BETTY BUCKLEY - "As If We Never Said Goodbye"

[KamikazeKateTalks]

I worked with Ms. Buckley and she is an astounding actress and person period.

[tinyhermione]

She's a fantastic Norma. She seems so graceful, and she really captures the silent-movie glamour, which I think some Normas failed to do.

[Garmct]

That Grizabella sure can sing...and she cleans up right nice too!

[Spces8472]

CAN I HAVE YOUR VOICE PLAZ? KTHNXBAI.

[ythc11]

I have this. PM me if interested.

[HollywoodHillsCookie]

Jeez...what a voice. Like a silver knife. Great actress, too.

[sarapotter]

Betty Buckley can take on overperformed chestnuts and make them electrifying and new as no one else can. I heard her sing "Memory" at the Tony Awards in 1997 and was blown away. I"m not getting into who was best--Norma's a tough role, and a lot of really good actresses have played her. The End.

[lancetop]

Wow what a cool video!

[sashakennedy]

it opened in 93 i was in it and betty was the second cast 94

[emlodik]

@sashakennedy Yes, but this is the Broadway production, which opened a year later and Betty joined the cast after Glenn Close left in early 1995.

[lcowles]

Why are people so insecure and territorial? Can't all the ladies who have played this role be wonderful in their own respectful rights? My favorite is Patti and then Betty but that doesn't make them better than Elaine or Glenn or anyone else. I've seen them and and they were great.

[traod8]

@lcowles

Thank you for being so diplomatic. I've long felt that way, and all this "best Norma PERIOD" jibber is getting old. Yes, everyone will have their preferences and that's fine, but that doesn't mean we should dismiss the others who've played the role. They were all good in their own right and did it their own way, so it's quite fun to get to have so many options to listen to. No one better or worse than the last.

[czahnie]

@traod8 fay dunaway begs to differ. :-P



[traod8]

@czahnie

LOL

[MsMimi49]

@lcowles u r right, too, glen was wonderful too,,,

[greg1lewin]

@lcowles

Patti was fired.

[sebastianpellegrene]

I saw this show 8 times. 4 times with Betty. She is Norma Desmond.

[dturner4714]

Please come back and do this show again. Betty Buckley is the greatest Norma of all time. Her voice is electrifying , her acting second to none. Please do a reprise.

[Lindow]

Noone, and I mean N O O N E could deliver the climax of this song like Betty!

[SuperDoug68]

Indeed the best Norma. I've seen Patti and Betty in the role. And Betty was transcendent

[MegaAlbaby]

I was lucky enough to see both Ms. Close and Ms. Buckley in this role. While both made their own different interpretations convincing, it was Buckley who found AND portrayed the pathos and vulnerability of Norma Desmond. Close played it more toward lunacy (also present in the character, of course). Buckley' s voice and talent are electrifying. Why isn't she a household name??

[Shroder98]

Woman is a freaking POWERHOUSE...bravo!!!!!!!

[1954phialin]

I am a big FAN of Betty Buckley...thanks to my sister Edna who told me about this outstanding performer..

[thewanksta36]

Good lord, I kept thinking "How is she gonna find more power to sing the big notes?" But she does!

[bootsamou]

Wow ! You filmed it ?!

So pleased you did.

I know it's completely illegal but if no-one did this, there would be no record of Betty's fantastic performance.

I saw the show several times in London with John B. & Betty B. Brilliant !

Must be time for a revival by now? And remember that set? Wow !

[garrychelsea]

@bootsamou ther was a revival in london in 2008 starring kathryn evans, she was simply breathtaking, it was a scaled down version with actors/musicians, the cast played the music as well as performing, the only one who didnt was kathryn, but joes,betty,artie etc played guitars, flutes,violins tec, it was a wonderful show, there are some clips on youtube

[garrychelsea]

@bootsamou it is rumoured to be transferring to broadway this year

[PattiwhackPics]

DISCLAIMER: I am the world's biggest Patti fan. I saw the show 3 times -- thought it was mediocre at best until I saw Betty -- she was the most suited of all of the actresses to play her. Each had their merits and deficits, but It just all came together with Betty. The show finally worked with her.

[pudgeuncle]

@PattiwhackPics I agree. I love the purity of Buckley's voice and she was so well suited to this role. Have you seen Stephanie Powers? I'll bet she is likely the worst ever. The clips of the Ognunquit Production look like a SNL skit.

[gimmeSimmyxox]

betty has the most beautiful voice on broadway.

[antoniocb27]

Totally agree... Betty is the BEST Norma (period). I am honored to have seen her in London at the Adelphi and has been a theatre highlight experience since. I've also seen Patti LuPone (very good), Glen Close (next to good), and a US touring "rendition" of this extraordinary piece wit Petula Clark (I believe) that was rather forgetable (close but no cigar). So, definitely Betty will remain "the greatest star of all."

[redvelvetvixen]

@Francodutchie - You can't have seen "Sunset Blvd." in 1992 because it only premiered in the West End in 1993 :) I think we must've seen the show around the same time though because I also saw Betty Buckley and John Barrowman. I love, love, LOVED Betty! I was fortunate enough to have also seen Glenn Close and Elaine Paige in the Broadway production but Betty was my favorite. I also saw Petula Clark and that was scary.

[Francodutchie]

@redvelvetvixen it could have been, i`m not so good with years, but i never forget the show, it was superb, and to me Betty is still the number one Norma

[saint973]

betty is one of the best normas ive ever heard but elaine was always my favourite her delivery of this song was just spectacular i really believed her and she was the perfect age when she did the show she even looked like gloria swanson

[HouseOnSunset]

@EZYCHEESY I can't. Because I hate you. :)

[HouseOnSunset]

@EZYCHEESY 1. I never hid the fact I'm Emlodik. 2. Because you're a stupid bitch.

[HouseOnSunset]

@EZYCHEESY Shut your mouth, you stupid bitch.

[Lucybelle93]

I LOVE BETTY

[AtLastOnTheGround]

@EZYCHEESY

I thought Lupone's singing for Norma was abrasive and strident! Don't get me wrong -- When Patti's in her best voice, VERY few can top her -- but I've never heard anyone, not even Patti, sing better than Betty.

[MissPeach1974]

Betty Buckley is the best Norma Desmond!

[roccoh21]

To say that she is perfection would be like saying Sarah Palin is a little on the dumb side. There are no superlatives worthy of this performance.

[ramona2400]

Bravo - To all the comments - I have learned much from them. We all have our favorite Norma and share that experience. Each of the Diva's played the part with her own style, under her directors direction, and according to Andrew L Webber strict severe guidelines. I understand that for most of the Norma's working with/ for Andrew was not great. Each lady has left us all spellbound good or bad on her own terms and talent - Casting Carroll and Smith was great move to bring new fans

[sammyseattle]

Love Diahann Carroll and Rex Smith, however, they were both awful in the roles of Norma and Joe. One of the worst mis-cast shows I've seen.

[MUEagle2002]

I've always wanted to see this musical. I never had a chance. I'm hoping that it will tour in the US again.

[paulbranc]

Oh, and Diahann Carroll owns this part..

[emlodik]

No... She doesn't.

[paulbranc]

Yes...She does..

[paulbranc]

Amazing, did anyone actually see the film the play is based on?? If Norma was so reclusive, how did she where to take Joe for his clothes?? How did the salesperson know know the dame was paying. Her card games alternate weekly at different forgottens homes. Joe himself said she looked pretty good. She knew where her money was coming from...Argue about ALW play all you want, but watch the film, and remember, the tale is told from Joe's pov..Norma was neither nuts nor reclusive..

[emlodik]

The musical differs in some significant aspects from the movie. Norma appears more tragic and pathetic. In fact, Joe's POV in the show is all but superfluous.

[lorilamb1544]

Betty Buckley is the BEST Norma. Period.

[xxboxers1]

@lorilamb1544 Betty Buckley is my *favorite* Broadway actor. I was lucky enough to see both Buckley and Glenn Close play Norma on Broadway, and it was like watching to entirely different stories because they played the character so differently, but each brilliantly. Close's Norma was deluded and tragic while Buckley's was a manipulative viper. I couldn't choose one over the other.

[IDRIS1130]

Amen to that !

[MsMimi49]

@lorilamb1544 i must agree with u, i took my now adult son, to see this showing with Betty, and Alan chambell when he was a lil boy, til this day he reminds me how much he love her,,, she will always be the only norma,,,,,

[AntonStephans]

Amazing! Truly amazing wonderful performance! & that voice!!! I just can't decide who i prefer Elaine Paige Or Betty Buckley! I will just have to love them both equally.

[earlady66]

Elaine is the best...but Betty is good also. I just don't like Glenn Close because she can't sing.

[laddnyc]

I would love to chime in here. I saw all the NORMAs except Patti LuPone and Linda Balghor. Most of them multiple times. I saw Elaine Paiges first perf on Bway as well as many of Buckleys, including the final Bway performance. Each Norma had something wonderful to give that was uniquely theres. What made Buckleys MY favorite was the unique vulnerability she brought to the role. Not only crazy, but lost...sad, pitiful and sympathetic. It was BRILLIANT! Her vocalism was only rivled by Paige!

[emlodik]

*Balgord

[ramona2400]

Diahann Carroll HAS THE VOCAL CHOPS are you crazy or tone deaf - Ms. Carroll played the hell out of Norma 0 I hope she returns to the part They say she may be the next New York Norma when the show returns or may Tour with it - BRAVO to ALL and I mean ALL the Normas

[HouseOnSunset]

@ramona2400 Christ, what alternate dimension Canadian Cast Recordings did you idiots listen to?!?!

[DivaBehavior]

@ramona2400

Carroll is an extremely gifted actress. Her singing is good, but it doesn't even come close to Betty's voice.

[noirstar]

@ramona2400 I saw Diahann Carroll do it in Canada years ago. And she was in fact MAGNIFICENT. Her acting was tantamount to her vocals. He was thrilling from beginning to end. So elegant. Not to take anything away from Betty Buckley, Patti Lapone or Glenn Close. I'm just firmly on Team-Diahann.

[Museleaders]

Betty is my favorite norma, glenn close is my 2nd, but i love them both!!

[randyslovacek]

Bravo Buckley.

[bigfanization]

I agree with Andrew lloyd Webber---- Elaine Paige owns this song and indeed the part

[karrezza]

Just listened to Dianne Caroll version... so I say Betty Buckley, Caroll, Glenn Close, Patti Lupone, Elaine Page, in that order of the power of the voice, and emotion.

[HouseOnSunset]

*Diahann Carroll

[soleilcat]

Betty Buckley's performance in SUNSET was sheer magic; I returned to see her performance quite a number of times. This video happily reminds me of her talents, I admire and hope she returns to the stage soon. As for the male lead, I loved Alan Campbell in the role, his voice and his emotional appeal.

[jamesotterman]

The first play I ever saw outside of a school gym was this at Fords in Toronto with Miss Carrol it still makes me weep

[ramona2400]

Diahann Carrol played Norma as a more regal Diva - who still believes that her public is waiting for her - each of the ladies playing Norma Desmond did bring something unique to the part - most likely pulling from there own experiences in show business as woman of a certain age -Glenn Close - Elaine Paige- Betty Buckley - Diahann Carroll - ALL WONDERFUL in bringing the stage version of Norma Desmond to life - for me Diahann Carrol voiced the rool the best - try to find her cast recording

[emlodik]

Umm... We all have her recording. And she sucks on it.

[MaskedLion]

I disagree. Diahann recorded the album before the show opened. She didn't have a chance to grow into it before the recording.

[AtLastOnTheGround]

I listened to some of Diahann's recordings as Norma -- I think she fits the part beautifully. But she just doesn't have the vocal chops required for the part. I think Glenn Close was even a stronger singer.

Then again, once you've heard Betty's unearthly belt, everyone else's vocals for the role seem inferior.

[1954phialin]

Betty Buckley's is the DAMNEST VERSION!!!! I love her voice --so far the best voice for this song!!!!

[tenorlovesasoprano]

holy crap! Betty ROCKS this!

[saint973]

i thought elaine paige's performance is up there with the greats she always seems the most believable to me

[ramona2400]

Diahann Carroll gave what is probably the best performance as Norma Desmond - I have seen all of the major Norma's and Diahann Carroll was best suited to the role - her voice was just perfect the songs sounded richer when performed in Ms. Carrolls lower register - betty is too squeaky here.

[macraeman]

Interesting comment.. Having seen Ms. Buckely and Ms. Carroll, I have to say that their portrayals weren't "better" or "worse" than the other, but "different". Ms Buckley came across as a more "reclusive" type who "spilled" out in her OWN world. Ms. Carroll's interpretation has an "imperial" quality to it - that Norma "owned" the world, even if the world didn't know it. Ms. Carroll's "With One Look" is, for me, an extraordinary experience. Would really like to know what she drew on for that.

[01BroadwayMagic]

to me, Betty seems like a more sympathetic/emotional Norma than Glenn close.

[01BroadwayMagic]

but, she isn't as fragile as glenn close, though.

[glh2405]

I was in this show. Was in it with ALL Normas and Betty was simply stunning and my favourite. Stood behind her for every one of these performances, never glazed over! So proud I was in the cast.

[Lindow]

OOOOOOH! I wonder if you could share a few of your experiences with the different Normas? I'd be so thrilled as this was the first Broadway show I ever saw and it still holds such a special place in my heart...oh please would ya;-)?

[glh2405]

@Lindow Elaine was either in a good mood or not! (It was Petula who threw the parties not Rita) Rita was lot of fun too! They were all great, happy memories.

[bjmiceli]

I saw both Betty Buckley and Petula Clark do it in London. I saw Buckley twice, in fact, there. I agree that Clark was kind of nutty and silly in the role. The voice was great, but the characterization made no sense at all. On the other hand, Buckley was amazing. One of the best things I have seen in the musical theater. I had seen her years before in Cats and she was even better in Sunset.

[longeaton34]

I saw Petula at the Adelphi in the last week of the London production. I thought she played it for laughs and it lost its pathos and integrity completely. No, give me Betty or Patty anytime...

[Francodutchie]

I saw this show in 1992 if i`m not mistaken, in London ADELPHI theater.

I was blown away by Betty`s performance.

I haven`t seen the others so i can`t judge on this subject, i saw them on youtube and television, but i had tears in my eyes with betty`s performance and goosebumps, so betty`s the one for me, the way she moved act and sang in the show, i wasn`t so keen on John Barrowman though.

[HouseOnSunset]

The show officially premiered in 1993. Betty Buckley joined the cast in 1994 and a year later moved to the Broadway production.

[chocolatesouljah]

@Francodutchie I saw Betty in New York over a year into her run. It was fresh and lovely. When she sang "As If..." tears streamed down her face... Mine too. Check out her solo CD she recorded right before being whisked off to "Sunset" in London.

[megan132]

@Francodutchie if it was in 92, then you didnt see it. and if it was in 93, you saw lupone. now, if it was 94, you saw buckley. whichever one you saw, im very jealous, hahahah.

[johnfrank25]

I saw Glenn Close, Elaine and Betty all do the role of Norma and I truly blown away by Betty Buckley. Having never seen Ms Buckley live before, I was shocked how powerful her voice is and how good her acting is in the role. I wasn't crazy about the show but I became a big Betty Buckley fan afterwards. I recently listened to her in "Carrie" and am also blown away by that performance. It is another incredible turn from her.

[SchwarzBass]

I actually saw Carrie... two times (long story, don't ask). Betty was so incredible. The rest of the show was the worst thing I have ever seen. But Betty... sheesh!

[jeff5761]

it's a matter of performance...but for all that has been said....they each bring enough to norma desmond....they are all good...great actresses......i do have an affection for elaine...but all are great...can't see streisand in the role...i am so over her

[AtLastOnTheGround]

Betty played the part so differently. The others made her sort of senile and quirky. Betty played her as childish and girly, and that made the character so much more sad and tragic. (I do love Glenn Close in the role, too).

AND THAT VOICE! Brilliant.

[robertspeck]

Love her! Love her! Love her! Love her straight. Love her high. Love her crazy. Love her sane.

Did I mention that I love her?

[dukeman723]

I saw Glenn, Betty and Elaine in the role on Broadway and I have to say Betty was by far the best. Her strong bravura along with a heightened sense of vulnerability gave a depth to the role lacking in the others, who concentrated on a characterization bordering on insanity.

[pspruce18]

I respect what you're saying, but the rendition that E. Paige gives is, according to Andrew Lloyd Weber himself, the most spot on performance of any of his songs, ever. Not to take anything away from BB, but Paige really is special in this role...I agree with the song writer in this case.

[tamarexxe]

Judging by the videos on Youtube, between the immortal stage actress Patti, the immortal screen actress Glenn, and Betty, (whom I do not know at all, I assume she is an american actress).. there is little to choose between. I am devastated by the sheer brilliance of all three performances. I will not compare them as I think we are all fortunate and honored to have seen three great actresses give legendary performances, each one, that will endure forever. bravo!

[UncleCharlieOakley]

Stunning.

[ajt141]

I'm a Patti LuPone fan but I think Betty owns Norma Desmond. Betty was a force of nature and very heartbreaking. I've seen Betty, Glenn, Elaine and Diahann Carroll in Sunset and Betty was by far the best...

[macraeman]

This video just brought back the enormous thrill that I had when I saw Ms. Buckley in SUNSET BOULEVARD. Can't say that I was mad for the show - but I was awed by her performance. She was just brilliant in every sense!

[blackpython]

I personally think the film is a thousand times better than the musical, but I still love the musical. The Normas are what make it for me, but I think the Joes can be just as important at certain parts (if he messes up Sunset Boulevard, I'm done with the show). I think some of the numbers outside the mansion (basically everything w/ Betty. The character not the actress) is fair compared to Norma's songs. I still enjoy those songs, I'm just not gaga over them.

[ForNow22]

This is brilliant.

She can actually act AND sing.

Glenn can act but can't sing, Patti can sing but can't act.

[emlodik]

Weeellll... At least Glenn sang it better than Petunia le Klerk. :-P

But, of course, no one sings this better than La Balgord!

[DonJuan1992]

Patti can act the shit out of most stuff but Ill admit she didnt do it for me in Sunset

[pipwe1]

Betty BEST EVER Norma thanks for this

[KaraokeKid22]

no Patti, but much better than Glen...

[HouseOnSunset]

Well, excuse Betty and Glenn for keeping their nasal passages clean. :-P

[KaraokeKid22]

its a great video, i just prefer Patti, dont get mad at me

[HouseOnSunset]

That's the problem with you close minded Patti groupies...

[KaraokeKid22]

im just saying I like Patti, why are you being such a bitch about it

[HouseOnSunset]

Could it be because you're being such a bitch OVER Patti?

[KaraokeKid22]

what the hell, you started this

[HouseOnSunset]

Nope, you did by posting exact same ignorant crap on two subsequent clips.

[KaraokeKid22]

i am sorry for any trouble ive caused, i did not know until, now, that the two videos were both by you. i LOVE both Elaine and Betty, and im not just saying that to end this. they are both incredible. ive just always loved Patti, in anything, and I am sorry if it came out the wrong way. I should've included in my original comment that the two performances were incredible too, tho. i am sorry.

[HouseOnSunset]

It's cool.... ;-)

Still, no one beats Helen Schneider and Linda Balgord.

[Selendomono]

dont worry about it. that person is being a bitch to me too only because i said i liked better. he apparently needs to defend his precious betty buckley.

[TomWheresYourLeggat]

I never get tired of 4:13

xxx

[betteboi]

This is the most glorious rendition of this song I've ever heard.

I'm a huge Streisand fan, and couldn't see past her version from 'Back to Broadway', but this is on a different level altogether.

Truly, jaw-droppingly stunning.

What an amazing clip. Thank you so much.

[floop1111]

Nothing touches the heartstrings quite like Betty Buckley's voice. It stands alone as truely the greatest!

[Tetiktetik]

I will never, ever get tired of watching Sunset Boulevard. Ever.

[AlanNJUSA]

I felt privileged to see her as Norma a few times. The most memorable performance was her final night. Betty Buckley was stunning! It was one of her best performances ever. She sang her heart out and the audience gave her the most rapturous ovation I have ever witnessed. Glenn Close whom she replaced, and Elaine Paige - who was to succeed her - were there. I hope I could relive being there. Betty was PHENOMENAL! She was the best Norma on many different levels.

[MediaPointEnt]

This is a CLASSIC story. Use your brain and imagination to process all of it. Your just scimming the surface of the plot. It is on par with any classic Greek tragedy. A story for the ages.

[HouseOnSunset]

I think the guy's too narrow minded to process that.

[ClassicMovieClub]

Beautiful! wow i wish i could habve seen her!

[crbar1]

The VERY BEST NORMA EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

[SHRINA17]

Crappy show!?!?!?!?!??!?!? Good Lord..it might not be your "cup of tea" but crappy it was not..this production was so fantastic!!!

[standup22]

my favourite norma. shes so amazing.

[ajt141]

I sat through this crappy show several times just because of the Normas. Betty was WORTH it. I LOVED her performance.

[HouseOnSunset]

You're an ass. Away with you, before someone drops a hydraulic mansion set on YOU! =P

[mulioctaveman]

And why is he and ass? He stated his opinion and complimented the video and went on his way. Honesty is not an attribute of a jerk.

[clevm002]

Umm you kinda just did the very thing you told him off for!

[AtLastOnTheGround]

I have to agree with ajt141-

Some of the music in this show is just orgasmic (like this song for instance) but it really is a crappy show - the plot stinks and without its huge million dollar set it'd be nothing really. The Normas are what make it great, and Betty's sublime voice rocks this song.

[HouseOnSunset]

THE PLOT STINKS?!?!?! This is one of the best stories written in the last 60 years! Show some respect. I'd like to see write something as sharp and witty as Billy Wilder did for most his career.

[AtLastOnTheGround]

Let me rephrase - My opinion is that the whole plot for the movie was great, but it's just not something ideal for the stage. I guess we have contrasting tastes, I'm more of a George Furth or James Lapine sort of person.

[HouseOnSunset]

Riiiiiiiiiiiiight....

[phatchrulesforever]

I'm sorry to intervene but that's so stupid! You are such a hypocrite! You tell everyone to respect Sunset Boulevard, respect your favorite Norma actresses but when it comes to someone you don't like you have no problem speaking out about it!

I may not agree with the person but let him have his opinion!

[HouseOnSunset]

NEVER!!!

[pomegranatefreak]

Betty's voice just soars in all the right places, and she accesses that soft vulnerability that makes her Norma so great. I would give anything to see a video of the whole show. Thanks again, HouseOnSunset!!

[Tetiktetik]

one of the best Normas

[bbstenornl]

I agree!!!

[leprecornlee]

i take my comment about buckley lacking emotion back as i've just watched it again and i found it mesmorising....i must of been tired i think cause she is good in this role

[spklneelyspkl]

im so glad someone posted this again.

[spklneelyspkl]

she really has one of the most human normas. all the others really have an almost robotic bitch norma that almost doesnt work or make sense, in my opinion at least.

[sparepart973]

She was one of the best, if not the best, hands down and I've seen most of the major Normas (LuPone, Paige, Clark, Close, Ziegler) and the most "human" of all Normas.

[HouseOnSunset]

Hmm... I found Linda Balgord suprisingly sweet and tragic, but, yeah, Betty was one of the most human Normas.

[Feareous]

Well, I, for one, did sense Betty's emotion!! She really is astounding!!! And she has a lovely voice that fits this role so well ^^

Great find HOS!!! 8-)

[leprecornlee]

am i the only one who (with no offense to her)thinks that betty's performance lacks no emotion in her performace and i dont find her singing that great? although she did not have the singing power and ability, i found glenn close's performance to be much tighter due to the masses of emotion that she conveyed during this song. lol thats what i think anyway

[HouseOnSunset]

Umm... You do realise that "lacks no emotion" is a double negative, right? So, what exactly did you mean?

[leprecornlee]

i do apologize im tired.... i don't know its just she doesn't seem to connect with the audience in this song whereas i feel that both close and (which your videos have shown me) schneider have the emotion and portray it well

[AriesModerator]

Wow. Betty sure has the intensity.

[meganailsa]

I love Betty Buckley as Norma Desmond - please please do you have With One Look and the final scene.Thank you

[HouseOnSunset]

Yes, I'll post it later today. :-)

[bucolic21]

Awesome! Thanks.