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The Ogunquit Playhouse certainly knows how to raise the bar of expectation- “Sunset Boulevard” opened this week, becoming yet another ground-breaking production. While I have come to expect excellence from the playhouse, this show has proven to me that the Playhouse deserves its motto as America's Foremost Summer Theatre. From the opening yesteryear style of film that projects the title on the stage, to the fabulous costumes (by designer Anthony Powell) and scenery, you can’t help but feel that you are being projected back to Hollywood’s Golden Era. (Having visited Hollywood myself, the feeling of déjà vu was pretty intense.)
Of course, this is before we even get into the story itself, the plot of many a noir classics with a guy (Todd Gearhart) on the run from crooks, meeting up with a sweet, idealist wannabe writer (the perfectly plucky Christina Decicco) and being entangled with the antics of an overwhelming a femme fatale (Stefanie Powers, whose dramatic and singing range really impressed me). The elements of this story blend in seamlessly, keeping my interest for the whole 2 ½ hours (something that some plays just don’t do for me). Perhaps it was because unlike in some productions, in this one, I really felt like I had been transported back to that era in time. Kudos to the production team for designing such an authentic piece of Hollywood history.
Of course, the scenery is just the icing on the cake. The casting is top notch - everyone seemed born for their parts. Todd Gearhart (who is singing in virtually every scene) is perfect as the down on his luck, selling his soul to the highest bidder, screen writer Joe. I found myself drawn to him because his flaws were so plausible- with a bit of better luck, he could have been a success, yet he had to make choices based on the roll of his particular dice. Also physically, he looked the part - good looking in a natural sort of way but not drop dead gorgeous as you may see in Hollywood today - but full of energy and charm and the smarts to use this to his advantage (and to break a few ladies’ hearts along the way). This presence was very noticeable in the singing he does, which is a lot in this show. My favorite was when he sang the title song. (Although the dancing was a bit over the top.)
Of course, no amount of charm and good looks can save a guy from the queen of Hollywood Cougars, Norma Desmond. Stefanie Powers gave the performance of the year at the playhouse and seemed to love every second as her character sunk her teeth into poor Joe’s life, career and future. Known mostly to me (and my friends) as sweet and kind Jennifer Hart, we are treated a much deeper range of Ms. Powers acting abilities. From her Garbo-esque “leave me alone” hermit in her first scene to her transformation back into a silver screen goddess for her comeback, to her mentally unhinged showdown in the final scenes, Stefanie’s Norma exhibits every point on the dramatic curve and let me tell you—it is a fun rollercoaster ride to watch! While her character may be vain, self absorbed, high maintenance and manipulative, she is also sensitive, lonely, fragile and scared. Whatever emotion Norma was feeling, I couldn’t help but sympathize with her and want to see more. The perfect role for Ms. Powers (whom also has the numerous links to people involved with the original show - William Holden and Gloria Swanson - making it seem even more appropriate for her to be this conduit to Hollywood’s past.)
Adding their acting and vocal talents to the show are Sal Mistretta as Norma’s butler and loyal friend Max and Christina Decicco as Betty, the screen writer who wants Joe both professionally and romantically. They add a lot to fleshing out to our two leads, reminding us of the bystanders who often get hurt by people’s pursuit of ambition. And unlike most musicals I see at the playhouse, this one doesn’t end on a sugary happy ending note, making the fates of these characters seem even more real.
As for gay entertainment value - those fans of Tinsel Town’s Golden Age and its divas will love this show. In addition to Norma’s scenery chewing, I think I spotted Joan Crawford and Lana Turner in the café scene. I also enjoyed Joe’s strip down by the gay fashion designer.
