The Perfect Norma Desmond- Page 2

[keatonbynumbers]

Posted: 3/15/06 at 4:17pm

I love Liza, but no, I don't know if the role fits her. She's surprised me before, but...

I love the idea of Meryl Streep as Norma and I think she'd do a fabulous job. I can't commit totally to it, though, and I'm not sure why--maybe because she doesn't have that "present day Gloria Swanson" factor.

ETA: I'm glad someone else thinks Glenn Close just seemed to be doing a (mediocre) Gloria Swanson impression. I've never been impressed with her performance. Updated On: 3/15/06 at 04:17 PM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/15/06 at 4:17pm

She'd look pretty ridiculous in the turbans though.

[mcphan19]

Posted: 3/16/06 at 10:19pm

Elaine Paige

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 3/16/06 at 10:29pm

Betty Buckley was divine!

[beenthere]

Posted: 3/17/06 at 9:39am

Harvey Fierstien

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 3/17/06 at 10:12am

Patti is the only diva for me.

[Thesbijean]

Posted: 3/17/06 at 10:43am

I would pay to see Harvey

[ThePinballWizard]

Posted: 3/17/06 at 2:14pm

I don't really know about the rest of you but hands down the best Norma Desmond would be....


CAROL CHANNING

I mean c'mon her rendition of With One Look would be astounding let alone she has the look of a crazy woman not so put together, and THAT's a compliment!! And maybe Bea Arthur as MAX.

[Tenorific2]

Posted: 3/17/06 at 2:30pm

Betty Buckley all the way!!

Posted: 3/18/06 at 12:09am

I'm traveling to Ireland soon, so tonight I was looking around to see what's playing there, and somehow I came across a link to a BBC News clip about Petula Clark playing Norma Desmond at the Cork Opera House on 2 May 2004, with Michael Ball as Joe Gillis.

Intrigued, I clicked on another link and found out she's currently on tour, and will be playing five shows at some casino in Connecticut in two weeks. And then she's doing like a month in Branson MO later this year.

She'll be 74 in November. How would she do as Norma stateside?


Playbill: Michael Ball and Petula Clark Star in Sunset Boulevard in Concert; Radio Broadcast Too

[buffyactsing]

Posted: 3/18/06 at 1:18am

Donna Murphy. Meryl Streep.

I'm predicatable.

[Tigger]

Posted: 3/18/06 at 5:38am

By the time they get to making it, the person probably most bankable, right and likely for the part would be MADONNA.

She wasn't bad in Dick Tracy because it required her to be over the top (like Norma Desmond) and she was actually quite good in Evita. She has film star looks like Nora and certainly can sing the part (technical sweeteners in the recording studio will help).

Just my humble opinion as I am neither a huge fan of Madge or of the show.

[Tigger]

Posted: 3/18/06 at 5:44am

I just saw Petula Clark at Casino Niagara last friday. She sang With Just One Look as part of her act recalling when she played the role in London. It was a highlight as was the mother's song from Blood Brothers in which she had also starred. She was heavily miked and quite pitchy for the first third of the show and then settled in and was able to deliver fairly well. The crowd loved her as she is very endearing.

[Sant]

Posted: 3/18/06 at 10:21am

Also Michelle Pfeiffer might be fantastic in the role. I don't know if she can pull off those power-belt parts.

And Frances McDormad certainly could act the part. Don't know if she can sing though... But if were talking about casting the movie version of the show, she may not be big enough a name to 'sell' the movie.

[cturtle]

Posted: 3/18/06 at 4:04pm

i hate that word! it's a RETURN!

[NYC4Life]

Posted: 3/18/06 at 4:36pm

Can Annette Bening sing? She is an excellent actress. I also like the idea of Michelle Pfeiffer but her looks are just too perfect. She does not age. I am always happy with Streep and Close so they would be excellent.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 3/18/06 at 4:38pm

Yes, Annette Bening can sing.
Updated On: 3/18/06 at 04:38 PM

[stanton]

Posted: 3/18/06 at 5:24pm

Madonna was great in Evita but there wasn't acting in it at all. She just sang to a play back! Michelle P would be good bet however she doesn't have that diva image. If you want to go out on a limb with casting cast DIANA ROSS.