+emlodik Indeed. One of those truly tragic moments when the audience knows the character's hope is all a delusion but they dont realise it themselves :(
I will never forget this play when I saw it in LA at the Shubert Theater. My mom took me to see it and we sat in the mezz. I was so taken by Glenn Close and her voice. The scene when she first came down the staircase and that see thru curtain rose up and all this gold and shiny everything appeared and the audience was just in awe. This is one soundtrack I can listen to from beginning to end. I love the music and the story line. I have so much respect for Glen Close because she has talent like no other and she can surly perform like no other. I still listen to the soundtrack in 2022 I love it. Thank you Glenn Close Andrew Loyd weber and all the people who put on this production when it was here in LA.
On par with some of the greatest opera divas of all time. She not only sings it, she acts it impeccably as well, one of the theater's most shining moments. On par with Jennifer Holliday in "Dreamgirls".
It's hard to imagine that one woman can have this much talent. She has always been one of the most brilliant film and television actresses in the English language. And then to discover she can sing like this. If anyone ever owned a Broadway roll, it's Glenn Close as Norma Desmond. And what a great, great song for a finale.
I was given the privilege of seeing Glen Close in this role several years ago! She was absolutely stunning - her performance emotionally drained me... I've never seen an ovation at the end of a show like she received! Simply amazing!
I love this son perfomed by Glenn Close. Precisely because she is an actress, the performance is superb. Maybe she does not have the voice of Miss Lupone or my idol Streisand, but who cares!!! It is just a matter of feelings not perfect voices. Definitely my favorite version. Thank you Awakening for posting this gift.
This song is an address to aging actresses who had reached the peak of their prime and slowly, without their knowing it, loss their glitter in the limelight and slowly but painfully forgotten!
Just seen the last matinee in London. I've hardly the words. Glenn Close was just extraordinary. I'm a very avid theatre goer but this surpasses everything her performance sent shivers down my spine. Wholly amazing. London theatre awards please.
Each great performer brought something to the part - all of them, Elaine, Glen, Betty & Patti all have their own unique approach & style, so for me, no one was really better than the other. I will agree that Glen was a better actress & really captured the essence of the character & Gloria's performance.
AMAZING!!! One word: GOOSEBUMPS all over!!! Loved it and I LOVE the way Glenn sings it... brilliant IMO... she FEELS it... thanx so much for uploading!!!
i hope she got a tony for that! i had no idear that glenn could sing, she's amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! f they could make a movie of the should it would be just great to see her back in this role
@CantFightFate75 i know, but the original movie was not a musical. Did you realize it, too? I am talking about this particular musical to turn it into a movie.
@portraitartistdamour I agree. I think she really embodies the essence of this character like no other actress has. She can pull you into this performance so that you feel it. It goes past the singing.
I have seen this show in NYC and MN, since then, I was absolutely in love with this musical. I have this entire musical in my player for years. Glenn Close is amazing as Norma. Listen to this makes me cry. The musical soundtrack recording of Glenn's version is just simply one of the best that I have ever listened to. I wish I can see this show again.
@Spces8472 By the way, the twerps you dealt with knew what "Cats" was? I'm impressed. The ones I deal with think they know crap about musical theatre because they saw "Wicked" on tour, starred on in a community theatre production of "Rent" and routinely watch "Glee." Disgusting.
THAT. WAS. ABSOLUTELY. WONDERFUL!!!!! Glenn Close really got the essence of Norma Desmond's character! I can't say Close' singing was better than Lupone's or Paige's, but she acted her heart out while singing this song and that was even more impressive than the singing itself!
I love Betty Buckley's voice and what she does, but Glenn Close for me, just nails this part. And it's actually partly because her voice isn't perfect. Norma Desmond was a silent picture star, so I think it takes the expressions and character part that Glenn brings
Only ever be flattered. You could be ageing and forgotten... and not asked to star in a show. Which is what most actresses are today due to a lack of parts and imagination! Most would be glad to have this opportunity. And THIS song!
Shows how much you know! "Memory" was a last minute addition. Webebr wrote that leit-motif YEARS ago, back when he first had the idea of turning "Sunset Boulevard" in a musical. "Memory" was intended to be sung when Norma returns to Paramount.
Also the control is just phenomenal and this is without doubt Lloyd Webber's BEST MUSICAL! Look at the last few seconds when she belts the last note, I had goosebumbs.
@sabrinafair2 But she is playing the role of a star of the silent movies. Since there were no sounds, the actors had to exaggerate their moves and expressions in order to get through to the audience.
I have seen other singers who may have had a better singing voice than Glen Close. But no one comes close to Ms. Close's performance of this song. She is a good singer and a great actress. Bravo! Bravo! Ms.Close you are awesome.
I saw this show on Broadway with Glenn Close - she was different to the two performances I saw in London with Patti LuPhone and Petula Clark. All three that I saw play Norma Desmond were so so different!
Glenn Close brings so much to this role, she is the definitive Norma Desmond. A supreme actress she truly captures both the diva and the vulnerabilty of Norma. No her voice isnt the greatest in the world but that suits the character of an ageing star very well as she isnt able able to perform as she used to in her younger, glory days. And besides, Glenn's 'greatest in the world' acting more than makes up for it. Wonder, well-earned Tony Award winning performance.
@sabrinafair2 She isn't overacting, shes acting bigger and with more energy which is necessary for the stage, especially one as big as the beacon theatre where the tonys are held. Only on camera does it appear as 'over-acting'. She is an astounding stage actress, probably better on the stage than film actually.
I agree with you! I am a big fan of Ms. LuPone and I adore her singing, But I agree that Glenn can capture the pathetic way of silent-era-acting more than a lot of the others actresses.
Saw this at the Hershey Theatre with Petula Clark...she nailed it! Love Glenn Close, but have always had a soft spot for Ptula Clark growing up, and to finally see her, doing this role, blew me away
@HouseOnSunset please, give me a break. I love this song, loved CATS, listen to the broadway radio station, always do pieces from musical theatre for my auditions. I love theatre, and I also love glee. Glee has brought so many teens into the world of musical theatre, and if they think phantom, cats, and wicked are the best musicals out there, so be it. Don't get all mean about it. And those shows are phenomenal.
Great acting , I still can't believe this amazing woman doesn't have an Oscar.
+remy paraskovia ABSOLUTELY!
+remy paraskovia an Oscar? The lady should be an EGOT!
Is there an OSCAR for Broadway stage actors and actresses?
Yes it's called a Tony. And she's got 3.
Hopefully she will get it on her 8th nomination, and for this very role nonetheless! Love Miss Close!
There are singers with wonderful voices who will never compel you into their character like like this lady can.
Because she is a true artist!!♥️🇮🇹🇬🇧🌹
I used to think this song was hopeful. Now that I'm older I realize it's heartbreaking.
Which is why the "Glee" version is a disaster. They totally missed the point of the song by taking it literally.
+emlodik Indeed. One of those truly tragic moments when the audience knows the character's hope is all a delusion but they dont realise it themselves :(
True. This is NOT a happy song..
Yes, the older I get, the meaning of this song becomes much clearer.
Yes, Norma is deluding herself, and heartbreak is just around the corner.
I will never forget this play when I saw it in LA at the Shubert Theater. My mom took me to see it and we sat in the mezz. I was so taken by Glenn Close and her voice. The scene when she first came down the staircase and that see thru curtain rose up and all this gold and shiny everything appeared and the audience was just in awe. This is one soundtrack I can listen to from beginning to end. I love the music and the story line. I have so much respect for Glen Close because she has talent like no other and she can surly perform like no other. I still listen to the soundtrack in 2022 I love it. Thank you Glenn Close Andrew Loyd weber and all the people who put on this production when it was here in LA.
On par with some of the greatest opera divas of all time. She not only sings it, she acts it impeccably as well, one of the theater's most shining moments. On par with Jennifer Holliday in "Dreamgirls".
4:26 All you need to know about this character. In one "Yes!" You hear the anticipation, hope, and fear this character embodies. Wonderful.
It's hard to imagine that one woman can have this much talent. She has always been one of the most brilliant film and television actresses in the English language. And then to discover she can sing like this. If anyone ever owned a Broadway roll, it's Glenn Close as Norma Desmond. And what a great, great song for a finale.
How lucky for this generation to get a glimpse at perfection!-Thanks! and Thanks again!
I was given the privilege of seeing Glen Close in this role several years ago! She was absolutely stunning - her performance emotionally drained me... I've never seen an ovation at the end of a show like she received! Simply amazing!
I was blessed to see this with Ms. Close starring on Broadway!
Brilliant, just sheer brilliance. Always loved her.
I love this son perfomed by Glenn Close. Precisely because she is an actress, the performance is superb. Maybe she does not have the voice of Miss Lupone or my idol Streisand, but who cares!!! It is just a matter of feelings not perfect voices. Definitely my favorite version. Thank you Awakening for posting this gift.
Just saw the revival on broadway yesterday and Glenn Close owns it. She was excellent.
Go Glenn, man I had no idea she could sing like this. Is there no end to her talent?
Magnifico, brava!
Glenn Close is fabulous...words cannot describe her ... she played this part like it was her life!
This song is an address to aging actresses who had reached the peak of their prime and slowly, without their knowing it, loss their glitter in the limelight and slowly but painfully forgotten!
Loved this play. Saw Glen Close on Broadway. I'll never forget it. Wish it would come back.
Just seen the last matinee in London. I've hardly the words. Glenn Close was just extraordinary. I'm a very avid theatre goer but this surpasses everything her performance sent shivers down my spine. Wholly amazing. London theatre awards please.
Thanks for bringing back the memories of Carol Burnett's comedic take on Norma Desmond. She was spot on in the parodic gem.
I didn't know Glenn Close could sing so well. Amazing and touching, really great performance !
Each great performer brought something to the part - all of them, Elaine, Glen, Betty & Patti all have their own unique approach & style, so for me, no one was really better than the other. I will agree that Glen was a better actress & really captured the essence of the character & Gloria's performance.
Yes, Glee brought me here. And I loooooove Chris's version. But this made me cry. So much emotion in the delivery!
This is sheer perfection, I absolutley adore Glenn Close ~
And this is exactly why!!! :'-) What an amazing woman!!!
Just enjoying the magic of Broadway!
Love Glenn, Patti and Babra
she was just amazing in that role!!
Sunset Boulevard has such a brilliant score
She is so incredible. I can't wait to see her in 2016 back in london doing Norma!
+Ella Birchy Wish I could go. Alas!
+Ella Birchy It's on now so let us know when you see it! I wish I could have!
I've seen her! I saw her a week or so ago, she was INCREDIBLE!
auntdj111 ^
+Ella Birchy Oh, you lucky person, you! I wish they would record it..
AMAZING!!!
One word: GOOSEBUMPS all over!!!
Loved it and I LOVE the way Glenn sings it... brilliant IMO... she FEELS it...
thanx so much for uploading!!!
thank you for reposting this clip... it is one of my all time favourite Tony moments... xoxo
i hope she got a tony for that! i had no idear that glenn could sing, she's amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! f they could make a movie of the should it would be just great to see her back in this role
Outstanding. Absolutely love her!
One of the true all time classics.
So happy Glee is doing this song!! Best song ever by Glenn Close!!
Make this into a movie and let her win that Oscar....
Did you realize that this play was based on the movie lmao 😂
@CantFightFate75 i know, but the original movie was not a musical. Did you realize it, too? I am talking about this particular musical to turn it into a movie.
What an astoundingly diverse career she's had. And all of it brilliant.
This is very nice....I like the song....Glenn Close is very cool...
The mania is always just below the surface... brilliant
Her voice is unexpectedly amazing O_O
Holy Cow! Thank you Glee, for bringing me here! What a feeling, watching her perform this song! Wow! I love both renditions, Glenn's and Chris's! :D
OMG! I never knew Glenn Close can sing. Watching this performance just gave me goosebumps. Brava to Madame Close!
Glen Close is easily the best and amazing Norma EVER! Her voice just blows me away and the emotion in this song. BRILLIANT!
I saw her in 2017 during the revival of the show, and even though she was 22 years older, she blew my mind away!
Glenn did a great job with this. Awesome actress.
It's my fave song from the musical & I love everyone's performance of it.
hands down - she is best for this role bar none and bar time.
@portraitartistdamour I agree. I think she really embodies the essence of this character like no other actress has. She can pull you into this performance so that you feel it. It goes past the singing.
Probably one of the greatest performances OF ALL TIME!
rarely, if ever happens, but even the SB cast in the background were APPLAUDING her inimitable performance! 🥰
Glenn Close is brilliant how she acts and sings norma. Perfect casting
I have seen this show in NYC and MN, since then, I was absolutely in love with this musical. I have this entire musical in my player for years. Glenn Close is amazing as Norma.
Listen to this makes me cry. The musical soundtrack recording of Glenn's version is just simply one of the best that I have ever listened to. I wish I can see this show again.
BRILLIANT.
Why hasn't this been revived yet? So beautiful ..
I am also thankful that you had this and posted it.
One of the greatest.
@Spces8472 By the way, the twerps you dealt with knew what "Cats" was? I'm impressed. The ones I deal with think they know crap about musical theatre because they saw "Wicked" on tour, starred on in a community theatre production of "Rent" and routinely watch "Glee." Disgusting.
Amazing performance!
I had no idea that Glenn Close could sing! lol. I need to catch up on my Tony's.
Sure wish this was on DVD, the musical with Glenn Close. Saw it in LA, would love to see it more. My favorite
Let's give Evita to Patti... This role is for Glenn Close really :)
I absolutely love her performance....so compelling
THAT. WAS. ABSOLUTELY. WONDERFUL!!!!! Glenn Close really got the essence of Norma Desmond's character! I can't say Close' singing was better than Lupone's or Paige's, but she acted her heart out while singing this song and that was even more impressive than the singing itself!
Betty Buckley's version is my favorite, though Glenn's acting is superb.
Agreed. Glenn is awesome but she gets too distracting with the wild faces. Betty nails it without being OTT
I love Betty Buckley's voice and what she does, but Glenn Close for me, just nails this part. And it's actually partly because her voice isn't perfect. Norma Desmond was a silent picture star, so I think it takes the expressions and character part that Glenn brings
Freaking incredible.
Only ever be flattered. You could be ageing and forgotten... and not asked to star in a show. Which is what most actresses are today due to a lack of parts and imagination! Most would be glad to have this opportunity. And THIS song!
Just a touching performance, thanks for posting this video
Hey, Awakening127, YOU ROCK for having saved this and reposting! Thank you!
Best song Lloyd Webber ever wrote. Why haven’t they filmed it? With Glenn Close finally getting the Oscar she so richly deserves.
Shows how much you know! "Memory" was a last minute addition. Webebr wrote that leit-motif YEARS ago, back when he first had the idea of turning "Sunset Boulevard" in a musical. "Memory" was intended to be sung when Norma returns to Paramount.
Also the control is just phenomenal and this is without doubt Lloyd Webber's BEST MUSICAL! Look at the last few seconds when she belts the last note, I had goosebumbs.
She DID get the Tony! :)
Great. Patti's great, too, but I don't think she's capable of making such extraordinary performance of this song the way Glenn did.
Her Vibrato has tremendous vibration! Hey out their can you feel it?
MAGNIFICENT!!!
The BEST Cruella DeVil & Norma Desmond EVER.
@sabrinafair2 But she is playing the role of a star of the silent movies. Since there were no sounds, the actors had to exaggerate their moves and expressions in order to get through to the audience.
I have seen other singers who may have had a better singing voice than Glen Close. But no one comes close to Ms. Close's performance of this song. She is a good singer and a great actress. Bravo! Bravo! Ms.Close you are awesome.
I'm a huge fan of Ms. LuPone but I think that Elaine Paige captured the essence of the character as well as her vocal performance, it was phenomenal.
I feel like that was deserving of a standing ovation.
I saw this show on Broadway with Glenn Close - she was different to the two performances I saw in London with Patti LuPhone and Petula Clark.
All three that I saw play Norma Desmond were so so different!
Brilliant! No one sang it better! Brava
Glenn Close brings so much to this role, she is the definitive Norma Desmond. A supreme actress she truly captures both the diva and the vulnerabilty of Norma. No her voice isnt the greatest in the world but that suits the character of an ageing star very well as she isnt able able to perform as she used to in her younger, glory days. And besides, Glenn's 'greatest in the world' acting more than makes up for it. Wonder, well-earned Tony Award winning performance.
yes, thank you for sharing.
Great Glen Close!!!!!!!!! And how beautifull music is it !!!!!!
@sabrinafair2 She isn't overacting, shes acting bigger and with more energy which is necessary for the stage, especially one as big as the beacon theatre where the tonys are held. Only on camera does it appear as 'over-acting'. She is an astounding stage actress, probably better on the stage than film actually.
It did not blow me away as others have done , but it was a lot better than I expected , surprised me
We're going over this in musical theater :D
excellent i love it ...........super glen close...
Fantastic play
I agree with you! I am a big fan of Ms. LuPone and I adore her singing, But I agree that Glenn can capture the pathetic way of silent-era-acting more than a lot of the others actresses.
Saw this at the Hershey Theatre with Petula Clark...she nailed it! Love Glenn Close, but have always had a soft spot for Ptula Clark growing up, and to finally see her, doing this role, blew me away
@sabrinafair2 Have you seen the original movie? Gloria Swanson did it like this originally, it's not over-acting.
i would love to see barbra streisand in this part!
@HouseOnSunset please, give me a break. I love this song, loved CATS, listen to the broadway radio station, always do pieces from musical theatre for my auditions. I love theatre, and I also love glee. Glee has brought so many teens into the world of musical theatre, and if they think phantom, cats, and wicked are the best musicals out there, so be it. Don't get all mean about it. And those shows are phenomenal.
look for Simone Kleinsma's version in the Dutch version of Sunset Sunset boulevard AHOY or Musical Awards 2008 Simone Kleinsma
I get chills she so good
She has such a grace about her.
I knew this song before glee, but I still think Chris did a fantastic job. I'm currently singing this for my drama competition :)
Omg I never knew she could sing too she's amazing always my idol
É UMA DAS MAIS LINDAS E FORTES INTERPRETAÇÕES DE UMA CANÇÃO. AMO GLENN...
I love this song and this performance
@BevXerly I am so glad that Glee is bringing a whole new audience to fabulous musicals!
HOW COULD?!?! I hate myself, Simone's the best Norma in years! She won that best actress award for a reason.