SOUND OFF Special Edition: 10 Elegant Solutions For A New Norma Desmond In SUNSET BOULEVARD

With breaking news arising late last week of Glenn Close being considered for a return to her Tony Award-winning role in Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton's Tony Award-winning Best Musical SUNSET BOULEVARD as well as the show's anniversary of its original West End world premiere opening on July 12, now is an absolutely opportune time to turn back the clock to 1993 and see what precisely makes SUNSET BOULEVARD so spectacular.

Below, I've picked some of the major talent that could bring the type of big-time attention that would warrant a major revival of the musical, whether on Broadway, the West End or even the silver screen. Given that the original Billy Wilder film was famously filmed with Gloria Swanson and ultimately became a roman a clef of sorts for the unique star as well as considering the sordid history of original lead Patti LuPone and her odyssey in starring in the show, not to mention the victorious and memorable highs achieved by the leading ladies who have headlined it - which, post-Close, included Betty Buckley, Rita Moreno, Diahann Carroll, Elaine Paige and more - the role is ripe for a star of epic proportions to introduce one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most acclaimed musicals to a new generation. And, the time is now. The possibilities are virtually endless, but here are some particularly delectable ideas as we begin to consider who would be absolutely ideal for a new Norma Desmond fit for 2015.

1. Madonna. In 2012, I asked Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber about the possibility of pursuing his Golden Globe Award-winning EVITA film lead Madonna for the long-gestating movie musical version of SUNSET BOULEVARD and he leapt at the idea, relaying, "I like that idea. But, of course, Glenn Close is absolutely fantastic, so I would love to have it with her. We'll have to see what happens!" Now, with Madonna edging ever-closer to 60, the time seems right for the youth-obsessed music superstar to mirror her own life on the big screen in the role of a lifetime. Would she do it? Could she do it? Certainly, if she attempted it, the eyes of the entire world would be watching her try.

2. Donna Murphy. The two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway superstar participated in a special reading of the musical for the Roundabout Theatre Company just last year, prompting many prognosticators to assume she had sealed the deal on a revival of the show should Broadway welcome it back sometime relatively soon. Will it happen? If it does, we would be hard-pressed to ask for somebody more potentially electrifying in the dramatically and musically riveting piece. Of note, we have since heard that Roundabout has passed on the revival, but talks are underway for a tour of the show.

3. Audra McDonald. The all-time Tony Award champ is now on the other side of 45, and, while many actresses of a certain age have essayed the role in the last two decades, it would be particularly fascinating to see a portrayal by an actress near or even younger than the actual character in the musical, who is 50. Obviously, McDonald's rapturous vocal instrument would be outright heaven to experience married with Lloyd Webber's luscious melodies and the implicit drama of the show in general - and, the chance to witness McDonald finally do a musical on Broadway by one of the street's most iconic composers would be a cause celebre in and of itself, no doubt.

4. Victoria Clark. The Tony Award-winning LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA star would be right at home in SUNSET BOULEVARD, particularly following her sensational portrayal of Mamita in the recent revival of GIGI. Also, Clark's commanding and dynamic presence would fit perfectly with the dynamo role at the heart of the show. Fable? Make it a reality.

5. Emma Thompson. The two-time Academy Award-winning Broadway and Hollywood notable is a top pick not only were SUNSET BOULEVARD to be done onstage, but also onscreen - as a matter of fact, how about both?! After her spine-tingling turn as Mrs. Lovett in SWEENEY TODD just last year, she more than proved she has the musical chops - and we all know she can deliver the drama like few others in the business. Plus, she would mine the comedy for all it is worth, as well.

6. Tonya Pinkins. The leading lady of Jeanine Tesori and Tony Kushner's spellbinding CAROLINE, OR CHANGE has all the right ingredients to provide a diva turn for the ages as the reclusive, retired silver screen siren gone to seed after having seen her in that musical masterpiece, not to mention her superlative turns in THE WILD PARTY and many more musicals and plays. Furthermore, she would bring an anamolous attitude and standout presence wholly fresh and new to the enterprise were she to deign to do it, too.

7. Sherie Rene Scott. An outside-the-box suggestion perhaps, but the familiar face from RENT, AIDA and her own Broadway solo show EVERYDAY RAPTURE could very well be brilliant as the faded screen queen if the production highlighted her idiosyncratic sensibilities and characteristics. Plus, her booming belt, glorious diva affectation and alternately winsome and warm way with a lyric and lilting melody could all be showcased thanks to the dynamic score composed for the musical. It could be, well, rapturous.

8. Christine Ebersole. This Two-time Tony Award-winning master of both drama and comedy is absolutely ideal for a rich and rewarding part such as Norma Desmond - and Ebersole would undoubtedly hit it straight out of the park and make every character trait, dramatic arc and wow-worthy showstopper land with maximum impact and effect. It very well could be her Tony #3 were it to happen. And, it's not a huge leap from GREY GARDENS anyway, is it?!

9. Bernadette Peters. Having already claimed one of her three Tony Awards for a huge role in an Andrew Lloyd Webber mega-musical thanks to SONG & DANCE, the ever-youthful Bernadette Peters could imbue the role with the wisdom and knowledge earned in her nearly 60-year career. And, as we all know, Peters herself defies the aging process in real life and could unquestionably pass for a well-preserved 50, if not even younger, adding an intriguing meta-narrative to the event all its own were she to play the part.

10. Vanessa Williams. Miss America? Check. Pop superstar? Check. Big screen queen? Check. Toast of Broadway? Check, check, check. Is there anything Vanessa Williams can't do? Well, SUNSET BOULEVARD could very well be the ultimate challenge for the beautiful and talented triple-threat and she is at the ideal age and point in her illustrious career at the moment to make it an unmissable event. Indeed, we may have very well saved the best choice for last.

So, who would you ultimately like to see onstage or onscreen in a brand new SUNSET BOULEVARD sometime very soon? Be sure to sound off in the comments section below and let us know - who knows, you may inspire a whole new list of 10 potential Norma Desmonds to dream about and debate in the days and weeks to come!

Photo Credits: RUG, etc.