As If She Never Said Goodbye! London's Sunset Boulevard, Starring Glenn Close, Eyeing New York Transfer

With one look at London's theater critics, Glenn Close melted their hearts and now it seems that the rapturously received revival of Sunset Boulevard at the English National Opera could be transferring to the Big Apple. “But of course there is talk of doing it somewhere else,” the Tony-winning musical's lyricist Don Black told the New York Post. “I think there is a very good chance of it going to New York."

Close is reprising her Tony-winning role of Norma Desmond for a limited engagement at ENO's London Coliseum through May 7. Directed by Lonny Price, the semi-staged production also stars Michael Xavier as Joe Gillis, Siobhan Dillon as Betty Shaefer and Fred Johanson as Max Von Mayerling.

Close was recently seen in A Delicate Balance on Broadway, the first time she had appeared on the Main Stem in 17 years. The six-time Oscar nominee got her start on the Great White Way, and also won the Tony for her work in The Real Thing and Death and the Maiden. Her film and TV roles include Dangerous Liaisons, Air Force One, Fatal Attraction and Damages.

Featuring a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a book and lyrics by Christopher Hampton and Black, Sunset Boulevard premiered in the West End in 1993, directed by Trevor Nunn and starring Patti LuPone. In a widely publicized upset that resulted in an out-of-court settlement, Close brought the role to Broadway the following year. The production garnered seven Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Based on the 1950 film of the same name, Sunset Boulevard tells the story of Norma Desmond, an aging silent film star who recruits young writer Joe Gillis to help relaunch her career in the world of talking films. A reclusive shut-in, Desmond forms an unhealthy obsession with Gillis and soon demands he move in to her lavish Hollywood mansion.