Watch SUNSET BOULEVARD Stars Stephanie J. Block, Derek Klena, More Try to Explain the Musical in 10 Seconds or Less

A struggling writer. An aged film star. A comeback. Misogyny?! These are just a few of the key points in Sunset Boulevard, in performances in Washington D.C., at the Kennedy Center February 1-8.

While the cast was in New York City, Theatrely played another round of 10 Seconds to Plot to hear a bit of what happens in the show. Check out stars Stephanie J. Block, Derek Klena, Auli’i Cravalho, and more below.

Based on Billy Wilder’s Oscar-winning film, Sunset Boulevard features music by Lloyd Webber, with a book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. The musical follows fading star Norma Desmond as she lures a young screenwriter to create the perfect part for her.

This limited Broadway Center Stage production stars Stephanie J. Block stars as Norma Desmond, alongside Derek Klena as Joe Gillis, Auli‘i Cravalho as Betty Schaefer, and Nathan Gunn as Max von Mayerling. Rounding out the cast is Michael Maliakel as Artie Green, Kevin Pariseau as Sheldrake, Tyley Ross as Manfred, and Paul Schoeffler as Cecil B. DeMille. The Ensemble will include David André, Lauren Blackman, Julio Catano-Yee, Colin Cunliffe, Haile Ferrier, Emily Harvey, Wonza Johnson, Aubrie Knapp, Ryland Marbutt, Lance Roberts, Maria Cristina Posada Slye, and Kristin Yancy.

The musical will feature scenic and projection design by Paul Tate dePoo III, costume design by Alejo Vietti, lighting design by Cory Pattak, sound design by Kai Harada and Haley Parcher, and hair and wig design by Tom Watson.

Directing is Sammi Cannold (Evita at New York City Center, Ragtime on Ellis Island), with choreography by Emily Maltby and music direction by Ben Cohn. Tyrone L. Robinson will be the associate director, while Emily Stillings is associate choreographer, and Garret Healey is associate musical director.

‍Sunset Boulevard originally premiered in 1993 at London’s Adelphi Theatre. It transferred to Broadway following a Los Angeles tryout, starring Glenn Close, who went on to win a Tony Award for her performance as Norma. A Main Stem revival was most recently seen in 2017, also with Close. Countless productions have been presented around the world, with many favorite Broadway divas having taken on the starring role, including Patti LuPone, Elaine Paige, Rita Moreno, Diahann Carroll, and Alice Ripley.

(Video production by Brandon Schwartz)