Natasha Richardson in CLOSER, Streetcar and Cabaret among others...

I saw her in Streetcar, I'll post a review later...but she was amazing!

Actually it read like someone who made a grammar error but was trying to get comments on NR's performance in "Closer." But that's water under the bridge now (as they say).

I will re-post comments about "Closer" soon...have to do Easter things now.

Just in case anyone gets it, the Parent Trap remake is currently on one of the Starz channels.

---

Jordan- at least her Sally was preserved at the Lincoln Center Library.

---

okay, Take 2 on my "Closer" memories...

I remember very much enjoying the Broadway production of "Closer," although I came to it having seen the original London production, and the Broadway version wasn't quite as potent as that original. At the time, I was partly, though not by much, critical of an aspect of Richardson's approach to the role, although her skill as an actor was very apparent. My impression (backed up by things she said in interviews at the time) was that she wanted to bring a more heartfelt, emotional approach into the piece, which is commendable, but I think Marber's play only supports heartfelt up to a point. I think my conclusion was that the play actually works better nastier. But, as I said, I did like the production a lot and NR's presence and delivery were great to experience.

If there was something more in particular, muscle23ftl, that you were interested in in regards to the play, let me know. I believe I recall you mentioning the film in the first thread--have you seen a production of the play?

I still have trouble really believing it.

---

I am in the minority here. I thought she scored brilliantly in STREETCAR, hampered only by the lack of a leading man (Reilly was a Mitch, period.) Had she played it opposite another Stanley, the production might've soared. Amy Ryan was a breathtakingly perfect Stella. I thought her Sally was as stunning as everyone else, and actually think her singing was underappreciated. The songs were pretty thrilling. But CLOSER was a sour, muted production, and I barely recall her making any impression. After CABARET, it seemed as if she was operating at 50%.

---

"I think Marber's play only supports heartfelt up to a point. I think my conclusion was that the play actually works better nastier. But, as I said, I did like the production a lot and NR's presence and delivery were great to experience.

If there was something more in particular, muscle23ftl, that you were interested in in regards to the play, let me know. I believe I recall you mentioning the film in the first thread--have you seen a production of the play?"

-I agree with you, I think the play works better if it's "nastier".
-I have seen a big production of the play in Buenos Aires, Argentina in the year 2000, and loved it. Many plays tend to bore me, but this one kept me engaged all along. Funny enough, the same play by Marber was revived last year again, which has never was revived on Broadway. This play always causes a stir in Buenos Aires, and draws the attention of big names that choose to star in it.
-I also loved the movie version and think it was Julia Robert's best performance EVER recorded, the rest of the cast was top notch and both Portman and Owen got Oscar nominations.

---

Updated On: 4/16/09 at 06:26 AM

I saw her in "Cabaret" in 1998, and attended The Tony Awards the very next day when she won Best Actress in a musical. Also, saw her 4 years ago in "Streetcar" at Studio 54. She was brilliant!

Doran, you should re-watch CLOSER soon! I am sure you are going to enjoy it. I don't get tired of watching this DVD.

---

Yes, what did Jennifer do so differently?

What did you think of Brooke Shields as Sally Bowles?

As Natasha said in several interviews, she was trying not to think of Liza's Sally Bowles, and tried to do her own thing. I was biased and skeptical about seeing Richardson or any other actress without Liza's powerful voice playing this role. I saw Melina Karakaredes and didn't enjoy her Sally, actually I was really surprised by Jon Secada as the MC. He can sing!

---