CURVE'S SUNSET BOULEVARD AND SUKANYA SET FOR AWARD SUCCESS
Leicester’s Curve theatre has been shortlisted for a number of prestigious awards for its critically acclaimed productions of Sunset Boulevard and Sukanya.
The only major theatre awards judged entirely by the public, Curve’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Sunset Boulevard has been shortlisted in three categories of the 18th annual WhatsOnStage Awards; Best regional production, Best actress in a musical for Ria Jones’ Norma Desmond and Best actor in a musical for Danny Mac’s performance as Joe Gillis.
Made at Curve in association with Michael Harrison and David Ian, Sunset Boulevard opened to audiences in Leicester on 28 Sep before heading out on a UK tour that has so far included the Edinburgh Playhouse, Birmingham Hippodrome and the Palace Theatre Manchester.
“I’m absolutely delighted”, said Ria Jones. “When I think of all the wonderful performances and shows out there in the West End and regional, to be shortlisted for best actress and best regional production is simply thrilling!”
Also speaking about the awards, Danny Mac said:
“It’s a real honour to be part of this incredible production of Sunset Boulevard. Every single member of the cast and creative team has worked tirelessly to create something truly special and I’m so grateful to everyone who has voted for us so far.”
Curve’s production of celebrated Indian composer Ravi Shankar’s first and only opera Sukanya is also up for award recognition having been shortlisted in the WhatsOnStage Opera Poll 2018. A co-production with The Royal Opera and London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sukanya has been nominated as the Best New Opera Production while the production’s Director, Curve Associate Director Suba Das, is shortlisted for the Breakthrough Artist in UK Opera award.
Commenting on the nominations, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:
“We’re immensely proud to celebrate these award nominations in what has been an incredible year for Curve. From the mythical love story of Sukanya, Curve’s first ever opera production, to the dark and dangerous Hollywood glamour of Sunset Boulevard, the largest touring production in our theatre’s history, the talent across our stages this year has been exceptional.
“We’d like to thank our wonderful co-producing partners and of course, all of the audience members who voted during the first round of nominations. Please do take the time to vote in this final stage if you can and help us to celebrate these outstanding productions.”
Voting is now open to the public for the WhatsOnStage Opera Poll 2018 until 23:59 29 Dec. The winners will be revealed on 2 Jan 2018 and votes can be cast online at http://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/2018-opera-poll-voting-awards_45241.html
Members of the public can have their say on the winners of the WhatsOnStage Awards, which includes Sunset Boulevard, by voting online until 31 Jan at http://awards.whatsonstage.com/
For more information on Curve, visit www.curveonline.co.uk