Sunset Boulevard marks soprano Sarah Brightman’s return to the theatre after more than three decades, but she says the role of faded movie star Norma Desmond wasn’t a big jump.
“Of course, I’ve been an international star for many, many years, and these actresses, they were international stars,” she said.
“I think mentally I can probably do this role and bring something to it which is very much my own.”
A legend of the silent film era, Norma Desmond has been forgotten by Hollywood and longs to return to the glory of the big screen, and she begins a volatile relationship with struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis.
Perhaps Brightman was also pining for a return to stage glory – the legendary performer originated the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera in the West End and on Broadway and is one of the world’s best-selling sopranos.
The new production of Sunset Boulevard, currently in preview performances in Melbourne, is the musical’s first run in Australia for decades – the role of Joe Gillis was last played by Hugh Jackman in 1996.
There are other ways in which Brightman is linked to Sunset Boulevard, too – the score is by her ex-husband, Andrew Lloyd Webber, so she is more than familiar with the music.
“He did actually say to me that a lot of it was written on my voice because he was composing all the time… so sometimes when I’m singing it, I can feel my voice is already in it,” she told reporters on Thursday.
Tim Draxl, playing Joe Gillis, belted out the title song in an impassioned performance at a media preview on Thursday.
The actor was familiar with the legend of Jackman in the role, and he admitted he was initially daunted by the amount of singing.
“When I first listened to the whole score after they offered it to me I went, ‘Oh my God, how am I going to do this?’,” he told reporters.
“It’s been terrifying getting here but also incredibly exhilarating. I feel a wonderful sense of accomplishment and very proud of this production.”
The lavish set plays up the golden age glamour, and Brightman’s glittering golden gown is every bit the Hollywood star.
Sunset Boulevard’s exploration of the need to be loved and affirmed was perhaps more relevant now than ever, said director Paul Warwick Griffin.
He praised Brightman’s decision to return to the stage, explaining she had decided the musical was simply the right project at the right time.
“I think it’s extremely brave… she trusted us to make this the moment that she’s come back, and I think the result is thrilling,” he said.
With Opera Australia among its backers, Sunset Boulevard is playing at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne and heads to the Sydney Opera House from August 28.