Norma Desmond gets the full star treatment in this blowout season opening musical about the fading silent film star whose obsession with the revitalization of her career and a young man named Joe might just succeed… or it might end in the kind of tragedy only a legend can inspire.
The musical Sunset Boulevard features two of the most iconic roles in both movie and musical theatre history. The silent movie queen Norma Desmond lives in a fantasy world haunted by her past glories. Joe Gillis, a struggling writer from Dayton gets tragically ensnared in Norma’s web of illusion. Gloria Swanson and William Holden created unforgettable performances in those roles in Billy Wilder’s classic 1950 film of the same name.
We chat with the Dalton Homolka about portraying Norma Desmond’s obsession, Joe Gillis in The White Theatre‘s production of Sunset Boulevard.
Dalton, what was your reaction to the news that you would have the opportunity to portray the iconic role of Joe Gillis?
I went into the audition completely open-minded and honestly didn’t even consider myself as Joe, so my initial reaction was shock. I’m honored and humbled to be portraying such a powerful, classic role. It’s a challenge unlike any I’ve ever faced and I’m thrilled to tackle it. Joe Gillis is the biggest challenge of my life thus far, so it’ll be such a rewarding role. Plus, I can’t wait to sing his track – I’ve fallen deeply in love with the music.
Joe’s songs range from jazz to swing to classical, from aggressive and rhythmically difficult moments to light and playful duets. It’s such an exciting and twisted character arc. And who doesn’t want to waltz with the famous Norma Desmond?
What do you make of Joe Gillis as a person and how do you identify with the character?
Like most people, Joe finds himself stuck in a dramatic battle between head and heart. He gets pulled both directions, and while I maybe wouldn’t choose the outcome he does, I’ve definitely found myself in similar situations. He’s also a very curious man and writer. He’s intrigued by obscurity or abnormality, which encourages him to make bold and often questionable choices. I like to think that I live curiously and a little outside of the norm. On a more ironic note – I studied film and screenwriting in college, so I’m quite familiar with the Hollywood life he leads (and somewhat runs from).
Joe is bold and selfish, but he’s also human – he makes mistakes. He’s often lost in his own head and throughout the story gets wrapped up in this fantasy world – a sort of Hollywood illusion. He falls in love with a young screenwriter, but also falls in love with a lifestyle painted with luxury and delusion.
How do you approach those signature musical numbers and iconic quotable lines?
I’m approaching this show with a fresh perspective. I, unfortunately, wasn’t very familiar with Sunset Boulevard beforehand, so I’m doing my best to keep the classic story and characterizations intact while adding some of my own touches to it as well.
I have yet to watch the film, mostly because I want to see what I bring to the character first, without the influence of the incredible William Holden. But of course I plan to view it eventually – I hear it’s fantastic!
What was the biggest challenge Joe brings as a character?
The biggest challenge I found with Joe was playing opposite such an extremely self-involved, delusional, complex character such as Norma Desmond. I’m not even sure how I, myself, would act in the presence of Norma, so tackling that as Joe was a whole different story. But Wendy is a phenomenal performer, which made it much easier.
What is it about Sunset Boulevard that audiences should not miss?
I’m blown away by how much of a hidden gem this show is. It’s such a fascinating adventure – almost a story within a story – that embodies the glamor of classic Hollywood, a stunning and breathtakingly complex score, and one of the most interesting, complicated characters I’ve ever seen in a musical (Norma Desmond).
It’s a story unlike any other. The music is brilliant and haunting, the onstage visuals are entrancing, the story is odd, beautiful and intriguing, and the characters will drag you from one emotion to the next – it’s guaranteed.
For more information and tickets to The White Theatre’s production of Sunset Boulevard visit thejkc.org/boxoffice.
SUNSET BOULEVARD
Saturdays | November 5-19 at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays | November 6-20 at 2 p.m.
Thursdays | November 10-17 at 7:30 p.m.
Directed by Tim Bair
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Book and Lyrics by Don Black & Christopher Hampton
Based on the Billy Wilder Film
Sunset Boulevard is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals and The Really useful Group, Ltd.
CAST
Norma: Wendy Musick
Joe: Dalton Homolka
Betty: Megan Edmonds
Max: John Edmonds
Ensemble / Supporting / Cameo Roles: Whitney Armstrong, Renee Blinn, Wendy Bucheit, Natalie Crane, Lindsay Day, Don Leonard, Matthew McDowell, Delano Mendoza, Sarah Montoya, Jake Swaney and Ray Zarr
Tickets available at thejkc.org/boxoffice
