QueenAlice said: "Count me among those who would love to see an unknown as Ms. Doolittle. I would be surprised if Sher cast an actress as seasoned as Laura Benanti. I think he'll take a cue from Shaw's original play which states Eliza is "no older than 20.""
Let's not forget that Julie Andrews was only 20 years old when she originated the role of Eliza Doolittle on Broadway.
Still rooting for Laura Benanti. Worsham would be lovely, but this is Mrs. Benanti's part. Wasn't Audrey Hepburn around Laura Benanti's age when she played Eliza?
I believe Audrey Hepburn was 34 when she played Eliza in the film version. Almost four years younger than Laura Benanti would be by the time this production takes place.
Updated On: 3/7/17 at 04:09 PM
Any chance Maggie Smith would play Mrs. Higgins?
madbrian said: "Any chance Maggie Smith would play Mrs. Higgins?"
No.
Also, who the fvck cares how old Julie Andrews abd Audrey Hepburn were when they played the role? The truth is that Benanti would be sublime. We should be so lucky to witness that. Erivo would be my second choice though I imagine we'll have to wait a while before she returns to the stage given her future in film, I hope I'm wrong though.
Scarlet Strallen would be the best. Missy B is way too old and wrong. Mueller? No way.
I think Osnes would rock this, but a nationwide search is in order and then cast Osnes anyway.
Danny B as Doolittle is inspired. And I would also love to see a color-blind casting for Eliza.
I like idea of young and new or it being a breakthrough role for a former ensemble actor.
And the Scarlett Strallen idea. Her two sisters, Summer and Zizi, are a bit younger, but perform with similar style, flair, and voice would be great choices, too. (Fun fact about the Strllen sisters: 6 Olivier nominations between them and the oldest is only 34!)
I love Missy B, but I truly want to see someone younger in this and let Laura originate a fabulous new piece
Truly curious. Have we ever heard Cynthia Erivo p sing anything that is remotely in the soprano range for this role?
Broadway Star Joined: 2/14/17
Cynthia Erivo is the new Laura Osnes for this board suggesting her for every single role.
Perhaps Cynthia can do the role as dubbed by Laura Osnes.
Sally Struthers for Mrs. Higgins. She was a marvelous Dolly.
Understudy Joined: 2/14/05
QueenAlice said: "Count me among those who would love to see an unknown as Ms. Doolittle. I would be surprised if Sher cast an actress as seasoned as Laura Benanti. I think he'll take a cue from Shaw's original play which states Eliza is "no older than 20.""
Let's not forget that Julie Andrews was only 20 years old when she originated the role of Eliza Doolittle on Broadway.
Or that Shaw wrote the part of Eliza for Mrs. Patrick Campbell to play at the age of 49.
Understudy Joined: 2/14/05
QueenAlice said: "Count me among those who would love to see an unknown as Ms. Doolittle. I would be surprised if Sher cast an actress as seasoned as Laura Benanti. I think he'll take a cue from Shaw's original play which states Eliza is "no older than 20.""
Let's not forget that Julie Andrews was only 20 years old when she originated the role of Eliza Doolittle on Broadway.
Or that Shaw wrote the part of Eliza for Mrs. Patrick Campbell to play at the age of 49.
Chorus Member Joined: 7/24/14
I agree: Scarlett Strallen would be terrific. I saw her as Amalia in She Loves Me at the Menier Chocolate Factory on January, and she was delightful. I also find her a stronger soprano than Laura Benanti.
It would be nice to have a young-ish Professor Higgins. I kind of hate that they always cast men who are more than twenty years older than the actresses playing Eliza.
Sally Struthers would be a better Mrs. Pearce, I think.
Mary Beth Peil would be an awesome Mrs. Higgins.
I also have a hunch Sher will cast a lot of Brits in this.
^Just like how he cast a lot of Asians in The King & I and Jews in Fiddler on the Roof.
Um well no. It's not the same as that at all.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/1/08
I'm usually a massive Scarlett fan but not sure I see her as Eliza, would be interesting to see. She is the only Stralmen who could. Summer doesn't have the voice or warmth and zizi was one of the weakest Mary poppins I've seen or heard
My bet is still on Kelli O'Hara. Bartlett Sher loves her. LCT management love her. LCT subscribers (myself included) love her. Most importantly Brantley ***LOVES*** her.
There are actresses who may be funnier (Laura Benanti) or more authentic (Laura Michelle Kelly), but Kelli will sing the role to perfection AND have the audience eating out of her hand..And why take chances on another actress when you know your subscribers and the NYT reviewer will be thrilled with Kelli?
I don't think age matters one bit. I'd chop at the bit to see O'hara in this.
And weren't there Asians in King and I?.....
Understudy Joined: 3/11/17
Would Phillipa Soo be too young?
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/2/15
So I may just to desperate to find a way for Julie Andrews to return to broadway. But because she's not directing the revival. Could she not play the role of mrs Higgins. I think it would be a great chance for her to be featured and possibly earn a tony as well has a bit of a homecoming. An acting coach of mine has a very simple vocal condition as Julie Andrews and last year took on the role. So maybe it would work for her as well
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/18/10
BroadwayBaby6 said: "My bet is still on Kelli O'Hara. Bartlett Sher loves her. LCT management love her. LCT subscribers (myself included) love her. Most importantly Brantley ***LOVES*** her.
There are actresses who may be funnier (Laura Benanti) or more authentic (Laura Michelle Kelly), but Kelli will sing the role to perfection AND have the audience eating out of her hand..And why take chances on another actress when you know your subscribers and the NYT reviewer will be thrilled with Kelli?
Didn't someone already say that O'Hara was doing Cosi Fan Tutte at the Met at the same time that this opens? So it's pretty much impossible that she'll do it?
Also, she did an interview recently linked below where she is asked at the very end if she'd ever do My Fair Lady, and she basically says she thinks she's too old and that that ship has sailed…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOZOVdhbusA
"
I would not mind this cast, http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/dream-cast-my-fair-lady-broadway_80329.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=10mar2017
It's pretty genius if you ask me.
Featured Actor Joined: 7/12/16
I think Laura Benanti should call in every favor she's got saved, this has been her dream role and has discussed how badly she wants to do it. I think she's got the vocal and acting chops down and she has the right amount of charisma for it.
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