Based on the 1950 Billy Wilder film, Sunset Boulevard tells the story of Norma Desmond, an aging silent screen star desperate to make a comeback, and her young lover, a struggling screenwriter named Joe. Although the musical begins with Joe's corpse floating facedown in Norma's pool--a feat accomplished by designer John Napier in the original production--it is the young screenwriter who provides narration for the entire story.

Sunset Boulevard originally opened in London with Patti LuPone playing the part of Ms. Desmond. Although her contract stipulated that she would appear in the Broadway production as well, when the musical opened in New York at the Minskoff Theatre on November 17, 1994, it was Glenn Close in the lead role. During the course of the Broadway run, Ms. Close was succeeded by Betty Buckley, who had also replaced Patti LuPone in London.

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