Liza started a new concert tour a couple of weeks ago, with Ben Vereen as her opening act. Prior to that she completed two new guest appearance episodes of the tv show ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT.
I have posted many times about Liza being the ideal choice for Norma Desmond in the SUNSET BOULEVARD film. In addition to her being the MOST suited actress/singer for the part, her appearing in the film would be reflective of the ORIGINAL Sunset Boulevard film on which the musical was based. The original, nonmusical film starred Gloria Swanson,(who got an Oscar nomination)one of the "founders" of Hollywood in the silent screen era; at the time Billy Wilder directed her as Norma Desmond, Ms. Swamson was, herself, somewhat faded and considered, shall we say, somewhat quirky, had a famous relationship with Joe Kennedy Sr., her career was not at its height and her casting was controversial at the time.
This is SOOOOOOOOOOO VERRRRY similar to what it would be like CASTING Liza Minnelli in the film version of the musical SUNSET BOULEVARD. This certainly could be another Oscar'd performance for Ms. Minnelli.
I saw the original Broadway production of SUNSET BOULEVARD and the thing that blew me away was the performance of George Hearn. He was rivetting and his singing was mesmerizing. His Tony award was richly deserved. In my household when we discuss seeing SUNSET BOULEVARD the week after it opened, we primarily talk about Mr. Hearn's unforgettable performance. I remember the sets were great and there was an awesome "body in the pool effect" when the show started. And--- There was a fabulously staged moment--When Ms. Desmond returns to the film studio after a long absence and is recognized by a lighting technician atop a ladder--I believe the character's name is Hawkeye or something close to that, he says to her in astonishment something to the effect of, "Ms. Desmond, Ms. Desmond is that really you," Ms. Close as Norma Desmond replied rather coquetteishly, "Hawkeye!Well, Hello" and he replied "Let's get a Look at You," and she was bathed with blazing "star-only" spotlights to the strains of WITH ONE LOOK. It is a stunningly staged moment in the show.
The set was great with its famous huge staircase and its emergence into a two level set. The score is very good. As If We've Never Said Goodbye and She's the Greatest Star of All being the obvious standouts.
Ms. Close delivered the performance expected from her and reaped the Tony against only one other nominee in the Best Actress in a musical category that year, Rebecca Luker from SHOW BOAT.
To many the part seemed somewhat similar to others Ms. Close had played. Many think she played Cruella Deville (sp?) the villain of 101 DALMATIONS as a kind of first cousin of Norma Desmond.
Her singing was quite bad, with her "operatic register" being particularly unpleasant. Of course she was good or great when performing "As If We've Never Said Goodbye." This is a song that is it not difficult for any reasonably competent stage performer to do well. The graduer, drama and "release" are all built into the music.
I purchased the cd with Ms. Close primarily for George Hearn's voice. It was worth the price. When I listen to SUNSET BOULEVARD, I listen to Patti Lupone's cd. Except, when we are in for a Hearn "fix," we listen to his tracks on the original Broadway cast recording with Glenn Close.
I remember Glenn Close as being good in the show, highly "effected," and very over the top nuts. But again, her performance was not the standout in that production for me. Many of us who saw it will never forget the haunting performance of George Hearn.
Glenn Close is one of the great actresses of her generation. As a singer, she is fine for most musicals you might say, but, not too many would rush out to buy a Glenn Close cd of Sinatra's greatest hits.
Patti Lupone gave the ultimate performance of SUNSET BOULEVARD's Norma that I have ever "heard." I didn't see it, I only heard her recording. Obviously Ms. Lupone sang the part better than Ms. Close. Patti Lupone would sound better gargling than most people would sound singing.
"Blow out the candles Robert and make a wish. Want something, want SOMETHING."
Updated On: 4/4/05 at 01:21 PM