I'm sorry, but you couldn't be more off the mark if you tried. In so many interviews, time and time again, Close remarked at the power of the role and how she night after night would simply get lost in the material- even if you don't care for the score, you are still playing one of the greatest roles every written. Oh, please. Close did so much extraneous schtick with her "claws" it seemed she was already auditioning for Cruella DeVille. And I hate to break it to you, but actors lie to the press almost as often as they lie to themselves. (And, yes, most of my best friends are actors. None of the above should be construed to mean I don't love them.)
(ETA Just to be clear: I think Glenn Close is a fine film actress and has many wonderful (mostly dramatic) performances on her resume. And I only know LuPone's Norma from the recording, but to my ear, SHE is the one who takes the part seriously and the flaws in the show are all the more apparent because of it. I am not what you'd call a fanatic (for or against) either actress.)
Updated On: 7/18/12 at 10:28 PM