Nicole Scherzinger revealed her process to play the demanding role of Norma Desmond in the inventive Broadway revival of 'Sunset Boulevard.'
Nicole Scherzinger Prepared 'Like an Olympian' to Play Norma Desmond in 'Sunset Boulevard' on Broadway: 'I've Been Extremely Disciplined'
Nicole Scherzinger is gunning for Broadway gold.
The former girl group member, 46, is currently starring as the iconic Norma Desmond in the Jamie Lloyd-directed revival of Sunset Boulevard, which requires Scherzinger to belt her heart out and display intense emotions of the disillusioned silent film star eight times a week.
Nicole Scherzinger plays Norma Desmond in the Jamie Lloyd-directed revival of 'Sunset Boulevard.'
"I prepare like an Olympian. I’m very focused and have been working really hard, as has the whole cast," The Masked Singer judge explained in a recent interview. "I’ve been extremely disciplined, watching and protecting my voice."
To get herself into the mood of the show before performing in the inventive production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, she added, "I’m usually in my dressing room doing vocal and physical warm ups and focusing on breath. I try and protect that sense of calm before a show. I don’t like to talk about my process of getting into character, as that’s between me and Norma."
Nicole Scherzinger prepared 'like an Olympian' to perform numerous times a week.
While the production debuted in London earlier this year, the former Pussycat Doll member received an Olivier Award for her work in the show. "Jamie is an absolute visionary, and he always opens our eyes to experiencing art in a new and exciting way," she said of working with the famed director.
"I truly believe that this interpretation is unique and original, and something people haven’t seen before. Expect the unexpected," Scherzinger added. "When Jamie first came to me with the opportunity to play Norma, I didn’t see it. I didn’t know the musical — I only knew the film."
Nicole Scherzinger won an Olivier for playing Norma Desmond in London.
"[Jamie] encouraged me to read the script closely and listen to the movie and I was captivated,” she revealed. "I empathized with [Norma] and I understood her. I fell madly in love with her.”
Scherzinger also went on to praise the efforts of the women who have made the part the juicy role it is today. "Patti LuPone and Glenn Close are my idols," the star said in a separate interview of the actresses who have tackled Desmond in the past. "But I haven't spoken to them, because if this show is going to be real and authentic, it can only come from me."
Nicole Scherzinger praised Patti LuPone and Glenn Close for their portrayals of Norma Desmond.
"I feel like we’re doing something just really new, where there are no rules," she explained. "My whole life, everybody has put me in a box. They think they know me, that I’m just this Pussycat Doll. But now I’m a part of something. I have this role and this character, and I’m like ‘f--- it.’ This is me outside all of those mother-f------ boxes."
Vogue conducted the interview with Scherzinger.
Variety conducted the second interview with Scherzinger.