The Players Theatre opens Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard

I’ve never been a huge fan of the classics, whether it be literature, film or music. Maybe it’s just my small way of rebelling against my parents and high school English teachers. More likely, it’s the generation I’ve grown up in, where everything is fast food, fast cars, fast Internet---with so much going on right here, right now, there’s little time to consider what was. But I love theater, I grew up surrounded by it, and I’ll try anything at least once. Thus, when I heard that The Players Theatre was performing the Florida premiere of Sunset Boulevard, I was intrigued.

I knew practically nothing about the production, only that it was based on a film of the same name and that Andrew Lloyd Webber had written the music. I learned the basics of the plot by eavesdropping on the conversation of a pair of ladies sitting to my right in the five minutes before it began.

Sunset Boulevard is set in the 1950s and follows the spiraling insanity of former Hollywood silent movie star Norma Desmond, who longs to return to movies and her not-so-innocent relationship with hack screenwriter Joe Gillis. What begins as a simple screenwriting gig for Gillis turns into job that will change his life forever.

The director and scenic designer, Michael Newton-Brown, opened the show with clips from the original film projected on sliding flats to mimic vintage movie theaters. The sets were beautifully crafted and detailed to immerse both cast and audience in the Hollywood of yesteryear. When first introduced to Desmond’s home, a two-story set with a curved staircase, working electricity and an organ, the audience literally applauded the set change.Desmond is played by Jeanne Larranga, who, with her gaudy and flamboyant outfits, along with her personality and larger-than-thou hand movements and poses, practically dominates the stage. Her operatic singing voice is a throwback to anyone who is familiar with Webber’s “Evita,” and while perhaps not on the same wavelength as her co-stars, it adds a secondary layer of emotion to everything she says or does.

Opposite her was Logan O’Neill as disillusioned and failed writer Gillis, who is hiding from insurance agents when he stumbles upon Desmond’s home and eventually manipulates her into giving him the job. O’Neill, I must say, plays cocky very well. His musical narrations are his strong suit, giving him the chance to play up the arrogant attitude. However, that same attitude detracts from his interactions with love interest Sarah Cassidy as Betty Schaefer, except perhaps in their duets of “Girl Meets Boy.” Schaefer is played to perfection: just the right amount of gumption and sweetness and a voice that equals it.

Perhaps my favorite character was Desmond’s ever-devoted butler, Max Von Mayerling, portrayed by Tim Fitzgerald. His deep, rich voice presents both a stoic and emotive appearance as a man who adores Desmond and will do anything to protect her.

The other nine members of the cast take on a myriad of roles throughout the show. The undersized company definitely was noticed in terms of vocal strength in the group numbers. The small live orchestra, directed by Joyce Valentine, performed beautifully, adding power into the overall delivery of each song. The ensemble's size did allow for the simple choreography, designed by Michele Taylor, to stand in juxtaposition with the grand fashion of all of Desmond’s movements.Though overall the show was lacking a certain amount of commitment in some of its musical numbers, a lot of that could be chalked up to opening night jitters. The movable sets and imaginative use of fly-space amped up the production impressively, giving the audience the ability to be drawn into the moment rather than sitting passively.

Sitting for over two hours watching a dramatic musical may not be every person’s cup of tea, mine included, but at Sunset Boulevard there is a little something for everyone. Comedy, drama, music and striking set designs will, no doubt, call in large audiences for its full run.

- For tickets to Sunset Boulevard, visit theplayers.org or call the box office at (941) 365-2494.