Renowned British musical actress Sarah Brightman will star in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard at Beijing Performing Arts Center.
“I feel very honored to be back here in China. China has always been very special to me, and it’s a beautiful opportunity to be part of this wonderful show. I think it’s the first time the story has ever been portrayed in China.”
The Lloyd Webber musical Sunset Boulevard, starring Sarah Brightman, will soon premiere at Beijing Performing Arts Center. At a press event on Mar. 22nd, Brightman shared her excitement, saying, “Audiences should expect to have a wonderful time and a very fulfilling evening.”
A Long-Awaited Return
Known as the “Queen of Musicals,” Brightman captivated the world with her ethereal voice. Now, after more than 30 years, her return to the musical stage has drawn immense attention. She admitted to feeling nervous and excited, and is currently deep in rehearsals.
Speaking about what attracted her to this production, she said, “I have always loved the score of Sunset Boulevard. It’s sumptuous and cinematic, and I found it to be a play with music that feels like a film soundtrack.”
A Timeless Classic
Sunset Boulevard is a classic musical inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Age. It tells the tragic story of Norma Desmond, a forgotten silent film star yearning for a comeback. When she fatefully meets struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, their intense and twisted relationship leads to a dramatic and heartbreaking conclusion.
Brightman acknowledged the challenge of portraying Norma. “Playing a huge star day in and day out, the real challenge was drawing from my own experience to understand what that might feel like.”
To prepare for the role, she conducted extensive research. “I studied the lives of actresses from that era—those who couldn’t transition into the talkie era and those who did. Understanding their differences helped me shape the character.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music is at the heart of Sunset Boulevard. Iconic songs like With One Look, The Perfect Year, and the breathtaking finale As If We Never Said Goodbye bring Norma’s glory and loneliness to life. With Brightman in the lead, audiences can expect an unforgettable experience.
Written by Chen Wang, additional reporting by Beijing Poly Theatre, CNS.
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