With One Look

Sunset Boulevard – Porchlight Music Theatre

I’m not sure if this is “The Perfect Year,” as Norma Desmond optimistically sings in just one of her gorgeous songs, but Michael Weber has assembled the perfect cast and supporting crew for his perfect production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s heartbreaking musical. And this role is the perfect character for Chicago favorite, Hollis Resnik, to play. I predict that Porchlight Music Theatre’s ravishing production will be remembered and talked about for decades to come.

The 1995 multi-Tony Award-winning musical, with lyrics and a well-written book by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, has been lovingly and elegantly staged and guided by Artistic Director Michael Weber, assisted by Christopher Pazdernik. It features eloquent musical direction and accompaniment by Aaron Benham and his impressive, full-sounding backstage orchestra. The production is magnificently crafted with detail by a talented crew of theatre artisans and is a perfect fit for the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Gone is the gigantic, expensive two-level Broadway set that was raised and lowered from beneath the stage’s depths. While that concept was certainly impressive, Jeffrey D. Kmiec, Anthony Churchill and Maggie Fullilove-Nugent’s seamless melding of a gorgeous mobile multilevel set, atmospheric projections and terrific lighting all help provide the mysterious light and shadow contrast found in Billy Wilder’s black and white film noir classic, the source for this musical. Enhanced by Jennifer Wernau’s authentic props, Shanna Vanderwerker’s brisk choreography, Bill Morey’s elegant, period perfect costumes and Kevin Barthel’s stylish wig designs, this production radiates as much Broadway quality as anything seen on the Great White Way.

And that includes one of the finest casts ever assembled at this venue. Led by the stunning Hollis Resnik as faded silent film star Norma Desmond, in a performance that screams Jeff Award, the cast also includes brilliant and handsome Chicago leading man, Billy Rude, as Joe Gillis. The company also includes golden-voiced Larry Adams, as Max von Mayerling, and the exquisite, multitalented Michelle Lauto, as Betty Schaefer. David Girolmo brings his power and prowess to the role of film director, Cecil B. DeMille; Joe Giovannetti makes a goofy and likable Artie Green; and stage veteran Ronald Keaton is delightful in a multitude of character roles. 

Ms. Resnik is simply luminous in the role made famous on film by Gloria Swanson. Hollis deliciously dominates the stage in every scene, whether playing Norma as the spoiled, self-deluded diva, the coquettish aging sex kitten or the desperate, wounded martyr. Ms. Resnik skillfully employs her powerful vocal talents, so that each song displays a range of emotions. This includes the bittersweet “With One Look,” Norma’s prideful declaration of how she was the Queen of the Silver Screen, to  her fool’s paradise return to Paramount Studios, “As If We Never Said Good Bye.” From Ms. Resnik’s eloquent phrasing to her most subtle gesture, it’s hard to imagine any other Chicago actress in this role. 

Billy Rude’s smart, often sarcastic Joe Gillis is a fit foil for Norma. Rude nails the cynicism as the play’s spokesman for the hypocrisy of Hollywood filmmaking. He’s both used and is the user as he attempts to survive among the sharks and the phonies of show business. Possessed of a sharp, clear baritone voice and an enviable stage presence, Mr. Rude drives this show, from his first line to the play’s bitter climax. In his second act opening number, Billy spits out all the frustration, pain and anger that Joe Gillis has buried deep inside. And his scenes with Larry Adams’ stalwart and heartbreaking Max, along with the lovely, clarion-voiced Michelle Lauto, as an innocently eager Betty Schaefer, are both tough and touching.

Supported by an astonishingly gifted ensemble of Chicago’s top-notch, triple-threats, numbers like “Let’s Have Lunch,” “This Time Next Year” and “A Little Suffering,” feature the many talents of Shane Roberie, Danny Spagnuolo, Anna Brockman, Marcellus Burt, Justin Lee Cavazos, Laz Estrada, Brian Healy, Alex Jackson, Molly Kral, Mandy Modic, Michelle Owens, Laura Sportiello and Ambria Sylvain.  

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicalized version of Wilder’s scathing look at Hollywood in the early 1950’s isn’t an easy show to produce. But Michael Weber’s remarkably polished, skillfully acted and sensationally sung production is more than ready for its closeup. With one look, audiences will recognize a stylish, laudable production that will be on everyone’s lips for years to come. If you miss this production you’ll regret not experiencing what may be one of Chicago’s finest musicals of the perfect year.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 15-December 8 by Porchlight Music Theatre at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-777-9884 or by going to www.PorchlightMusicTheatre.org.

More information about this and other area production can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.