Sunset Boulevard

√ SETS √ PROPS √ COSTUMES √ BACKDROPS

All new for 2011! This sets/props/backdrops package ships in 3–53′ trailers. Due to the size and complexity of these pieces, the renting venue must have dock-high loading with direct or easy access to the stage area. Estimated prices are as follows: $20,000 with a $5,000 warehouse/security deposit and a $2,000 scenic royalty payment. The costumes built were for Norma Desmond, with little or no seam allowance, and will rent for $5,000 (call for more information). Some prop items were borrowed and will not be included in the property package (email msd@mtwichita.org for more info). Norma’s limousine can be rented individually for a cost of $3,000 and can only be shipped via expedited shipping through a recommended trucking agency as there is no container built for it.

The “Paramount” scrim is designed to work only with the hard piece Paramount Gate. A number of projections were also used in this show. Scenic design by J Branson, costume design by George T. Mitchell. For a review of the show itself with a nice commentary on the senery, click here. Please check our Technical Specs page to assure that our sets will fit your venue. Thanks!

Here’s what critic Bob Curtright said about the sets and costumes when he reviewed the production:

“Based on Billy Wilder’s 1950 noirish classic that pokes around in the sordid shadows right beneath Hollywood’s glamour and glitz, it’s a dark, lush, one-of-a-kind experience… The incredibly multi-layered sets by J. Branson move in and out easily and silently to create everything from a Paramount Studios sound stage to a back lot to Norma’s Spanish palazzo with soaring staircase, pipe organ and huge arched windows. David Neville’s lighting and shadows tremendously enhance the spooky old mansion while also providing unusual, dappled special effects.

And George T. Mitchell’s gorgeous costumes evoked both sleek 1950s and musty 1920s. Norma’s gowns, particularly, were a wow, telling a subtle story of their own. She appears first in mourning black (albeit with sequins), then moves up to elegant purple brocade as Joe comes into her life, then to golden orange with red trim as she blossoms with new life.”

Many of the photos on our website are courtesy of several prized photographers who’ve helped our cause over the last 40 years. Included are Jerry Fritchman, Christopher Clark, Don Siedhoff, SquidInk Creative, and Paul Chauncey.