Broadway Access Review -
Sunset Boulevard

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ID: image of the Sunset Boulevard Playbill in front of the stage with the text "Access Review" on top

 

General Note

This is a review of the accessibility of the theater, of the lighting/sound/scent design of the show, and a list of content warnings as a way to prep folks with various needs before they go see it. 

This is not meant to scare anyone away from seeing the show. Most productions have about the same amount of content warnings and sensory warnings to go along with it, they’re just rarely explicitly written down. 

For some people, knowing these things ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy the show because they know what to expect. And, often, makes those people more likely to see it in the first place. I hope that it’s helpful!

I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can.

Also please note that I make these while seeing a show for the first time, so I may miss some cues or be slightly off as to their placement/cue line!

Theater

(St. James Theatre)

All comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to seats in the back center mezzanine

Bathrooms: 

  • divided into the binary, though there is a sign that says “Gender diversity is welcome here. Please use the restroom that best fits your gender identity or expression.”

  • located below the orchestra and on the mezz/balcony levels with an accessible one on the orch level (please note that the mezzanine bathroom has steps in it)

Other theater accessibility:

  • the theater has a step-free entrance to the orchestra

  • there is no elevator

  • they offer audio induction neck loops and infrared headsets at the access booth in the lobby

Click here for more information on the accessibility of this theater.

Light/Sound/Scent

General:

  • I would recommend earplugs for this show

  • the general show design is functionally just bright white lights on a black background with a very significant amount of haze throughout (this accumulates at higher levels of the theater) - it isn’t very flashy, the bigger issue is the amount of haze (both in the sense of cloudiness and in how it refracts the light) and the constant level of lighting contrast. The lights are primarily from the sides and the back of the stage, so it can often feel like you are staring directly into the lights for much of the show (especially when seated off-center) 

  • because of the haze, the theater can run pretty cold

  • I will only note cues for things that were sudden or particularly flashy - general quick transitions, haze, and lights pointed at the audience will not be noted here since they are more or less constant

Act I:

  • Let’s Have Lunch (opening song)

    • “turned out to be a smart move” - maybe 6-10 single flashes on beat

    • same amount during the dance break after “I love it when you talk dirty” 

    • brief side flashes after Betty’s name comes up

  • The Perfect Year - “having a really good time” - small pop noise and the screen quickly turns white, followed by a few white on/offs

  • This Time Next Year - loud confetti cannons (on stage, not over the audience) after “she cut her wrists” 

    • specific CW for bandaged bloody wrists

Act II:

  • orchestra house left aisle is used in the opening song

  • after the screen goes up, the back wall LEDs are directly at the audience on full strength for ~10-20 seconds before the contrast balances with the front lighting

  • “say you don’t hate me!” - 2 thunder/lightnings with the occasional white side flash in between

    • after the second one, the screen quickly turns to full red, followed by a quick shift to film 

  • The Final Scene

    • “say something Joe” - quick white screen on

    • quick flash after every time he says “Norma Desmond” (there are 4)

    • “no one ever leaves a star” - full loud blackout, followed by a quick full white flash on (also loud)

      • Norma giggles and sighs creepily which may be uncomfortable for some viewers

      • massive blood warning (until end of show) 

    • white screen flashes on after Max tells her she’s the greatest star

    • “I’m ready for my close-up” - loud music transition

  • The house lights stay off until the credits have rolled entirely, but much of the audience exits during these credits in the dark, so keep that in mind!

Content Advisory

  • suicide

  • murder

  • blood