As If We Never Said Goodbye {Sunset Blvd ~ Broadway, 1994} - Glenn Close

Here's Norma's second aria from Sunset Blvd. The middle section was taken from her 1995 Tony Awards performance since the song in the unedited press reels is unfortunately truncated for some reason. Anyway, here's another chance to revisit one of the most iconic roles in musical theater history. Enjoy!
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[@sheryllbonilla1986]

Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone, Betty Buckley - all deservedly the greatest ladies of musical theater, but for me, Glenn Close is THE definitive Norma Desmond. She captures the magic as no one else can, and many have tried.

[@grahamhubbard3335]

But it's a musical theatre role and she sings it like a drain sadly 😥

[@AllAmericanJock]

@@grahamhubbard3335 Glenn's iffy but earnest singing fits the character. An oblivious, outdated has-been who thinks she's still got it. I don't know if that was an accident of casting or deliberate casting choice, but Glenn not being the strongest singer fits the role. Even adds to the role, to the pathos and pity the audience feels for Norma.

[@lydiaannecarlson6554]

Never a truer word spoken

[@jazzsolo84]

Glenn Close absolutely nailed this role. She was meant for that role.

[@rickmartini4811]

Me Too Glenn Close always gave me chills , iv seen all the others But Ms Close Is Norma the Greatest Nigth was see Ms close in the Final presentation of Sunset Blvd How we all cried an Cheered that Nigth Something I will never FORGET ♥️

[@markbeck8384]

Wonderful performance.

[@ManongChito]

0:53 the moment when the spotlight hits her you can see an ageing actress longing too much to be under the limelight again. Close captured that emotions. Her face says it all.

[@user-es2dw1ol5f]

That spotlight moment is soooo Good!!! Theatre at its best!

[@MySUPERkate]

Tears. Just that emotion and that music. Xx

[@suhseal]

I don’t know how the f she can emote such heartbreaking sadness and not have it manifest physically tightening her throat and vocal structure. Her singing is still so free. What an incredible mastery of her craft.

[@beignet2012]

Truly, the greatest Norma Desmond.

[@eddyalvarez8351]

I will not believe in the academy if they don't give the oscar to this woman either 2021 or 2022

[@gman2010ification]

She's destined to be the Thelma Ritter of her generation.

[@TheProsaicCult]

tony, not oscar.

[@kevinwilson3609]

You don't win Oscars for bad singing

[@JeromeGentes]

Jesus God Almighty. Glenn's quivering chin at 1:03 is why this role--and this moment in this show--is hers forever. It's her "And I'm Telling You," her "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina," her "I'm The Greatest Star."

[@newtonduck1]

Singers can sing, but what Glenn Close does with Norma is unmatched. I saw her in 94 and again last year and both times were incredible. Last year might have even been better...the new take on Norma was even more broken, I thought. Either way, amazing performance and I love her in this role so much.

[@nahuelma97]

She's said in interviews that it's very interesting to come back to the role after all these years because she sort of feels more in touch with the character. I came from the Royal Albert Hall performance of this song. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and look it up, I think it's even more impressive than this one

[@melizmatea]

I'm a singer and I can say that her singing is excellent - there's nothing lacking!

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

I think Glen Close captured my heart without reserve, by h er magnificent portrayal.

[@robli1852]

Glenn Close was born to play this role. She gives it life!

[@dennislaw2135]

Every once in a while life throws us a stunning surprise. Who knew she could sing? I didn’t! I’ve just renewed my love and respect for this extraordinarily talented actress.

[@takaono7243]

I get misty-eyed every time she hits the word, "live," on "...with so much to LIVE for."

[@walterwolfglick5246]

Tis great to be alive, Taka, to enjoy this! REJOICE!

[@kenwall7484]

She was awful!!!!

[@kenwall7484]

Elaine was the beyond best ever! Glenn never came close!!

[@tonyspinnelli730]

Saw her do the role 3 times!!!! All I can say is PURE PERFECTION!!! She is the way Norma should be portrayed!!! Pray the movie will be made!!! With her as the star I'll see it more than once!!!!

[@johnkristich1777]

I am fortunate to have seen every major actress perform the part of Norma Desmond. in my opinion nobody has made this part more real than Glenn Close. I also think she is the most under honored actress in Hollywood and can't understand the lack of recognition from the Academy and the Tony's

[@chrisjacobs7417]

Lack of recognition from the Tony's? She won best actress in a musical for this role

[@zeliamariadeabreu4414]

Glenn Close tem 3 Tony's

[@nondescript2892]

don't worry..she gets paid handsomely...lots of people do great jobs..get paid peanuts ..and never get any awards...health workers come to mind..so forgive me if I'm not distressed at overpaid and over sensitive performers not getting their phony marketing tool prizes every year to sooth their aching emptiness..

[@beignet2012]

Saw her in the recent revival and she was truly breathtaking. I have never seen a performer so centered and commanding at the same time. She was perfection....Oh and 95% of the audience were gay men that loved her was pretty awesome too! Talk about thunderous applause. Awesome night in theatre!

[@wholzman2]

Glen Close is at her best, and she can sing with the best of them. Last thing : She is more than fabulous.

[@tinaari88]

Glen close is a beauty, she portrays Norma with such depth it Kes your tummy flutter amazing Glen totally captivating 💐💐💐💐💐💖

[@melizmatea]

She's freaking amazing - I never saw her in it or even any clips of her singing this, but in spite of what I had heard (she doesn't hit all the notes but her acting is great) - omg, her voice is fantastic!!! She sounds great! And yes, the acting is stellar! Wow. Wish I'd seen her in it!!

[@faithcastillo9597]

Gives me chills every.... single.... time I watch or listen. MAGNIFICENT!

[@user-of5go3zh1g]

I saw this show on Broadway with the original cast and , as great as they and the show were, the sets were so magnificent that, to me, they actually distracted the viewer from the show. When Norma's mansion lifted up to reveal another set, it was amazing. Still loved the show, however.

[@melizmatea]

I have to say it again - she sounds amazing! Wow, what a performance! Glenn Close really is a great actress, I wish we saw more of her!

[@craigbonney1411]

Witnessed Glenn performing this role at the Minskoff Theater in NYC back in the 90s. Utterly breathtaking! Met her after the show at the stage door and she signed my programme (now framed in my living room). A rare moment in time I will NEVER EVER forget especially because I stood for hours at the box office and managed to get the only single ticket return that day. "Sunset Blvd" was a complete sell-out. People were fighting to get tickets.

[@acgogoacgogo8854]

Saw this live in LA when it opened. Great theater, great acoustics Stage was split horizontally with Norma's house on a giant lift that would raise the set so that scenes that take place elsewhere are played out below. There was also a real pool for the, ahem, ending. Norma had a grand staircase that she descends about six times each time in a more fabulous gown. I remember the entire theater absolutely silent. No coughing or whispering. Glen Close was as they say totally committed, born to play Norma. Her character was spot on, voice perfect pitch, every nuance fully expressed. If they ever make the movie, they should do it with her.

[@MrPakayas]

L

[@ronsharp7371]

That set and Glenn Close were legendary. What a great night at the Schubert.

[@lordrobert12]

Sunset Boulevard is absolutely magical!! It evokes the elegant Hollywood grandeur of yore! Glenn is masterful here!! Well done!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@justplainbill100]

Sunset Blvd. opened in Los Angeles before it went to Broadway. That's were we saw it. It's nearly 30 years later, and this still blows me away. Glenn Close was, and is, Amazing.

[@rossadams451]

Glenn Close makes "Norma" Come Alive !!

[@kimlibera663]

Yes Glenn indeed is the definitive Norma. What a talented lady & she can belt out a tune.

[@kirstyfairley1585]

Glen Close is incredible in this role, no one could play Norma better then her. I saw the video from earlier this year of her final performance as Norma & it's hard to believe she's in her 70s, she's still very pretty & looks more like she's in her 50s. Not only that but her singing voice is still as beautiful & as powerful as it was back when she first played Norma in the 90s, she's obviously done a very good job of protecting her voice over the last 23 years.

[@travisgrant5608]

Can hardly wait to see her in the musical film version!

[@1marilynable]

She's incredible!! So much talent OMG

[@robertoincutti4712]

She is absolutely, amazingly the best…. A supreme interpretation… ♥️🇮🇹🇬🇧🌹

[@panospinx]

LOVE GLENN CLOSE!

[@Irishgirl7]

I hope she won the Tony for this…I will look it up later. Wow.

[@MusicToMyEarsGodSent]

Am just now finding this particular performance by Ms. Close. How incredible. What a fine moment of acting, one of the best I've ever seen. She is singing the soul of the character.

[@kimtan0627]

I felt this. I felt her emotions. 💕

[@jackiemcmeekin6551]

What a great performance by a commensurate actress. The passion, the emotion! Unequaled! 🥰👍

[@robli1852]

Consummate, dear? Just checking😁👍🏿✌🏽

[@SardonicALLY]

A theatrical triumph ... Glenn is Norma, that is all.

[@lululuna8791]

This version is very touching, it brings total sadness to the heart - the original version or cover of Glenn Close of classic Sunset Blvd.'s "As if we never Said Goodbye. Very raw. Very terrifyingly real.

[@Davidcrumster]

Fantastic

[@avesraggiana]

The audio sounds fuller and better on this one. Thank you so much. So she doesn’t have the big voice for, “I’ve come HOOOOOOME!!!!” the way Betty Buckley and Elaine Paige does, and for which they consistently got huge applause mid-song, but she never loses her hold on the character of Norman Desmond. And on the two occasions I was so lucky enough to see her, she never lost her hold over me.

[@guerescoctans6418]

Wow, this is incredible. What an actress

[@roccomuscarello5453]

Glenn Close was great, she may not have the great voice, but she knows how to act & put over a great performence

[@cheryldodd-marko9787]

Saw her on Broadway new york,before pandemic. She was memorizing 🕊🇺🇲💕

[@marcellodantedealmeidanune9445]

Sem dúvida, Glenn Close é a Norma Desmond definitiva. Soberba e impecável. Pura emoção. Nessas horas da arte operística da Broadway, entramos no panteão dos deuses do Olimpo e esquecemos tudo.

[@lindak8307]

She’s incredible!!

[@FranciscoFerrerGaliana1930]

espectacular

[@augustslippedaway956]

Why is this making me cry? She hasn’t even started singing yet

[@zeliamariadeabreu4414]

Glenn Close é perfeitamente completa nesse personagem. Sua Norma Desmond é a melhor.

[@laureanovirgiliosoria154]

UNA BELLEZA. EN ARGENTINA LO HIZO VALERIA LYNCH: OTRA GRANDE.

[@christopherbush9027]

Ok, so once again- You are KILLING me with these unedited press clips!!!

[@avesraggiana]

+Christopher Bush Isn’t he though?! Me too.

[@soli279]

MARAVILLOSA!

[@jennm.4736]

HOLY SHIT, WHY AM I CRYING?!

[@iamdustysuarez]

Bravo!

[@MsSoundguy]

Thank you so much for this and for your editing work. This brings back some delicious memories.

She reminds a little bit of an old marlene Dietrich in some scenes.... everybody says glenn doesnt have the best singer voice. True, but apart from the outstanding acting i actually get so much more emotion from her voice than from the others ive seen on youtube. She has the looks too.

[@ManongChito]

Yup. She is not the best technical singer but her way of singing gives so much color for the story telling and of course her stage presence and ethereal acting. By the way, her eyes and face can speak so much emotions and that is proof enough on Norma's dialogue "we don't need words, we have faces."

[@ManongChito]

@ yuh. I love Glenn Close so much especially when she opens her eyes wide. It gives me so much chills. Maybe this role lead her to be Cruella De Vil.

[@miamiracer]

Great actress and a powerful performance but Betty Buckley's vocals were astoundingly good. Not just the power of the voice but the emphasis on the lyrics was quite different. Example: Close - "I'll be home at LAAAAAST" Buckley- "I'll be HOOOOOOOME at last!"

[@zackstark24601]

INCREDIBLE!!!!! even at Age 70 she can still belt this Aria!

[@19430608]

..Patti Lupone que vi afortunadamenete em Londres no teatro Adelphi foi de longe superiormente a interprete perfeita de Norma Desmond. Um musical vive da representação de voz e Patti é perfeita nas suas notas. Tem o perfil exacto daquela mulher parada no tempo algo déspota, egocêntrica, cruel e manipuladora. A sobriedade com que faz este personagem dada pelo tom do seu canto é perfeito. Sei que estou em desacordo por uma grande maioria que aplaude Gleen Close que é uma grande artista de cinema mas falha em musical a começar pela sua voz com tremidinhos e de falsete pelo que tiveram de alterar a partitura para a poder semi-cantar. Depois a senhora Close mais parece uma animal que estava em cativeiro e cuja porta se abre repentinamenete para sair sem norte num overacting catastrófico exagerado que não corresponde de todo ao perfil de Norma Desmond mais parecendo uma velhinha do Texas assaltada numa diligência...é uma representação péssima mas o nome dela é sonante e certamente de boxoffice. Creio que Elaine Page tem melhor interpretação que a senhora Close...A cena final de Lupone é de antologia pois dá a demência que afecta o personagem numa descida da escadaria perfeita...a senhora Close fica patética nessa cena de exagerada representação...Norma Desmond ficou demente e não louca, pois ha uma diferença...esta é a opinião minha que ja vi muitos musicais em Londres, NY e até Espanha onde vi a mais perfeita Evita desempenhada pela senhora Paloma San Baisilio...tal como muitos escrevem nao concordar com a senhora Lupone não apresentando talvez argumentos sólidos, eu apresento os meus da representação da senhora Close...

[@Bobbycat5]

Thanks for uploading! Is there a full recording of this production? I would love to relive it!

[@geraldglover6365]

There has been a posting of the final show of the most recent Broadway production with Glenn Close in the lead it is named Sunset 17 on KZbin

[@kdevinturner8778]

I sm almost over you.

[@thomasmorrison3794]

Please God, don't let them do a remake. You just couldn't!!

[@zimzimzalabim]

they start shooting in october.

[@andysuangerong5207]

Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond played by Glenn Close.

[@Michaelbos]

For the idiots who can’t sing remarking on her voice. She is an actress, not a singer, but an actress with a pleasant singing voice as Gene Kelley and Fred Astaire and so many had. And if one has a pleasant voice, they can sing.

[@ManongChito]

For me she sings well. She may not be the best technical singer but she sings well. The emotions are there and no one can deny that. I'd prefer her With One Look than Patti's.

[@peterclark498]

i'd of cried ... actually i am !!!

[@LuisGarcia-cr3pr]

Norma Desmond herself!

[@Anonymous-xm8ir]

Who is she playing here, Cruella de Vil, or Norma Desmond. I must admit she was spot-on with the characterisation second time round (the revival in 2016/2017)

[@lindak8307]

She should join JASA services for the aging or get services for the aging!

[@MM-tx7gi]

The acting here is phenomenal but the singing is where Betty Buckley tied both together perfectly. She is a strong actress but this role requires strong singing as well.

[@nursegrace7492]

She doesn't really "link" the notes, if you know what I mean.

[@kevinwilson3609]

She can't sing period

[@DavyThomas88]

why in the hell did Andrew end the song like that? so annoying, god love him

[@Macrogue65]

I admire this performance, however for my taste she is not Norma Desmond.

[@janel342]

She WORKS at the performance every moment.

[@peterdurkin1499]

If only the voice was a bit stronger

[@johnflynn9619]

Patti Lupone's Interpretation is Exceptional. This is Camp.

[@ManongChito]

But her acting really did compensate what she lacks on her singing. Her singing is not that bad.

[@janel342]

John Flynn Melodramatic rather. But then Norma Desmond was.

[@summerwind919]

the belt on "home" is just as important as the belt on "last" and glenn close just sighs it instead. disappointing, masterclass in acting but the drama and the beauty of the vocal performance is just not there.

[@gman2010ification]

The whole premise of this show is idiotic in that: if Norma was AS talented as appears here, then she wouldn't be washed up.

[@vbplayer50]

That's the point. This is all in her mind as she is losing the battle with reality. Poetic license if you wish.

[@deanmarino6593]

This also is a time when Hollywood ditched ladies when they were older. If you get a chance watch FEUD- Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. It’s phenomenal. And shows the more unforgiving side of Hollywood.

[@HollywoodF1]

And I don't think you quite understand the musical genre. The singing is not literal, it's representative. Only the audience can "hear" it. In the universe of the characters, they are not singing and dancing, they're just talking and walking. The music is there to convey a sense of emotion to the audience so you can more closely connect to the characters.

[@thefonzkiss]

That’s the point idiot. She was okay in the silent era but not good enough to make it in the talkies. I thought that was obvious. Watch the movie.

[@Michaelbos]

gman2010ification , you are a complete idiot with no sense. Stop living.

[@LAUGHINGBUDDHA-dw7km]

PLEASE TRAIN TO BELT "HOME" OR AT LEAST A PASSABLE MIX BEFORE THE MOVIE PRODUCTIONS BEGIN. Otherwise, you will forever be compared to Betty & Patty. Thank you!

[@thefonzkiss]

It’s a song. She should be singing it not talking it.

[@barrycunningham3242]

When you are on Broadway,. We’ll talk , ok?

[@bobbygrey5834]

Too much histrionic recitative and dodged notes.

[@jadezee6316]

this lyric...is meant to stroke the ego of the writer...no place in the movie...does norma..inspire...such contradiction....and on top of that,,,,this performance is abysmal