Glen Close expresses her opinions on Nicole Scherzinger's acting performance in 'Sunset Blvd.'
Rewritten Article:
Glenn Close, legendary actress renowned for her mesmerizing portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, showered praise on Nicole Scherzinger for stepping into those memorable shoes in the Broadway revival. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Close exclaimed that the performance left her spellbound.
On April 30, Close expressed her delight at witnessing Scherzinger's live performance, acclaiming the entire production as awe-inspiring. Clad in a black top and a cheetah-print jacket, the Fatal Attraction actress seemed primed for a diva-worthy evening.
Post-performance, Close seized the opportunity to meet Scherzinger and the cast backstage, sharing a photo taken with the captivating former Pussycat Doll still enmeshed in her dramatic, blood-stained costume. Close wrote, "I LOVED meeting Nicole, Tom Francis, and many members of the ensemble backstage afterwards."
Going beyond a simple "Great job!", Close delved into what it truly means to embody the iconic role of Norma Desmond. Reflecting on her shared admiration for the female role of the century, Close pointed out that there's no escaping the daunting challenge that Norma presents. "You can't approach Norma with a feeble heart. She demands all your courage, forces you to dive deep."
As a seasoned Norma Desmond herself, having portrayed the complex character twice before – once in 1994, earning a Tony for her performance, and again in a 2017 revival – Close's endorsement carries considerable weight. She hailed Scherzinger's performance as an act of "raw artistry and fearless determination."
Close isn't the only one singing Scherzinger's praises. The original Norma from the 1993 West End production, Patti LuPone, also lavished praise on Scherzinger. In a voice message shared by NY1's Frank DiLella in December 2024, LuPone proclaimed, "I thought Nicole was extraordinary. She tore my heart apart. She is a powerhouse."
In an innovative approach to the musical, director Lloyd Webber aimed to strip away the opulence, concentrating on the core narrative of a woman eclipsed by her industry. With her charm and theatrical flair, Scherzinger seemed the ideal choice for this sophisticated revamp. Her captivating performance has been likened to a "bona fide theater-musical phenomenon" [2]. Her rendering of the fading movie star clinging to past glories has been widely lauded for its depth and poignancy. This demanding role requires both emotional intensity and a robust stage presence, a challenge that Scherzinger seems to have embraced head-on [4]. Despite schedules allowing Mandy Gonzalez to stand in as Norma Desmond at times, the production's success hinges on Scherzinger's central involvement [5].
Who is Glenn Close, renowned for her performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard? A legendary actress.
Nicole Scherzinger received praise from Glenn Close for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in the Broadway revival. Close found Scherzinger's performance spellbinding.
On Instagram, close shared her delight at witnessing Scherzinger's live performance and her admiration for the entire production.
Close believes that to embody the iconic role of Norma Desmond one must approach it with courage and dive deep, as it demands all one's strength.
Patti LuPone, the original Norma from the 1993 West End production, also lauded Scherzinger's performance, stating that it was extraordinary and tore her heart apart.
Scherzinger's captivating performance in the Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard has been widely praised and compared to a "bona fide theater-musical phenomenon."
