Stagecrafters is taking on the ambitious Broadway musical “Sunset Boulevard” featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Webber’s music and legacy was a big draw for director Rodel Salazar to take on this production.

“I’ve wanted to direct ‘Sunset Boulevard’ ever since I saw it over 30 years ago,” Salazar says. “Even before I saw the show, I loved its beautiful and epic music. I’ve been a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work since the first time I listened to the cassette tape of ‘The Phantom of The Opera.’ At that time, I didn’t even know it was a play that you could watch on the stage. Shows like ‘Les Misérables,’ ‘Miss Saigon,’ ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Sunset Boulevard’ mean so much to me, because they are the reasons for why I do theater today.”

Salazar has been a member of Stagecrafters since 2007. He’s been in numerous productions as an actor, director and other tech-related positions. Salazar also has directed a range of shows, including “Les Misérables,” “Titanic the Musical,” “Mamma Mia,” “Sister Act,” “The Full Monty” and “Vonya! Sonia! Masha! and Spike.”

“Sunset Boulevard” the musical is an adaptation of the classic Billy Wilder film. The story tells the tale of faded silent film star Norma Desmond in 1949. She’s in a relationship with struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, and the story shows the darker sides of show business.

“Webber’s adaptation of the Wilder film brings a new dimension to the story through its memorable music and theatricality,” Salazar says. “In my opinion, it’s Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best work.”

Salazar adds: “It’s a combination of many things such as Andrew Lloyd’s Webber’s amazing composition and music that effectively conveys the emotional depth of the characters in the story. It’s full of memorable and iconic songs like Norma Desmond’s haunting ballads such as ‘With One Look’ and ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye,’ and each song immerses the audience in the world of faded Hollywood glamour and the characters’ inner struggles.”

The show’s message of reaffirming what’s important in life is important today.

“I do believe that Sunset Boulevard’s message is very relatable today, especially with the social media fame craze and to the people wanting to go viral,” Salazar says. “In some way, it’s like Norma still wanting to be relevant as part of her pursuit of happiness. Nowadays, everyone wants to be famous and they strive to reach fame and celebrity status even if they have to compromise their integrity and morals to get at least their 15 minutes of fame.

“It’s important for people to know the cost of pursuing fame and the pressure to maintain a certain image. Our obsession with social media and celebrity culture often leads people to prioritize superficial validation over genuine connections and personal fulfillment. The musical serves as a reminder of the importance of staying grounded and maintaining perspective rather than chasing fame at all cost.”

Salazar says what’s so cool about Stagecrafters is the theater company’s community of people.

“Stagecrafters is not just a theater group. They are family to me,” Salazar says. “I see the people who work on our shows more than my own family. I love that many of us are so passionate in providing good quality theatrical productions to the community. I enjoy that I’m able to express my artistry through the shows I’ve directed here. And since my first show as an actor in ‘Once On This Island,’ I knew I found my home away from home.”

The show takes place from May 31 to June 23 at the Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak.

For tickets and more information, visit stagecrafters.org.