The sexiest street in South Africa

The mansion of Norma Desmond situated at number 10086 Sunset Boulevard is the setting for much of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, currently on stage at the Pieter Toerien Montecasino Theatre, effectively making it the most desired address in Johannesburg.

The musical tells the story of a faded silent film era heroine, desperate for another stab at the limelight in the golden age of Hollywood, with the help of a down-on his-luck script writer.

Jonathan Roxmouth stars as Joe Gillis, the man tasked with trimming Desmond’s comeback script.

Roxmouth again hits all the right notes, belting out songs and giving a dark twist to the supposed good life of Hollywood. Roxmouth starring role happens to coincide with the release of his debut album, Stage by Stage. The album proves why so much faith is put into the actor when it comes to major parts in musicals. He can take on any role, sing any song, and transform into any character.

But Angela Kilian steals the show as Norma Desmond. The yellow-haired actress dons a brunette wig, giving her the look of a forgotten beauty, desperate to be loved again. The role of Desmond is shared with Taryn Sudding. Best known for her on-screen time with Leon Schuster in Panic Mechanic, an endless list of theatre credits boosts her obvious choice to fill the shoes of Kilian when she is not on stage.

The stage also emerges as its own character, where a heavy use of video and interesting set designs is employed to make the audience yearn for the Hollywood of old.

The 13-strong ensemble cast breathes life into a story where the forgotten gets lost into a world filled with sex, and a little bit of danger.

Sunset Boulevard is on stage until mid-October.

Details: www.montecasinotheatre.co.za.