Stand-by Joined: 1/19/14
why wasn't she cast
and what would anyone think about a dIane paulus version
Maybe if you added more question marks we could give you a better answer.
if Paulus was to adapt Cabaret the emcee would be a ringmaster!
And he already wears rings all over his body!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
I think she would have been terrific 20 years ago. I think she's a bit old for the role now. I think Sally should be young. I thought that Natasha Richardson was a bit too old to do the role when she played it as well.
How about an elderly Cabaret? You could than have Joel Grey & Liza back together again.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
"I thought that Natasha Richardson was a bit too old to do the role when she played it as well."
I'm not sure I would call 35 too old to play the role.
Why? Who the hell would know? Couldn't you ask that about ANY actress? You don't even know that she'd be interested OR was considered. But, yes, she's too old at 45(ish). And, I think she's too "strong" a type, too mature (regardless of her actual age).
Paulus would likely have a great take on this, but the ART in Boston did a production only a few years ago (with Amanda Palmer), so they wouldn't be ready for another production.
I think Michelle Williams is about the same age Natasha Richardson was when she played the part.
I think Catherine Zeta-Jones would have been fantastic as Sally about 10-15 years ago when her acting was less mannered (though I did love her Desiree the night I saw her, but it sounds like she was uneven throughout the run). She'd be different, less vulnerable and desperate than Liza, but I think that'd still be a valid interpretation of the role, it'd add something to her sense of delusion. Remember when the rumor came out that Rob Marshall was thinking about doing a film version closer to the show? She'd have been ideal in that.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
"I'm not sure I would call 35 too old to play the role."
But when it's played by a younger actress, the pathos comes out more. Sally is enjoying the freedom that comes with youth. A young person can make mistakes and they are instantly forgiven. Then darkness comes and Sally is denied her chance to grow up.
An older Sally, you might think that by this time in her life, some of life's lessons have sunk in and mistakes are not as easily forgiven.
CZJ was in talks for the movie musical remake. Thankfully, that never happened.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/21/06
As I recall, so was Renee Zelweger. I, too, am very happy that never materialized.
Not to hijack the thread, but there were also talks to bring Alan and Natasha back for the closing of the production and film it. Mendes scuttled the plans, as he said he dislikes stage performances filmed, that they neither work as a film performance nor a stage one, at that point.
Brittany Murphy would've been transcendent.
I'd have loved to have seen Brittany Murphy in the role. Such a shame she passed away before she could play it.
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