My parents and I had bought tickets to thr Broadway show hoping to see Glenn Close and were disappointed when we got there to find out Betty Buckley had taken over....until we heard her sing. Decades later I still remember the chills I got when the audience burst into a standing ovation in the middle of this song and again at the end. Amazing!!
Disappointed that Buckley had taken over? I’d assert that most people would have been overjoyed. Glenn Close is a good singer, but she does not compare to Betty Buckley.
I was fortunate enough to be at Betty Buckley's last performance as Norma Desmond. She was spectacular. I remember when she sang As If We Never Said Goodbye, to thank the cast, a person came on stage with a basket of roses, and Betty, while singing and in character, approached each cast member, took a rose from the basket and and gave it to the person. Everyone was crying.
I saw her 'opening night' performance, and when she sang that line, she got a sustained standing ovation, mid-song! Now that's something I'd never seen before, or since.
I saw this control of the audience with both Buckley and Close. It was the damndest thing I’ve ever seen on the stage. This was such a huge role, and only a very few could do it justice and pull it off.
Absolutely. I saw all of them in the '90s - Paige, LuPone, Close... Betty was absolutely the best. Her acting and her control over every single note is extraordinary. And she's the nicest lady; she was always up for taking pictures and signing Playbills outside the Minskoff after the show.
I have seen clips of the big stars, but I've never experienced anyone else who put it all together like Betty Buckley - look, acting, presence, and of course, voice. Certainly greater than the sum of her parts. Bravissima!
I love when they applaud mid song in this video. It feels like they're not only cheering Betty on, but they share Norma's ecstacy in being finally home.
@@xdajlo82 Absolutely. I don't know how she does it so well. I saw her on Broadway in "Edwin Drood". That voice can shake the rafters and has such wonderful resonance. The best voice I ever heard on stage.
I’ve always felt Ms. Buckley brought humanity to this role, a wounded girl surfing the reality of irrelevance, and insecurity, rather than a deep dive into madness as in previous renditions.
I saw Betty do this during her first preview performance in London, I remember the audience was not familiar with her and when she did "With One Look" the audience gave her a large ovation but when she sang this song, she stopped the show cold! I was sitting on the side box seats above the cast and could see Betty's reaction, you could tell she was estactic. Saw her a few more times in London and New York, this was definitely her signature song.
@@HughCorbyCruick I agree that Memory is her overall signature song but I was actually referencing SB. Lucky to see her do Cats - nothing short of thrilling!
Thank you SOOOOO much for posting this! I was unbelievably fortunate to get a front row, dead center seat to see Betty's "Norma". Even though this footage is zoomed in for the climax of the show, the perspective is what I saw from that front row seat. She came to the lip of the stage, standing just a few feet from me, and raised the roof (and every hair on my body) with her incredible vocals. In all my 27 yearly trips to Broadway, and after seeing 100's of shows, those few moments with Betty remain the most electric moments of my life, and the most time-stopping moments from any show I've seen!! This video took me back to that front row seat, and I cannot thank you enough for that!!!
powerhouse! Betty Buckley... I remember taking my son. to see this show. with her in it on nyc Broadway. he was about 13.or 14 yrs old.. he said to me mom.I will love her for all my life.... amazing she is love her!!!!
+Mandeley100 There's no vulnerability or fear in this performance though. 'I don't know why I'm frightened...' I don't know either because you look pretty settled and comfortable; more unfamiliar than frightened. That's what Glenn brought to the role.
Every moment in this performance is exquisite. The best rendition ever, hands down. But one of my favorite moments is 8:25. The crowd has (justifiably) gone nuts but Betty brings them back into the performance and back into Norma's world with just a sharp look and her hands. It's masterful.
Wow!! I have watched Glenn Close, Patti LuPone and Elaine Paige perform this. This is the performance to beat. She has not only the voice, but the acting chops. She is not a diva in drag, she IS Norma Desmond!
HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD! Wow... Please step aside Glenn (who I adored at the Minskoff first row), Patti... please don't cry for.... and Elaine... well.... Brits can't do Hollywood.... BETTY AT HER BEST!
There have really only been about three performances in my life that have given me the chills. This is one of them. She remains my favourite voice on the planet.
Saw her in this as a kid and it was and will always be one of the very best moments in Broadway history. She OWNED it and no one can do that role justice the same way.
NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE, did that role (or song) justice, gave it/her the necessary TRUE weight, emphasis, interpretation, connoisseur clarity, accurate breath, expert phrasing, and maven storytelling like BETTY BUCKLEY did! End of story (the same with Grizabella and Edwin Drood)!!! ♥
she owned the shit outta that song! and the audience agreed whole heartedly. what an ovation. she knew it! they knew it! what a great performance captured in time. thank you for the post.
I keep returning here over and over. Miss Betty is that powerful, mind-cleansing phenomenon in the theater that kicks your ass and changes whatever paltry thing you thought before.
She really is fantastic! I saw Glenn Close in performance at the Shubert in L.A. prior to the show going to Broadway, and she was truly extraordinary, as well. Sitting in the front of the mezzanine when she hit that huge note toward the end, it was like she had control of the theater in much the way Buckley does here. Just sent shivers. Both are just superb; Buckley capturing the diva essence of the role; Close grabbing hold of the insecurity of Desmond, as well. They both made the role their own.
Betty Buckley brings to life the legend of magic of silent movies through her supreme command of the musical theatre. Here movements are exquisite and her emotion is magnified to epic levels. We are lucky to have this record of her Broadway performance.
This is one of the most stunning performances I have ever heard in my life, the power and control of the song is marvellous. It brings tears to my eyes, the vulnerability and grandeur are special, really special indeed. Amazing!!!!
Miss Buckley is a consummate actress and a singular vocalist. This performance shows what can happen when both talents meet. What makes this performance soar is Buckey's understanding that the acting comes first. Conviction of character is what inspires and energizes the vocal. She is a professional.
THE Voice of Broadway does it yet again. The tone, the power, her musicality - and of course, her emotion make this a magical performance and one which should endure... and endure for all time. Brava, Betty Buckley.
Commanding and brilliant presence. I wish someone would bring it back - with Betty Buckley! She owned this role. I saw it several times with her. Long standing ovations after this song.
What a lovely voice with a great resonance and timbre. Its a little deeper and even richer than when she was in 'Cats' in the early 80's. But whatever she sings,she holds the listener's interest from beginning to end. She always conveys great emotion and has a wonderful stage presence. Brava Betty !
My wife and I saw her in Sunset Blvd. just after she replaced Glenn Close and Betty was awesome. My wife had no idea that Sunset Blvd. had been a movie, but she enjoyed it just the same. We had also seen her in CATS, again awesome, and after Sunset Blvd we saw her in a one-woman show in D.C. You would not believe how nice she is to her audience. She sang some songs she wanted to sing then just asked us all what we wanted to hear and sang requests. It was a wonderful evening.
Myark, I was there that night too and you're exactly right - she had to hold her arms out, as I recall, to drop the wild standing ovation mid-song so that she could finish - a Broadway moment of a lifetime
@@beaellie9766 yes, you’re right, saw her in Hello Dolly not long ago, but she still has that magical presence that pulls her audience in. I didn’t see Sunset Blvd, but I sure would have loved to!
I saw Betty Buckley in Sunset Boulevard when it opened in London. She's so amazing her performance gives you goosebumps especially live. Just Fabulous,a real class act.
Was privileged to attend her opening night on Broadway in the role. When she belted "I've come home at last," a standing ovation ensued - midsong. And it went on for a good half minute. Only other time I saw a standing O during a number was Carol Channing's 1996 "Hello, Dolly" revival
I was born in the late fall of 1978. Betty Buckley is the BEST and ONE and ONLY Grizabella in the BROADWAY MUSICAL CATS! I was fortunate enough to see Betty Buckley in the 2018 National Tour of Hello Dolly at the Kentucky Center for the Arms in Louisville, Kentucky! Betty Buckey is the BEST DOLLY EVER! Betty Buckley and Shani Wallis are the BEST Mama Rose EVER! Betty Buckley and Petula Clark are the Best NORA DESMOND EVER! Betty Buckley is Excellent in everything she does! I have always loved Betty Buckley!
It is a shame that I only knew of this woman from the movie Split. Now that I've found out who she is and seen her performances in Sunset Blvd and Cats, I am absolutely in love with her! She has the stage presence, the voice . . . . . this is who every woman on Broadway should aspire to be like!
I was sitting in the balcony when I saw this cast on Broadway. I was spellbound, but it's such a pleasure now to see Betty Buckley's face as she performed this song.
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My parents and I had bought tickets to thr Broadway show hoping to see Glenn Close and were disappointed when we got there to find out Betty Buckley had taken over....until we heard her sing. Decades later I still remember the chills I got when the audience burst into a standing ovation in the middle of this song and again at the end. Amazing!!
Betty Buckley was fantastic in everything she has ever been in.
Disappointed that Buckley had taken over? I’d assert that most people would have been overjoyed. Glenn Close is a good singer, but she does not compare to Betty Buckley.
At her final performance, she handed out long-stemmed roses to the cast during the song. Will never forget it.
I remember being there for that. It was quite moving. And her acknowledging Elaine
instaBlaster
I’d LOVE to see that.
I’d LOVE to see that.
What year was this
I was fortunate enough to be at Betty Buckley's last performance as Norma Desmond. She was spectacular. I remember when she sang As If We Never Said Goodbye, to thank the cast, a person came on stage with a basket of roses, and Betty, while singing and in character, approached each cast member, took a rose from the basket and and gave it to the person. Everyone was crying.
Awesome story. Thanks!
Oh man that made me tear up. Bless.
when betty sings " ive come home at last! " its totally triumphant! " effortless sincere and the first norma you actually believe!!!
thank you .... BELIEVE .... yes.... so so so so so CONVINCING....
Patti Lupone also sings that part amazingly, and emotes soo well!
Betty Buckley is far and away the best in this role.
It's the same glorious energy when she the Memory climax for "touch me it's so easy to leave me"...
I saw her 'opening night' performance, and when she sang that line, she got a sustained standing ovation, mid-song! Now that's something I'd never seen before, or since.
This is a master class. The control she has of that audience. Absolutely fantastic!
Not a patch on Patti LuPone.
I saw this control of the audience with both Buckley and Close. It was the damndest thing I’ve ever seen on the stage. This was such a huge role, and only a very few could do it justice and pull it off.
I was fortunate enough to see Betty in the New York Production…I was spellbound!!! I only wish I was into musical theater when she was in CATS.
@@mikegarcia7986 She had perhaps the smallest amount of stage time in that show but it was breathtaking.
Hands down the greatest performance of this song I have heard.
JeffThomsonMusic totally agree. However for me Patti LuPones Broadway Concert version is amazing as well. I was fortunate enough to see her twice.
Michael DeMarco zzzz
Definitely
One of the greatest performances ever
Absolutely. I saw all of them in the '90s - Paige, LuPone, Close... Betty was absolutely the best. Her acting and her control over every single note is extraordinary. And she's the nicest lady; she was always up for taking pictures and signing Playbills outside the Minskoff after the show.
I have seen clips of the big stars, but I've never experienced anyone else who put it all together like Betty Buckley - look, acting, presence, and of course, voice. Certainly greater than the sum of her parts. Bravissima!
That note hold on “last”…holy moly!!! She is incredible!!
This is the best voice in Broadway ever.
I love when they applaud mid song in this video. It feels like they're not only cheering Betty on, but they share Norma's ecstacy in being finally home.
Whoever is sitting in that audience is literally the most blessed person in the entire world. What a true broadway talent.😩😩❤️❤️❤️
I gave her a standing ovation at home 😊
I love her vibrato on her closed vowels. It's so different from what other Normas have done, and she does the role justice and then some!
The resonance on the closed "m". With the price of admission
@@xdajlo82 Absolutely. I don't know how she does it so well. I saw her on Broadway in "Edwin Drood". That voice can shake the rafters and has such wonderful resonance. The best voice I ever heard on stage.
I’ve always felt Ms. Buckley brought humanity to this role, a wounded girl surfing the reality of irrelevance, and insecurity, rather than a deep dive into madness as in previous renditions.
I saw Betty do this during her first preview performance in London, I remember the audience was not familiar with her and when she did "With One Look" the audience gave her a large ovation but when she sang this song, she stopped the show cold! I was sitting on the side box seats above the cast and could see Betty's reaction, you could tell she was estactic. Saw her a few more times in London and New York, this was definitely her signature song.
WHAT A great comment! Thank you!!! Betty really NAILED Norma!
A fantastic rendition but, sorry, “Memory” from “Cats” is her career highlight.
@@HughCorbyCruick I agree that Memory is her overall signature song but I was actually referencing SB. Lucky to see her do Cats - nothing short of thrilling!
Socal Dihard I saw her in London too. She absolutely brought the house down with With One Look The standing ovation rightly went on for minutes
I love how at the end she stays in character even as everyone is clapping as if it’s still part of her dreaming and nostalgia.
YEEESSS! That was amazing. Never broke character.
Thank you SOOOOO much for posting this! I was unbelievably fortunate to get a front row, dead center seat to see Betty's "Norma". Even though this footage is zoomed in for the climax of the show, the perspective is what I saw from that front row seat. She came to the lip of the stage, standing just a few feet from me, and raised the roof (and every hair on my body) with her incredible vocals. In all my 27 yearly trips to Broadway, and after seeing 100's of shows, those few moments with Betty remain the most electric moments of my life, and the most time-stopping moments from any show I've seen!! This video took me back to that front row seat, and I cannot thank you enough for that!!!
I’m in the same magical world as you were. I had no idea this was available to live again.
powerhouse! Betty Buckley... I remember taking my son. to see this show. with her in it on nyc Broadway. he was about 13.or 14 yrs old.. he said to me mom.I will love her for all my life.... amazing she is love her!!!!
Utterly astonishing. She conveys the tragedy and heartbreak of Norma Desmond better than just about anybody. Amazing.
+Mandeley100 There's no vulnerability or fear in this performance though. 'I don't know why I'm frightened...' I don't know either because you look pretty settled and comfortable; more unfamiliar than frightened. That's what Glenn brought to the role.
Every moment in this performance is exquisite. The best rendition ever, hands down. But one of my favorite moments is 8:25. The crowd has (justifiably) gone nuts but Betty brings them back into the performance and back into Norma's world with just a sharp look and her hands. It's masterful.
Masterful.
You don't get out much huh?
This is the first time I've seen or heard Betty as Norma, and this is just incredible.
Wow!! I have watched Glenn Close, Patti LuPone and Elaine Paige perform this. This is the performance to beat. She has not only the voice, but the acting chops. She is not a diva in drag, she IS Norma Desmond!
+Daniel Kellogg she's like the perfect balance between Patti and Glenn. Soaring vocals meets perfect amount of emotion and drama.
The best
Driven to tears once again. Tears of joy. What a performance!!!
HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD! Wow... Please step aside Glenn (who I adored at the Minskoff first row), Patti... please don't cry for.... and Elaine... well.... Brits can't do Hollywood.... BETTY AT HER BEST!
sorry I enjoyed the 4 performances, included Diahan Carroll, and I prefer the performace of Glen Close.
That voice, those cheek bones !!!!!! I love Betty Buckley !!!!!
No matter how many times I watch this..she takes my breath away.
There have really only been about three performances in my life that have given me the chills. This is one of them. She remains my favourite voice on the planet.
When she wiped the tears from her eyes after, "I just need a moment" i started bawling! No lie!
My GOD she is a gift to this world! 🙏🏽😍
I was there that evening and indeed it was mesmerizing
Outstanding and far better than the other divas that played this part! She has the passion, the voice, and the acting -- not to mention the VOCAL!
8:08-8:20....EVERY. DAMN. TIME!
+It makes my toes curl. I'm not kidding.
Agreed, Jordan! Every damn time.
Chills
Her voice is magical, her acting astounding. Always breathtaking.
Pleasure of seeing her on Broadway in this role. She was amazing. All of my years of going to shows since this is still the performance to beat.
Amazing and when you receive a standing ovation during the performance.. truly a master class. Betty Buckley will always be an icon and GOAT❤
Saw her in this as a kid and it was and will always be one of the very best moments in Broadway history. She OWNED it and no one can do that role justice the same way.
NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE, did that role (or song) justice, gave it/her the necessary TRUE weight, emphasis, interpretation, connoisseur clarity, accurate breath, expert phrasing, and maven storytelling like BETTY BUCKLEY did! End of story (the same with Grizabella and Edwin Drood)!!! ♥
The effortless power in her voice is bewildering. Reminds me of celine.
she owned the shit outta that song! and the audience agreed whole heartedly. what an ovation. she knew it! they knew it! what a great performance captured in time. thank you for the post.
THE BEST BY A MILE
I keep returning here over and over. Miss Betty is that powerful, mind-cleansing phenomenon in the theater that kicks your ass and changes whatever paltry thing you thought before.
It’s on 8/26/1996
@@vladimirnoel3132 And I guess that means that some work is timeless.
James Murrell yep it’s in late summer 1996
She really is fantastic! I saw Glenn Close in performance at the Shubert in L.A. prior to the show going to Broadway, and she was truly extraordinary, as well. Sitting in the front of the mezzanine when she hit that huge note toward the end, it was like she had control of the theater in much the way Buckley does here. Just sent shivers. Both are just superb; Buckley capturing the diva essence of the role; Close grabbing hold of the insecurity of Desmond, as well. They both made the role their own.
Jesus Christ her voice is insanely good. So much power and not an ounce of tension or strain.
Betty Buckley brings to life the legend of magic of silent movies through her supreme command of the musical theatre. Here movements are exquisite and her emotion is magnified to epic levels. We are lucky to have this record of her Broadway performance.
I was fighting back the tears the whole performance. perfection!
This remains one of my all time favorite Broadway performances. She was stunning from beginning to end. Just flawless. Just thrilling.
What an acting, what a singing. And so beautiful.
This is one of the most stunning performances I have ever heard in my life, the power and control of the song is marvellous. It brings tears to my eyes, the vulnerability and grandeur are special, really special indeed. Amazing!!!!
I had the privilege of seeing Betty in the Broadway Production of S.B. Never seen or heard ANYTHING like that!!! I was in heaven!!!!!!!!
7:57 and on gives me the biggest case of goosebumps. What a talent!
Incredible. What a presence, and what a voice !!!
saw her do this, third row, it was chilling, magical and if possible, special TONY worthy, what a performer !
The best performance of this song I've heard. Wonderfully powerful yet delicate at the right spots. Just brilliant.
Miss Buckley is a consummate actress and a singular vocalist. This performance shows what can happen when both talents meet. What makes this performance soar is Buckey's understanding that the acting comes first. Conviction of character is what inspires and energizes the vocal. She is a professional.
THE Voice of Broadway does it yet again. The tone, the power, her musicality - and of course, her emotion make this a magical performance and one which should endure... and endure for all time. Brava, Betty Buckley.
Oh man I get chills when she sings!!
Wow. Among the best...just found this all these years later!
Saw her three times. Thanks for capturing this "live" moment. Simply the best Norma!!!!!
Commanding and brilliant presence. I wish someone would bring it back - with Betty Buckley!
She owned this role. I saw it several times with her. Long standing ovations after this song.
What a lovely voice with a great resonance and timbre. Its a little deeper and even richer than when she was in 'Cats' in the early 80's. But whatever she sings,she holds the listener's interest from beginning to end. She always conveys great emotion and has a wonderful stage presence. Brava Betty !
Hands down, best interpreter of this role. I wish I could have seen her on stage. Thank you for the post.
My wife and I saw her in Sunset Blvd. just after she replaced Glenn Close and Betty was awesome. My wife had no idea that Sunset Blvd. had been a movie, but she enjoyed it just the same. We had also seen her in CATS, again awesome, and after Sunset Blvd we saw her in a one-woman show in D.C. You would not believe how nice she is to her audience. She sang some songs she wanted to sing then just asked us all what we wanted to hear and sang requests. It was a wonderful evening.
You're an angel for uploading this. Beautiful!!! And so great to be able to see her face up close during this song.
Betty Buckley is absolutely brilliant !! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us. You are the best Broadway has ever seen and heard!!!!
this is a magical song..a real masterpiece....and performed wonderfully here by ms buckley
What I would not have given to have been lucky enough to be sitting in that audience .... She is simply spellbinding
Mark Boston I saw her opening night on Broadway. She had to sit the audience down due to standing ovations. She's amazing!
Myark, I was there that night too and you're exactly right - she had to hold her arms out, as I recall, to drop the wild standing ovation mid-song so that she could finish - a Broadway moment of a lifetime
She just brings incredible life to the lyrics. Masterful!
Betty Buckley is truly THE VOICE OF BROADWAY!! ❤️
Was.
@@beaellie9766 yes, you’re right, saw her in Hello Dolly not long ago, but she still has that magical presence that pulls her audience in. I didn’t see Sunset Blvd, but I sure would have loved to!
8:10 the way her Voice sounds wth the music.... so powerful!!!
BETTY BUCKLEY - PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT FOR THIS ROLE
what I wouldn't give to have seen the wonderful, fabulous Betty Buckley in this role....
Saw her final performance on broadway......it was fabulous!!!!
Oh my God. So blown away. Wow.
Her styling of this song is amazing!
I saw Betty Buckley in Sunset Boulevard when it opened in London. She's so amazing her performance gives you goosebumps especially live. Just Fabulous,a real class act.
Once again the crowd applauds and stand to their feet 10:09 (10:01)
Cool
Outstanding talent.
There is nothing better.
Her belt though. Crying.
Amazing voice! Love her in this!
Was privileged to attend her opening night on Broadway in the role. When she belted "I've come home at last," a standing ovation ensued - midsong. And it went on for a good half minute. Only other time I saw a standing O during a number was Carol Channing's 1996 "Hello, Dolly" revival
Good lord she's a miracle! amazing.
Go on now.....really, .....the best.
I was born in the late fall of 1978. Betty Buckley is the BEST and ONE and ONLY Grizabella in the BROADWAY MUSICAL CATS! I was fortunate enough to see Betty Buckley in the 2018 National Tour of Hello Dolly at the Kentucky Center for the Arms in Louisville, Kentucky! Betty Buckey is the BEST DOLLY EVER! Betty Buckley and Shani Wallis are the BEST Mama Rose EVER! Betty Buckley and Petula Clark are the Best NORA DESMOND EVER! Betty Buckley is Excellent in everything she does! I have always loved Betty Buckley!
I always thought no one could touch Patti Lupone's take on this song, but I am speechless. She makes it seem effortless.
Just rewatched.. how can you not... freakin perfect bone structure! Let alone her talents!
Her voice is so powerful and confident. She’s amazing.
"HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMME"
*theater explodes*
FUCKING. ICONIC
@@mckenzieprice2270 And her vibrato 👌💜
This is a delightful and heartwarming treat. I saw this and will never ever forget it. Thank you from London
THE NATURAL VIBRATO!!! UGH I LOVE HERRR
Thank you, thank you, thank you! There's no one like her.
thank you so much for posting this - unbelievable you recorded it ! she was singing her heart out and she was flying !!!
Breathtaking
Outstanding!! For a minute there i forgot to breathe ! I was so embraced by her performance! Superb!!
This is flawless!
Betty. That's all you ever need in life. No finer interpreter of this song. Queen forever.
She is just great! It's that simple! Wish I could of seen this
also thank you so much for posting this live showing. been searching for this show forever...
It is a shame that I only knew of this woman from the movie Split. Now that I've found out who she is and seen her performances in Sunset Blvd and Cats, I am absolutely in love with her! She has the stage presence, the voice . . . . . this is who every woman on Broadway should aspire to be like!
the very best
Wow pure power and control
I was sitting in the balcony when I saw this cast on Broadway. I was spellbound, but it's such a pleasure now to see Betty Buckley's face as she performed this song.
Nicole was also great in the reimagjned musical, but this woman is in a different level GOAT!
one of her best live performances ever.
What a powerhouse! Hard to believe she was on "Eight is Enough." LOL!