“I am big - it’s the pictures that got small,” Norma Desmond famously observed. That said, the stage is still tops in the Valley of the Moon, as Sonoma Arts Live presents its production of “Sunset Boulevard” this month at the Sonoma Community Center.
Based on the famed 1950s movie starring Gloria Swanson, the plot centers on faded silent-screen goddess Norma Desmond, forgotten by Hollywood, living in her mansion on Sunset Boulevard. Norma (Dani Innocenti Beem) lives in a fantasy world, but that world collides with reality when impoverished screenwriter Joe Gillis (Michael Scott Wells), on the run from debt collectors, stumbles into her reclusive domain. He is persuaded to work on Norma's “masterpiece,” a film script that she believes will put her back in front of the cameras. Also featured are Tim Setzer as Norma’s live-in butler, Max, and Maeve Smith as Joe’s colleague and possible love interest, Betty.
Company Artistic Director Jaime Love said she is “thrilled” the theater is reopening after its year-long pandemic hiatus.
“We’re working diligently to provide the safest experience possible to our cast and patrons,” said Love. “I encourage everyone to have a movie night at home before attending, watching the old classic to get you in the mood!”
The production opens Friday, Sept. 24 and is directed by Carl Jordan. The cast also includes Norman Hall as Cecil B. DeMille, Pat Barr as Sheldrake, Michael Coury Murdock as Artie, and Nate Mercier as Manfred. The following actors round out the cast, playing multiple roles: Julianne Bradbury, ScharyPearl Fugitt, Stephanie Fields, Madison Lewis, Molly Larsen-Shine, Alexander Howard, Ron Lam and Link Henderson.
Attendees, as well as cast and crew, must show proof of vaccination to participate. The show runs Sept. 24 to Oct. 10 in Andrews Hall at the Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. Performance times are Thursday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.
There will be no tickets available at the door. All tickets must be purchased online at sonomaartslive.org.
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