What a glorious post. You are correct that "it's not an easy thing to erase the memory of an iconic film like "Sunset Blvd." The movie is one of my favourites, however, it is obvious that your theatre experience of "Sunset Boulevard."
Ten years ago I seen "Sunset Boulevard" in Toronto. That production starred Diahann Carroll and Rex Smith. It was indeed wonderful.
Post Script: You were the last person to post on The Weekend Meet n' Greet. I closed the comments and posted below you. So, I must say....Michele sent me.
Have a glorious day!!
sounds like you had a great time!
would love to see Sunset Boulevard. I have always wanted to see it.
I love Patti and I while I like Glenn Close, she could compare to Patti.
I've never seen Patti Lupone on stage, but I've seen her on television and heard her sing, and she is amazing, definitely someone I look up to as a singer. And I don't for a moment doubt she was better than Glenn Close. I think Patti can play anything. She was born to be on the stage. Looking forward to more!
Sounds wonderful indeed!! You tell it so well that I felt like I was there! Looking forward to....the rest of the story!
I so wish I could've seen Patti LuPone in "Sunset Boulevard." I heard her performance on the CD recording and when we saw Glenn Close do it here in L.A. I thought she completely lacked the tragic subtlety and vulnerability that LuPone brought to the role (although I generally enjoy Glenn Close). I was shocked at the shoddy way Patti LuPone was treated and that she wouldn't be taking the show to Broadway although I don't claim to know the back story. Do you think it was just a money thing--that they thought Glenn Close would attract more people? If so, then that was also a miscalculation since LuPone is revered by the die-hard Broadway crowd, no? I've seen her live a bunch of times and she is always extraordinary. What a set of pipes on that dame! Would love to see her in "Sweeney Todd" although I was lucky enough to see the original with Angela Lansbury which was pretty great. But this new version is a whole new interpretation, right? Pared down cast and different take on the story?
You're making me hungry for theatre, be it in New York, London, or right here!
tc--Glenn Close never touches my heart. I see all the technique, but...for me, no heart! Patti, on the other hand...WOW!!!!
Karin--Yes yes, I agree with you...she was indeed born to be on the stage...Amazing performer. I've seen her twice at The Hollywood Bowl, and she was fantastic. Once with Aurda McDonald..(who is astounding, too!!!)...A thrilling experience!
Danny--Yes, my dear..did you see her at the Bowl?
I too saw Angela Lansbury and that was fabulous..and I saw the Cocert Production on YV that Lupone did a few years ago..and I sure would LOVE to see this new production...Why can't we just be spirited to these places,as needed, or "Beam Me Up Scotty!!!"?
Wouldn't that be great?
I do believe Lord W. felt Glenn Close would bring in 'the money' sice her fame is wider spread....but, to me, it was at the expense of the show, you know? A friend that is Hungarian and speaks her mind ina direct way said, after seeing Glenn Close in "Sunset"..(imagine a Hungarian accent: 'You know what she has under that dress? She has a set of BALLS!!!'....The terrible thing is, I hear from Alan Campbell who played 'Joe' with her that she is a terrific person.,.He absolutely adores her!!! My ideal Cast for this Musical is: Patti Lupone, Alan Campbell and George Hearn, a Max....When I saw George Hearn here, whenhe sang about 'Norma', it was the only time I actually felt something about her and for her! What an unbelievable evening that would have been with those three!!! It might still be pplaying!! (lol)
I love Patti Lupone, but have never had the opportunity to see her on stage.
As for Glenn Close, I have never understood all the acclaim given her. She has never moved me to that special point, that so many others (with much less critical distinction) have actually been able to do.
WOW! Love The Mister, awesome kitty! And I can actually say I know where Mulholland Drive is, saw it on my last trip to CA, but did not see any coyotes. Wonderful blog!
today, Michelle did NOT send me. In fact, my mother did. My mom is Faira from Daffodils and Dragons.
Someday i hope to see a Broadway show. I have seen some way way off off off broadway things, and local city theatre (which i love) and some collegiate stuff, too. We have a local history theatre where local actor types preform interactive plays written about local historical happenings (like murder mysteries) thats so much fun.
i just love the way you write. You capture a lot of the magic and share it with me. thank you.
looking forward to part IV
Although I'm sure it was a fantastic experience for you, all the upping & downing for royalty/God Save the Queen gets a bit boring after a while:-)
As I remember it, everyone who was anyone said Glenn Close was not a patch on Patti Lupone.
I'm on the edge of my seat for the next installment!
It sounds like you had a fabulous (and very exciting) evening! I'm going to run out and rent Sunset Blvd now (sorry to say that I've never seen it before).
Michele sent me today.
Anita
I am a major musical theater buff. Who'd a thunk it?!?!
Patti Lapone...love her.
I am anxiously awaiting Part 4. You describe the experience so well that I feel I have been there. What happened to LuPone reminds me of Audrey Hepburn and Julie Andrews (at least I think that is who it was).
I would definitely prefer Patti over Glenn.
Politics in theatre is as everywhere else a pain in the you know where.
Even as I read your post today, I can feel the exhilaration you exude. You've got such a talent for bringing your reality to your reader's imagination. Thank you for another splendid trip.
Name: OldOldLady Of The Hills
Location: Los Angeles, California