Mandy Gonzalez to star in select 'Sunset Boulevard' Broadway performances
Grammy Award nominee and Olivier winner Nicole Scherzinger will primarily star in the musical as Norma Desmond, and Gonzalez will play the role once a week.
UPDATE: Complete casting has been set for Sunset Boulevard starring Nicole Scherzinger. This article has been updated with the full cast list.
She's ready for her close-up! Mandy Gonzalez has joined the cast of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway, starring Nicole Scherzinger. Performances begin September 28 ahead of an October 20 opening at the St. James Theatre.
Scherzinger stars in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical as Norma Desmond, and Gonzalez will serve as her alternate, playing Norma once a week (generally Tuesday evenings) beginning October 22. Scherzinger will play the role at all performances prior.
"In my 25 years playing leading ladies on Broadway, I’ve never been more excited for a show," Gonzalez said in a statement. "The role of Norma Desmond is iconic, Jamie Lloyd's direction is masterful, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score is sumptuous. To reinterpret a timeless story with such raw sophistication, especially as the first Latina to take this role on Broadway, is a dream come true."
Gonzalez's stage credits include her Obie Award-winning performance in Eli’s Comin and Drama Desk Award-winning performance in Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights. She has also starred in Hamilton, Wicked, and Aida on stage and Only Murders in The Building, Quantico, and Madam Secretary on screen.
Alongside Scherzinger and Gonzalez in the Sunset Boulevard Broadway cast are Tom Francis as Joe Gillis, Grace Hodgett-Young as Betty Schaefer, and David Thaxton as Max Von Mayerling. All but Gonzalez first performed their roles in director Jamie Lloyd's production in London last year to critical acclaim.
The complete cast also includes Olivia Lacie Andrews as Nancy, Brandon Mel Borkowsky as John, Shavey Brown as Finance Man/Stan/DeMille, Hannah Yun Chamberlain as Young Norma, Cydney Clark as Joanna/Guard, Raúl Contreras as Finance Man/Frank, Tyler Davis as Sheldrake, E.J. Hamilton as Lisa, Sydney Jones as Dorothy, Emma Lloyd as Mary/Heather, Pierre Marais as Sammy, Shayna McPherson as Camera Operator/Katherine, Jimin Moon as Morino/Hog Eye, Justice Moore as Jean, Drew Redington as Myron/Jones/Camera Operator, and Diego Andres Rodriguez as Artie. Giuseppe Bausilio, Kristina Garvida Doucette, Brandon LaVar, Maggie Likcani, Abby Matsusaka, and Rixey Terry serve as swings.
Adapted from Billy Wilder's classic film, Sunset Boulevard follows a fading, obsessive film star, Norma Desmond, who will do anything to get back into the spotlight. Webber composed the music for the show, which also features a book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton.
Photo credit: Mandy Gonzalez. (Photo by Justin Patterson)
Frequently asked questions
What is Sunset Boulevard about?
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical Sunset Boulevard soars back to Broadway this year in an acclaimed new production, which has received seven Tony Award nominations and stars Olivier Award nominee Nicole Scherzinger, who gives an unforgettable turn as fading star Norma Desmond in director Jamie Lloyd’s revival.
Where is Sunset Boulevard playing?
Sunset Boulevard is playing at St. James Theatre. The theatre is located at 246 West 44th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.
How long is Sunset Boulevard?
The running time of Sunset Boulevard is 2hr 35min.
How do you book tickets for Sunset Boulevard?
Book tickets for Sunset Boulevard on New York Theatre Guide.
What's the age requirement for Sunset Boulevard?
The recommended age for Sunset Boulevard is Ages 12+..
Who wrote Sunset Boulevard?
Don Black and Christopher Hampton wrote the book and lyrics for this Broadway classic. Celebrated composer Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote the music.
Who directed Sunset Boulevard?
Sunset Boulevard in New York is directed by Jamie Lloyd, known for his sparse takes on classic works, including 2023's A Doll’s House starring Jessica Chastain.
What are the songs in Sunset Boulevard?
EGOT winner Andrew Lloyd Webber, known for Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, composed the songs for Sunset Boulevard, with Don Black and Christopher Hampton writing the lyrics. Some of the show’s most famous songs are “With One Look,” “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” and “Sunset Boulevard.”
Is Sunset Boulevard appropriate for kids?
The production contains some adult content and themes and as such is recommended for ages 12 and up. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
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