I don't hate Mandy Moore, but she's completely wrong for Johanna. How about getting someone that can actually sing the notes as written? (And whoever said Johanna is 18, she's actually 16, but I'm just being picky.)
And with all this speculation over which actors can sing and which can't, I remember reading an article around the time Charlie and the Chocolate factory was coming out and Depp said something to the effect of audiences should be glad this wasn't a musical version, because he can't sing. So if our Sweeney can't sing, why should anyone else have to?
But I always thought of Toby as a young boy (maybe not as young as Highmore, but not an adult), so I don't mind that idea.
I second tht opinion. Lauren is vocally my favorite Johanna to date (I haven't seen the show, so I can't judge anything else). The only thing Betsy Joslyn is good for is a laugh (and not in a good way.
Just wondering... I didn't get a chance to see any of the performances from "Children and Art." I know that Anne Hathaway sang Kiss Me. Was she any good? I don't necessarily think she's right for the part, but I've been wondering for a bit now if she has the chops to pull that song off (It's damn hard!)
I don't think Meryl Streep has a chance in hell. I love her to death but she did all of her own singing in Prarie Home Campainon and it was nothing short of a miracle that someone didn't turn off her mic. She could act the **** out of this role but honestly I just don't see it happening. What about Victor Garber in here somewhere it would be neat to bring him back.
"-- Nope, it's slightly bigger. Cerveris is 45, and LuPone is 57. Depp 43, and Streep is 57."
And age plays much different on screen. I never found the different between LuPone and Cerveris to be problematic, but if we were 6 inches from her face and it was 20 foot tall then I could see it being potentially awkward.
"You just can't win. Ever. Look at the bright side, at least you are not stuck in First Wives Club: The Musical. That would really suck. "
--Sueleen Gay
Yes Meryl does have a nice job but she sounded like an old lady at church singing in the choir. IMO she just does not have what it takes to be a stand out Mrs Lovette.
Why don't they just give it to Catherine Zeta Jones, she seems to be up to the challenge, lol!
A. Mrs. Lovett needn't be a powerhouse singer. It's not a particularily range-y role. Hard to learn, but not hard to sing. It's a character voice, and I personally prefer it less "sung".
B. I haven't seen A Prarie Home Companion but it's possible she was doing a character voice (I have no idea). I've heard her sing before and while her voice isn't "amazing" it's MORE than lovely enough to pull off Lovett.
"This ocean runs more dark and deep than you may think you know...I'll be the fear of the fire at sea."
-Marie Christine
Meryl has no vocal training. Sondheim is by no means easy to sing. I am sure she could learn it and do a pretty good job with it, but IMO I would like it to go to someone who is a little more qualified for the role.
Mrs. Nellie Lovett - Patti LuPone (everyone and their mother knows her) Anthony Hope - Adolfo Pirelli - An unknown. Donna Lynne Champlin would be nice. Beggar Woman - Beadle Bamford - Judge Turpin - Sir Ian McKellen Jonas Fogg - Cameo by some washed up star. Tobias - Neil Patrick Harris (now with his CBS show and Houser his it a hit, as well as fantastic in the role) Johanna - Lauren Molina Best Johanna around)