They BOTH seem a bit old for the roles. But I think it can definitely work. I've always wondered how Bebe would be as Rosie. Though her lack of Spanish-ness will definitely not make some people happy on here.
David Hyde Pierce would be INCREDIBLY adorable and perfect as Albert. I would totally buy it. I don't know why Bebe Neuwirth gets to play all these roles that have a sort of Latina-ness to them: Lola, Aurora/Spider Woman... now Rosie? I mean, she's fabulous, yes, but how great would it be to have an actual Spanish Rose in the role? Oh well, I do love me some Bebe, though lately I feel she has become a bit mannered.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
Well, if they are going for David Hyde Pierce and Bebe Neuwirth, I assume they are going for big names. As talented as Andrea Burns is, she is no name. Actually, sadly enough I can't think of a Latina actress with the triple-threat skills to match Neuwirth's that is a solidified star. Unfortunately, this will keep being the case as long as the minimal number of Latina/o characters in musicals keep being monopolized by non-Latin performers. How great would it have been to see a young post-CHORUS LINE play Rosie. How about Rosie Perez? Doubt that she can dance to save her life, but she would be a riot.
"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"
And I'm pretty sure we don't want to hear her sing, either.
In some ways, I think an older Albert/Rosie could definitely work: that REALLY makes him a mama's boy and would totally magnify Rose's frustration.
Could be fun...I'd try to catch it.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Ummm, seriously people - Albert is supposed to be older - after all, he's built this business after he was going to become an English Teacher. And Bebe's in great shape. Read the script, Rosie's only "Spanish-ness" is her name - Alvarez. She makes a crack about that, because she was born in "Allentown, PA."
"Spanish Rose" is a joke about her trying to BE Spanish in order to "live up" to Albert's mother's comments.
It was specifically written to be played by a Latina actress.
The inclusion of the song "Spanish Rose" was because Rosie was supposed to be played by a Latina.
David Hyde Pierce is enough of a name. Besides, it's a non-profit production. It's not like it's going to be a long, open-ended run. One name is enough to sell the show.
And honestly, outside of Broadway, Bebe is a nobody (yes, people know her from CHEERS, but they couldn't put her real name with her face to save their lives).
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
Bebe is a 2 time Tony winner and 2 time Emmy winner. I'm sure more people would recognize her her than a no name like Andrea Burns (no offense to her).
I think they can make her look Spanish enough. Hell she can pass for Spanish a hell of a lot better than Karen Ziemba.
I think there's a SPANISH ROSE substitute song for non-spanish Roses. I'm pretty sure Ann Reinking used it even though she did perform SPANISH ROSE for a while.
Anyway I doubt they would cut SPANISH ROSE, and they shouldn't. Lets just hope they add the movie (remake) songs including the title song medley (also from the movie). Updated On: 5/1/08 at 09:40 AM
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)