Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
The revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, Sunset Blvd., helmed by director Jamie Lloyd, has launched an exciting initiative in partnership with Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS. This collaboration features an auction for a distinctive black slip dress designed by Soutra Gilmour, worn by Nicole Scherzinger. Not only does this initiative aim to raise funds for a significant cause, but it also highlights the creative efforts behind the production.
Bidding for the auction is currently open on CharityBuzz, with the opportunity to place bids closing on Monday, April 28. Interested parties can find the auction HERE.
This elegant dress, one of only four created specifically for the West End production of Sunset Blvd., was crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The bias-cut piece is made from luxurious black silk satin and is inspired by the timeless silhouettes of Hollywood’s golden age. It embodies the multifaceted character of Norma Desmond, showcasing both vulnerability and resilience. The garment was produced in August 2023 by Karen Crichton, with materials provided by Misan Fabrics.
The auction package is robust, offering the custom dress along with a certificate of authenticity signed by both Gilmour and Scherzinger. The winning bidder will receive a pair of house seats to experience Sunset Blvd. at the St. James Theatre, a chance to meet Scherzinger and the cast backstage after the show, a private Zoom discussion with Gilmour about her design process, and a signed window card for the production from Andrew Lloyd Webber and the full Broadway cast.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Scherzinger remarked, “When I first collaborated with Soutra nearly two years ago to envision our version of Norma, I could not have anticipated how this simple dress could convey such powerful emotions: fragility, strength, and confidence. We at Sunset Blvd. are eager to support Broadway Cares, an organization that profoundly impacts lives through its exceptional programs. Together, let’s raise some funds!”
Gilmour added, “My journey in theater design has been one of ephemerality, but this particular dress has achieved a remarkable cultural resonance. It has inspired countless expressions, from memes to creative costumes, including those worn by drag performers across different cultures. I feel privileged to see one of my designs contribute to a cause as vital as Broadway Cares, which plays a crucial role in supporting communities locally and globally.”
ABOUT SUNSET BLVD.
Sunset Blvd., directed by multiple award nominee Jamie Lloyd, continues to enchant audiences on Broadway with its limited engagement at the St. James Theatre, through Sunday, July 13. The production features the talents of Nicole Scherzinger as ‘Norma Desmond’, Tom Francis as ‘Joe Gillis’, Grace Hodgett Young as ‘Betty Schaefer’, and David Thaxton as ‘Max Von Mayerling’.
The production’s creative team also includes Soutra Gilmour (set and costume design), Fabian Aloise (choreography), Alan Williams (music supervisor and director), Jack Knowles (lighting design), Adam Fisher (sound design), Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom (video design and cinematography), Cheryl Thomas (hair and makeup design), Ann James (intimacy coordinator), and casting directors Jim Carnahan CSA, Jason Thinger CSA (U.S.), and Stuart Burt CDG (U.K.).
Source
www.broadwayworld.com