6 hours ago
Nicole Scherzinger Takes Final Bow as Broadway’s Sunset Blvd. Revival Closes
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The curtain fell for the last time on Broadway’s electrifying revival of "Sunset Boulevard" on July 20, as Nicole Scherzinger and her castmates took their final bows at the St. James Theatre. Scherzinger, whose portrayal of the enigmatic Norma Desmond earned her a Tony nomination and widespread critical acclaim, led a cast that brought new vitality and visibility to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical .
The production, helmed by director Jamie Lloyd, was lauded for its daring and modern interpretation. It extended its run due to popular demand, closing a week later than originally planned and earning seven Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical and performance nods for Scherzinger and co-star Tom Francis .
Scherzinger’s Norma Desmond was described as “an astonishing force of nature” by The Washington Post, and her performance drew sold-out crowds and enthusiastic praise for its emotional depth and vulnerability . The role of Norma—a silent film star struggling to reclaim her identity and relevance—has long resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences, who often identify with themes of transformation, resilience, and the search for belonging.
The revival’s creative team brought additional layers of meaning to the production, using innovative staging and intimate camera work that blurred boundaries between performer and audience. The now-iconic second act sequence, in which the character of Joe Gillis is trailed by a live camera, became a viral sensation and was even parodied by Cynthia Erivo at the 2025 Tony Awards .
"Sunset Boulevard"’s Broadway run was more than a showcase of theatrical artistry; it served as a beacon for LGBTQ+ theatergoers and performers. The show’s themes—unabashed yearning for love, self-expression, and the fight against erasure—mirror the lived experiences of many in the queer community. This revival’s embrace of diversity, both onstage and in its creative vision, affirmed Broadway as a space where LGBTQ+ stories and talents are celebrated.
The show’s closing night drew a diverse audience, including many LGBTQ+ fans and supporters, some of whom have followed Scherzinger’s career since her early days in pop music. The production also fostered an inclusive backstage environment, with cast and creative team members reflecting a broad spectrum of identities and experiences .
Though the final curtain has dropped on this Broadway revival, its impact endures. Nicole Scherzinger’s performance has already been credited with inspiring a new generation of artists—particularly women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ performers—to pursue leading roles in musical theater. The production’s creative risks and commitment to authenticity are expected to influence future revivals and original works on Broadway and beyond .
As the cast and crew bid farewell to Sunset Blvd., the legacy of this revival continues to shine as a testament to the transformative power of theater. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, it stands as a reminder that stories of self-discovery and triumph over adversity belong center stage—not just in the footlights, but in the hearts of those who find themselves reflected in the spotlight.
