Glenn Close is returning to Broadway in the role that won her a Tony. As Variety reports, a new production of “Sunset Boulevard” will hit the Great White Way in February 2017 with Close reprising her starring role.
Based on the 1950 film of the same name, “Sunset Boulevard” follows the incomparable Norma Desmond, a silent screen star of yesteryear, living in an enormous, decaying mansion on the titular street. Her career has faded in the emergence of new Hollywood, but she snatches an opportunity for a comeback, and all of the romance, tragedy, and drama that accompany it. Gloria Swanson played the role in the original film. Close won the Tony for her performance in the musical in 1995.
Close was last on Broadway in 2014 in a revival of the play “A Delicate Balance.” In addition to her Tony for “Sunset,” Close twice won Best Actress in Play for “The Real Thing” in 1984 and “Death and the Maiden” in 1992. She is also returning to the Marvel universe next year in “Guardians of the Galaxy 2,” and it was recently revealed that she’ll topline “The Wife,” a film adaptation of Meg Wolitzer’s 2003 novel of the same name.
Close isn’t the only high-profile theater legend returning to Broadway next year. Bette Midler will star in a production of “Hello Dolly” next spring, and ticket sales for the show are already breaking Broadway records.
Since “Sunset Boulevard” is only hitting the stage for a limited, 16-week run, it’s safe to bet those tickets will sell fast as well. It begins previews February 2 at the Palace Theater and opens February 9, 2017.
