Glenn Close as Desiree Armfeldt?

Ugh. Not exciting. Desiree is a light, comedic presence. A soft at the center diva. I love Glenn, particularly her work in SUNSET, but she's not at her best playing vulnerable. And in her late 50s, when this is to be done -- as someone pointed out, will she be believable as a ravishing star two men duel over?

This is a part for a lady with glamour, but a twinkle in her eye, too. A sense of ridiculous about herself. I thought Juliet Stevenson a chilly, Glenda Jackson-y Desiree at City Opera, and think the role needs to go back to the type who originated it: Glynis Johns. Hers is still my favorite, a woman who was a silly, irresponsible girl underneath the theatrical trappings and world-weariness. Who's a Glynis for our times? Not Glenn. Don't laugh, folks, but I'd rather see someone like, say Goldie Hawn. Someone with some bubbles. Of the stage ladies d'un age certain, I think Christine Ebersole comes closest. Ideas? How about Bacall for Madame Armfeldt? She would nail that, "Liaisons" included, no?

---

Updated On: 4/26/04 at 07:38 PM

i think patti lupone would be awsome in the role!!! i know she played the role in the concert version and got rave reveiws!!! :)

Wait a minute. We say that Glenn Close could not play Desiree. I would love to see her do it.

But I have to say that I adore Judi Dench.

Oh, why, oh, WHY do woman who are not excellent vocalists ever get cast as Desiree? Blair Brown in the recent Kennedy Center production just butchered her songs. "Send In The Clowns" should be left to actors with beautiful voices (I think Elaine Paige is a wonderful suggestion), not to those, like Ms. Close, who have to act/sing their songs due to their vocal shortcomings. Don't get me wrong, I like Glenn in many works, but not Desiree! PLEASE, NO!!!!

---

I have the Natinal Theater recording, and Dench is truly wonderful (and that version preserves the best version of "Glamourous life" -- with Fredericka's beautiful, poignant verses included fromt he film. Among Sondheim's best work, IMO.)
I think someone like LuPone -- hardly a Scandanavian stage star at the turn of the century (more like the maid Petra, at age 50) -- will turn the show into a vehicle. NIGHT MUSIC really isn't. It's an ensemble piece in the best, truest sense. To me, any revival should carefullh find the balance, and in Desiree, focus on humor, glamour, elegance, and a kind of girlish wit.

---

Auggie, I think you hit the nail on the head. Patti, though suited for Mrs. Lovett, may not be suited to Desiree. Then when you think about it more, Desiree is not a large role vocally. sings in "The Glamorous Life", "You Must Meet My Wife" and "Send in the Clowns". The notes aren't particularly demanding on the cords, like the operetta material for the others (Mme. Armfeldt and Charlotte excluded, of course). Many great actresses should be able to pull it off unless they are completely tonedeaf.

I think the revival of "Night Music" should be intimate, maybe in one of the smaller theatres that Broadway has to offer. But that's just me. But I'll take a good champagne whenever I can get it.

~Kevin

Now if they'd only reissue the National Theatre recording so I could get my hands on it...

i love how thoughtful you all are in sharing your opinions of who, what and why. i must simpley say that i have vowed that glenn close's singing voice shall never again touch my eardrums. remember her version of "send in the clowns" at the '92 carnegie hall tribute? deadly. betty buckley did a fab desiree on BBC radio a few years back but i think she doesn't look the part these days.

---

I have not seen A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC performed on stage - and would look forward to a re-staging soon. Elaine Paige sounds like a good suggestion ...not too sure about Glenn Close ( whom I have not seen onstage)as her screen personality comes out too strong for me.

Anne Egerman? How about Anne Hathaway or Emmy Rossum? I was surprised to see that Emmy was only 16 when she made "Mystic River" where she played a 19 year old so convincingly. Besides I think Kristin is a little too old for the role.

~K

Updated On: 4/27/04 at 04:27 AM

I couldn't agree more with everything Auggie27 has said, and I think Goldie Hawn would make a damn good Desiree.
Please don't ANYONE suggest Bernadette Peters gggrrrrrrrr.

I don't know why Desiree is always cast with actresses over 50. In the original Bergman film "Smiles of a Summer Night," Desiree is in her early-to-mid 40's.

There's a wonderful bit of dialogue in the film when Desiree and Frederick meet again after the performance. Speaking of Anne's tantrum at the show, he says to Desiree, "She said you must be at least 50." Desiree: "Oh! She IS angry."

I think Donna Murphy would make a fine Desiree. Emmy Rossum is an interesting choice for Anne - her singing in that film "Songcatcher" was lovely.

BTW, "Smiles" should be required viewing for anyone, especially fans of "Night Music." It's coming out on DVD soon.

The song is definitely written for a non singer. It took me forever to finnaly decide to read this thread. Because the idea of Close doing this just sounds so boring.