I actually kinda like this casting. It's a bit unconventional, which is refreshing. I still hope Megan Hilty does a live broadcast version one day, but for a major film, I'm on board with these choices.
Not really on board with Rebel as Audrey. Her singing is fine but it's also kind of generic. No offense to anyone who was in the Broadway cast of Little Shop, but I think that Disney-fied version proved that Little Shop needs a little quirk and unique voices to bring it to life. Also, is anyone else concerned by the "updated musical version" portion of the article? Does this just mean a remake, or a modern take/different time period type thing? Not sure this show works in a different decade, or god forbid a different musical genre.
How was Rebel as Adelaide ? A maybe similar style of character/voice. We are so used to the skinny/screechy[sorry, hate the voice]Audrey so now possibly the opposite and physically matched with Josh Gad.
Can't wait to see who is cast as the dentist--those scenes with Rebel should be a hoot.
RJ14 said: "please keep the original ending or don't even bother.
I've never understood why people prefer the original ending. Is it just because it's the original, or do you genuinely find it more satisfying? Because I think it's awful,
What exactly is the "Audrey type"? Audrey is a rather naive woman with a Jersey Shore sense of class, highly co-dependent, easily influenced and allows her low self-esteem to keep her in an abusive relationship with a sadistic physically abusive bully boyfriend. Nobody thinks Rebel Wilson could pull that off while simultaneously maintaining a sense of light comedy? And Lady Gaga is such a better actress and comedian? LOL Okay.
I like both Gad and Wilson, so I'm okay with it.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
I don't know the show but it is refreshing to see two ugly fat people take the lead of a musical (and I am being serious). We keep talking about 'diversity' as if it's race but atttactiveness is one of the biggest discriminatory variables around and can often make the difference between a character actor who plays the but of every joke (sounds a bit like Josh Gad's career) and a leading man/leading woman - PARTICULARLY challenging for women.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
CallMeAl2 said: "Why not cast the new improved Josh Gad: Ben Platt?"
Yes!!!!!!!!
I loved Gad in Book of Mormon. And his supporting roles. But a film with him as lead. Especially THIS remake? I'm not sure I want to see that much of him.