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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2016 18:09:32 GMT
I'd love to see Elaine Paige do it (if she could still sing it, which I doubt)
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Post by loureviews on Apr 22, 2016 18:15:02 GMT
I'd love to see Elaine Paige do it (if she could still sing it, which I doubt) No let's remember Elaine way back when she was an amazing Norma. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 22, 2016 18:34:05 GMT
Ah didn't know that about Audra and Lady Day.... Let's hope Sheridan Smith isn't off in Funny Girl or the whole WE will be in meltdown! Let's hope that Ria remains fit and well...otherwise the producers may have Elaine Paige on speed dial!! Elaine was spotted buying Wundaweb this week. Planning to take up some skirts in a hurry Elaine? |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 22, 2016 18:40:36 GMT
I'd love to see Elaine Paige do it (if she could still sing it, which I doubt) No let's remember Elaine way back when she was an amazing Norma. Her facial expression when the spotlight hits her is freakin' fabulous. |
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Post by distantcousin on Apr 22, 2016 19:13:24 GMT
Elaine's was a stellar performance, which probably most strongly channelled the femme fatale of Gloria Swanson's template of Norma.
The perfect alchemy of voice, interpretation and performance.
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Post by horton on Apr 22, 2016 20:07:22 GMT
Elaine was the best, said it before, will say it again!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2016 20:21:30 GMT
She is certainly the best musical theatre actress to take on the role. Everyone else performs the role but I never get the sense im watching anything other than a performance. Glenn close inhabits the role in a way like no one else, she becomes norma desmond.elaine paige got close to it and her facial expressions were incredible, and yes I agree, the closest to the movie norma
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Post by justsaying113 on Apr 22, 2016 20:50:01 GMT
Couldn't agree more - Elaine was breathtaking in the role, here and on Broadway. An extraordinary performance, vocally and dramatically, and I doubt (along with Piaf) she's ever been better. But, back on topic, I really hope all those with tickets to see Glenn (wishing her a speedy recovery), get to do so - and those who happened/happen to see Ria will be impressed if not consoled in their disappointment. She's one extremely talented, gifted and highly experienced performer.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2016 21:25:44 GMT
Couldn't agree more - Elaine was breathtaking in the role, here and on Broadway. An extraordinary performance, vocally and dramatically, and I doubt (along with Piaf) she's ever been better. But, back on topic, I really hope all those with tickets to see Glenn (wishing her a speedy recovery), get to do so - and those who happened/happen to see Ria will be impressed if not consoled in their disappointment. She's one extremely talented, gifted and highly experienced performer. Apologies for straying off topic, but Elaine Paige has always been a star performer, as you say. Billy, Evita, Cats... She gets a bashing from some on here sometimes, but she's someone I feel very privileged to have seen in a show on numerous occasions over the years. Get well soon, Glenn Close. |
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Post by steve10086 on Apr 22, 2016 22:01:02 GMT
Such an amazing audience reaction to Ria Jones at the end of the show tonight. I felt so happy for her. Can't even imagine how wonderful she must have felt.
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Post by raiseitup on Apr 22, 2016 23:13:21 GMT
Some of the things people were saying in the HUGE box office queue tonight were vile - both about Glenn and Ria. I do not envy the box office staff having to deal with this situation.
I ignored most of the comments I overheard, but had to turn around and correct a lady who said 'why would I want to see some inexperienced understudy woman over Glenn Close'(!!). One gentleman was literally giving away his ticket on the steps of the Coliseum, so my £12 balcony seat became a dress circle seat, utter fool.
Ria was extraordinary, I felt and believed every note she sang and every movement she made. Seeing that spotlight fall on her and hearing her sing 'I'VE COME HOME AT LAST' made me weep. Yes Ria, yes you have.
I loved seeing Glenn a couple of weeks ago, but tonight just took things to a whole new level, I felt like I truly believed Norma's descent into madness for the first time.
I'm back tomorrow eve, can't wait to see either again. Hope Glenn is recovering well.
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Post by Dave25 on Apr 22, 2016 23:44:28 GMT
Ria is a much better singer so she takes the material to a higher level than Glenn.
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Post by mrbarnaby on Apr 23, 2016 4:28:56 GMT
Do you know what a 'momumental effort' it is? Wow you are clueless. Google her cv and wise up. How rude of you! I have done my research, thank you. She hasn't performed in a musical in 22 years. Do you have any idea what a monumental effort that is when your body is not used to doing this most of the time. I know EXACTLY what she has done - sporadic theatre roles - none as demanding as this - over the past 30 or so years. |
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Post by mrbarnaby on Apr 23, 2016 4:30:23 GMT
I'm delighted that some people are wowed by Ria Jones. If I got her though I'd be really angry. She's just like a lounge singer in a working club I think.
I'm sure Glenn is mightily upset at missing these shows.. Considering how few performances this run is.
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Post by showtoones on Apr 23, 2016 5:39:52 GMT
Barnaby...I totally agree. While the pc thing is to say "she was amazing" and "you're in for a treat" in truth, my heart would sink no matter how good Ria is.
Ria is in a tough spot and if I had to stay and watch as they aren't refunding of course I would but I'd be really upset even if I was won over
I wouldn't yell at box office staff but I wouldn't be happy
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Post by anthony40 on Apr 23, 2016 5:42:37 GMT
Maybe I should hang around the front of the theatre tonight to see if anyone is giving away a free ticket tonight, regardless who is on as Norma
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Post by chernjam on Apr 23, 2016 6:05:55 GMT
I'm in Rome this week so just catching up on all of this. The curse of Sunset Blvd with off stage drama continues, huh?
Have to admit - not surprised... And goes back to my initial point this was short sighted. Imagine another (somewhat) younger actress who's never played this starring in the role. Could have not only renewed interest in themisical but broken this myth that only Glen is the ultimate Norma.
When Karen Mason took me get for Glennin NY it was a revelation. The music had a much deeper impact than I had experi need before...to this day it saddens me there's not one great full cast recording (perhaps they'll let Ria do the recording with the ENO orchestra? Pipe dream I know)
Real quick. Was Patti actually there this week?
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Post by littleflyer on Apr 23, 2016 7:01:36 GMT
I'm delighted that some people are wowed by Ria Jones. If I got her though I'd be really angry. She's just like a lounge singer in a working club I think. |
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Post by danb on Apr 23, 2016 7:31:35 GMT
I don't think that anyone on here is doubting her credentials littleflyer; merely posting their opinion of her performance. From the clip I saw from recent a concert on 'youtube' I was of the same opinion. From a full performance it would most likely be different.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2016 7:42:58 GMT
I know ria was the original Norma in workshops etc but where i have doubts is there have been plenty of times since then where she could have been cast, and hasn't been.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2016 7:53:13 GMT
Kate Ford from Coronation Street saw the show last night or Thursday and had Ria. She said she was incredible. If it was me, I would be disappointed if Geln Close hadn't been in as ultimately, that's half the reason you pay so much.
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Post by Sue on Apr 23, 2016 7:56:12 GMT
I have only just heard that she is out tonight and the understudy is on. I'm not gonna lie, I would be gutted if this was my only chance to see the show and Glenn wasn't on. I usually don't care about it being an understudy or anything, but this show is being marketed as The Glenn Show, for a very limited run. All the reviews mainly speak about her and not much else. I am so glad I am seeing it at the end of the run and not tonight. I can understand she may be ill and needs rest etc... but I would be truly gutted. Granted it's only Thursday and I'm not due to go until Saturday but...I WILL be beyond truly gutted if she's not on. I booked to see Glenn, as splashed over every advertising feature/article available - just like Imelda in Gypsy although I accept the teenie tiny small print as a week get out clause. If travelling to London from Glos wasn't such a faff for me (dog sitting arrangements, travelling time, fuel and parking cost, etc) then I'd gladly go and see Ria BUT...if Glenn's not going to be on the I won't be going. But over and above all that, I really hope Glenn feels better soon and returns when she's happy to. In summary (which I think it's about time we started doing...summarising), this is a highly expected turn of events which we are all getting caught up in the drama of. Glenn Close seems like a lovely woman from all of the press I've seen and read, who I'm sure is gutted to have let people down. As someone said earlier, would they rather have an appalling Glenn Close vocal or a fantastic u/s one? Let the woman get well and play out the rest of the shows without any drama. Yes there should have been a break in her schedule; be that Weds matinees or Thursday nights at a time of year when people drop like flies with Spring colds and 24 hour vomitty bugs. I still hope to go again (and hope Sue from Glos gets to go tomorrow too!). And relax...... So...I'm going after all! I talked to my other half and bugger it, we've got the parking booked and paid for, the car's full of fuel, our friends have got their day with my dog all planned out and we have fabulous seats to see what sounds like a fabulous show in a fabulous venue and hear what sounds like a fabulius Norma in Ria as well as that orchestra. Don't get me wrong, I'll still be hoping and wishing like mad that Glenn can make it, if she feels well enough and my heart will sink if she can't make it but I'm very much looking forward to going. |
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Post by ali973 on Apr 23, 2016 8:01:50 GMT
Ok I'm confused now..Is she going on for more than one show or only that one time when the world nearly ended and everyone went nuts?
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Post by Sue on Apr 23, 2016 8:05:44 GMT
That decision is yet to be made - ENO will make an announcement at some point today on Twitter.
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Post by Michael on Apr 23, 2016 8:08:04 GMT
Ok I'm confused now..Is she going on for more than one show or only that one time when the world nearly ended and everyone went nuts? If I understood it correctly, Ria did the last two shows (Thursday and Friday). They haven't yet announced when (if?) Glenn Close will be back. |
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