Tom Francis. Photo Credit: Dujonna Gift Simms.
British actor and singer Tom Francis spoke about his journey in “Sunset Blvd.” on Broadway, directed by Jamie Lloyd.
An Olivier winner, Francis stars opposite Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond. He plays the role of Joe Gillis eight times a week at the St. James Theatre in New York City.
The book is by Christopher Hampton and Don Black with music by the iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber. Fabian Aloise served as the choreographer.
The show is up for seven Tony Awards (including “Best Revival of a Musical”), which makes it the most nominated revival of the season.
Walt Disney once said “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” This quote applies to Francis and the ensemble cast and crew of “Sunset Blvd.”
Synopsis of the show
The synopsis of this “Sunset Blvd.” re-imagining is: Haunted by her memories and dreams, movie star Norma Desmond (Nicole Scherzinger) yearns to return to the big screen.
A struggling screenwriter, Joe Gillis (Tom Francis), who can’t sell his scripts to the Hollywood studios may be her only hope, until their dangerous and captivating relationship leads to disaster.
Drenched in champagne and cynicism, this musical shifts the focus on the ambitions and frustrations of its characters and puts their intoxicating need for fame and adoration in stark close-up.
Recognition received for his work in ‘Sunset Blvd.’
For his acting performance as Joe Gillis, Francis has been nominated for the Tony Award for “Best Leading Actor in a Musical,” the Drama Desk Award for “Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical,” and a Drama League Award for “Distinguished Performance Award.”
Most recently, Francis won a Theatre World Award for “Sunset Blvd.” along with his luminous acting partner Nicole Scherzinger.
The Theatre World Awards recognize “Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway” debut performances during the 2024 to 2025 theatrical season.
Lessons learned from this musical
On the lessons learned from this musical, Francis remarked, “I think it has taught me to trust other people a little more.”
“We really have to trust each other on that stage every single night, and it does feel like a trust exercise every single evening. That’s the biggest thing,” he explained.
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he shared, “Definitely ‘the walk’ that I do outside the theater. For sure.”
Speaking of the outdoors walk, it was choreographed by two-time Olivier-nominated choreographer Fabian Aloise. “I love Fabian; he is just fantastic,” Francis said.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “Trust.”
Reflecting in a rearview mirror over the past five years
Looking back in a rearview mirror over the past five years, he reflected, “I just see someone who has come a long way from where they were.”
Working with Nicole Scherzinger
Francis praised his leading lady Nicole Scherzinger for being “absolutely incredible” to work with each day as Norma Desmond, but he also complimented the other actresses that have also taken on the complicated role of Norma, which include Mandy Gonzalez and Caroline Bowman.
Working with Mandy Gonzalez and Caroline Bowman
On working with Mandy Gonzalez and Caroline Bowman, he stated, “I loved working with them. They are both amazing, and so good. They are both so fun.”
Francis on his desire to someday work with two-time Grammy Award winner Jonas Myrin
Francis opened up about his desire to someday work with two-time Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer Jonas Myrin. “I love Jonas,” Francis said. “Jonas is the best songwriter; I can’t wait to work with him.”
Francis defines success
Regarding his definition of the word success, Francis shared, “Success means feeling content in your life, and being surrounded by good friends and family. That’s the most important thing.”
For more information on Tony-nominated singer, actor, and performer Tom Francis, follow him on Instagram.
To learn more about the hit musical “Sunset Blvd.” on Broadway, visit its official homepage.
Read More: “Sunset Blvd.” review.
Content shared from www.digitaljournal.com.