusiasm of our West End audiences and am thrilled we get to bring this production to Broadway,” said Lloyd. “When we recorded the album live on the stage of the Savoy in London, I was once again overwhelmed by the depth and power of Nicole Scherzinger’s performance — these iconic songs have never been sung like this before. Having the exceptional Tom Francis, Grace Hodgett Young and David Thaxton join Nicole at the St. James Theatre will be an unforgettable experience.”
Based on the 1950 Paramount Pictures film directed by Billy Wilder, “Sunset Boulevard” follows former silent film star Norma Desmond as she grapples with the reality that she may be past her professional prime.
“Sunset Boulevard” is being produced by the Jamie Lloyd Company, ATG Productions, Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and Gavin Kalin Productions by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd.
