‘Sunset Boulevard’ sets story of aging star to music

The portrayal of Norma Desmond, an aging, eccentric star of the silent film era in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Sunset Boulevard,” has been the most challenging role of Wendy Musick’s theater career.

“With her wide range of emotions and her refusal to face reality, Norma is unlike any character I’ve played,” Musick said. “I knew it would be a challenge, and it is.”

In the musical, the star of silent films is unable to make the transition to sound movies and soon drops out of the public eye.

“She can’t accept that. She believes she’s as beautiful as ever and still a star,” Musick said. “I can’t help but feel sympathy for her.”

The first time she saw “Sunset Boulevard,” Musick was 20, and never dreamed she would have a chance to perform in the play. She had her chance when the Jewish Community Center held auditions in the fall.

“I love the show’s music,” said Musick, who lives in Raymore and majored in vocal music education at Missouri State University. She played Winifred Banks in “Mary Poppins” last year at The Theatre in the Park and White Theatre at JCC.

“Sunset Boulevard” is being directed by Tim Bair, producing artistic director of The Theatre in the Park.

It opens at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center.

“This is a story of a woman caught in the past, stuck in what was; a woman who enjoyed fame and fortune,” Bair said. “Unfortunately, times changed, the movie business changed. Everything changed but her, and the memories of what had been.”

Much of the storytelling in “Sunset Boulevard” is through song, he said.

“It’s absolutely beautifully scored and will leave people searching out the songs to listen to later.”

Joe Gillis, a down-and-out young screen writer, meets Norma and subsequently moves into her mansion on Sunset Boulevard. The part is played by Dalton Homolka, of Leawood.

“(Gillis) is a suave young man who is impressed with Norma’s past as a movie star and her lavish lifestyle. When she showers him with gifts he falls into her trap and becomes her kept man,” Homolka said.

But Gillis is in love with the lovely Betty Schaefer, a pretty young script writer played by Meagan Edmonds, who lives in Merriam.

“Betty is a hopeless romantic,” said Edmonds, who performed in “Shrek” two years ago when it played in The Theatre in the Park and JCC’s White Theatre.” I want to bring her to life for the audience so they can appreciate her, too.”

Other stars of the show include Max Von Mayerling, Norma’s devoted butler and chauffeur. He is portrayed by John Edmonds.

“Max is sort of a mystery. He’s always lurking in the background, always right there when Norma wants something,” Edmonds said.

“I love performing in community theater and the Kansas City area has a lot of good theaters for actors.”

Movie mogul Cecil B. DeMille is portrayed by Don Leonard, who lives in Olathe.

“I didn’t audition for a particular part, just whatever I could get. When they asked if I would be Cecil B. DeMille, I jumped at it,” Leonard said with a laugh.

‘Sunset Boulevard’ is a great show with elaborate costumes and beautiful music.”

This story was originally published November 3, 2016 at 5:03 PM with the headline "‘Sunset Boulevard’ sets story of aging star to music."