Who should play Norma Desmond?
I would prefer Meryl or Barbra over Glenn. Glenn just doesn't have the voice and this is a musical, so it should be sung properly. Glenn may have had a strong stage presence, but her voice....
Babs would be my first choice.
What happened to the prospect of Streisand as Mama Rose?
I don't mean to be rude Muscle, but did we need another thread on this?
Since we where talking about in this thread earlier today.
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=862486&dt=76
Meryl over Glenn over Barbra.
Double Post
Glenn
I think that Glenn can sing the score very nicely, and she has the stage training of the role, she can act it like no one else.
She became Norma onstage. Meryl is excellent and Babs would be interesting and vocally very powerful, but I just think it's Glenn's role.
Meryl over Glenn over Barbra for me as well
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Barbra would be great, but I think we'd be always thinking "That's Barbra" and not that she is playing the role of Norma Desmond.
Meryl could be perfect for the role, but Glenn has worked so hard in this musical, I feel like its her role.
I have to go with Glenn. Aside from the fact that she'll always be associated with the role, let's be honest... Barbara doesn't have 'The Face', which is so integral to the character's story, and Meryl's singing over Glenn's? Gotta go with Glenn.
It probably doesn't help my objectivity that I was listening to the Barnum cast album yesterday either...
As much as I'd like to hear Streisand, I couldn't buy her as a former silent-screen star. No one who looked like her would have been a major dramatic movie star in the 20s. My vote would go to Meryl.
Glenn, then Meryl, then Barbra. I agree with the earlier post that it would be hard for people not to see "BARBRA!", instead of the character...
And some (many) have said that Close was "weak" voiced on stage, but this is a movie; it'll be rehearsed, then recorded in a studio, tweaked, etc.. She won't be needing to project across a 2000 seat house. Just display amazing screen charisma and a "rather good" voice. The record advance for her last run as Norma is also a pretty good sign for the box office.
Broadway Star Joined: 9/28/04
I'm a huge Barbra freak, but I just don't see her in this role.
As much as I admire Meryl, I don't really see her, either. Too subdued or something. Maybe it's her small eyes, which don't translate to "dramatic silent film star" to me.
Glenn, on the other hand, has the scary intensity, huge eyes, and slightly psychotic edge that seem perfect for Norma.
It's all about the Close. Glenn can sing the part better than Meryl, especially when it will be mixed and perfected in the studio. Glenn has the pathos and intensity down pat. Glenn will do big numbers at the box office, as she is now on a hot hit show, so long as they secure a hot leading man and a Betty Schaefer with star quality.
Barbra would never work. In all honesty, I think that would keep people away.
I would love if they find a Betty Schaefer who can sing the part instead of plugging in a star actress who cant sing. Everytime I hear Amanda Bynes on the HAIRSPRAY CD I cringe and LONG for Kerry Butler's soulful wailing. I wished they would have cast Penny with someone who could sing and hope they do the same for Betty.
Betty, I think that if Anne Hathaway can hit the notes, she'd be a good pick for Betty, also Emmy Rossum (with a good acting coach)
So far,
Glenn Close seems to be the favorite, with 6 votes, Streep close second, with 5 votes, and Babra has no votes =(
Though to be honest, I'd see this movie with any of them, even though I'm not a fan of this show at all, because I really am a fan of all three.
The posters will be incredible if they pose the leads together seductively rather than using the stale street sign logo. The ads could be really hot.
Broadway Star Joined: 9/28/04
For the teaser poster, how about a picture of Hugh (assuming he plays Joe) standing under a streetlight at the corner of Sunset Blvd., smoking a cigarette, looking very noir-ish, the "Hollywoodland" sign in the background, with a huge close-up of Glenn's eyes looming over it all?
Broadway Star Joined: 9/28/04
I guess we know who Muscle23 wants in the role...
No, I love Babs, it's just the 1st pic I found of hers.
If the show has a strong director AND Barbra allows herself to be directed....she'd be phenominal. What a magical return to Broadway it could be for her....IF she allows herself to be directed.
....and imagine THAT stage door!
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