Sunset Boulevard good for a dramatic Valentine's Day

Sunset Boulevard might not be your idea of the perfect Valentine's Day date. Let's face it. There's a lot of drama based upon a really twisted series of relationships. From the butler to the starlet to the writer to the studio executives, this is one twisted group of people. And, that's why is so fun.

Given the comments during intermission, I might have been the only person in the Drury Lane Oak Brook Theatre who had not seen the movie, which really worked to my advantage. I was able to sit back and enjoy the show on its own merits rather than compare it to the movie.

The story is set in an age when silent film movie stars walked among the up-and-coming 1950's stars. You can see the time differences in their clothing. Throughout the show lead character Norma Desmond wears the long, glamorous gowns you'd expect to see on an old-time film star. The younger female characters wear the sweater sets and skirts popular in the 50's. It's a clear division between old and new.

Norma lives in an alternate reality which puts her at the center of the universe. Helped by her butler Max, she maintains her old lifestyle until a struggling writer named Joe ends up in her driveway in his broken-down car. What happens after that is a struggle between old and new, dreams and reality for both Norma and Joe.

Throughout the show I was struck by how many of the songs I knew. I never realized these songs were the backbone of Sunset Boulevard. Each one was sung with such strength and emotion.

Why take your Valentine's date to see Sunset Boulevard? It's interesting and sure to generate a lot of conversation. At the end of the show, I turned to my Mom and said, "Boy, Norma really needed a better exit strategy." She said, "That's what you take away from the story?"

Most of all you should see it because it's at the Drury Lane Oak Brook, which always does top notch performances in a beautiful theatre. It's close, convenient and reasonably priced. Most of all you should see Sunset Boulevard because it's good. You'll remember it for a long time after Valentine's Day.

Disclosure:  We did receive free tickets as part of the media previews. My words and opinions are my own.