I saw Jean Simmons as Desiree in the US "Night Music" national tour (Philadelphia, to be exact--caught pre-Broadway "Good News" there on the same day). This was prior to Simmons taking on the role in the London production.
Simmons was as always a stunning looking, elegant lady, and gave an admirable performance. But she lacked the abundant comic earthiness, the lived-in quality of Glynis Johns. Indeed, I consider Johns as Desiree to be one of the most ideal pieces of casting of its day, comparable to Lansbury as Mame.
Have seen many "Night Music"s since, and especially enjoyed the Desirees of Juliet Stevenson and Judith Ivey. But I doubt anyone will ever be as perfect a match for the role as Johns.
I would also add that this degree of perfection in casting was common to all of the Hal Prince shows of the '70s. "Company" and "Follies" have never played as well and will never play as well as they did with their original companies. |
