he 2025 Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard, starring Nicole Scherzinger, has taken the theater world by storm, culminating in a triumphant night at the 78th Annual Tony Awards on June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, this bold reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical not only captivated audiences but also clinched major accolades, including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Leading Actress in a Musical for Scherzinger. Here’s why this production has become a defining moment in Broadway’s 2024-2025 season.
A Radical Reinvention of Sunset Boulevard
Based on Billy Wilder’s 1950 film noir, Sunset Boulevard tells the story of Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star dreaming of a Hollywood comeback, and her entanglement with struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation, with a book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, first premiered in London in 1993 and won seven Tony Awards in 1995, including Best Musical.
Jamie Lloyd’s 2025 revival, which began performances at the St. James Theatre on September 28, 2024, and officially opened on October 20, strips the production to its emotional core. Unlike the lavish original, this minimalist staging uses stark black-and-white costumes, a bare stage, and heavy cinematic technology to emphasize psychological depth. Scherzinger, barefoot in a simple black dress, delivers a raw, electrifying performance as Norma, earning rave reviews for her portrayal of the delusional yet captivating star.
The production’s innovative approach, coupled with its transfer from a celebrated 2023 West End run, where it won seven Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival, has made it a standout. Its viral moments, like Scherzinger’s blood-drenched curtain call, have only amplified its buzz.
Nicole Scherzinger’s Star Turn
Nicole Scherzinger, previously known as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, has redefined her career with her Broadway debut as Norma Desmond. Her performance, which earned her a 2024 Olivier Award for the London production, was a highlight of the 2025 Tony Awards. Scherzinger’s rendition of “As If We Never Said Goodbye” during the ceremony brought the audience to its feet, introduced by stage icon Glenn Close, who originated the role on Broadway in 1994.
On June 8, Scherzinger won the Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, beating out heavyweights like Audra McDonald (Gypsy), Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her), Jasmine Amy Rogers (BOOP! The Musical), and Jennifer Simard (Death Becomes Her). In her emotional acceptance speech, Scherzinger thanked her “ohana” (family), Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the Broadway community for embracing her, saying, “This is a testament that love always wins.” She spoke of the role’s personal resonance, reflecting on her own struggles with feeling unseen in the industry.
Scherzinger’s journey to this moment spans decades, from her pop career to her West End triumph. Her portrayal is described as “sexier and more sinister” than predecessors like Glenn Close and Patti LuPone, blending vulnerability with intensity.
Tony Awards 2025: A Night of Triumph
Sunset Boulevard secured seven Tony nominations, the most for any revival this season, including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Leading Actor for Tom Francis (Joe Gillis), Best Direction for Jamie Lloyd, and technical categories like lighting and sound design. The production won Best Revival, with Lloyd Webber himself accepting the award, praising Lloyd’s “reinterpretation of my piece.”
The ceremony, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, also featured standout performances from nominees like Audra McDonald, whose Gypsy number was a crowd-pleaser, and a Hamilton 10th-anniversary reunion led by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Yet, Scherzinger’s performance and win were among the night’s most memorable moments, cementing her as a Broadway powerhouse.
Why This Revival Resonates
Lloyd’s production trades opulence for raw emotion, using innovative staging to mirror Norma’s unraveling psyche. The minimalist aesthetic, combined with Scherzinger’s commanding presence, makes the story feel fresh and urgent. Tom Francis, Grace Hodgett-Young (Betty Schaefer), and David Thaxton (Max Von Mayerling), all Olivier-nominated for their West End roles, joined Scherzinger on Broadway, delivering cohesive, gripping performances.
The show’s relevance lies in its exploration of fame, rejection, and the fleeting nature of stardom—themes Scherzinger connects with deeply, drawing from her own experiences in the entertainment industry. Her ability to convey Norma’s pain and delusion has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
Final Performances and Legacy
Sunset Boulevard will conclude its Broadway run on July 20, 2025, after a final extension due to overwhelming demand. Scherzinger, who typically skips Tuesday performances (with Mandy Gonzalez stepping in), added six Tuesday shows between April and June 2025 to meet audience enthusiasm.
This revival has not only redefined Sunset Boulevard for a new generation but also launched Scherzinger as a theatrical force. With additional honors like the 2025 Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance, her portrayal is already legendary.
Don’t Miss It
If you’re in New York, catch Sunset Boulevard at the St. James Theatre before it closes. Tickets are available through the official site, with lottery and rush options for budget-conscious theatergoers. This is a production that reimagines a classic while delivering a performance for the ages—Nicole Scherzinger’s Norma Desmond is not to be missed.
