I saw Glenn Close on Broadway when they revived it. She was magical. The entire evening was. The Palace Theater was transported someplace very special.
She was spectacular! I'd seen Betty Buckley play Norma twice. I love that each actress put their own spin on the character. Both of them, stellar actors and fantastic singers.
Lol..lol..lol.. that's exactly what I said to a friend of mine after the last oscar, they are waiting for Sunset Boulevard to be made so they can FINALLY give Glen (GODDESS) Close her more then deserved OSCAR!
My thoughts exactly. I'm Just waiting for the filming to start (project is ready to go, they have cast, director and Glenn Close is producing and starring)
I don't understand all these people who're criticising Glen Close & saying she's a lacklustre singer, to me her singing voice sounded lovely & soothing yet powerful at the same time. And she acted the hell out of the role, no offence to Patti Lupone but I can see why he picked Glen Close over her when he brought the show to Broadway, Glen Close became Norma whereas I never felt that with Patti Lupone.
I think miss close performed her interpretation of Norma. She did an incredible job and I have always admired her as an actress. Personally she didn't do it for me as Norma. Just as people say Lindsey Ducan was better in dangerous liaisons. Its a matter of taste. No-one is right or wrong xx
Hands-down the best interpretation of this role. Her attention to the text, and just her acting are way outside anyone else's class. And sure, La Pone and Paige can belt, but Close can too-- and then she can deliver a phrase at mezzo-voce, softly, accurately. Listening to Patti and Elaine might be thrilling, but after a while it's lie being hit on the head: "Did ya get the point? Well, DID YA?" After delivering a belt, Glenn can just sing "the point" softly. And it works.
All three women are extremely gifted and brought different gifts to this part--Close came the closest to Norma Desmond in her acting, Lupone sang this in all the original (better) keys, and Buckley brought both an actress and singer to the role. I saw all three, and loved all three for different reasons. To say one is "better" than the other is not to understand personal interpretations or give each of these incredible women the respect they deserve.
No, to say one is "better" than the other is personal choice. I prefer Buckley's voice and Close's acting chops. I don't undrestand Lupone's attraction, what with her diction and poor acting. I don't get it.
To act in a musucal on the stage, it's not about how great the voice is: it's acting the character through the music. Rex Harrison, Yul Brynner and Ricard Burton spoke the music and all 3 gave definitive performances on the characters they portrayed. Close does this here. I saw Sunset with her and Alan Campbell. She was astounding on that stage. She became the character.
Sorry, but in a musical, it's about acting AND singing ability. I enjoy Glenn's singing ability, although I recognise Buckley is a much better singer. However, Glenn delievers as a unit both singing and acting ability better than the others.
If one really understands how tragic a story Norma was, a perfect vocal will actually destroys the character. That’s why Close did a wonderful job. She was Norma.
I can see her playing Norma in the film version of sunset blvd the musical. She will win the Oscar. No offense to Patti Lupone but she is a musical theatre legend but Glenn Close is a film legend.
The reason why Glenn Close is the best for this lead for Sunset Blvd, because she feels the moment of this song. If you listen to her iTunes song for sunset blvd you can understand.
Ralphy then your priorities are about singing over acting. Betty is a more gifted vocalist. Glenn is a more gifted actor. Betty’s voice makes my spine tingle. But when Glenn looks at the studio around her we know EXACTLY what Norma feels from moment to moment because Glenn is a character actor with needlepoint precision. Betty is a better singer. Glenn is a better actor. There is room for both of them. I think they’re both dazzling in the part.
I don't understand why people continue commenting on her voice as if it's bad, or "less than". It is superb, most people will never be able to sing this well, with this level of vibrato. Just because we're used to hearing certain notes belted by other singers, doesn't mean Glenn isn't belting at other points. Pay attention, because she does. Therefore it isn't some kind of trade-off; Her vocal abilities match her acting. Just because Elaine Paige is a 10 in vocal performance, doesn't mean Glenn is a 4.. Glenn's a solid 8-9, which is *more* than adequate.
I can see WHY they fired Patti Lupone and chose Glenn Close for this role.. She is PERFECTION and Deserved the Tony for this!!! Oh and BTW, Give Glenn a Damn OSCAR Already!!!
I just saw her perform this, and I can confirm: this is indeed perfect! It sent a chill down my spine, and I knew I was watching something that was flawless.
Why do people feel it's necessary to compare actresses? they all smash this role! People seem to expect their interpretations to conform to a single character when, in fact they all have different vocal abilities and styles, as well as a personal interpretation to the character
I know your comment is a year old, but I just have to respond. People compare performances by the various Broadway Norma Desmonds for the simple reason that similar things always have and always will invite comparisons. It's nothing more than human nature to make them. Which restaurant serves the best steak? Which golfer has the most beautiful swing? Which artist paints the prettiest oak tree? See my point? In my opinion, comparing Glenn Close to Betty Buckley to Patty Lupine to whoever is perfectly normal. I myself like Glenn Close's overall portrayal the best but think Betty Buckley's delivery of the music numbers can't be topped.
I agree. I saw both Close and Buckley twice each. Buckley blew the roof off the theatre every time she sang the big numbers. But I don't remember any of the rest of her performance. Glenn Close, on the other hand, was towering, overwhelming, terrifying, majestic, pathetic and thoroughly and completely unforgettable from start to finish. You could FEEL her Norma, in your gut.
I love doing these kinda numbers for drag performances. I wish drag could change. We don't all want to take dollar bills believe it or not. It's art and really getting to act out a lip sync is the most important thing in my life. This is one of those performances I'll do. Lol for some reason I connect to any song musical theater or even ballads, 80s pop ballads, also big band stuff. I'm waiting and want this show turned into a movie but it has to be with Glen Close. I think she will do something grounded in reality but still give us the drama we all want from this character ❤.
People, you must remember that Glenn Close is playing a very elderly actress and she is also about 70 years old, herself. At that age, her singing is perfectly fitting for the part. This performance touches my heart. Glenn Close is the best of the best.
If you think you're going to enlighten people, at least have the facts straight. This was filmed in 1995, not whenever you wrote this comment lol, Norma was only in her 50s, not "very elderly", and Glenn at the time was in her 40s. Her singing has literally nothing to do with age.
Whilst LuPone and Paige are better technical singers that Glenn Close - neither of them come near her emotional connection with the character and the words. LuPone in particular is too young and comes across as quite cold and dead in my opinion - a bit frustrating when the first line in the song pretty much slaps you in the face with how Norma Desmond is meant to be feeling... Glenn Close gets every fluctuation of feeling bang on and I would rather watch that than someone who can hold a note for a little longer.
I'm sorry, but this is one of the best performances I've seen, and can you guess what Glenn's secret is? Yes,she's an actual movie actress and star...who better to connect with Norma Desmond? Patti and Paige may sing better, but they'll never understand Hollywood or movie making better than Glenn,which is why she connects so much better.
Glenn refined her performance, and gives a much more powerful and subtle performance at the Andrew Lloyd Weber fete a few years later. That is also here on RUclips.
IMO Glenn is absolutely the best ever Norma. She IS Norma. 💖 and it’s rude to say she can’t sing . She sings and acts the pants off every aspect of this demanding character role.
I love Patti LuPone and I would die for her but Glenn Close is perfect for this role. I am not angry with her, I'm angry with Andrew Lloyd Webber who fired Patti LuPone at the backstage of the theater before the said performance. And now there is animosity between Glenn and Patti even though it shouldn't have exist. It is all because of him.
it's so interesting to see how she developed and matured, what she kept and what she left. I still think ruclips.net/video/4Y-hmaltmxs/видео.html is the better recording of her but this is really fun to compare to. I also like the with one look costume better on her, as well as the slightly more reserved/better done makeup
I think in this version she had to hurry due to the format of the show. The Albert Hall one is better paced and nuanced, but this one is mucho more intense in the ("With so much to LIVE for").
Perfectly serviceable. Check out Betty Buckley if you want to see it done right. Literally stops the show after With One Look and this song with standing ovations.
She is playing an old woman, with 'old woman' pipes. A 'better' voice, displaying greater range and versatility and flexibility with a beatuful and consistent vibrato, loses a bit of the character to gain the vocal edge. That voice should crack, it should falter. Close has a far from perfect voice, but that's why she is perfect for this role. But Close is the only Norma Desmond that I have heard, that allows for that.
@BTURNER1961 Kirsten Flagstad was the greatest Isolde, Leontyne Price was the greatest Aïda, Birgit Nilsson was the greatest Turandot, Maria Callas was the greatest Tosca, Joan Sutherland was the greatest Lucia, Glenn Close was the greatest Norma Desmond. Easy… every one of the roles listed presents a great challenge to performers. Many try and succeed for sure. But none surpass these women in these roles. P.S. Saw Glenn on Broadway and was mesmerized. Saw Betty too, and thought, “hmmm, nice voice.”
Say what you will in my book Diane Carol is the one to beat. She brought a whole different kind of depth to the part that was truly amazing. It’s recorded get it!
She is absolutely the greatest. Sadly, this performance echos the late great Judy Garland when she was so excited and tried hard and did her very best to make a comeback in the movie "valley of the Dolls" . She was treated with no respect, no appreciation, no patience or understanding and was unjustifiably fired after only a week of filming. She even did a great job recording her one song and was so happy and excited when she did her wardrobe test. This was truly a tragedy and this was the very beginning of the end of Judy Garland. she was shocked, and deeply hurt and felt that she was no longer a star. She was discarded and the industry seemed to treat her and think of her as a joke. She died two years later at the age of 47.
My only problem with these early production are none of the actresses were the right age. Gloria Swanson was 51 and that's how old I believe Norma should be. I will not deny Close has done an amazing job, but again she was not the right age, in my opinion, during this production. In the new Broadway revival I believe she is the right age to play this role.
Ok so that's not as bad as I thought. I just did the math she was actually 46 when they started out in LA. I have no idea why I thought she was in her 30's or something. I think 45-48 is the gray zone for Norma Desmond. Anything younger and I feel they're too young. That's just me. As a future director I feel that Norma should be older because she's been inactive for about a decade or 2. Again that's just me as a director.
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This. Is. Musical. Theatre.No one cares how pretty the notes are if you're not telling the story. #astarplayingastar #brilliant #masterclass
No when cares about the notes?!?!? It's a freaking musical buddy She is NOT a singer....that voice is a mess....
I saw Glenn Close on Broadway when they revived it. She was magical. The entire evening was. The Palace Theater was transported someplace very special.
I saw it too, twice and both times it gaves me goosebumps! Absolutely flawless!
She was spectacular! I'd seen Betty Buckley play Norma twice. I love that each actress put their own spin on the character. Both of them, stellar actors and fantastic singers.
Just make this into a movie and give glenn close the damn oscar already jesus
true!!! hahahahaha "this world waited long enough" Glenn get the damn Oscars at last!!!!!
Lol..lol..lol.. that's exactly what I said to a friend of mine after the last oscar, they are waiting for Sunset Boulevard to be made so they can FINALLY give Glen (GODDESS) Close her more then deserved OSCAR!
My thoughts exactly. I'm Just waiting for the filming to start (project is ready to go, they have cast, director and Glenn Close is producing and starring)
I don't understand all these people who're criticising Glen Close & saying she's a lacklustre singer, to me her singing voice sounded lovely & soothing yet powerful at the same time. And she acted the hell out of the role, no offence to Patti Lupone but I can see why he picked Glen Close over her when he brought the show to Broadway, Glen Close became Norma whereas I never felt that with Patti Lupone.
very true and I love Patti LuPone but Glenn Close is the BEST Norma since Gloria Swanson
i love when she goes gentle / delicate in some parts singing....touching.
I think miss close performed her interpretation of Norma. She did an incredible job and I have always admired her as an actress. Personally she didn't do it for me as Norma.
Just as people say Lindsey Ducan was better in dangerous liaisons. Its a matter of taste. No-one is right or wrong xx
Patti Lupone is an overblown harpy. Close has true class and is twice the actress she’ll ever be.
Other musical singers may sing better, but to me only Glenn Close made a magical moment.
Absolutely no one tops Glenn Close in this role.
She is mesmerizing. Her performance brings tears. Seen her three times. A magical evening.
Hands-down the best interpretation of this role. Her attention to the text, and just her acting are way outside anyone else's class. And sure, La Pone and Paige can belt, but Close can too-- and then she can deliver a phrase at mezzo-voce, softly, accurately. Listening to Patti and Elaine might be thrilling, but after a while it's lie being hit on the head: "Did ya get the point? Well, DID YA?" After delivering a belt, Glenn can just sing "the point" softly. And it works.
well said....her acting delicate.... and is off the charts....
Perfect commentary. Spot on.
Excuse me, I believe Gloria Swanson was hands down the best interpretation.
@@WillScarlet16 she wasn’t in THE MUSICAL lol
Also I agree those drama 🎭 divas could never compare to Academy Award nominated acting legend Glenn Close!
She is Norma Desmond...!
a film adaptation of this is happening directed by rob ashford and starring glenn close i couldn't be happier
Very much looking forward to it, I still hope the project pushes through
When is the availability of that film?
Starring Glenn close I hope!
@@dean9235 yes it's Glenn Close
@@cookingprof filming was pre-empted but hopefully will commence soon
glenn close is a very good singer, but as an actress she is just amazing, she lead me to tears
Flawless in every single way.
AMEN!
BEST NORMA EVER!
All three women are extremely gifted and brought different gifts to this part--Close came the closest to Norma Desmond in her acting, Lupone sang this in all the original (better) keys, and Buckley brought both an actress and singer to the role. I saw all three, and loved all three for different reasons. To say one is "better" than the other is not to understand personal interpretations or give each of these incredible women the respect they deserve.
Bravo!
No, to say one is "better" than the other is personal choice. I prefer Buckley's voice and Close's acting chops. I don't undrestand Lupone's attraction, what with her diction and poor acting. I don't get it.
She always brings sincere emotion every time she sings this song....
To act in a musucal on the stage, it's not about how great the voice is: it's acting the character through the music. Rex Harrison, Yul Brynner and Ricard Burton spoke the music and all 3 gave definitive performances on the characters they portrayed. Close does this here. I saw Sunset with her and Alan Campbell. She was astounding on that stage. She became the character.
Sorry, but in a musical, it's about acting AND singing ability. I enjoy Glenn's singing ability, although I recognise Buckley is a much better singer. However, Glenn delievers as a unit both singing and acting ability better than the others.
But Glenn didn’t speak this role. She sang the house down. Iconic.
If one really understands how tragic a story Norma was, a perfect vocal will actually destroys the character. That’s why Close did a wonderful job. She was Norma.
3:46 is why she wins this tony award!
When the spotlight hit her for the first time at 1:02, damn, perpetual goosebumps, and my eyes suddenly became teary. Wow. The power of live theater.
I can see her playing Norma in the film version of sunset blvd the musical. She will win the Oscar. No offense to Patti Lupone but she is a musical theatre legend but Glenn Close is a film legend.
The reason why Glenn Close is the best for this lead for Sunset Blvd, because she feels the moment of this song. If you listen to her iTunes song for sunset blvd you can understand.
Wow I can't believe almost all the comments are negative! Glenn Close did amazing! both in the acting and singing!
She has a good voice. Betty Buckley has an incredible voice. It's like comparing a Pinto to a Mercedes
Ralphy then your priorities are about singing over acting.
Betty is a more gifted vocalist. Glenn is a more gifted actor. Betty’s voice makes my spine tingle. But when Glenn looks at the studio around her we know EXACTLY what Norma feels from moment to moment because Glenn is a character actor with needlepoint precision. Betty is a better singer. Glenn is a better actor.
There is room for both of them. I think they’re both dazzling in the part.
When she sings “ with so much to live for” chills down my spine.
I don't understand why people continue commenting on her voice as if it's bad, or "less than". It is superb, most people will never be able to sing this well, with this level of vibrato. Just because we're used to hearing certain notes belted by other singers, doesn't mean Glenn isn't belting at other points. Pay attention, because she does. Therefore it isn't some kind of trade-off; Her vocal abilities match her acting. Just because Elaine Paige is a 10 in vocal performance, doesn't mean Glenn is a 4.. Glenn's a solid 8-9, which is *more* than adequate.
I think that if Patti was never attached to this role, no one would be criticizing Glenn at all
To be fair, Andrew Lloyd Webber fired Patti in favour of Glenn, not Glenn herself. If anyone should apologise to Patti, its ALW.
GLENN CLOSE - THE ACTOR OF THE CENTURY!
Which one; she has worked in two of them.
One of the best musicals I have ever seen.
That is an incredible performance ! Glenn Close is stunning and breathtaking as Norma !
I can see WHY they fired Patti Lupone and chose Glenn Close for this role.. She is PERFECTION and Deserved the Tony for this!!! Oh and BTW, Give Glenn a Damn OSCAR Already!!!
Glenn will always be the ULTIMATE Norma Desmond. Saw her in the recent revival and she was OUTSTANDING.
Glenn Close can literally play any role and be amazing at it.
I just cried while watching this video, Glenn Close's performance was heartbreaking but also breathtaking
I just saw her perform this, and I can confirm: this is indeed perfect! It sent a chill down my spine, and I knew I was watching something that was flawless.
Now THIS is Broadway.
I saw glenn close in her opening performance in Century City in Los Angeles. Thrilling in every way.
She rocks! Glenn Close what an actress!
HER voice so strong 22 yrs later....magnificent.
Why do people feel it's necessary to compare actresses? they all smash this role! People seem to expect their interpretations to conform to a single character when, in fact they all have different vocal abilities and styles, as well as a personal interpretation to the character
I know your comment is a year old, but I just have to respond. People compare performances by the various Broadway Norma Desmonds for the simple reason that similar things always have and always will invite comparisons. It's nothing more than human nature to make them. Which restaurant serves the best steak? Which golfer has the most beautiful swing? Which artist paints the prettiest oak tree? See my point?
In my opinion, comparing Glenn Close to Betty Buckley to Patty Lupine to whoever is perfectly normal. I myself like Glenn Close's overall portrayal the best but think Betty Buckley's delivery of the music numbers can't be topped.
I agree. I saw both Close and Buckley twice each. Buckley blew the roof off the theatre every time she sang the big numbers. But I don't remember any of the rest of her performance. Glenn Close, on the other hand, was towering, overwhelming, terrifying, majestic, pathetic and thoroughly and completely unforgettable from start to finish. You could FEEL her Norma, in your gut.
Aves Raggiana Well said! Your description of Glenn Close's portrayal sent shivers down my spine.
@@hippiedachshunds1632 agree, spot on!
Glen is the ULTIMATE in this role IMHOP
Icon! With or without a tony! She is the best one in this craft.
I love Glenn Close ..awesome performance here
I love doing these kinda numbers for drag performances. I wish drag could change. We don't all want to take dollar bills believe it or not. It's art and really getting to act out a lip sync is the most important thing in my life. This is one of those performances I'll do.
Lol for some reason I connect to any song musical theater or even ballads, 80s pop ballads, also big band stuff.
I'm waiting and want this show turned into a movie but it has to be with Glen Close. I think she will do something grounded in reality but still give us the drama we all want from this character ❤.
Unfassbar diese Frau !!!
Gesanglich und Schauspielerisch das beste mit Abstand ,was ich jemals gesehen habe.
People, you must remember that Glenn Close is playing a very elderly actress and she is also about 70 years old, herself. At that age, her singing is perfectly fitting for the part. This performance touches my heart. Glenn Close is the best of the best.
The character in the movie is only 50. Did they age her up for the musical?
@@silentsmurf 70 is the new 50!
This was 24 years ago when this was recorded. She's 73 now
Do the math
If you think you're going to enlighten people, at least have the facts straight. This was filmed in 1995, not whenever you wrote this comment lol, Norma was only in her 50s, not "very elderly", and Glenn at the time was in her 40s. Her singing has literally nothing to do with age.
the drama, emotions and singing are all here. it just is not the same as with the other performers as good as they maybe.
Ela é maravilhosa. Mega atriz
I wish there was a Musical Sunset Blvd Film with Glenn Close reprising the role.
Whilst LuPone and Paige are better technical singers that Glenn Close - neither of them come near her emotional connection with the character and the words. LuPone in particular is too young and comes across as quite cold and dead in my opinion - a bit frustrating when the first line in the song pretty much slaps you in the face with how Norma Desmond is meant to be feeling... Glenn Close gets every fluctuation of feeling bang on and I would rather watch that than someone who can hold a note for a little longer.
ClassyContralto Well said. Her intensity is second to none.
+ClassyContralto exactly this.
+ClassyContralto Agreed! Insanity under control by a great actress.
I completely agree with your assessment.
I'm sorry, but this is one of the best performances I've seen, and can you guess what Glenn's secret is? Yes,she's an actual movie actress and star...who better to connect with Norma Desmond? Patti and Paige may sing better, but they'll never understand Hollywood or movie making better than Glenn,which is why she connects so much better.
Ms. Close’s performance is unbeatable.
Glenn Close gave a performance of a former film star filled with pain and passion. I cried when I heard her sing this!
The best Norma ever...No one could, can will surpass her 👏👏👏
Maravilhosa. Sou muito fã da Glenn Close.
Oh my goodness, what a tour de force! Hats off to Glenn Close for this gripping interpretation.
she may not have the same pipes, but she makes me feel it. and that is the point.
Never seen this play before and this brought me to tears
Norma Desmond never had it so good as with Glenn Close playing her! Awesome 👌
The most incredible performance I've ever seen
These old production of such HIT ICONIC plays are sooo fragile and specitaler. I would loved to see this with her again.
I would go the distance if she’ll perform on Broadway again just to see her! ❤❤❤
Actually his last best musical
She is superb
Glenn Close is Norma Desmond. Norma Desmond is Glenn Close.
I was fortunate to see Patti Lupone and Elaine Page and Glenn was the best!
Glenn Close ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wow........just wow!
I like how this evolved before ALW’s Royal Albert Hall’s concert.
Glenn refined her performance, and gives a much more powerful and subtle performance at the Andrew Lloyd Weber fete a few years later. That is also here on RUclips.
Glenn Close is phenomenal
Gloria Swanson would approve, most of us would agree I'm sure. Bravo
I saw this, it was priceless!
BRAVO!!!
IMO Glenn is absolutely the best ever Norma. She IS Norma. 💖 and it’s rude to say she can’t sing . She sings and acts the pants off every aspect of this demanding character role.
I love Patti LuPone and I would die for her but Glenn Close is perfect for this role. I am not angry with her, I'm angry with Andrew Lloyd Webber who fired Patti LuPone at the backstage of the theater before the said performance. And now there is animosity between Glenn and Patti even though it shouldn't have exist. It is all because of him.
Norma Desmond was BIG and Glenn Close was the BIGGEST Norma of them ALL! 🏆.👑. 😎
Yay Cruella is Singing🤣✌.. i love Miss Glenn Close ..😍😍😍
Glenn is untouchable in this role. Periodt.
Sublime. Simplesmente a Norma Desmond mais completa.
it's so interesting to see how she developed and matured, what she kept and what she left. I still think ruclips.net/video/4Y-hmaltmxs/видео.html is the better recording of her but this is really fun to compare to. I also like the with one look costume better on her, as well as the slightly more reserved/better done makeup
I think in this version she had to hurry due to the format of the show. The Albert Hall one is better paced and nuanced, but this one is mucho more intense in the ("With so much to LIVE for").
I love Sunset and think Close is by far the best at this role.
She is to this date the TRUE Norma Desmond!
Glen Close is the best musical Sunset boulevard’s Norma Desmond!
Perfectly serviceable. Check out Betty Buckley if you want to see it done right. Literally stops the show after With One Look and this song with standing ovations.
The best in my opinion
sunset Blvd 1995 tony awrds
There are undertones of narcissism in her characterization, which is brilliant. They foreshadow the madness that later occurs.
1:05 me everytime I turn on the lights
It's really about the acting ! Remb Norma was a silent screen star ? Everyone only rembs Glenn Close !! 💖
WOW . There is only one Norma Desmond . Glen Close !!!
God, she's sensational
💕💕🌷
Gloria Swanson tinha 50 anos quando fez sunset boulevard...
She is playing an old woman, with 'old woman' pipes. A 'better' voice, displaying greater range and versatility and flexibility with a beatuful and consistent vibrato, loses a bit of the character to gain the vocal edge. That voice should crack, it should falter. Close has a far from perfect voice, but that's why she is perfect for this role. But Close is the only Norma Desmond that I have heard, that allows for that.
@BTURNER1961 Kirsten Flagstad was the greatest Isolde, Leontyne Price was the greatest Aïda, Birgit Nilsson was the greatest Turandot, Maria Callas was the greatest Tosca, Joan Sutherland was the greatest Lucia, Glenn Close was the greatest Norma Desmond. Easy… every one of the roles listed presents a great challenge to performers. Many try and succeed for sure. But none surpass these women in these roles.
P.S. Saw Glenn on Broadway and was mesmerized. Saw Betty too, and thought, “hmmm, nice voice.”
Her acting choices are solid... BUT.. this is a musical. My vote for BETTY... HANDS DOWN!!!
Say what you will in my book Diane Carol is the one to beat. She brought a whole different kind of depth to the part that was truly amazing. It’s recorded get it!
jesus, can this woman sing? or what? Streisand might be louder, but Close emotes the hell out of this role
Betty Buckley nailed it best
She is absolutely the greatest. Sadly, this performance echos the late great Judy Garland when she was so excited and tried hard and did her very best to make a comeback in the movie "valley of the Dolls" . She was treated with no respect, no appreciation, no patience or understanding and was unjustifiably fired after only a week of filming. She even did a great job recording her one song and was so happy and excited when she did her wardrobe test. This was truly a tragedy and this was the very beginning of the end of Judy Garland. she was shocked, and deeply hurt and felt that she was no longer a star. She was discarded and the industry seemed to treat her and think of her as a joke. She died two years later at the age of 47.
I would prefer Betty Buckley as Norma. In my opinion, she was the best.
What was Dorthy Parker's quip about the actress who ran the gamut of emotions from A to B? That's LaPone or Paige.
That was about Kate Hepburn !
Madonna is the perfect Norma Desmond...so said Sir. Andrew Lloyd Webber, and he knows better everyone !
Did Patti turn up?
Glenn Close, Patti Lupone and Betty Buckley had great performances, but it was Elaine Paige who is my favorite Norma.
My only problem with these early production are none of the actresses were the right age. Gloria Swanson was 51 and that's how old I believe Norma should be. I will not deny Close has done an amazing job, but again she was not the right age, in my opinion, during this production. In the new Broadway revival I believe she is the right age to play this role.
Ok so that's not as bad as I thought. I just did the math she was actually 46 when they started out in LA. I have no idea why I thought she was in her 30's or something. I think 45-48 is the gray zone for Norma Desmond. Anything younger and I feel they're too young. That's just me. As a future director I feel that Norma should be older because she's been inactive for about a decade or 2. Again that's just me as a director.