Sunset Stars: Unveiling the Talent Behind SUNSET BLVD.

Following the announcement of the 2025 Tony Award nominations, SUNSET BLVD. is officially the most-nominated revival of the season on Broadway. The show’s seven nods include Best Revival of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical for Scherzinger, Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical for Francis and Best Director of a Musical for Lloyd, as well as additional nominations for Best Sound Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Orchestrations.

Starring Nicole Scherzinger, Tom Francis, Grace Hodgett-Young and David Thaxton, this thrillingly contemporary take on SUNSET BLVD. is teaching audiences new ways to dream eight shows a week at the St. James Theatre.

The original production of Sunset Boulevard opened on Broadway in 1994; now, West End and Broadway director Jamie Lloyd has reimagined the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical — itself based on the 1950 Billy Wilder film — for the modern generation. (The famous line, “I am big! It’s the pictures that got small!” may ring a bell.)

Below, dive into the star-studded cast and creative team behind the story of Norma Desmond, Old Hollywood’s greatest star of all. Plus, make sure you snag SUNSET BLVD. tickets via Ticketmaster.

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SUNSET BLVD. Cast

Norma Desmond is played by Nicole Scherzinger. The Grammy-nominated singer, actress and former Pussycat Dolls frontwoman is making her long-awaited Broadway debut, after previously winning a Laurence Olivier Award for her portrayal of silent film star Norma Desmond in the West End production of SUNSET BLVD. Scherzinger also starred as Grizabella in the 2014 West End revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats — for which she received another Olivier Award nomination — at the London Palladium. Her film and television credits include Moana, The Masked Singer, The X Factor, Annie Live!, Dancing With the Stars, and ABC’s Dirty Dancing.

Joe Gillis is played by Tom Francis. The recent Laurence Olivier Award winner (for Best Actor in a Musical) is transferring from the hit West End production to make his Broadway debut. Gillis’ additional stage credits across the Atlantic include & Juliet (Romeo), Rent (Roger), Hair—The Concert at the London Palladium (Claude), What’s New Pussycat? and the U.K. premiere of I Could Use a Drink.

Betty Schaefer is played by Grace Hodgett-Young. The Olivier Award nominee for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical is making her Broadway debut after originating the same role on the West End. Her past credits in the U.K. include Sister Act at Nottingham Playhouse and The Little Mermaid, Bare and Made in Dagenham at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

Max Von Mayerling is played by David Thaxton. The actor is also transferring from the West End production, after earning an Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for the role. Other credits on his resume include Les Misérables, Come From Away, The Phantom of the Opera, Passion, Camelot, and Love Never Dies.

Norma Desmond is also played by Mandy Gonzalez at select performances. The Broadway veteran originated the role of Nina Rosario in the original cast of In the Heights. Other major credits include Elphaba in Wicked, Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, Amneris in Aida and Mrs. Walker in the Kennedy Center’s recent production of The Who’s Tommy.

SUNSET BLVD. Crew & Creative

  • Andrew Lloyd Webber – Composer
  • Don Black – Book & Lyrics
  • Christopher Hampton – Book & Lyrics
  • Jamie Lloyd – Director

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