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With one look - Sunset Boulevard

With one look - Sunset Boulevard

When I visited a new blog friend, Thomas Cheung, his blog heading 'Let's shine' reminded me this song - With one look.

It's a pity I haven't got a chance to watch this musical, I've just got its CD.  Sunset Boulevard is one of the Andrew Lloyd Webber's productions which is based on a 1950's film of the same title. 

The story revolves around Norma Desmond, a faded star of the silent screen era, living in the past in her decaying mansion on the fabled Los Angeles street. When young screenwriter Joe Gillis accidentally crosses her path, she sees in him an opportunity to make her comeback to the big screen. Romance and tragedy follow.  At last she shots Joe and descending into insanity, Norma mistakes her arresting officers for her beloved fans and studio executives. Thinking she is on the set of Salome, Norma descends the staircase with the immortal phrase, "...And now, Mr. De Mille, I am ready for my close-up.".

In the musical, 'with one look' is the song that touches me most.  Glenn Close captured the true emotion of Norma exceptionally well... Maybe that is the spirit of a performer should have on the stage!  And let this glamorous song celebrate my 100th blog message! 





With one look (lyric)

With one look
I can break your heart
With one look
I play every part
I can make your sad heart sing
With one look you'll know
All you need to know

With one smile
I'm the girl next door
Or the love that you've hungered for
When I speak it's with my soul
I can play any role

No words can tell
The stories my eyes tell
Watch me when I frown
You can't write that down
You know I'm right
It's there in black and white
When I look your way
You'll hear what I say

Yes, with one look
I put words to shame
Just one look
Sets the screen aflame
Silent music starts to play
One tear from my eye
Makes the whole world cry

With one look
They'll forgive the past
They'll rejoice I've returned at last
To my people in the dark
Still out there in the dark

(instruments)

Silent music starts to play
With one look you'll know
All you need to know

With one look
I'll ignite a blaze
I'll return to my glory days
They'll say Norma's back at last

This time I'm staying
I'm staying for good
I'll be back
Where I was born to be
With one look
I'll be me

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Boulevard_(musical)