Nicole Scherzinger Signs Autographs atSunset BlvdStage Door Drenched in Blood as Broadway Performances Begin

Mar. 15, 2025

Nicole Scherzinger after her first performance of Broadway’s ‘Sunset Blvd.'.Photo:Andy Henderson

Andy Henderson

With one look,Nicole Scherzingerhad fans waiting at theSunset Boulevardstage door in a frenzy on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The Grammy nominated singer stepped out of the St. James Theatre in New York City dressed in her final look from directorJamie Lloyd’s acclaimed revivalof the belovedAndrew Lloyd Webbermusical, which features her barefoot and drenched in fake blood.

It’s an ensemble that made headlines whenScherzinger began performances inSunset Boulevardduring its run in London’s West End last year, but Saturday was the first time the actress greeted fans at the stage door like that.

Perhaps that’s because Saturday was a special night. The evening marked the first performance ofSunset Boulevard’s U.S. run, and Scherzinger’s Broadway debut.

The musical is currently in previews. It officially opens on Oct. 20.

Nicole Scherzinger.Andy Henderson

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But for Scherzinger, Desmond’s story is personal.

“That’s the tragedy: is that you’re in the best place in your life. You’re so fully, have so much to give, and people have discarded you, and dismissed you and said ‘Your time’s up,’ " she said.

Last September, Scherzinger told PEOPLE that she didn’t dream of playing Desmond before speaking with Lloyd about the role.

“I was like, ‘Are you crazy? Are you mad?‘I didn’t get it, because I only ever had Glenn Close in my mind — and Gloria Swanson in the old film,” she explained. “He was like, ‘Don’t watch the movie, don’t listen to anybody else, just read the lines and listen to the music.’ And when I did, I just fell in love with Norma. I didn’t realize that this is the role that I’ve been waiting to play all my life. We’re doing a completely different, new interpretation.”

“There are so many parallels betweenSunset Boulevardand what you have to do to make it in Hollywood,” added Scherzinger. “Even when you’re fully loaded with so much talent, you could still be overlooked because of stereotypes and ageism. It is a tragedy. " have so much ammunition for this — so much fuel.“Tickets forSunset Boulevardare now on sale.

source: people.com