I also just posted my thoughts on this elsewhere. But heck; I just thought I would put this idea out to the universe one more time.
You could all make fun if you want... But I would be the first in line on opening day to see this if Liza Minnelli was cast as Norma. I just recently re-watched her work in Cabaret, New York New York, And Sterile Cookoo. With good directors she has always turned in wonderful work. These days her singing is not what it used to be. But last week I watched her sing a song on Tony Danzas anniversary show and it was beautiful.
Now dish me all you want.
I think it would be interesting but I think there are better people out there for it. Although, she would act the crap out of that part.
That could be brilliant DAME.
Liza Minnelli as Norma Desmond?
Oh my.
Wow.
Words cannot express.
Dame, I just don't think our Miss Minnelli can display the faded glamour necessary to pull of Norma...
I just don't think it's right for her...
And if Liza comes through this film would be a even bigger event. A lot of people rooting for her in many ways here in hollywood. Cast and crew of "Arrested Development" love her. There is very good buzz about her new film with Danny Devito. So much so that I understand she will be moving full time to Los Angeles next month.
I think she would be great. I am seeing her Saturday in concert at the Westbury Music Fair.
Broadwaylady; I expect a full report.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
But does she have the stamina and endurance to do it? Or will she bolt halfway through it?
I think Liza has just the right manic/drama filled existance that the role calls for. Not sure if she could sing it - but hell - I'd rather hear her croak it out than listen to Glenn butcher it again.
I ditto that, redhot. And I've been very vocal about this on the other thread.
Dame, seriously? She's moving out there? Wow. She's lived here her entire adult life. That will be quite a change!
What is the beef with Glenn? I absolutely do not understand that. She was beyond fantastic in the show, from top to bottom. She's one of the greatest, most powerful and inspiring actresses I have ever seen in both movies and theatre. I think Liza would be great, I really do. I would be second on line behind Dame - or maybe we'd go together.
Has anyone thought about Barbra in the role? I know everyone's bringing up all the aging diva's, but she could do the role brilliantly as well.
Perhaps if Norma had been a Mabel Normand type comedienne on the silent screen...those big eyes and gamin features...it could work. But "faded glamour" or even "gothic" aren't words that comes to mind when I think of Liza. Then again, Petula Clark isn't exactly Theda Bara...
Liza would be wonderful. She was one of the three people Webber was considering back when the show was just beginning (Meryl and Angela Landsbury were the other two), but the London production went to Patti LuPone and NY and LA to Glenn Close.
I thought Angela was only under consideration when Sondheim was considering taking on the project in an updated version.
I do believe wildcat is 100% Correct.
In the 1980s SUNSET BLVD. was going to be a Harold Prince/Stephen Sondheim/Hugh Wheeler porject, with the lead going to Lansbury.
Lloyd Weber never considered Lansbury for his version--nor did he ever consider Minnelli--to the best of my knowledge.
I've heard that, too. I heard that she was approached by Webber but didn't have any interest. It was down to Liza and Meryl when the divine La LuPone swooped in and stole the role away.
I say....GIVE IT TO STRITCH!
Does anyone....still wear....a monkey?
Well, it's my understanding that LuPone was always FIRST choice for the Lloyd Weber version (based upon her remarkable work in his EVITA).
Regarding Streep, I read that at one point, she had the inside track on the FILM version of EVITA...
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
"Regarding Streep, I read that at one point, she had the inside track on the FILM version of EVITA..."
She did. She made a screen test and may have filmed a scene or two, but then she realized that she was not quite right for the role.
I wonder how faye Dunaway wold have fared if they hadn't canceled her run.
Insiders said that Dunaway had the acting side of the role of Norma NAILED TO THE FLOOR.
But, her singing, even after weeks of coaching, was atrocious.
Thats too bad. you think she could have gotten by with a rex harrison approach? ( as if the score wasn't mediocre enough)
Faye's in Argentina right now filming the movie version of MASTER CLASS. How do you think she'll do portraying Callas? Can she pull it off? This could be her big, long overdue comeback.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
*sigh* I know, I KNOW how Hollywood works - but I would have put up the money myself (as if I had it) to see Zoe Caldwell immortalize Callas in Master Class on film. Updated On: 2/18/05 at 12:31 AM
I agree. I saw Caldwell in MASTER CLASS on Broadway, and it was one of the single most powerful performances by an actress on stage that I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. She would have been equally as electrifying on screen. But Ms. Dunaway made certain that would never happen when she scooped up the rights to the material more than a decade ago. But given that it's a DUNaway deal (couldn't resist) that she'll be playing Callas in the movie, how do you think she'll do?
Videos