The Barbra as Norma?

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 3:58pm

I would be lying if I said that I didn't think Glenn Close was stunning or one of the best performers of the day with a simply incredible and glorious voice for the SUNSET BLVD score, but...

sitting here listening to Barbra's big NY concert, I can't help but wonder if she would be able to handle it. I'm not a fan of Barbra. Never was. Adored her in MEET THE PARENTS and A STAR IS BORN, but besides that, never had a love for her. Being at college, I get random spurts of homesickness and some things remind me of home - my mother, especially - Barbra being one of them. So I decided to listen to the concert. Hearing it, I can't help but think she'd be a stunning Norma.

Anyone agree?

[Matt_G]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 3:59pm

Won't. Ever. Happen.

Babs said she wanted complete creative control and ALW rightfully told her absolutely not.

Updated On: 2/27/05 at 03:59 PM

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:04pm

Well, I don't think it would wind up happening. I'm just saying - can't you see it?

The arrogance. The "my shi* doesn't stink" attitude. The voice. Something tells me it would be breathtakingly perfect.

Updated On: 2/27/05 at 04:04 PM

[Matt_G]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:08pm

Personally, she's the only one I would want to see in the role. But since I have a better chance of crapping out a million dollar bill today than seeing her in the film, I'll be fine with Glenn. I didn't seem to mind her nearly as much as other here did.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:10pm

I don't know why so many are anti-Glenn. I think she's stunning. And I'm looking forward to having her performance forever at my access. But I couldn't help but think hey, Babs would work.

[Matt_G]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:14pm

No, honey. She wouldn't just "work". She would become the Norma Desmond that would be remembered from now until the end of time. It would be the role of her lifetime but sadly she won't let someone direct her in this like she did with FOCKERS.

And that's a damn shame.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:16pm

The role of her lifetime? You really think it would top Fanny Brice? It's so hard. People who don't know theater think of Babs and go, Oh yeah. FUNNY GIRL. I, personally, would rather see Glenn. Only because I've always had a real love for her. But I have to agree with you about how stunning Babs would be as Norma. But I don't think it would top her Fanny Brice.

[Matt_G]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:19pm

And I do.

To me, Deborah Gibson is the only real Fanny Brice.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:20pm

I think I'm going to be murdered for this, so I should probably duck (especially since I'm enjoying conversation with you and don't want to fudge it up) -

but Deborah Gibson's voice makes me want to hang myself. Or shoot myself. Or suffocate myself. Or just plain old die.

[KMF_NYC]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:28pm

am I the only person who found Glenn Close vocally dreadful and painful in Sunset -- she CAN NOT SING THIS PART AS WRITTEN OR AS RE-WRITTEN...I am sorry but there is something inheriently wrong to re-write an entire score for the American and broadway premiers.

No questions, Glenn Close is a great actress -- one of our best, but Norma/Sunset were too far a vocal stretch for her and it shows in the recording -- listen to her as compared to some of the other Norma's -- mainly LuPone, Buckley and Paige....those are Norma's with vocal chops.

I agree with Matt -- Babs will never do it...

Personally I would love to see LuPOne vindicated and offered the film -- never happen, but it would make me happy.

Updated On: 2/27/05 at 04:28 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:39pm

Barbra as Norma Desmond? Oh but she is FAR too young to play Norma! Norma must be at least 50!

Pity that so much talent comes with so much unrestrained ego. Good lord, this woman can't go on a talk show without rearranging the set and lighting! I was stunned that she agreed to Fockers-- I really didn't think she'd ever perform in anyone else's production, ever.....

[Matt_G]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:41pm

And the funny thing with that Joe, is that everyone on the FOCKERS set has said what a pleasant enviroment it was with her there.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:41pm

I dont know how anyone can say that Close butchered the score. She sounds fantastic on the recording, and her performance in SUNSET was one of the most brilliantly solid things I have ever seen. Next to Barbra, she's the only one I want to see do it.

Joe: ARe you joking about the age?

[Mattio98]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:46pm

What about Hugh Jackman as Joe Gillis?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:47pm

Glenn as Norma on that CD is just utterly spectacular. When I listen to it I can SEE her performance. It's so much fun listening to that CD because of her. I think she sings the role just fine, but obviously she's at her best in the "psycho sections". no one can do that like she can!

[Matt_G]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:47pm

From what I heard, both Hugh & Anthony Hopkins are already committed to the film.

[Mattio98]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:48pm

Well there ya go.

[EaboveMiddleC]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 5:08pm

I love Glenn, but i still think the best Norma will always be Betty Buckley. That said, i really wish the would let Meryl Streep play Norma in the movie. I think she would be Breathtaking.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 5:26pm

Meryl Streep is far too beautiful.

Barbra Streisand is definately NOT too young.

Betty Buckley's voice makes me shiver. In a bad way. It is *so* dreadful these days.

Babs won't do it, but she'd be marvelous.

Glenn Close's performance is treasured by me. She was STUNNING.

[Matt_G]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 5:29pm

Also keep in mind that if by some small chance Glenn Close doesn't do the film, it's not completely unlikely someone like Buckley would do it. ALW didn't go for "Names" for PHANTOM so it's a good chance that he wouldn't get a megastar for SUNSET if needed.

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 5:36pm

When did La Streisand have this discussion w ALW about "total creative control?"

Perhaps she has mellowed a bit with time and following her success in "Fockers" maybe she would reconsider being directed by someone else - ?

I would love to see her do it! Fingers crossed!
"I've come home at last!"

Updated On: 2/27/05 at 05:36 PM

[Matt_G]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 5:38pm

Dolly, that still gives me chills when I hear her sing that line.

And this was a while ago but from what I hear he won't really have anything to do with her. Of course that info could be completely wrong but I haven't heard any mention of her name connected to this project for a few years.

I would also love to see LuPone do the film. It's high time Patti got some recognition on the silver screen.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 5:39pm

i agree...Barbra would be good as Norma.

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 6:01pm

Back when Babs opened her big concert with "As If We Never Said Goodbye" I immediately thought that it was all about positioning - that she was positioning herself to some day do the role (in my mind on film) by aligning herself with the song. Just burrowing into our brains her voice with that song! Brilliant.

Side note: I recently thought the same thing when Dolly Parton opened with "Hello, Dolly!" in her concert. Positioning herself for the role - Dolly as Dolly on B'way anyone?

[Matt_G]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 6:03pm

Dolly as Dolly would be a brilliant marketing slogan.

Of course they'd have to book the New Amsterdam to hold the world's gay population if she ever came to Broadway.