With One Look {SUNSET BLVD.} (Broadway) Betty Buckley

[@lisacup6876]

I saw her perform this on Broadway on a high school trip. The other show we saw was Ms. Saigon. No comparison. Betty stole my heart when she performed this.

[@nickgraham25]

No one sings this with the myriad layers of story, character, glory, poignancy, and the vocal brilliance. Thank you.

[@peteralfano4278]

as usual with Betty Buckley....the singing is effortless (so it seems), lyric interpretation and acting on point. A truly scary, sympathetic Norma...Always a thrill to hear and watch.

[@bengrimm1015]

Simply the best to ever do it. The effortless, heady placement, the ringing and richly colored vowels, the unerring breath support. Unmatched! Thank you, Betty, for sharing your artistic gift with us all.

[@richardmayora1289]

Her diction alone puts every Broadway performer to shame but to add that magnificent set of pipes...no peer. She is glorious ...and I am still swooning over a single note of hers from Drood in 1886. Incomparable.

[@beaellie9766]

1986....yes, that note was incredible.

[@jrthiker9908]

A master lesson in how to negotiate the middle and top registers in a legit voice. She effortlessly blends into the head voice on the upper tessitura and comes back down without pressing. And keeps her resonance and formant throughout. Plus she's a great musician, knows when to push forward, sit back, when to lead, when to shape.

[@Nacho-Mamma]

Beautiful Betty Buckley deserves even second of that applause, 100 times over! Watching the others who have played Norma, none are able to touch you as Betty can.

[@Nacho-Mamma]

@Tony Turner I've seen it, and don't care for it.

[@lisagardner6177]

Saw Betty Buckley playing Norma Desmond in London many years ago absolutely fabulous

[@LouBrikanT]

I saw her doing Norma 9 times, She was the only one who made me cry. But it was funny because in "The perfect Year" she kept on changing the tempo and the orchestra was going crazy. After the show i talk to the conductor, and he said, "She loves to fuck with us that way, hahaha".

[@kittykate314]

Betty was the greatest Norma of all. 🥰

[@clarencehenderson7634]

THE GREATEST NORMA OF THEM ALL!!!

[@scottmathews3777]

That is absolutely correct.

[@benjaminjackson9449]

Umm Glenn Close says hi 😅

[@EvanOz85]

@@benjaminjackson9449 Tell Glenn we said BYE!

[@michael1967ize]

@@benjaminjackson9449 sorry Glenn close can’t sing for shit

[@benjaminjackson9449]

@@michael1967ize Betty's Norma is amazing and vocally unparalleled. But Glenn delivers a story with every line and facial expression. You don't have to be a great singer to dominate. Where Betty sings, Glenn performs.

[@peri-sue6973]

Betty Buckley’s voice live is incredible. It pins you back in your seat! Best I’ve ever heard and I’ve seen most of the greats!

[@sergeiparajanov]

Buckley owns this part. Her thrilling voice and superb acting bring the character to life and make ALW's merely okay songs sound better than they are. I wish they were making the movie with her rather than Glenn Close, Close is a fine actress in other roles but I saw her do this show in LA years ago and her Norma was a caricature, almost a cartoon. It was impossible to believe Joe would fall for this wicked old witch. Worse, the melodies of some songs had to be cheated to fit in her narrow range. I'm hoping Close's Norma is more human now than it was originally. Close's Norma is a nice 60 watt light bulb while Buckley's is a white hot arc lamp. If only it had been committed to film!

[@beaellie9766]

Buckley's too old and can't sing it like this clip any longer. Close's voice has always had a tentative/fragile quality that still works for the part.

[@yeyasoapco.8746]

No one, and I mean NO ONE, can belt like Ms. B and make it BEAUTIFUL. Absolutely exquisite!

[@anthonyrichardson8677]

She is absolutely superb in this role, what a wonderful performer she is. Much love and appreciation. X

[@princepeterwolf]

She's unbelievable, my god, that was breathtaking

[@nateboytwo]

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing her in this production , it was mesmerizing … she was beyond anything I’ve ever seen , so stunning 💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

[@brandonthomsen]

This is a masterclass.

[@MattTexas]

I saw Buckley in London and Close in NYC. Hands down 2 of the best stage actresses I’ve ever seen. They both nailed this role.

[@steventownsley6763]

Me too. They were wonderful. And we'll never see them in this again. I feel so blessed and fortunate.

[@MVOV2000]

Brilliant!!!!!!!! i was fortunate to see Betty Buckley in the Broadway Production.

[@ontheboulevard-thenewholly4545]

BEST NORMA EVER!

[@CraigFrancisSoto]

Betty Buckley is just astounding. At about 3:11 on the counter,when she turns and starts to walk up the stairs,just listen to her belt out "Silent music starts to play". It is so forceful and piercing. I saw her on Broadway in Edwin Drood" and believe,her recordings don't do justice to her voice on stage. It shook the rafters but was wonderful. Best voice I ever heard on Broadway and that includes Patti LuPone and an old time stage star,Ethel Merman.

[@conductor10086nd]

“This time..” so commanding!! Gets me every time.❤

[@gavrilo2000]

SUPERNATURAL!!!!!!

[@ethannielson942]

Betty Buckley really was the greatest Norma Desmond and this from someone who saw Glenn Close perform the role twice (including at the Dress Rehearsal in Los Angeles), Petula Clark and Valerie Perri. All the aforementioned were excellent, though all quite different.

[@LouBrikanT]

I've had the opportunity to say that to Betty, and her response was polite, lovely but unfortunate..." She is my friend (Glen), and if it wasn't for her i wouldn't be here now"...oooops!...Then we started chatting about Carrie. Fudge!...i mentioned the movie and forgot the show. She laughed and said, "Don't worry, nobody saw it, lol".

[@Nacho-Mamma]

@@LouBrikanT Her "Margaret White" performance in "Carrie" the musical was simply breathtaking and beautiful. Her version of "When There's No One" is still the best version, although many have taken up the mantle over the years, with stunning performances. But, Betty just rips my heart out. And, it's hard to believe that she was only 27 when she made the movie. I purchased tickets to see her in her Chicago run of "Hello Dolly!". But, was unable to attend at the last minute, because I was supposed to receive a new heart. But, that didn't happen either, due to a clerical error in blood type. So, I missed out double there! Yes, Glenn was the first Norma Desmond. But, Betty was the best!

[@coonalisa230]

@@Nacho-Mamma I hope you're okay and healthy now :)

[@Nacho-Mamma]

@@coonalisa230 Actually, still waiting for that damned heart!

[@coonalisa230]

@@Nacho-Mamma I hope you'll get it soon. Praying for u.

[@idparkinson]

I have seen, Betty, Patti, Elaine, Petula, Faith and Glenn play Norma and to be honest Betty was the best. We sat in the front row in London and she was electric.

[@jdstarot]

That voice...the vibrato is candy to my ears...so effortlessly sung.

[@pdclemens]

You brought real vulnerability to Norma as well as the power and madness and, as a result, were unforgettably moving. Absolute goosebump time!

[@nicolahamilton2036]

Thrilling, absolutely thrilling. What a star! Dame Betty Buckley no one can touch your brilliance! 💖

[@butacabrown]

For me, Betty is the best Norma Desmond on stage ever.

[@kathleenfarris8710]

She was absolutely thrilled by the applause and tried so hard to stay in character!

[@bengrimm1015]

Betty is such an incredible actor, it's hard to know whether that was real or if she just acted it that convincingly! Haha

[@hefinrosser8685]

Astonishing ❤❤❤ thank you so much for posting xxx

[@andrewmayzak1780]

Towering and imperious... I love that her Norma isn't a frail bird or a campy madhouse; she's an ambitious millionaire caught up in her own delusions.

[@clintgreggory2549]

I saw this show. She is my favorite Grazella too.

[@jdpatrick1106]

It's Grizabella.

[@greglink7915]

I saw Ms. B in this role on Broadway. The audience reaction that night (perhaps every night??) was exactly like this. It stopped the show. THE most amazing performance I've ever seen in the theatre!

[@shawnroy3841]

A true legend and great star of Broadway

[@ryan010able]

pretty much every song she sings gives me goosebumps, even if I don't like that particular song, she just has such talent I can't help but to appreciate her. Amazing!

[@TheKelJacob]

One performance I'm terribly sad to have missed. I'm not a big ALW fan, but I wouldn't have cared. The one time I did get to see Betty Lynn, she shook the rafters in MA as Pirate Jenny.

[@cristianfionna5305]

Betty Buckley the best, she is the Queen for ever

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

I think Gloria would be proud!

[@amazingstarzz]

3:15 The way Betty attacks that note straight!!

[@jdpatrick1106]

That is who should play Norma in the movie version.

[@anneterri8960]

I needed to hear you sing this Betty. I awakened at 3AM, and here I am.

[@marilynmichaels8358]

This does it for me.

[@Jukka70]

I absolutely love her voice, at first I thought putting LaPone's voice with Glenn close would make the perfect Norma. But now I would put Bette Buckley's voice with Glenn's Closes acting of an interpretation of Norma, and that would have been the perfect Norma. I do love the way the Bette Buckley performs. Hands down no one could touch her in CATS. There was something about Glenn's acting that just hit a bit better, but voice wise no one can touch Buckley.

[@robertjackson5645]

God those hands and face: she was it.

[@timvitkuske]

thank God you captured this on video. Looks like a sneak job but historically important! She is the best. What a performance.

[@beaellie9766]

That microphone on her forehead is GIGANTIC!

[@candiceschoice941]

When will we ever she her likes again!!!

[@cliffarroyo9554]

I've just discovered this.... and of the various versions hers is so far easily the best.... the opening lines are awkwardly placed for most singers right in the middle of the passaggio (too high for comfortable chest too low for their head voice) even Lupone sounded like she was struggling a bit with them but she just sails through them.

[@steventownsley6763]

I saw this several times in London (also with Patti) with Betty and then Elaine. And also Glenn in New York. They were all breath taking in different ways. But Betty is by far my favourite Norma. Betty was sexy, classy and very elegant, before Norma went completely mad. She captures the sex appeal of silent stars in the 'I'll ignite a blaze' near the end of this song. I remember it so well. Thank you so much for this clip. It brings back many wonderful memories. I feel very fortunate to have seen Betty and the other actresses live.

[@rosegarceau1844]

If she was the original Norma, she's have the Tony!

[@timvitkuske]

how does this not have more views? breathtaking. i can't imagine being there.

[@elyselane502]

The BEST NORMA EEEVVVAAAHHHH

[@sheryldollspoohlinsley8510]

Hi, Man! She is Wondefully Awesome!😷🤗🐽✌❤, Sheryl

[@zenomorph8806]

Damn. The acting is phenomenal!

[@andrew930]

What I would give to be able to go back in time and see this production! Thank heaven we have this video recording. You are BREATHTAKING in this role!! Thank you for posting.

[@ocantinhodanana9204]

Outstanding!!!!!

[@suzannecoffman5741]

I was in the balcony when I saw you play Norma on Broadway. I love being able to see your face in this performance. Thanks for posting it.

[@jenniferh189]

More, please! Wish I could have seen her!

[@stephenccoleman]

Saw her in London, the most amazing performance ever!

[@anneterri8960]

So glad I got to hear you sing this today, and delighted to find your site on KZbin. From the applause, you brought the house down.

[@writerdirect]

you were the best norma

[@TheRavendearest]

She brought such dignity to the roll

[@sherishvonski]

Oh Betty!!!!

[@candiceschoice941]

Sheri Shvonski doesn't she just take your breath away!

[@sherishvonski]

She absolutely does!

[@MattTexas]

4:31 is awesome. I don't know if she was laughing at the guy who did the very audible cheer or not, but she was clearly enjoying the awesome feedback from the crowd.

[@edythedarnell7907]

The very best performance in theatre history!

[@oncnurse8709]

In this interview I think she is talking about that moment - spectacular kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZnPdWeil56hftU

[@rst7243]

Diva!

[@stefanzantes8818]

Magnificent performance! I was lucky to see 3 Normas: Patti, Elaine and Betty, but Betty topped all. Back in these days, she reminded me of someone, I thought that she had something "Marlene Dietrich-esque" now I know that she reminded me of Brigitte Horney, a much loved UFA star in Germany: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paOzpWCahrqkba8

[@writerdirect]

patti lupone who was the second best norma; got a bad rap; in that the reason she didnt work in the part was that for a long time; patty looked very young for her age; and when they put the norma makeup on her; it took out what little age she had; and she was 10 years too young when she tried it? so the dramatic action; of her dealing with being faded; didnt make sense; she looked 28; thats why it didnt work; not that she gave a bad performance or didnt sing beautifully

[@krjung]

Aaaaaaaand, Miss Betty Lynn stops the show!!! I love how she has to motion to the audience to end the applause so the show can go on. Otherwise they would have cheered forever (and who could blame them?!?).

[@Joe2156]

How the hell could this get any thumbs down!?

[@benjaminbackbite]

With no disrespect disrespect to Patti, This role should’ve gone to Betty Buckley from day one.

[@DornishQueen]

NOW GOOOO!!!

[@calet.wallace4115]

I feel like at 1:29 the emphasis she puts into the word “sing” , is in reference to The Phantom of the Opera. Of course I could be wrong.

[@thefonzkiss]

Cale T. Wallace How absurd.

[@garyjohnstone6422]

I saw this production, it was thrilling but only 2 songs are much good. Close, Streisand, Buckley et al, maybe Barbie doll gets it

[@maestralive3493]

Effortless 🤯

[@americanitalianisrael4008]

Betty Buckley is one of the greatest voices in the world and Broadway etc. But Glenn Close was better because she took me in with HER ACTING AND VOICE. Her acting as Norma Desmond was exquisite. LOVE BOTH LADIES.

[@jumpforjoy6]

Nope Buckley wins

[@candicescott7176]

But it's a musical, after all. Betty was no slouch at acting either, she was a better actress than Glenn was a singer.

[@corawaller-jacobs8007]

My favorite part is at 2:06.

[@claragarland3775]

MINHA MÃE!!!!!

[@kevinwilson3609]

"I'LL BAY MAAAAAAYYYY"...there's no reason with her vocal power she couldnt have sang I'll be me

[@kevinwilson3609]

@@matthewprivate1023 She actually changed it later the I'll be me and there is no difference in the power

[@withonelook1985]

Why wasn't Betty the original Norma?

[@echeleteich3347]

My favorite Norma. She should be doing the movie, not Glenn.

[@AaronLin721]

Shouldn't this video be silent, with respect to what the lyrics are saying? I like it though.

[@snowflow07]

Saw Sunset Boulevard with Petula Clark in Detroit. Great performance but not a Betty Buckley.

[@felixmarques]

Too good an actress and a singer for such a mediocre song. It's fundamentally ill-conceived to have an actress song for five minutes when her point is “I don't need words”.

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

I think your make-up is terribly underdone.