It was Friday night in Brunswick. A summer breeze kissed the evening air, dropping the mercury to just the ideal temperature. The setting was straight out of a storybook. 

Inside the Pickard Theater, another story was about to unfold, but this one was no fairy tale. It was the kind of tale you could sink your teeth into, full of love, lust, longing, ambition and betrayal. Happily ever after wasn’t written in the stars, or for the stars, in this one. After all, the sun sets on more than just the street in “Sunset Boulevard.”

Maine State Music Theatre is adding spice to its season, swapping out the perky, pink frivolity of “Legally Blonde” for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of Billy Wilder’s 1950 film-noir movie, “Sunset Boulevard.” The production, directed and choreographed by Marc Robin, features an engaging cast, dazzling costumes and lush sets.

In keeping with the genre of the original film, the story unfolds through narration and flashback, told from the point of view of struggling Hollywood screenwriter, Joe Gillis. Webber adds a twist to the genre, turning much of the spoken narration into song.

Maine State Music Theatre veteran Gregg Goodbrod slips into Gillis’ handsome shoes, delivering intensity, seasoned with a hearty dash of humor. What his lips didn’t utter — which was very little given the dialogue- and vocally rich role — his expressive face said loud and clear. The audience chuckled Friday at his priceless wry expressions that served as a subtle homage to the silent-film era.

At the heart of “Sunset Boulevard” lies the tragic tale of Norma Desmond, a silent-film star whose brilliant career waned with the dawning of “talkies.” Desperate for her career to burn brightly once again in Tinsel Town, Norma enlists Joe to edit her dreadful opus about Salome, sparking an ill-fated relationship between the ambitious playwright and fallen star.

Advertisement

Denise Whelan makes her Maine State Music Theatre debut as Norma, bringing all the drama and pathos one would expect from a former silent-film star who’s unwilling to face reality. Whelan delivers the role with ease and flair, having previously performed the role in March at the Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, Pa.

Lauren Blackman, who debuted at Maine State in “Legally Blonde” as Vivienne, returns in “Sunset Boulevard,” delivering a passionate performance as young, aspiring playwright Betty Schaefer. David Girolmo, previously seen at Maine State as Oliver Warbucks in “Annie,” brings heart to his role as Norma’s attentive butler, Max von Mayerling.

Scene-stealers Charis Leos (Heather) and Curt Dale Clark (Artie Green) step into lesser, but characteristically memorable roles. Bill Nabel (Cecile B. Demille), Brian Michael Hoffman (Sheldrake), Chuck Ragsdale (Manfred), Courtney Romano (Cleopatra) and Leo Lencicki (Finance Man) round out the talented cast.

“Sunset Boulevard” is an eye-catching extravaganza, with a grandiose musical score and mesmerizing visuals. Maine State’s production successfully captures the grandeur of the silver screen and sweeps the audience up into the dramatic and climatic story line. 

April Boyle is a freelance writer from Casco. She can be contacted at:

aprilhboyle@yahoo.com


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.