©The Really Useful Group
Ron starred as "Joe Gillis"
in the 1st National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's
Sunset Boulevard
Ron Bohmer as "Joe Gillis" in
Sunset Boulevard
Photo by Joan Marcus
©The Really Useful Group Ron starred as "Joe Gillis" |
Ron Bohmer as "Joe Gillis" in Sunset Boulevard Photo by Joan Marcus |
Review of the U.S. National Tourof Sunset Boulevard
Ron Bohmer played Joe Gillis in the 1st National Tour of Sunset Boulevard. I have come to love Ron's performance more and more over time and have no doubt that this touring production will forever represent this musical at its very finest. One of life’s greatest joys occurs when something you feel passionately about, something you love, not only lives up to your high expectations, but manages to exceed them. That is why I consider the times I saw the National Touring Production of Sunset Boulevard to be the most joyful musical theatre experiences of my life. |
|
| In the midst of the
elaborate, almost gaudy mansion stage - dripping with gold, sculptures, and portraits -
the jewels which shined the brightest in the National Touring Production of Sunset
Boulevard were undoubtedly the talented and superb cast members. Casting Linda Balgord
as "Norma Desmond" and Ron Bohmer as "Joe Gillis" was a stroke of
genius. The powerful chemistry between these two extraordinary performers, which was
obvious in the National Tour of Aspects of Love, again created the same chemistry
essential to the story between Norma Desmond and Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard. It
was easy to see how Linda Balgord’s "Norma Desmond" was attracted to Ron
Bohmer’s young, suave, handsome "Joe Gillis". At the same time, it was
understandable that Bohmer’s "Joe" would be intrigued by Balgord’s
eccentric, passionate "Norma". This chemistry was most evident during "The
Perfect Year" at the New Year’s Eve party as Joe and Norma shared a drink, a
tango, and a waltz. And the audience could not doubt Joe’s decision to stay with
Norma as he wished her a "Happy New Year" with a kiss. But it was the outstanding acting and vocal abilities of these two performer which, combined with their chemistry, made this (in my opinion) the definitive production of Sunset Boulevard. |
 Linda Balgord and Ron Bohmer "Norma Desmond" and "Joe Gillis" "The Perfect Year" - Sunset Boulevard Photo by Joan Marcus |
|
Despite all the controversies surrounding the casting of "Norma Desmond" in various productions of Sunset Boulevard around the world, Linda Balgord stepped into Norma’s "large shoes" and fit perfectly. While demonstrating the necessary eccentric, over-the-top, half-insane traits of Norma, Linda Balgord simultaneously brought a certain tenderness and grace to the character and definite eloquence in singing to the role. And, besides Patti LuPone, she was the only "Norma Desmond" to sing the last parts of "With One Look" the way they were intended and did a fabulous job. Whether she was acting out the role of "Salome"; ascending the grand stairs in a frantic, drunken state to slit her wrists; or gazing longingly in the spotlight at Paramount; Linda Balgord brought Norma Desmond to life on the stage like no one else. |
From the moment Ron Bohmer began narrating the story of Sunset Boulevard as "Joe Gillis", it seemed as if this role was created for him. Ron exuded the perfect combination of sarcasm, wit, passion, and sympathy necessary to breathe life into the role of Joe Gillis for the audience. In fact, at times I was reminded of William Holden's "Joe Gillis" in the 1950 Billy Wilder movie Sunset Boulevard, which, as any fans of the movie will attest to, is quite a compliment. Ron Bohmer gave Joe Gillis a depth, a multi-dimensional trait which proved to portray the character as much more than simply a victim of his circumstances. Ron made the audience understand Joe's dilemma. |
|
|
In addition, while watching him in Sunset
Boulevard, his amazing stage ability to add depth and passion to his characters
through his singing abilities was overwhelming. This was best displayed in his
presentation of "Sunset Boulevard" which is undoubtedly my favorite
version of the song. Ron Bohmer's romantic duets with Lauren Kennedy (Betty Shaffer)
sent chills down my spine and showed his incredible versatility. If you had the good fortune of seeing Ron Bohmer as "Joe Gillis" in Sunset Boulevard and would like to share your reactions with him, click here to send an e-mail message. |
|
Of course equal praise is due the rest of the talented cast of this production of Sunset Boulevard. Where would Norma have been without Ed Dixon’s devoted "Max", a flawless performance complete with a German accent in speaking and singing? And what decision would Joe have been faced with if it weren’t for Lauren Kennedy’s witty and delightful "Betty Shaffer"? My favorite full cast effort, which literally left me in cramps from laughter, had to be "This Time Next Year" at Artie’s New Year’s Eve party with cast members playing the tipsy party-goers to the hilt and even tumbling drunk into the bathtub. |
 Lauren Kennedy as "Betty Shaffer" with Ron Bohmer Photo by Joan Marcus |
|
Personally, Sunset Boulevard will always mark the height of my musical theatre experiences. To me it was the perfect show with the perfect cast combined with some of my most favorite music and lyrics in all musical theatre. I invite all musical theatre fans to read the story behind why my experiences attending Sunset Boulevard were so extraordinary and will always be special to me. |
Living in St. Louis has both advantages and disadvantages, especially for musical theatre fans. Having been blessed with Sunset Boulevard scheduled to play at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis and the Civic Opera House in Chicago during the first year of its planned six-year run, this time living in the Midwest definitely paid off. I wouldn't trade my times seeing Sunset Boulevard for the world... |
|
|
In addition to his superb debut solo CD, everyman,
Ron Bohmer is also featured on the Promotional Recording of the U.S. National Tour of Sunset
Boulevard. This true collector's item contains three songs: Ron Bohmer singing
"Sunset Boulevard", and Linda Balgord singing "With One Look" and
"As If We Never Said Goodbye". This Promotional Recording of the U.S. National Tour of Sunset Boulevard may be available for purchase through Footlight Records (search for keywords "Sunset Boulevard" at www.footlight.com ). Click to download COMPLETE RealAudio tracks of songs from the National Tour Recording of Sunset Boulevard: "With One Look" - Linda Balgord |
FOR RON: "My most heart-felt thanks go out to you, Ron. You quickly replaced something I thought irreplaceable, wiping away the pain of a small tragedy. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you." - Kristine |
|
|
|
© 1997-2001 The
Official Ron Bohmer Internet Site and Ron
Bohmer. Site maintained by Broadway
Web Design.
Production photos by Joan Marcus Please do not reproduce material on this website without permission |
|
