The Jamie Lloyd revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd. is partnering with Broadway Cares for the chance to own one of the custom-made black slip dresses worn by Olivier winner Nicole Scherzinger in the London production of the revival.
Broadway Cares is currently auctioning the dress with all proceeds benefiting the charitable organization. Bidding is now open at CharityBuzz and will continue through April 28. Click here to bid.
The dress, designed by Soutra Gilmour in collaboration with Scherzinger, is one of four made for Sunset Blvd.’s run at the Savoy in the West End. The bias-cut black silk satin creation draws inspiration from classic silhouettes of Hollywood’s silent film era and reflects the character of Norma Desmond’s raw self. The dress was made in August 2023 by Karen Crichton with textiles provided by Misan Fabrics.
The auction lot will include the dress, a certificate of authenticity signed by Gilmour and Scherzinger, a pair of house seats to Sunset Blvd. on Broadway, a post-show backstage visit and photos with Scherzinger and the cast, a zoom meeting with Gilmour to discuss her creative thoughts on the show, and a window card signed by Lloyd Webber and the entire Broadway company.
In a statement Scherzinger said, “When I first sat down with Soutra almost two years ago to discuss what we wanted our version of Norma to look like, I never imagined how a simple, black slip dress can evoke so much: fragility, strength, and confidence, all come to mind when I think of this creation. On behalf of everyone at Sunset Blvd., I want to convey how thrilled we are to continue to support Broadway Cares, an incredibly impactful organization that helps thousands of people through their incredible programs. Now let’s raise some money!”
Gilmour added, “I have spent my career designing for the theatre, which by nature is temporary and finite, but the dress we designed for Nicole and ‘Norma’ has taken on a life of its own. Nicole and this dress have inspired countless memes, thousands of Halloween costumes, and a number of drag performers on both sides of the Atlantic. I’m honored to have one of my designs support Broadway Cares and their programs to help our community and communities around the world.”
Sunset opened in London's West End at the Savoy Theatre October 12, 2023, before transferring to Broadway. The London hit officially opened on the Main Stem October 20, 2024, following previews that began September 28 at the St. James. Read the reviews by clicking here. The cast album was released October 25, 2024. Performances continue on Broadway through July 13.
The musical arrived in New York with its four London leads: 2024 Olivier winner Scherzinger as Norma Desmond, 2024 Olivier winner Tom Francis as ill-fated screenwriter Joe Gillis, 2024 Olivier nominee Grace Hodgett-Young as aspiring writer Betty Schaefer, and Olivier winner and 2024 Olivier nominee David Thaxton as butler Max Von Mayerling.
Jamie Lloyd's minimalist production won seven Oliviers at last year's Oliver Awards, including one for the director and the top prize of Best Musical Revival. This Sunset Blvd. revival was a startling departure for the traditionally opulently designed musical; it features a minimalist set and ample use of live video. Images of the curtain call, featuring Scherzinger covered in blood, have gone viral on social media—as well as footage of Francis singing the show's title song every night while walking down the streets of New York.
READ: To Scherzinger, Sunset Blvd. Is the Perfect Musical for Her Broadway Debut
The Broadway staging also has set and costume design by Soutra Gilmour, choreography by Fabian Aloise, music supervision and musical direction by Alan Williams, lighting design by Jack Knowles, sound design by Adam Fisher, video design and cinematography by Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom, hair and makeup design by Cheryl Thomas, intimacy coordination by Ann James, U.S. casting by Jim Carnahan and Jason Thinger and U.K. casting by Stuart Burt. Johnny Milani is the production stage manager, and 101 Productions, Ltd. serves as the general manager.
Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard (with a book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton) is based on the 1950 Billy Wilder movie of the same name, which featured Gloria Swanson as the reclusive Norma Desmond who falls in love with an unlucky writer—Joe Gillis—who happens upon her home by accident. William Holden played Gillis in the film, which was directed by the late Billy Wilder. Swanson, Holden, and Wilder all received Academy Award nominations for their work.
Photos: Look Back on Past Productions of Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Blvd. is produced by The Jamie Lloyd Company, ATG Productions, Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, and Gavin Kalin Productions by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd and based on the Paramount Pictures film directed by Wilder.
Visit SunsetBlvdBroadway.com.
