It was announced that Grace Hodgett Young will play her final performance as Betty Schaefer in the Tony Award-winning revival of Sunset Blvd. starring Nicole Scherzinger. Young will take her final bow at the St. James Theatre on Sunday, July 13. Young, who is departing the show due to a previously scheduled commitment, originated the role in London’s West End in the fall of 2023 receiving an Olivier Award nomination for her performance.
Sydney Jones, who currently plays the role of Dorothy and understudies the roles of Betty Shaefer and Young Norma in Sunset Blvd., will play Betty Schaefer on Tuesday July 15 through the end of the production’s extended run on Sunday, July 20.
Young said, “It’s been an absolute thrill to have made both my Broadway and West End debuts in Sunset Blvd. When I first walked into the audition room over two years ago, I had no idea how my life would change. My eternal gratitude to Jamie Lloyd and the entire Sunset Blvd. team for taking a chance on the new kid.”
Director Jamie Lloyd said, “Grace was just out of drama school when we cast her as Betty, but her talent and star quality proved to me she is already one of the greatest young stage actors working today. Her smile, quick wit, and love for everyone at Sunset Blvd. will be missed.”