Understanding simple circuit with two transistors and one led
If S1 is N.O. (normally open):

When you press S1, R1 is connected to 9V, so the transistors are shorted out and your circuit acts like a simple LED+resistor config.

When you release S1, no current flows through Q2's base, therefore it allows no current to flow through Q1's base and Q1 does not conduct, so current does not flow at the switch nor the transistors, so the LED stays off.

p.s.: apparently you use "open" as conducting and "closed" as not conducting, this might generate misunderstandings as in electronics "open" circuit is a circuit that is not conducting, e.g.: