I don't have a Variety account. Do the speculate who these potential big name replacements might be??
But when did New Hampshire become--Such a backward wasteland of seatbelt hating crazies?...I mean, only 40 people actually live there. The others are just visitors who come for the tax-free liquor and three inches of novelty coastline. John Hodgeman on The Daily Show (1-30-07)
"Laura Benanti, who plays the Drew Barrymore part in the Broadway tuner based on the 1998 New Line comedy, has outs in her contract with the show beginning in September, and producers have quietly begun to scope out potential replacements with bigger names that could goose the musical's B.O."
"Producers brought up such a possibility over dinner with Hilary Duff, whose sister Haylie worked a little box office mojo for another Margo Lion-New Line production, "Hairspray," when she kicked off a stint in that show July 18. Hilary Duff turned "Singer" down."
"A source close to the production refutes rumors that Benanti is being pushed out but said producers are certainly beginning to think about a replacement star that could boost biz."
"....chatter around town that "Singer" will close this season to make way for one of the upcoming productions circling Gotham -- among them "Curtains," which opened Wednesday night in L.A. with its sights on Broadway and, some say, on "Singer's" home, the Al Hirschfeld."
"But a star, even one only moderately well known, could bump up staying power for "Singer."
"People have their opinions and that doesn't mean that their opinions are wrong or right. I just take it with a grain of salt because opinions are like as*holes, everyone has one".
-Felicia Finley-
I don't think Laura will leave as early as September.
l love you without knowing how... or when... or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride. I love you because I know no other way than this.
I believe in fate
But it's up to us to follow through
If Laura Benanti leaves another Broadway show because of an injury, it will seriously and perhaps fatally damage producers' confidence in hiring her for any other theatrical engagement.
She better make sure she at least plays out her contract.
Even if Benanti is injured and the absences are something that are beyond her control, the producers are going to want someone who can consistently be in the show rather than have their cover do the majority of the performances. That isn't meant to diss Laura in any way, but you can't blame the creative team for wanting that.
If she has an out in her contract and they can find someone even remotely known to replace her, there's no doubt in my mind they will pursue that option. At this point, even promoting the wonderful Tina would be in the best interest of the show. Although it would do nothing to effect ticket sales, at least the principle Julia would be going on frequently. Tina was on when I saw the show, and although most people had no clue who either he nor Laura were, they were still dissapointed in seeing a lead out that night (although they were won over by night's end.) And even as much as I'd love to see Tina get it, if the show wants to stay afloat, they'll need someone audiences can identify with on a name basis.
I think if Laura's injury is as serious as it seems to be, she should do what is best for the show (and herself) and step down. Having a lead out more than they are in just isn't good for a show, no matter why they aren't there.
Regardless, I hope Laura gets well soon, and I wish her a speedy recovery!!!!
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.
First INTO THE WOODS, NINE and now WEDDING SINGER... I agree Michael Bennett... From what I have seen, read and heard, if they don't give the role to Tina Maddigan, it would be a shame.
"TO LOVE ANOTHER PERSON IS TO SEE THE FACE OF GOD"- LES MISERABLES---
"THERE'S A SPECIAL KIND OF PEOPLE KNOWN AS SHOW PEOPLE... WE'RE BORN EVERY NIGHT AT HALF HOUR CALL!"--- CURTAINS
The thing, though, is that they're looking for someone who will grab an audience. Tina Maddigan will not grab an audience, no matter how great she is. She isn't known off 45th Street.
Yes. I do. There are a few other people who do as well. But, as there hasn't been a public announcement, it's not something I feel I'm allowed to share.
l love you without knowing how... or when... or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride. I love you because I know no other way than this.
I believe in fate
But it's up to us to follow through
She certainly has made a public announcement about it, and has discussed it in several interviews, including a recent one on Talkin' Broadway. During ITW she fell onstage and broke her neck--literally. It was pretty horrible from how she described it. I'm sure the interview is still on the website.
http://www.beintheheights.com/katnicole1 (Please click and help me win!)
I chose, and my world was shaken- So what? The choice may have been mistaken,
The choosing was not...
"Every day has the potential to be the greatest day of your life." - Lin-Manuel Miranda
"And when Idina Menzel is singing, I'm always slightly worried that her teeth are going to jump out of her mouth and chase me." - Schmerg_the_Impaler
What's going on now is actually completely unrelated to her breaking her neck.
l love you without knowing how... or when... or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride. I love you because I know no other way than this.
I believe in fate
But it's up to us to follow through
Is it an eating disorder? If you are going to say you know what the issue is in public, you should say it as well. The "I know a secret and im not gonna tell you" quote is silly, If you know something, don't say you know it, or just say it. As much as I'd like to see Tina Maddigan as Julia, they are looking for a celebrity and Tina is not that yet.
"People have their opinions and that doesn't mean that their opinions are wrong or right. I just take it with a grain of salt because opinions are like as*holes, everyone has one".
-Felicia Finley-
It has nothing to do with it being a secret or not. Laura has asked Mariah and I not to spread it around town. The fact is, she's sick. No, it's not cancer, God forbid, or anything terrible. But it is indeed serious and threatening her gorgeous voice. What exactly it is.... is well, frankly, nobody's business but Laura's. Who else she chooses to tell is HER business - not mine or Mariah's.
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
As stated, they're looking for something to boost box office. Which, as big of a fan as I am of the show, they need to do. I'm all for stunt casting, but not someone like Hilary Duff.. dear God.
It's a shame Laura doesn't seem to be having good luck staying in shows due to injuries or becoming ill, but I do believe it would be best if she left. Less stress for everyone, including her, and she needs to focus on her health first and foremost.
"I'm learning to dig deep down inside and find the truth within myself and put that out. I think what we identify with in popular music more than anything else is when someone just shares a truth that we can relate to. That's what I'm searching for in my music." - Ron Bohmer
"I broke the boundaries. It wasn't cool to be in plays- especially if you were in sports & I was in both." - Ashton Kutcher