I think Colin Firth will be fantastic as Henry Higgins. Even though Colin Firth is over 50, I think he can play younger. I picture Higgins as, at most, in his early forties, and he doesn't really look older than that. I'm very glad to see a return to a sexy Higgins.
As for Eliza Doolittle, what about Samantha Hill or Mary Michael Patterson? They both have the singing voice and the acting chops, and they're the right age. I've seen both of them as Christine Daae in POTO, and they both blew me away.
Audrey, the Phantom Phanatic, who nonetheless would rather be Jean Valjean, who knew how to make lemonade out of lemons.
""Dame Angela Lansbury should play Henry's mother!" I think it's a step down for her. Mrs. Higgins has something like three scenes and no songs. Angela is still pulling down leading roles (Driving Miss Daisy, Blithe Spirit)."
I agree. The part is not significant enough for her. Plus I'm still hoping Dame Angela Lansbury will star in The Chalk Garden revival this fall.
However, if the bring it to the big screen it would be an ideal role for her to play.
Nooooo, not Anna K. My vote goes to Laura Osnes. Personally I find Laura Benanti rather dull and not enigmatic enough to portray the 'cockney' aspect of Eliza's character.
"As a broadway investor, I am curious if anyone has any thoughts on whether this show would be in a good position to recoup."
I don't believe it will recoup. It's a wonderful show, but it needs to spend a lot of money to make it a lush production with a full orchestra. It shouldn't come to Broadway looking like a bus and truck tour. And I doubt they'll spend the money to make it a beautiful production.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
"^^^Missing Laura Michelle Kelly in the Theatrical Casting."
I saw a production of My Fair Lady at The Muny this summer, a venue where Laura Michelle Kelly has performed recently in king and as well as South Pacific--
I had thought she would have been PERFECT for the role bc she has such a wonderful mixed belt--and she is a true soprano so her "wouldn't it be lovely" and "I could have Danced all night wouldn't sound like they came from two different actresses.
Also Laura's voice sounds young enough to fit the part I think she would be PERFECT.
As much as I'm a fan of Sam Barks she's all belt...no legit soprano. I don't see this role for her.
"Shall we Dance" from a production of The King and I recently and I think she would give a much younger Kelli Ohara type performance. Her voice would be perfect!