So now that I've read the entire thread, I'll put in my .02. Great idea. I think the show could work as an all black cast, if they're good enough actors. I think that's why I didn't like Brandy and Whitney's Cinderella. I kept on thinking, "He's white and she's black and he's asian." But that's for another thread...
Oh please, around here Audra is born to play everything. Can't another brilliant talent have a chance at the role she probably will win her 5th or 6th tony for?
Blair Underwood is another one of those actors who would be tripping over his long teeth as Brick. "LA Law" was 20 years ago.
And as for Audra, I've already... oh never mind.
Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)
Alright first of all, this would not be a "concept" show. It would be a legitimate , regular, piece of theater that happens to feature black actors.
Contrary to the consensus on this thread, black people were rich and well-off in the 1950s. They were rich before then. Why is it assumed that Brick has to be on an integrated football team? (i forgot the asshole's screenname that put this as a point of historical inaccuracy) Why couldn't he have just played for his black high school's team?
And yes, it would be DEAD WRONG to have a black Mama Rose because Gypsy Rose Lee was not black. This particular play could be done very well with white or black actors and make just as much sense. Maybe the question isn't historical inaccuracy, maybe it's can a white audience accept seeing well-to-do blacks in the 1950s.
Things that make you go, "hmmmmm...."
"Girl, this cupcake is the jumpoff"- Adriane Lenox
Audra McDonald might be appropriate yet way too predictable. She is not the only talented African-American actress in her age range. The idea of Anika Noni Rose is much more inspired and could make for a less-predictable yet inspiring casting.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
I like the idea of Ruby Dee for Big Mama, but not so much the idea of Phylicia Rashad, who I absolutely adore. Perhaps it's just the productions I've seen, but Big Mama always comes off sort of silly (until her big scene near the end) and Ms. Rashad is anything but silly. She could eat Maggie & Brick & the rest of them for brunch. Altho, the idea of her screaming "A spastic colon!" repeatedly into a telephone is my idea of heaven!!
And if there is a God above, She needs to tell Chandra Wilson to get on this NOW!!!!!!! I'll personally buy out her contract on Grey's Anatomy. Dr. Bailey as Sister Woman...I think Imma black out *does*
Maybe not, but I'd be first in line to watch her try.
I like someone else's suggestion of Sanaa Lathan. Sharon Leal is certainly siren-y enough--can she act? Anika Noni Rose is indeed brilliant, but I agree with whoever said she reads too young. Aw hell, bring Jennifer Holliday in to do it.
What about Lillias White as Big Mama, if she can be aged a bit.
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
~ Muhammad Ali
Rath, you are the one who suggested...Halle Berry?
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
~ Muhammad Ali