All Of It Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Tony Nominee Tom Francis on 'Sunset Boulevard'
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Guest: Tom Francis, Tony-nominated actor portraying Joe Gillis in the Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart engages in an in-depth conversation with Tom Francis, a Tony-nominated actor making his Broadway debut as Joe Gillis in the acclaimed revival of Sunset Boulevard at the St. James Theater. The episode delves into Tom's journey, the intricacies of his role, and the innovative aspects of the production directed by Jamie Lloyd.

Tom Francis's Journey to Sunset Boulevard [02:33 – 05:08]

Alison Stewart begins by exploring Tom Francis's path to securing his role in Sunset Boulevard. Tom recounts the discovery of the role through his agent about a year and a half prior:

Tom Francis [02:33]: "I found out through my agent I was doing another show and I just finished and I decided that I was gonna take some time out of theater for a bit."

After a period of creative hiatus, where he focused on writing music in a studio, Tom was approached to audition for the role. The audition process was intense, spanning nine auditions over two weeks, focusing on various songs and scenes pertinent to Joe Gillis's character.

Tom Francis [04:12]: "It felt so good being in the room. I just really clicked with Jamie. I really clicked with Alan Williams, our musical supervisor, and like, Fabian Aloise, our choreographer."

His strong connection with the creative team, particularly director Jamie Lloyd and choreographer Fabian Aloise, bolstered his confidence in landing the role.

The Audition Process and Securing the Role [03:36 – 05:08]

Alison inquires about the specifics of the audition process, to which Tom elaborates on the rigorous selection:

Tom Francis [03:42]: "The audition consisted of a lot of the material. So there was about four or five songs for Joe...and a few of the narration parts in the."

Despite the intensity, it wasn't until the third or fourth audition that Tom sensed he might secure the role, thanks to the rapport he established with the director and the production team.

Tom Francis [04:12]: "I was like, well, this can only be a good thing. And it turned out to be good."

Collaborating with Director Jamie Lloyd [05:23 – 07:38]

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Jamie Lloyd's directorial style and its impact on the production. Tom shares his admiration for Lloyd’s ability to strip down the grandiosity of Sunset Boulevard to a minimalistic yet emotionally potent presentation.

Tom Francis [05:23]: "He truly directs a show, the way he uses, like, sound design and the way that he uses light...he truly knows how to get to the heart of you as a performer."

Jamie Lloyd's approach emphasizes simplicity and emotional depth, allowing the performances and the story to take center stage without unnecessary distractions.

Deep Dive into the Character: Joe Gillis [07:22 – 07:38]

When discussing his character, Joe Gillis, Tom emphasizes the writing's strength and the character's complex arc:

Tom Francis [12:39]: "He starts off incredibly disillusioned with a pretty tough industry...eventually decides that it's not the life that he wants and that he was happier at the beginning."

Joe Gillis's journey from disillusionment to introspection and eventual realization forms the emotional backbone of the story, and Tom highlights the character’s intelligence and internal conflict.

Behind the Scenes: Technical Challenges and Innovations [08:04 – 10:54]

A standout feature of this production is its use of live camera work to blend the theatrical experience with cinematic elements. Tom discusses the physical and technical challenges posed by the heavy cameras and the necessity to perform both for the live audience and the camera simultaneously.

Tom Francis [08:09]: "I just try and just sort of slow my heart rate down and I just try and focus in."

The collaboration with the video team, including Joe Ransom and Nathan Amzai, ensures that the performances are seamlessly captured, enhancing the storytelling without overwhelming the actors.

Developing On-Stage Relationships [16:41 – 18:33]

Tom shares insights into building chemistry with his co-star, Nicole Scherzinger, who portrays Norma Desmond. Utilizing the "grid method" devised by Jamie Lloyd, the actors maintain a heightened awareness of each other’s movements and cues, fostering a deeply interconnected performance.

Tom Francis [16:41]: "We spend a lot of time sort of figuring out this grid method...it's like a spider web."

This technique ensures synchronized performances, even during intense and minimalistic scenes, making interactions appear natural and compelling.

Costume and Character Development [11:58 – 12:24]

The minimalist black-and-white costumes play a crucial role in character portrayal. For Tom, the decision to keep his character's hands in his pockets is a deliberate choice to convey non-verbal cues and body language.

Tom Francis [12:00]: "Me and Jamie decided that I'd have my hands in my pockets for a lot of the show."

This subtle detail enhances Joe Gillis's persona, adding layers to his character without the need for elaborate costumes.

Highlights and Special Moments [18:51 – 24:25]

The episode touches upon memorable moments from the show, such as the six-minute stretch where Tom's character transitions from the theater to the streets of New York, exemplifying the production's innovative approach to storytelling.

Tom Francis [19:12]: "Just remember to breathe."

He emphasizes the importance of staying grounded during physically demanding sequences, highlighting the support from his camera operator, Shayna McPherson, whose dedication is pivotal to the seamless execution of these moments.

Additionally, Tom discusses his experiences and relationships with fellow cast members, including Broadway veteran Mandy Gonzalez, from whom he has learned the importance of fully immersing oneself in the performance.

Tom Francis [18:33]: "Stop performing from Mandy. God, she just eats it up every single time."

Personal Insights and Future Endeavors [22:05 – 23:48]

Beyond the stage, Tom shares his passion for music, his prized possession—a guitar—and his plans to release a record, reflecting his multidimensional artistic interests.

Tom Francis [22:58]: "It's just such a fun thing to have...I love playing guitar."

He also hints at an upcoming TV project, marking his first foray into television, which he describes as a "baptism by fire" but ultimately a rewarding experience.

Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with Alison Stewart highlighting key moments Tom hopes audiences will remember, such as the impactful 11 o' clock number and the energetic "Let's Do Lunch" sequence. Tom underscores the brilliance of the writing and the joy he finds in performing these standout numbers.

Tom Francis [24:25]: "I think that it's just brilliant... I get to go absolutely crazy in that number."

Takeaways:

• Collaborative Synergy: Tom Francis's success in landing the role of Joe Gillis is deeply rooted in his strong rapport with director Jamie Lloyd and the creative team.

• Innovative Storytelling: The revival of Sunset Boulevard employs live camera work and minimalistic staging to offer a fresh, emotionally charged interpretation of the classic story.

• Character Depth: Joe Gillis is depicted as an intelligent and conflicted character, navigating his disillusionment with the entertainment industry and his complex relationship with Norma Desmond.

• Technical Mastery: The production's integration of theatrical performance with cinematic techniques presents unique challenges and opportunities for the actors, enhancing the overall narrative.

• Personal Growth: Tom's experiences in the production not only mark his Broadway debut but also showcase his versatility as an artist, balancing acting with his passion for music.

For those interested in experiencing a modern take on a classic musical, Tom Francis's portrayal of Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard promises a compelling and innovative performance that redefines Broadway storytelling.