I'm so glad you said that!!! Saw it with Mrs. Close 5 times she is pure PERFECTION!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE MOVIE!!!! ILL BE MOVING INTO THE MOVIE THEATRE!!
several great theatre actors came for this performance on andrew lloyd webbers birthday in 1998 and the public was lucky it was taped and my mom bought the vhs tape and i always watched the part with glenn close because she reminded me of how she looked on 101 dalmatians because she had done that movie just a few years before. this brings back very happy memories for me.
This is haunting...she IS Norma Desmond. Not only does she sing the hell out of it..but her face, he eyes..she channels Gloria Swanson here...epic performance
My Abuelito was a Carpenter for MGM: I heard ALL his stories about the silents AND I WAS rapt: EVERYBODY WAS WHO LIVED IN Culver City in the 1910’s and the early 1920’s were beholden to MGM. My poor Abuelito spoke no English-but Crawford Garbo and showed him and our family Incredible Love 💕 💗 ❤
It was so great and mesmerizing that she did. When she stood there in the cheering of the audience, I could no longer see Glenn Close performing in a ALW tribute show, but Norma Desmond. She had indeed ignited a blaze and at that moment, with that one look, Norma was back.
One of the most unforgettable theater experiences of my life. Shubert Theatre (now demolished), Century City, CA. Four nights after the Northridge earthquake in 1994. Theater was sold out, but only one-third of the seats were filled. Busloads of ticket holders shied away. The people who were there were wonderful---no one chattered, fidgeted, coughed, rustled candy wrappers. Total and absolute silence and concentration. In the middle of "As If We Never Said Good-bye" an aftershock hit. People looked at each other, some stood up ready to leave. Glenn Close did not miss a beat. I swear the walls could have come tumbling down and she would have stood there like a musical Samson singing her heart out! Her sheer physical presence calmed people. People sat down, no one left as far as I could tell. The applause at the end of the song was amazing. Try and top that!
I saw her opening night, my X was IATSE, we went to the after party show! Ron and Nancy were there Tom Selleck, so many more, so sad they took down the Shubert, actually this show killed it with the Faye Dunaway mess!
With one look, Glenn Close shows everyone who's done this part how to act. She doesn't make one extra gesture, facial expression or movement that is not essential to the interpretation of this song. Her voice is wonderful, and perfect for Norma Desmond who is past her prime, and when I heard Glenn Close do this number, I said to myself, "My god, she's not only a great actress but a marvelous singer." Who knew?! I'm just so sorry I never got to see her on stage in Sunset Boulevard. For students and teachers of acting, this is a great example of "the only way to do a scene." I've compared it to the performances of all the other actors who've played this part, and Glenn Close's interpretation of this song, it's meaning and it's lyrics, is beyond perfection.
Ron Merk I had the great good fortune to be able to see her in person doing this and you are right. Of course no one can top Gloria Swanson in the film but for the musical Glenn Close is deifinitive.
+Craig Barron +Ron Merk I saw her too, twice. In Los Angeles and again on Broadway. I was ruined forever more because EVERY theatrical experience since then - musicals, ballet, plays, operas - have all paled in comparison. Glenn Close’s Norma was larger than life - commanding, comical, pathetic, terrifying, her tenuous grip on reality already teetering over the edge from her very first descent down that impressive staircase. A truly singular theatrical experience.
This was a fantastic evening. Everyone giving wonderful performances. And then on came Glen Close and stole the show! Showing how to to hold the whole audience in her hand. The shivers ran up my spine. Not many actors can do what she did.
I have read in comments below about Mrs.Glenn Close voice. LET ME TELL EVERYONE , SHE HAS A GREAT VOICE.SHE SOUNDS BEAUTIFUL. THAT PLUS SHE BRINGS IN HER SUPERB ACTING TALENT.SHE IS STUNNING ,SUPERB and BRILLIANT in this role.SHE is PERFECT.PERFECT!!!!!!!
Glenn Close hits you in the guts with this song. How could anyone stay in their seat after a performance like that? - i would have been jumping in the aisle. Her voice is powerful, not pretty sometimes (but then neither is the character) but above all she lives every note and gesture. It is sheer genius!
Saw her at The Coliseum theatre last night.Her performance was amazing.Complete control of that huge stage and at the end I felt that I knew and cared about Norma Desmond and found her life so moving and so true.I saw nothing of Glenn Close I just saw Norma Desmond.
+Mariaelena Tsagkalh YES. And at this stage, someone should probably make a petition towards the Academy, demanding them to give Glenn an Honorary Award (just like they did Peter O'Toole, 8 nominations without a single win). Millions, including me, would gladly sign that. It's just long overdue.
Can't wait to see her in the movie version. Hope she gets a gorgeous so-star with an equally amazing voice. And hope she wins many awards for her performance. My favourite Andrew Lloyd Webber song for a female character. Just sublime.
The GREATEST ACTRESS OF MY TIME . GLENN CLOSE IS UNFORGETTABLE IN THIS PART. STUNNING.SUPERB. I've read this play will be a movie with GLENN CLOSE.Hope is true.Hope she finally WINS the OSCAR.
Glenn Close is such a consummate performer. Her acting is what's missing in many Broadway and West End musicals. Although her singing may not be up to par with the younger counterparts, she breathes life into the role such as this one in Sunset Boulevard, so much that the singing becomes secondary in catching attention, it's more of the acting and the lines, and the lines in the songs. She really does deserve her past awards.
tuberobotto This is a trend on Broadway and elsewhere. Good looking and good singing is not enough. Like my friend said of a recent show he saw - great singing; zero entertainment. Brava, Glenn.
+tuberobotto i posted this on another youtube video of hers that her facial expressions made the performance and was drowned out by the supporters of Lupone and Buckley who said voice was better. If the voice is great but no heart in it, no facial expressions or grand hand gestures then it is empty. Look at Buckleys CATS vs Paiges cats to see the difference. Just my opinion
I love all 3 of these women. I saw Buckley in "Cats" and "Boulevard" while on Broadway and it they were very different performances from her predecessors (Paige and Close). I was over the moon about both. I think we connect with performers in certain way and no matter what we tend to stand by them. I enjoy all 3 women in the role but Ms. Buckley has a special place in my heart.
As I have written in another context: This is fantastic, no more no less. Here musical turns into real art. We are moved, schocked and full of pity. Glen Close is fantastic.
I saw her in this performance on Broadway and she was FABULOUS. She is so underated in films also. Why she has never received an Oscar yet boggles the mind.I think she is such a fantastic actress.
Just seen Glenn Close do her last matinee at The London Coliseum. I've never seen a performance like it. Tried to get another ticket for tonight. All sold out. Was central in Row D. Amazing.
CAN'T WAIT to watch Glenn as Norma on the big screen (yes, the movie version is coming) and see Glenn winning an Academy Award for it. Let it happen, Paramount!
Probably the OLYMPIC standard Norma Desmond, Glenn Close will be playing this role at London's Coliseum theatre for five weeks April/May 2016. Don't miss the chance to see her!
Such an octoberlassi you are! Yes, it's great have a good happy cry to counter vales of tears otherwise in this word. But then we are all poor players strutting upon the stage of life, as some Elizabethan writer said, approximately. I have another song you should hear. Google "Once Upon A Time" by Ray Bolger. It's the original version song from that musical of the same name. And then Frank Sinatra singing "Golden Moment" from Hot September, a musical that closed very early. It's also here on TH-cam. Best wishes!
As a staunch supporter of the Queen of Broadway, Miss Patti LuPone, it must be admitted that Glenn Close stuns in this role. And her voice is fabulous. She may not have Ms LuPone's pipes, but then neither does just about anyone else. I've always considered Glenn Close as one of the two actresses who bear comparison with the movie queens of the Golden era.
With one look I can break your heart With one look I play every part I can make your sad heart sing With one look you'll know all you need to know With one smile I'm the girl next door Or the love that you've hungered for When I speak it's with my soul I can play any role No words can tell the stories my eyes tell Watch me when I frown, you can't write that down You know I'm right, it's there in black and white When I look your way, you'll hear what I say Yes, with one look I put words to shame Just one look sets the screen aflame Silent music starts to play One tear in my eye makes the whole world cry With one look they'll forgive the past They'll rejoice I've returned at last To my people in the dark Still out there in the dark... Silent music starts to play With one look you'll know all you need to know With one look I'll ignite a blaze I'll return to my glory days They'll say, "Norma's back at last!" This time I am staying, I'm staying for good I'll be back to where I was born to be With one look I'll be me!
Wow after all these years I got to hear once again one of my favorite musicals. I love Sunset Boulevard….love to see a new production of this fabulous show when all the madness ended. Love Glenn Close.
That was fucking majestic. Though I love Lupone and that voice of hers, Close had the acting chops to really bring that role to life. Lloyd Webber hadnt the cajones to be professional in his dealings with Patti but Glenn is the nads here alright
I went to see Sunset with Glenn Close but she was sick. Karen Mason was her understudy. I wasn't disappointed in Karen's performance. I did see it again. It was the second to last performance and Elaine Paige was playing Norma. Spectacular.
"I AM big. It's the pictures that gotten small"
Honestly, no one delivers this line better than Glenn
11/10 so great.
Brilliant. Nobody does the crazy eyes like Glenn Close, she is perfect for this. Stunning.
The difference between her and someone who is just a great singer is she actually becomes Norma Desmond who can break your heart.
you said it! A REAL STAR!
Glenn Close deserves an award for this
This performance should be listed in the dictionary under the heading, "Perfection."
Absolutely. Even now I am simply awed by Glen's performance here. She commanded the event that night.
I'm so glad you said that!!!
Saw it with Mrs. Close 5 times she is pure PERFECTION!!!
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE MOVIE!!!!
ILL BE MOVING INTO THE MOVIE THEATRE!!
several great theatre actors came for this performance on andrew lloyd webbers birthday in 1998 and the public was lucky it was taped and my mom bought the vhs tape and i always watched the part with glenn close because she reminded me of how she looked on 101 dalmatians because she had done that movie just a few years before. this brings back very happy memories for me.
The INcomparable Ms. Close!!!!❤ 👍🥰💐💫🎉!!!!!
This is haunting...she IS Norma Desmond. Not only does she sing the hell out of it..but her face, he eyes..she channels Gloria Swanson here...epic performance
She really does! Amazing!
lol she’s not a good singer, she can act though. she should star in plays not musical bc those take both.
My Abuelito was a Carpenter for MGM: I heard ALL his stories about the silents AND I WAS rapt: EVERYBODY WAS WHO LIVED IN Culver City in the 1910’s and the early 1920’s were beholden to MGM. My poor Abuelito spoke no English-but Crawford Garbo and showed him and our family Incredible Love 💕 💗 ❤
How she stays in character even after the song ends!
I haven't seen someone do that before, the people I've seen usually break it
+12th Doctor “We didn’t need words, we had FACES..."
She is that good
It was so great and mesmerizing that she did. When she stood there in the cheering of the audience, I could no longer see Glenn Close performing in a ALW tribute show, but Norma Desmond. She had indeed ignited a blaze and at that moment, with that one look, Norma was back.
The older Glenn gets, the more she is transformed into the part! TIS STAGE MAGIC!
One of the most unforgettable theater experiences of my life. Shubert Theatre (now demolished), Century City, CA. Four nights after the Northridge earthquake in 1994. Theater was sold out, but only one-third of the seats were filled. Busloads of ticket holders shied away. The people who were there were wonderful---no one chattered, fidgeted, coughed, rustled candy wrappers. Total and absolute silence and concentration. In the middle of "As If We Never Said Good-bye" an aftershock hit. People looked at each other, some stood up ready to leave. Glenn Close did not miss a beat. I swear the walls could have come tumbling down and she would have stood there like a musical Samson singing her heart out! Her sheer physical presence calmed people. People sat down, no one left as far as I could tell. The applause at the end of the song was amazing. Try and top that!
Awesome anecdote. Thanks for sharing.
+Jorge Caraballo Indeed! Thanks for sharing. Shows there are waaay too many stupid sheeple out there.
I can't top that story, John, but I did see Close in that run. Floored me. Better than "Phantom"? Debatable.
John Zalewski wow your so lucky
I saw her opening night, my X was IATSE, we went to the after party show! Ron and Nancy were there Tom Selleck, so many more, so sad they took down the Shubert, actually this show killed it with the Faye Dunaway mess!
Glenn Close is a marvelous & POWERFUL singer -- perfect for this role. I had no idea she had such a great voice,
Fantastic I never get tired of watcing this video, both her voice and her acting is amazing.
With one look, Glenn Close shows everyone who's done this part how to act. She doesn't make one extra gesture, facial expression or movement that is not essential to the interpretation of this song. Her voice is wonderful, and perfect for Norma Desmond who is past her prime, and when I heard Glenn Close do this number, I said to myself, "My god, she's not only a great actress but a marvelous singer." Who knew?! I'm just so sorry I never got to see her on stage in Sunset Boulevard. For students and teachers of acting, this is a great example of "the only way to do a scene." I've compared it to the performances of all the other actors who've played this part, and Glenn Close's interpretation of this song, it's meaning and it's lyrics, is beyond perfection.
Ron Merk I had the great good fortune to be able to see her in person doing this and you are right. Of course no one can top Gloria Swanson in the film but for the musical Glenn Close is deifinitive.
+Craig Barron +Ron Merk I saw her too, twice. In Los Angeles and again on Broadway. I was ruined forever more because EVERY theatrical experience since then - musicals, ballet, plays, operas - have all paled in comparison. Glenn Close’s Norma was larger than life - commanding, comical, pathetic, terrifying, her tenuous grip on reality already teetering over the edge from her very first descent down that impressive staircase. A truly singular theatrical experience.
This was a fantastic evening. Everyone giving wonderful performances. And then on came Glen Close and stole the show!
Showing how to to hold the whole audience in her hand. The shivers ran up my spine. Not many actors can do what she did.
I was lucky enough to see her in this role on Broadway…..spectacular! 🙏
Agree Ron.
"I can play any role!"
Yes she can.
Glenn’s belt is exceptional. She’s one of the best belters I’ve ever heard. She TAKES YOU SOMEWHERE. Wow.
I have read in comments below about Mrs.Glenn Close voice. LET ME TELL EVERYONE , SHE HAS A GREAT VOICE.SHE SOUNDS BEAUTIFUL. THAT PLUS SHE BRINGS IN HER SUPERB ACTING TALENT.SHE IS STUNNING ,SUPERB and BRILLIANT in this role.SHE is PERFECT.PERFECT!!!!!!!
Saw her in LA shortly before the move to Bway. While there are problems with the production, she was truly amazing.
Glen close is wonderful ,thank goodness I have seen this in my life .
Just saw her on Broadway yesterday. A MASTER CLASS IN ACTING! She is MAGNIFICENT!
Glenn Close hits you in the guts with this song. How could anyone stay in their seat after a performance like that? - i would have been jumping in the aisle. Her voice is powerful, not pretty sometimes (but then neither is the character) but above all she lives every note and gesture. It is sheer genius!
Saw her at The Coliseum theatre last night.Her performance was amazing.Complete control of that huge stage and at the end I felt that I knew and cared about Norma Desmond and found her life so moving and so true.I saw nothing of Glenn Close I just saw Norma Desmond.
adorable, unique , the great talented, GLENN CLOSE
She did the best of them all, this role is for her forever!
Nobody could top that performance
Who needs Oscars? THATS GLEΝN CLOSE!!!!!!! I love u more and more every single time i see you!!!!!!!!!!
+Mariaelena Tsagkalh YES. And at this stage, someone should probably make a petition towards the Academy, demanding them to give Glenn an Honorary Award (just like they did Peter O'Toole, 8 nominations without a single win). Millions, including me, would gladly sign that. It's just long overdue.
+Koonisha Kardashian i totally agree with u!!!!! she deserves it!!!! :) :)
SHE IS AMAZING..........!!!!!!! BRAVO!!!!
Yes, this is a great presentation of character. You know who Norma is, in your gut.
I saw Glenn on Monday at the opening night, she was outstanding. Everyone was mezmerised by her performance
Can't wait to see her in the movie version. Hope she gets a gorgeous so-star with an equally amazing voice. And hope she wins many awards for her performance. My favourite Andrew Lloyd Webber song for a female character. Just sublime.
The GREATEST ACTRESS OF MY TIME . GLENN CLOSE IS UNFORGETTABLE IN THIS PART. STUNNING.SUPERB. I've read this play will be a movie with GLENN CLOSE.Hope is true.Hope she finally WINS the OSCAR.
Glenn Close IS Norma Desmond! Just awesome!
I never knew that her singing was true professional. I'm impressed.
She.was.the.greatest.of.them
All.playiny.this.part
Glenn Close is such a consummate performer. Her acting is what's missing in many Broadway and West End musicals. Although her singing may not be up to par with the younger counterparts, she breathes life into the role such as this one in Sunset Boulevard, so much that the singing becomes secondary in catching attention, it's more of the acting and the lines, and the lines in the songs. She really does deserve her past awards.
tuberobotto This is a trend on Broadway and elsewhere. Good looking and good singing is not enough. Like my friend said of a recent show he saw - great singing; zero entertainment. Brava, Glenn.
+tuberobotto This role was made for her!
+tuberobotto i posted this on another youtube video of hers that her facial expressions made the performance and was drowned out by the supporters of Lupone and Buckley who said voice was better. If the voice is great but no heart in it, no facial expressions or grand hand gestures then it is empty. Look at Buckleys CATS vs Paiges cats to see the difference. Just my opinion
I stand with WADA Elaine was in London so how is this relevant?
I love all 3 of these women. I saw Buckley in "Cats" and "Boulevard" while on Broadway and it they were very different performances from her predecessors (Paige and Close). I was over the moon about both. I think we connect with performers in certain way and no matter what we tend to stand by them. I enjoy all 3 women in the role but Ms. Buckley has a special place in my heart.
As I have written in another context: This is fantastic, no more no less. Here musical turns into real art. We are moved, schocked and full of pity. Glen Close is fantastic.
Bravo...Bravo...
She has demonstrated the perfection of singing with passion; emotion.
There is no need for anyone else to sing this.
Gloria Swanson and Glenn Close. The only two women, born to play Norma.
you said it!
I saw her in this performance on Broadway and she was FABULOUS. She is so underated in films also. Why she has never received an Oscar yet boggles the mind.I think she is such a fantastic actress.
Make this a movie with Glenn, pliiiiiiis.
GLENN CLOSE JUST PERFECT
She continued to "play her part" even after the song had ended....she strutted to show her dedication.
Glenn is marvelous, but that song is just brilliance personified!
#bigger than bigger ... I REALLY love Glenn Close . e hugs please
its really true
Just seen Glenn Close do her last matinee at The London Coliseum. I've never seen a performance like it. Tried to get another ticket for tonight. All sold out. Was central in Row D. Amazing.
damn I want that dramatic cape
Yes, Glen Close is a great actress and singer. I wish I had gotten to se her in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway!
Stunning, such a talent!!
I hate that I was not there live for this. She is amazing!
CAN'T WAIT to watch Glenn as Norma on the big screen (yes, the movie version is coming) and see Glenn winning an Academy Award for it. Let it happen, Paramount!
I could listen to this all day. The music is just fantastic
Magnificent!!
Ms Close "is" Norma and don't any one say anything bad about her or I will come and get you.
Sunset Boulevard and specially Glenn Close Was astounding!! Just back home from London Coliseum theatre.
Probably the OLYMPIC standard Norma Desmond, Glenn Close will be playing this role at London's Coliseum theatre for five weeks April/May 2016. Don't miss the chance to see her!
+GAY JESUS going to see her on 5th april ,best norma desmond ever
She really is amazing, so captivating in this role
Still the greatest acting in this role!
She believes in every word and therefore you do too ! Brilliant.
THE BEST !!!
I'm sitting here with my mouth open and tears in my eyes. Glenn Close was born for this
Same here, my dear! She was born to do this!
Roger Wilco Yeah, what Dan K said here. Make this into a movie with Glen Close!!!
Roger Wilco Agreed!!
Such an octoberlassi you are! Yes, it's great have a good happy cry to counter vales of tears otherwise in this word. But then we are all poor players strutting upon the stage of life, as some Elizabethan writer said, approximately. I have another song you should hear. Google "Once Upon A Time" by Ray Bolger. It's the original version song from that musical of the same name. And then Frank Sinatra singing "Golden Moment" from Hot September, a musical that closed very early. It's also here on TH-cam. Best wishes!
Roger Wilco Well said, and I appreciate the 'almost-quote' from Macbeth;). I will be giving both those songs a listen. Thank you Roger Wilco
As a staunch supporter of the Queen of Broadway, Miss Patti LuPone, it must be admitted that Glenn Close stuns in this role. And her voice is fabulous. She may not have Ms LuPone's pipes, but then neither does just about anyone else. I've always considered Glenn Close as one of the two actresses who bear comparison with the movie queens of the Golden era.
+tamara andre Betty Buckley's Norma is another one u should probably check out too. Her powerful take, I would say, is comparable to Patti's.
She has such a presence !
One of the best on this earth in every aspect of talent and ability.
This is magnificent.
She was perfect!!
With one look I can break your heart
With one look I play every part
I can make your sad heart sing
With one look you'll know all you need to know
With one smile I'm the girl next door
Or the love that you've hungered for
When I speak it's with my soul
I can play any role
No words can tell the stories my eyes tell
Watch me when I frown, you can't write that down
You know I'm right, it's there in black and white
When I look your way, you'll hear what I say
Yes, with one look I put words to shame
Just one look sets the screen aflame
Silent music starts to play
One tear in my eye makes the whole world cry
With one look they'll forgive the past
They'll rejoice I've returned at last
To my people in the dark
Still out there in the dark...
Silent music starts to play
With one look you'll know all you need to know
With one look I'll ignite a blaze
I'll return to my glory days
They'll say, "Norma's back at last!"
This time I am staying, I'm staying for good
I'll be back to where I was born to be
With one look I'll be me!
Bloody awesome rendition!!!
Wow after all these years I got to hear once again one of my favorite musicals. I love Sunset Boulevard….love to see a new production of this fabulous show when all the madness ended.
Love Glenn Close.
"We didn't need words, we had FACES." The Wife!
Saw her in this role on Broadway in June. Breathtaking!
this is a spine-tingling performance, you would have to have a heart of stone not to be really moved after this, bravo!
Well said!
Glen Close for Oscar next time. It is overdue!!!
That was fucking majestic. Though I love Lupone and that voice of hers, Close had the acting chops to really bring that role to life. Lloyd Webber hadnt the cajones to be professional in his dealings with Patti but Glenn is the nads here alright
With one look gosh Ms Glen close you're damn good!!!!
The Oscar is hers since I don't think she has been in a movie where she sings the whole time. What a powerhouse, commanding voice!
Truly one of the greatest of all time.
Absolutely the BEST of all.
Great voice!
Bravo
I went to see Sunset with Glenn Close but she was sick. Karen Mason was her understudy. I wasn't disappointed in Karen's performance. I did see it again. It was the second to last performance and Elaine Paige was playing Norma. Spectacular.
CLOSE IS A FINE ACTRESS WHO CAN SING AS A BONUS...FANTASTIC...
Je suis allé à N.Y. spécialement pour ce spectacle que je n'oublierai jamais..
Wou... She is really a Diva... Perfect.
Goose bumps and tears when. I watch this magnificent performance and show Bless you Glen xxxx🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹Dee
Very good.... the madness is never far from the surface... really terrific
Absolutely Brilliant!!!
Can't wait to see her in April! Amazing!
La Norma Desmond per eccellenza, nessun altra sarà mai alla sua altezza!
Saw Glenn Close in the original Los Angeles production. Just astounding.
Perfect.
She is PERFECT for the part!
Glenn Close é fenomenal. ❤
Omg I love her
This is just sublime.
Glenn Close show it's fantastic and special event for people to see it 😀 👏 👍
Loved!!
She did a wonderful job
Wonderful Glen just wonderful A most wonderful performance
Goddess !!!
Wonderful x
Seeing Glenn in London on Monday. :) Yay!!!
We have booked to see her at the London Coliseum next April, can't wait!!
+Pheebs Wish I could be there, too. Alas!
+Pheebs I know you will love it....and yes, I am jealous.
Have a great trip and enjoy.
+Pheebs me too. just booked one! so excited............!!!!!!!!!!!
Glenn Close wil win an academy award.. It will happen.
" MARAVILLOSA ACTRIZ . Y BUENISIMA CANTANTE.