While LBB isn't really a name, the show was carried by the fame from the movie. Once that wears off, they will need a new draw and it should be through their leading lady. While I hate stunt casting, I HATE reality tv casting even more so I'm kind of hoping they scrap this idea and find a capable "star" to take over as Elle. I would have loved to see Kristen Bell though...dang.
Grandmotel, you hit the nail on the head. The problem with this reality show, (besides the genre which makes most people sick), is that really, who cares who is going to replace Elle Woods/Bundy. And it does seem a day late and a dollar short. I'm curious to see what happens but going off of what "didn't" happen when it aired on Mtv multiple times, how exactly is this going to spike interest? I'm not of the mind that Blonde is going anywhere anytime soon but this seems desperate.
Its a bit of a gamble as well as the role of Elle as a very hard one for someone to repeat 8 times a week
Granted, I only saw this show on MTV, but I can't imagine it would make any difference whether Laura Bundy or Peg Bundy or Peg Woffington played Elle. It's the most disposable and insignificant show I've ever seen...though in fairness I haven't seen that much.
songanddanceman2, you make a good point. That is a VERY hard role to sing 8 times a week.
lildogs even if you hate the show that is one hell of a challenging role.Its non stop and shes barely off stage
I'm with Bree and Grandmotel. Why would this create any excitement? Why make this show? I'm actually asking and not being snarky because it doesn't sound exciting at all. I also wouldn't know how difficult the Elle Woods role is but Becky Gulsvig makes it look and *sound* alot easier than Laura Bell does. Maybe it's too difficult for her.
Stand-by Joined: 1/5/08
but Becky Gulsvig makes it look and *sound* alot easier than Laura Bell does. Maybe it's too difficult for her.
Maybe it's because she's not doing it 8 times a week like LBB is.
I just feel bad for the other talented actors in this show. Michael Rupert has won a Tony for goodness sake. (Although, I guess the new Elle won't start until after their six month contracts are up, so there could be a complete overhaul of the cast.)
Careful, it's the angry newbie Bestfreakinshoes and as you can tell by the screen name, Blonde and Bundy are topics that are untouchable. Gulsvig has been on multiple times in a row and by all accounts has been consistently good. This isn't a thread about Bundy vs. anyone, it's about what we think of the reality show they're planning.
Becky has gone on four shows in a row and never showed any wear or tear. I think she's actually almost done a full show week, but I can't be sure.
Nonetheless, she is fantastic, although LBB has been stepping it up a notch lately and the note has been consistently good.
I do think that come the end of July, many of the original cast will be departing. I'd be shocked if Orfeh or Christian Borle stuck around.
But back to the reality show...I think it will make for amusing television but the outcome wont' be so enjoyable.
Sorry, songanddance--I don't see it as a challenging role--it's just large.
It's not a huge musical challenge, other than quantity of material, dancing is almost non-existent and the acting...well, if your big scene involves exposing a perm, I don't know that it's quite the same as trying to pull off a "Rose's Turn" or "In Buddy's Eyes."
Stupid idea. I hope this gets trashed somehow between now and when its supposed to start. Elle is one of the most vocally and physically demanding tracks for a female on Broadway, you're onstage for 98% of the show and singing for 90% of it. To throw some amateur bimbo from Kansas onstage is akin to tossing an infant into a pool without floaties.
Bad idea.
lildogs, I assume you don't (unless your Patti LuPone) belt Rose's Turn, or Buddy's Eyes.... Elle requires a lot of different vocal techniques, including some HIGH belting.
Once again, the notes may be high, but that's no indicator of difficulty. Too many people fall into this idea that as long as the notes are hit, the song is being performed.
And to be honest, you're going to have a hard time convincing me (or anyone else) that any number of women could play this role in her sleep.
My friend is interested in auditioning at the Orlando stop next monday but we are confused on what to prepare. I have been to regular auditions and stuff but there is nothing for what they are looking for. Are they asking to sing from the show or another song. If anyone can help that would be awesome
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/114246.html
Stand-by Joined: 5/31/07
Since the sheet music for the songs is not yet available (as far as I know), I'd assume it's a bring-your-own-song kind of thing. Unless they give you music form the show there to sing.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/23/06
Guys, remember that all the contestants on the Grease show, though unknowns, were experienced and talented (even if it didn't come across on the television) performers. I'm sure there are 12 unknown blondes fully capable of performing that role scattered across America and even in the New York area.
What I'm not sure about is whether they'd actually audition and put themselves through such an idiotic process. But the Grease kids have been doing pretty well for themselves (in Hairspray, Altar Boyz, Tale of Two Cities, and their great NYMF shows) and some people need the exposure.
And they don't even have to be blonde...
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/23/06
Well, of course. I mean, there's the requisite makeover episode around #3, right? I'm sure there'll be bleach and peroxide aplenty.
Okay, so at first there were both a Florida audition and a NYC audition, but on the Playill.com article it only mentions the Florida audition. Do you think thats because the New York auditions were TBA, and Playbill was only reporting on what info was out there? Or are the New York auditions cancelled?!
bump
Understudy Joined: 4/21/07
As much as I love Legally Blonde, I really think the show is going to close after Laura Bell leaves, so I don't see the point in making a reality show out of this. Not to mention it's bad idea.
Just put Becky in after LBB leaves....if the show lasts that long.
so no one knows anything about th NNYC auditions?
Ya or any more info on the Orlando audition like what to prepare.
Broadway Star Joined: 2/1/06
At first I was appalled by this concept. Now I'm more neutral. When you think about Grease, the majority of people going to it are not looking for an enlightening, meaningful experience. The same is true for Legally Blonde. I doubt that reality show casting would ever happen for something like Grey Gardens, Les Miserables, etc. because the reality show crowd just doesn't go to those. I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's not hurting Broadway because Legally Blonde and Grease are already flat shows whose non-existent creative potential could not be hurt by a reality show star. Does that make sense to anyone? I feel like I'm not quite articulating my point right but hopefully it will make sense to someone.
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