A friend of mine was an understudy for an Off Broadway comedy that Buckley was starring in. My buddy went on several times in different roles, so I saw the show quite a few times. At one performance Buckley's part was played by her understudy, who was superior to Buckley in every way.
QueenAlice said: "Okay the one thing Buckley is not organically is warm and funny. So this should be interesting."
I agree. I've seen her in 'Sunset Boulevard' back in 1996, and she was superb in that role. Her voice is exquisite (I have a few of her CDs). Yet I can't see her in the role of 'Dolly'. I think Ebersole would be the better choice. It will be interesting.
Dollypop said: "A friend of mine was an understudy for an Off Broadway comedy that Buckley was starring in. My buddy went on several times in different roles, so I saw the show quite a few times. At one performance Buckley's part was played by her understudy, who was superior to Buckley in every way.
Betty Buckley just lacks warmth and humor."
Dollypop: when was this? For me she has gotten warmer with age. But I can’t imagine she was castings first choice .
Dollypop said: "A friend of mine was an understudy for an Off Broadway comedy that Buckley was starring in. My buddy went on several times in different roles, so I saw the show quite a few times. At one performance Buckley's part was played by her understudy, who was superior to Buckley in every way.
Betty Buckley just lacks warmth and humor." When I first saw this, I thought : "Hmmm?" I didn't know what to make of it. I agree with Dollypop. Betty Buckley, as fantastic as she is, doesn't exude warmth. She was scheduled to be part of the musical "Tales of the City"..then she wasn't. She was supposed to be the mother lead in "Brothers and Sisters", then she wasn't and Sally Field took over the role. I'm not really overwhelmed by this casting choice. My dream choice would be Beth Leavel. She's done the role before (regionally) and has a warm/quirky personality.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Almira said: "Did they even approach Andrea Martin????
I love Buckley, but I'm seeing this out of pure curiosity.
Wonder if they'll pull a Merrick like stunt with the advertising:
BETTEy buckley in HELLO, DOLLY!"
Andrea has been candid about her dislike of long runs, so I imagine signing on to a tour for 6 months to a year is not something she'd consider. Also, isn't she on a television show?
Something of interest.. pertaining to the rumors of Bette Midler playing the West Coast, On Betty's Facebook page people have been congratulating her and stating the different cities they will be seeing her at. She answers with a comment or heart to everyone. But when a West Coast city is mentioned she doesn't respond at all.
I enjoyed Buckley's take on Norma Desmond. It was far different than any other actress I saw in the role. Yet I still don't see her as a Dolly. Her Rose was a power house to be reckoned with for all the wrong reasons with no warmth at all. Maybe she'll surprise us or maybe she'll be Dolly on a rampage. Time will tell.
It's ironic - when I saw Channing in the final tour back in 1994-95, she was 73. Everyone thought she was 'too old' to play the character, after all - she was in her 70s! Now it looks like Midler, Peters and Buckley are all in their 70s playing Dolly (Peters turns 70 in two weeks) and no one says they're too old. I wonder why?
PS - I think Christine Baranski would have been a wonderful 'Dolly'. Too bad she's not touring with it. She would have brought the warmth and humor with it.
Cannot imagine why this is happening. Buckley, even in her great heyday as a Broadway star, was hardly a household name, and has been stated, neither an especially warm or funny performer. Her name alone wouldn't sell many tickets; yes, the show is probably a big pre-sell, but what a disappointment.
Again.... not sure why people think a tour needs a big name, or even a name... this show could be touring with Linda Mugleston and it would still do well, because it would be playing to subscriber houses. And houses that Hamilton is also touring at.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
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Betty Buckley is my ultimate and I truly believe hers to be the greatest voice ever to grace the Great White Way. This is event casting to me and I will move heaven and hell to get there and see her.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
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