I had just read (I'll find the source again and post it) the roles that were already cast in the film. Travolta, as we all knew, Crystal, Meryl Streep as Velma, Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle and they are still looking for the others, I believe there is an open call in Canada. Still seems no Tracey, Penny, Seaweed or Lil Inez - I think they cast Link but I don't recall who. I'll check it again and post the link (no pun intended, LOL!)
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I cannot seem to find the article I had read just now, But Penny was still being cast it said. I found this other bit here - however, the one I am still looking for sure sounded definative. You can check this one out and I'll keep looking for the other. http://www.hollywood.com/movies/fulldetail/id/3464464
"It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance." -
Elizabeth Taylor
It just seems unlike her to take that role. Don't get me wrong she can do anything, but it seemed an odd choice for a cream of the crop actress to take a role originated by Debbie Harry. Updated On: 1/29/06 at 01:52 AM
Regarding Meryl, I simply didn't think she would desire that role - like perhaps a tad too small for her? I dunno, Just struck me awkward. She can sing! (And Act, maybe dance too - wouldn't doubt it!)
"It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance." -
Elizabeth Taylor
OK jimmirae, look for the other article you're referring to. The link you posted here lists Harvey Fierstein AND John Travolta (huh?), Marissa Jaret Winokur is listed also. Post a reliable source then we can speak further.
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The only substantial names are the ones listed by Variety in the beginning, which are John Travolta (Edna,) Billy Crystal (Wlibur,) and Queen Latifah (Motormouth Maybelle.) These same three names came up again with the announcement of the casting call, but even so, they still aren't confirmed.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
I DO NOT LIKE HOW JOHN TRAVOLTA IS BEING EDNA! UGH! IT DOESN'T WORK IN MY OPINION! HE'S NOT... EDNA! IT SHOULD BE HARVEY!! AHHHHHH I DONT' LIKE IT! RAHHHHH!!!!!
Calm Down, Charlie Brown. Travolta (although not my favorite choice) is a very versatile and talented actor. Besides, he did play Barbara Sriesand on SNL once! It probably won't be all bad. We can't do anything about it anyway.
Meryl Streep is actually a pretty inspired choice for Velma. She's really displayed a great comic sensibility of late (more than making up for Death Becomes Her). I think she'd be fantastic.
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If you've got Queen Latifah and Billy Crystal, you DO NOT need John Travolta because you already have the star quality! Harvey won a tony for the role and has done movies and would be so great in this movie. John Travolta's last movie didn't even do that well, did it? Is anyone else having trouble picturing Billy and John together during Timeless to Me? It just seems so akward. John seems like such a weird choice. He can play corney or something, but please not Edna!!!
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"Besides, he did play Barbara Sriesand on SNL once! "
I can't tell you how much I laughed when I read that! Obviously, if he can do Streisand he's going to be a fabulous Edna.
On a more serious note, I am kind of excited about Travolta, as interesting as some of the parts he plays are, I think he is very talented and will be excited to see him do some of the things he did in his "younger" days again.
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You all seem to forget that even if the film's producers felt a need to even consider our opinions, Harvey will be in Vegas doing Hairspray for the next three months. Sorry folks, his dance card is full.
I'll tell you what -- if Harvey Fierstein was cast I most likely wouldn't bother going to the movie. I don't understand the appeal of a man who simply CANNOT sing in musicals. Yes, he can write. Yes, he can be funny. No amount of argument is going to convince me that he can sing - or that his "unique" voice works in character. That's absurd. Not that American Idol is the height of singing quality, but can you IMAGINE what the judges would have said if he walked into the room and auditioned???
Travolta can sing. We know that. Travolta can dance. We know that. Travolta is a NAME which is going to be needed for that role, regardless of who else is in the movie. I think this is great casting.
Definitely beats Depp as Sweeney Todd (I still hope I was dreaming that one).