Sunset with Close to the Palace in January- Page 3

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 10:11am

"Would such a set be as massively expensive in 2016 as it was in 1994?" 

Napier's original set would be at least 50% MORE expensive today than 20 years ago. Improvements in technology would show negligible savings compared to the huge increased materials costs and huge raises in wages paid to the carpenters, sculptors, scenic artists, metal workers, shop owners and transpo costs needed to recreate those sets today and install them at the Palace. 

[buhbuhbilly]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 10:15am

While I agree she most likely will not sing this score like she once had, I find it really really interesting to imagine an older Close take on the role of Norma Desmond.. Considering the character is an actress who was once such a hot shot, with even more years behind her, the "big return" element could be even more affective and thrilling. 

[chernjam]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 10:16am

Adam - I would think both roles require a gifted singer.  I know Elena did receive a lot of negative talk on these boards - (although when I saw her, I thought she did a fantastic job).  I think part of the problem in that situation was that she was being touted as a phenomenal singer (and she's from Argentina!! which was supposed to make her even more fantastic)

Close, the expectations for her singing weren't that great to begin with, so when she actually did a solid job in 1994-95, people were blown away by her singing and even more, her acting.  Particularly since the reviewers were savage on LuPone's acting.  

Whether any of this is fair or not - is a whole other matter, just thought I'd give you my take on it.

I saw Glenn twice in 94/95 - and it was an amazing experience.   But when I went back to see Betty Buckley, it was an entirely different (and to me even more phenomenal) performance hearing her hit and annihilate some of those high notes

[Steve C.]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 10:52am

I so, totally agree with chernjam and some previous posts. Seeing Close once, was a "great performance" but when I went back to see Betty Buckley I cried. There is still really no one else that digs into Norma so deeply and becomes that fragile, sad lady. Buckley's singing voice is not comparable to Close or anyone else that I've heard or seen do Norma (Petula Clark, Dianhann Carrolll..and they are good and distinct in their portrayals). I ended up seeing BB about 4 times.

I was initially bonkers at the thought of seeing this production and I'm sure it will be "a return";  an "event". and I wished a true full fledged staging with a 50 piece orchestra really would happen. I would probably complain about the price but then be online immediately.

Close is great in her madness but needs to stop short on the camp at times. For me, Betty Buckley (and of course, Gloria Swanson), are Norma Desmond. Buckley's voice and acting seal the deal   

[MadonnaMusical]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 6:42pm

I'm also sad we're getting a return of Ms. Close. LOVE her as an actress but agree that I'd rather see a new and exciting rendition by one of the amazing divas we love. I'd love to see Stephanie J Block do this. 

[MadonnaMusical]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 6:44pm

Also... and I say this out of respect... does anyone give a crap about Glenn Close anymore? When was the last time she had a hit movie? I don't think her name will translate to ticket sales.

[chernjam]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 6:48pm

MadonnaMusical said: "Also... and I say this out of respect... does anyone give a crap about Glenn Close anymore? When was the last time she had a hit movie? I don't think her name will translate to ticket sales."

I think it will still be a big draw.  It was in London.  Most theatregoers will look at it as like a  last chance to see Carol Channing in Hello Dolly or something like that.

 

For me, I'm disappointed nothing ever came of the donna murphy workshop of doing a revival of Sunset that they had done a few years back.  Had high hopes of that and can imagine her singing that score

[MichelleCraig]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 9:27pm

chernjam wrote: "I'm curious - for those of you in theatre business - would such a set be as massively expensive in 2016 as it was in 1994?  I would think that in the 20 years, there's been improvements to the engineering, designs. etc that would make it a bit easier and less expensive?"

You wouldn't think so with all of the scaled down productions we're getting nowadays. Strategically lit scaffolding and a projection would replace Norma's mansion on Sunset today. 

Updated On: 8/7/16 at 09:27 PM

[Callum_brown1]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 9:27pm

MadonnaMusical said: "Also... and I say this out of respect... does anyone give a crap about Glenn Close anymore? When was the last time she had a hit movie? I don't think her name will translate to ticket sales.

 

"

Exactly. She failed to sell out London for five weeks so will she manage for 20? She will have LOTS of competition - not only Bette but also Sally Firld in Glass Menagerie. I know that this isn't the 90s anymore and neither of the three are as big a star as they once were (which I suppose does add a meta element to Close as Norma) they'll also have to compete with Cate Blanchett doing Chekov. Although classical highbrow theatre like what Field and Blanchett will be doing is different to Sunset, their marquee names will nevertheless have sizeable audience crossover. And as Blanchett is the most 'current' star, and Bette doing a similar concept with legendary actress in prestige (but critically more mainstream) musical, I have a feeling SB will not be a huge hit.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 10:44pm

This seems more of an Avery Fisher Hall type thing. I LOVE the score for Sunset, but also enjoy the noir type staging, and think it might lose something with an Encores style performance. 

Didnt she just do an Albee play that sort of came and went without much fanfare? 

I'd much rather see a stripped down staging than an actual concert production. 

[10086sunset]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 11:25pm

dwirth said: "Sure, Close can't sing, but she can act and create a character very, very well. I get her allure (though, for me, Paige couldn't be topped in this role the first time around). My biggest gripe is that she is 20 years too old for the part of Norma.

 

"

Dwirth, couldn't agree more...

Close acts this role extremely well and Paige is the best I have seen. 

[LittleEdieFan]

Posted: 8/6/16 at 11:50pm

MadonnaMusical said: "Also... and I say this out of respect... does anyone give a crap about Glenn Close anymore? When was the last time she had a hit movie? I don't think her name will translate to ticket sales.

 

"Just like Norma Desmond!!

 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/7/16 at 12:08am

Im not dissing Close because I'm a huge fan of her as an actress. But.. In a concer setting, I'd rather hear someone who can let loose on that gorgeous score. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/7/16 at 9:54am

Never saw it, but it wasn't really advertised with her in it. No huge billboard, etc. 

[SmoothLover]

Posted: 8/8/16 at 2:39am

I saw it with Betty and her extraordinary voice infused such a strong tone and bone chilling emotion to the proceedings. With Close I always feel like she is struggling which always makes me feel uncomfortable.

 

Is this a limited run? I love the show but it seems it would not be first choice among tourists unless it starred Lady Gaga.

 

 

[Just_John]

Posted: 8/8/16 at 12:34pm

I saw this in London and it was stupendous. It's much closer to a full production than a typical concert production in New York. No scripts, full costumes, full staging, and minimal set with huge orchestra on stage. Close was riveting and I can't wait to see it again!

[Princeton2]

Posted: 8/8/16 at 4:35pm

I saw this in london and it is not concert style. In fact id say its just as much staged as some shows that come out of places like the menier. For a limited run the set and staging was impressive, as were the costumes. Really a mesmerising evening in the theatre. The only downside for me was michael xavier as joe who was way too comical and jazz hands, showed what a weak actor he is.

My concern is glenn got ill in spring in london, not sure doing it in the middle of new york winter is the best idea.

Updated On: 8/8/16 at 04:35 PM

[nycncbrguy]

Posted: 8/8/16 at 6:07pm

Princeton2 said: "I saw this in london and it is not concert style.The only downside for me was michael xavier as joe who was way too comical and jazz hands, showed what a weak actor he is."

Maybe Andrew Lloyd Webber will get Ramin Karimloo to reprise the Joe Gillis role for the Broadway run??! Ramin has his own International Fanbase, a Phenomenal Voice and Amazing onstage Chemistry with his Leading Ladies. I'm certain Ms. Close would be no exception.

[chernjam]

Posted: 8/8/16 at 6:12pm

nycncbrguy said: "Princeton2 said: "I saw this in london and it is not concert style.The only downside for me was michael xavier as joe who was way too comical and jazz hands, showed what a weak actor he is."

Maybe Andrew Lloyd Webber will get Ramin Karimloo to reprise the Joe Gillis role for the Broadway run??! Ramin has his own International Fanbase, a Phenomenal Voice and Amazing onstage Chemistry with his Leading Ladies. I'm certain Ms. Close would be no exception.

 

Ramin played in Sunset as Joe before?  Never knew that

"

 

[RW3]

Posted: 8/8/16 at 6:15pm

He understudied the role on the UK National Tour in 2002

[nycncbrguy]

Posted: 8/8/16 at 9:52pm

"Ramin played in Sunset as Joe before?  Never knew that "

https://youtu.be/gspBRV-WtBw

Here is a clip of Ramin Karimloo singing "Sunset Boulevard" at a Concert. Not from the show. But it kind of gives you an idea of the Magic in the Making...

 

 

 

[chernjam]

Posted: 8/9/16 at 1:02am

nycncbrguy said: ""Ramin played in Sunset as Joe before?  Never knew that "

https://youtu.be/gspBRV-WtBw

Here is a clip of Ramin Karimloo singing "Sunset Boulevard" at a Concert. Not from the show. But it kind of gives you an idea of the Magic in the Making...

 

That's terrific - thanks for sharing nycnbrguy.  How about we add Christine Ebersole as Norma - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kn9FhEc9Xo

[Laurapattifan]

Posted: 8/9/16 at 1:14am

I'd love Jenn Damiano as Betty 

[chernjam]

Posted: 8/17/16 at 9:30pm

I wonder - would Karen Mason still be a good choice as a standby for Close?  How's her voice held up 20 years later.  I loved seeing her in the original

 

Oh and on Sunset news - does anyone know when Jay Records will release their albumb of Ria Jones singing Norma and Evita?

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/17/16 at 9:31pm

Any word yet on when this might become official?